About one hour by high-speed ferry from Okinawa’s main island, Zamami Island in the Kerama Islands is a paradise of wonderfully transparent “Kerama Blue” that captivates divers and travelers alike.
The white sand and emerald-green sea are so beautiful they draw a sigh. From popular spots like Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach to hidden beaches where you can quietly enjoy nature, its charms are diverse.
In this article, we clearly introduce the recommended beaches and features of Zamami Island as felt on an actual visit.
Features of Zamami Island’s beaches
The charm of Zamami Island’s beaches is, above all, the “Kerama Blue” sea that boasts overwhelming transparency.
From popular spots busy with tourists, like Furuzamami Beach, to hidden beaches with few people, like Ino-hama and Yuhina-no-hama, being able to choose according to your purpose is a feature.
At the shallow, calm Ama Beach there is even a chance to encounter sea turtles, safe for families and beginners. Moreover, many of the island’s beaches retain untouched nature, so you can enjoy the sea’s color changing moment by moment with the tides and the light.
If you avoid the times when there are many tourists, being able to enjoy a moment like your own private beach is another charm unique to Zamami Island.
Recommended beaches on Zamami Island
Below, the Okinawa Bookmark editor introduces Zamami Island’s recommended beaches in order of popularity and fame.
- Furuzamami Beach
- Ama Beach
- Ino-hama
- Yuhina-no-hama
- Uhama Beach
Now, here we go!
Furuzamami Beach
Furuzamami Beach boasts outstanding beauty even within Okinawa Prefecture and is especially recommended for those who enjoy activities like snorkeling.
The crystal-clear blue sea, the white sand, and the colorful underwater world of marine life are simply breathtaking.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Furuzamami Beach” ・On foot: about 15 min ・By bus: about 5 min (300 yen) ・By bicycle: about 10 min |
| Address | Zamami 1743, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Ama Beach
Ama Beach is a soothing spot surrounded by a quiet, calm sea and abundant nature.
In the shallow, highly transparent waters you may even encounter sea turtles, and the chance to connect with nature is a major draw. There are many marine activities, but being able to enjoy relaxed time is also this beach’s charm.
The sunset is beautiful too, so spending a while gazing at it is sure to be a memorable, special experience.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Ama Beach” ・On foot: about 25 min ・By bus: about 5 min (300 yen) ・By bicycle: about 10 min |
| Address | Ama, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Ino-hama
Ino-hama is a soothing spot away from the bustle of tourists, where you can commune with untouched nature.
The coral reef spreading across the shallows, the crystal-clear water, and the sea’s ever-changing face with the ebb and flow of the tide make for a beauty truly worthy of the name “garden of the sea.”
This beach, which seems reachable only by those who know the island inside out, holds a quiet strength that resets a traveler’s heart.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Ino-hama” ・On foot: 1 hr 30 min ・By bus: none ・By car or bike: about 25 min |
| Address | Asa, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | No |
| Parking | Yes (free, about 5 cars) |
| Restroom | No |
Yuhina-no-hama
In contrast to the tourist-busy Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach, Yuhina-no-hama has sparse tourists and is wrapped in a quiet like a secret hideaway.
The gently shallow, calm sea, the white sand, and the large rock towering in the center weave a landscape that gently soothes visitors’ hearts.
There is also a romantic legend that lovers who pledge their love here will be united, making it a place where couples and travelers seeking healing can spend special time.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Yuhina-no-hama” ・On foot: 45 min ・By bus: none ・By car or bike: about 15 min |
| Address | Ama, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | No |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
Uhama Beach
Since Uhama Beach is not a tourist spot, this beach where untouched nature remains as it is makes you feel as though you have your own secret hideaway beach.
The highly transparent sea, the white sand, and the sound of gentle waves—here spreads a silence in which you can spend time forgetting the clock.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Uhama Beach” ・On foot: 1 hr 15 min ・By bus: none ・By car or bike: about 20 min |
| Address | Ama, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | No |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
Activities on Zamami Island
Zamami Island offers a variety of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and more.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not check out the available activities online?
Recommended hotels
Kanusuba Zamami
Kanusuba Zamami is a beautiful hotel that opened in July 2019.
It also features a shared lounge, concierge service, free WiFi, and more.
How to get to Zamami Island
To get to Zamami Island from Naha Airport, you need to take either a ferry or a high-speed ferry.
The steps are as follows.
- Step 1: Travel from Naha Airport to Tomari Port (Tomarin)
- Step 2: Take a ferry or high-speed ferry from Tomari Port (Tomarin) to Zamami Port
Ferry and high-speed ferry fares are as follows.
During busy periods such as summer, you may not be able to board without a reservation, so we recommend booking in advance.
| Ship type | Boarding time | Adult (one-way) | Adult (round-trip) | Child (one-way) | Child (round-trip) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Zamami | About 120 min | 2,900 yen | 5,510 yen | 1,450 yen | 2,760 yen |
| Queen Zamami (high-speed ferry) | About 50 min | 3,950 yen | 7,510 yen | 1,980 yen | 3,760 yen |
For the boarding times of other ferries and high-speed ferries, please see the article below.
Summary
Zamami Island’s beaches each have their own character and charm, offering enjoyment to match the travel style of every visitor.
The popular Furuzamami Beach, Ama Beach where you can meet sea turtles, and the quiet Ino-hama and Yuhina-no-hama—being able to enjoy various beaches according to your purpose is the charm of Zamami Island.
Time soothed by the clear sea and nature is sure to become a special, memorable experience.
By all means, come and visit Zamami Island!
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