Zamami Island (Kerama Islands)
Tropical Paradise with Kerama Blue Waters
Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands archipelago, has been inhabited for centuries as a small fishing and boat-building community. The island's strategic location 40 kilometers west of Okinawa's main island made it an important waystation during the Ryukyu Kingdom's maritime trade era. Traditional bonito fishing sustained the island economy for generations, with dried katsuobushi (bonito flakes) exported throughout the Ryukyu islands and eventually mainland Japan.
The island bore witness to significant World War II history, with defensive positions established during the final months of the Pacific War. Today, memorials commemorate the tragic events of March 1945. Post-war, Zamami's economy shifted from fishing toward tourism, particularly after Jacques Cousteau's documentary in the 1970s showcased the Kerama Islands' extraordinary marine biodiversity. This international attention brought divers from around the world to experience the islands' pristine coral reefs and clear waters.
In 2014, the Kerama Islands were designated Japan's 31st National Park, recognizing their exceptional natural value and cementing conservation protections for the unique 'Kerama Blue' waters and diverse marine ecosystem. Today, Zamami balances sustainable tourism with environmental protection, hosting around 80,000 visitors annually - mostly Japanese divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers. The island maintains its traditional character with a population of just 900 residents, offering an authentic glimpse of island life alongside world-class marine experiences.
Key Highlights
- Kerama Islands National Park designation in 2014
- World-famous 'Kerama Blue' translucent waters with 40m+ visibility
- Sea turtle encounters year-round while snorkeling
- Whale watching February-March (humpback whales)
- Furuzamami Beach - pristine white sand with coral gardens
- Small island community (900 residents) with authentic culture
Access Information
Location
Zamami, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-3402, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Ferry terminal in Zamami village (only settlement)
- • No airport - ferry from Naha only access
- • Bicycles and scooters rentable on island
Opening Hours
Island accessible year-round. Most facilities 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Beach access 24 hours but swimming monitored 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during season.
Admission Fee
No island entry fee. Ferry costs separately. Beach facilities free. Snorkel gear rental ¥1,000-1,500/day. Diving ¥12,000-15,000 per dive.
How to Get There
From Naha (Tomari Port)
High-speed ferry (50-70 min, ¥3,200 one-way, 2-3 departures daily) or regular ferry (120 min, ¥2,120 one-way, 1 departure daily). Book in advance during peak season. Ferry can be rough in winter - consider seasickness medication.
50-120 minutes
From Naha Airport
Take monorail to Miebashi Station (14 min, ¥300), walk 10 minutes to Tomari Port, then high-speed ferry to Zamami (50-70 min). Total time approximately 90 minutes. First ferry typically departs 9-10 AM.
90 minutes total
From Between Kerama Islands
Small ferries connect Zamami to Aka Island (15 min, ¥400) and Tokashiki Island (40 min, irregular service). Advance check with ferry companies required. Inter-island service may cancel in rough seas.
20-40 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Top Beaches
Furuzamami Beach (east): most popular, excellent snorkeling with sea turtles, facilities, lifeguards (summer). Ama Beach (west): quieter, stunning sunset views, good swimming. Ina Beach (northern tip): remote, pristine, requires hike. All have pristine 'Kerama Blue' waters. Sea turtle sightings common at Furuzamami - swim respectfully, no touching.
Diving & Snorkeling
Zamami offers 50+ dive sites with 360-degree coral reefs. Visibility often exceeds 40 meters - among Japan's clearest waters. Manta rays, sea turtles, tropical fish abundant. Dive shops in village offer courses and guided dives (¥12,000-15,000 per dive). Snorkeling accessible from beaches - gear rental ¥1,000-1,500. Best visibility April-November.
Whale Watching Season
January-March: humpback whales migrate to Kerama waters to breed and calve. Whale watching boat tours depart from Zamami port (¥5,000-6,500, 2-3 hours). Peak viewing February-early March. High success rate - 90%+ encounter probability. Book tours in advance during peak season. Some tours allow swimming with whales (controversial, regulations apply).
Overnight Stays Recommended
Day trips possible but overnight stay highly recommended to experience morning/evening tranquility. Small guesthouses, minshuku, and pensions available (¥6,000-12,000 per night). Limited accommodations - book well ahead March-October. Camping available at designated sites. Multi-day stays allow beach-hopping and relaxed island pace. Minimal nightlife - focus on nature.
Island Transportation
Island circumference 15km - bicycle or scooter ideal for exploration. Rentals available at port (bicycles ¥1,500/day, electric scooters ¥3,000/day). Hilly terrain makes electric assist worth it. Limited car rentals available (¥5,000-6,000/day). Village shuttle bus connects port to main beaches (¥200-300). Walking distances significant in heat.
