GI Beach on Ie Island is a hidden spot that is still not widely known.
With clear water and white sand along the shore, GI Beach is an ideal place to spend a relaxed few hours.
It is also fairly easy to reach and reasonably equipped, which makes it a good choice for families and couples.
This article covers what makes GI Beach special, how to get there, and what to see nearby.
When you visit Ie Island, do put GI Beach on your list.
Rating for GI Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
GI Beach at a Glance
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Jellyfish net | No |
| Lifeguard | No |
| Showers | No |
| Lockers | No |
| Swim gear rental | No |
| Activities | No |
| Shop | No |
| Restroom | No |
| Official site | No |
GI Beach has no jellyfish net and no lifeguard, so take care of your own safety when swimming.
What Makes GI Beach Worth Visiting
Beautifully clear water
The greatest draw of GI Beach is how clear the water is.
Looking down into the blue, it is beautiful enough to feel like a natural aquarium.
Fine white sand
The sand is white and fine-grained, and it feels good underfoot — barefoot walkers rate it highly.
Take a walk along the shore and let the time pass slowly.
A genuinely hidden beach
Relatively few visitors and a real sense of privacy are also part of what makes GI Beach special.
It is a good fit if you want to relax somewhere quiet.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 10 minutes by car from Ie Port |
| Address | Kabira, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
See the map below for the location of GI Beach.
There is also space for around five cars.
Getting around Ie Island
Once you arrive on Ie Island you can rent a car or a bicycle.
Ie Beach is about 2.2 km from Ie Port, so renting a car or a bicycle to get there is the easiest option.
Rental bicycle rates are shown in the photo below.
Getting to Ie Island from Okinawa’s Main Island & Ferry Fares
Ie Island is reached by ferry from Motobu Port on Okinawa’s main island to Ie Port.
The crossing takes about 30 minutes, so a day trip is perfectly doable.
Fares are as follows.
| Adult | Child | |
| One way | 730 yen | 370 yen |
| Round trip (from Motobu Port) | 1,390 yen | 710 yen |
| Round trip (from Ie Port) | 1,250 yen | 630 yen |
| Group round trip (15+ people) | 1,320 yen | 670 yen |
Around Ie Island
Marine activities on Ie Island
Ie Island offers plenty of marine activities such as diving and snorkeling.
Guided experiences mean even first-timers can take part with confidence.
They are a good fit for families and groups of friends too.
Hotel YYYCLUB Ie Resort
If you are thinking of staying overnight on Ie Island, Hotel YYYCLUB Ie Resort is a good choice.
It is a comfortable place to unwind while looking out over the beautiful sea.
The rooms are spacious, with the open, airy feel of a tropical resort.
There is also a pool, a restaurant and a bar on site, so there is plenty to enjoy during your stay.
Take in the nature of Ie Island and give yourself time to relax.
Summary
GI Beach is one of Ie Island’s quieter gems, combining beautiful nature with reasonable facilities.
It is easy to reach, and there are activities and places to stay nearby.
Why not spend your next holiday somewhere special on Ie Island?
When you do, be sure to visit GI Beach.
The other beaches and sights on Ie Island are all covered in the article below — take a look.
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