Dining & Supplies
Zamami village has 5-6 small restaurants serving fresh seafood and Okinawan dishes (¥1,000-2,000). Reservation recommended for dinner. Two small supermarkets for basic supplies - limited selection and higher prices than mainland. No convenience stores. Bring specialty items/snacks from Naha. Several cafes near beaches open daytime only.
Best Visiting Season
June-September: peak beach season, warmest water (28-30°C), most crowded, typhoon risk. April-May & October: ideal balance - warm, clear water, fewer crowds, lower rain. February-March: whale watching season, cooler water but magical encounters. November-January: few tourists, cool water (22-24°C), rough seas possible. Avoid rainy season (May-June).
Island Etiquette & Tips
Small island community - respect local life and property. No coral touching/stepping - protected ecosystem. Take all trash with you from beaches. Limited ATMs - bring cash. No major medical facilities - serious issues require Naha evacuation. Ferry can cancel in rough weather - allow schedule flexibility. Summer UV extreme - reef-safe sunscreen essential.
FAQ
How do I get to Zamami Island from Naha?
Take a ferry from Tomari Port in Naha. High-speed ferry takes 50-70 minutes (¥3,200 one-way, 2-3 daily departures) or regular ferry takes 120 minutes (¥2,120 one-way, 1 daily departure). From Naha Airport, take the monorail to Miebashi Station (14 min, ¥300), walk 10 minutes to Tomari Port, then catch the ferry. Book in advance during peak season as capacity is limited.
Is a day trip to Zamami Island enough, or should I stay overnight?
While day trips are possible, an overnight stay is highly recommended. Staying overnight lets you experience the island's peaceful morning and evening atmosphere, enjoy sunset at Ama Beach, and have more time for snorkeling or beach-hopping. First ferry departs Naha around 9-10 AM and last return is late afternoon, which limits your time on the island for a day trip.
What is the best beach on Zamami Island for snorkeling with sea turtles?
Furuzamami Beach on the east side is the most popular and best for sea turtle encounters. It has excellent snorkeling with coral gardens just offshore, and sea turtle sightings are very common. The beach has facilities and lifeguards during summer. Remember to swim respectfully around turtles - observe from a distance and never touch them.
When is whale watching season in Zamami Island?
Whale watching season runs January through March, with peak viewing in February to early March. Humpback whales migrate to the warm Kerama waters to breed and calve. Boat tours depart from Zamami port (¥5,000-6,500, 2-3 hours) with a 90%+ success rate for whale encounters. Book tours in advance, especially during peak season.
What is 'Kerama Blue' and why is it special?
Kerama Blue refers to the distinctive translucent blue color of the waters around the Kerama Islands, including Zamami. The exceptional clarity comes from the pristine coral reef ecosystem and lack of river runoff. Visibility often exceeds 40 meters, making it among Japan's clearest waters and creating that stunning blue hue that the region is famous for worldwide.
Do I need to rent a car or scooter on Zamami Island?
While not essential, renting a bicycle or scooter is highly recommended. The island circumference is 15km and beaches are spread out, making walking impractical in the heat. Bicycle rentals cost ¥1,500/day and electric scooters ¥3,000/day. The terrain is hilly, so electric assist is worth the extra cost. Limited car rentals are available for ¥5,000-6,000/day.
What is the water temperature for swimming at Zamami Island?
Water temperatures vary by season. Peak summer (June-September) offers the warmest water at 28-30°C, perfect for extended swimming and snorkeling. April-May and October remain warm at around 24-26°C. Winter months (November-March) see cooler water at 22-24°C, which is still swimmable but may feel chilly for some visitors without a wetsuit.
Are there restaurants and shops on Zamami Island?
Zamami village has 5-6 small restaurants serving fresh seafood and Okinawan dishes (¥1,000-2,000). Reservations are recommended for dinner as capacity is limited. There are two small supermarkets for basic supplies, but selection is limited and prices are higher than mainland. There are no convenience stores, so bring specialty items or snacks from Naha.
Can the ferry to Zamami Island be cancelled?
Yes, ferries can be cancelled due to rough weather, especially during winter months when seas can be choppy. This is most common during typhoon season or when winter storms pass through. Always allow flexibility in your schedule and check weather forecasts. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication as the ferry can be rough even when operating.
What is the best time of year to visit Zamami Island?
April-May and October offer the best balance with warm, clear water, fewer crowds, and lower rainfall. June-September is peak beach season with warmest water but also most crowded and typhoon risk. February-March is excellent for whale watching despite cooler water. November-January sees few tourists and some rough seas but offers a peaceful experience.
Is snorkeling gear available for rent on Zamami Island?
Yes, snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) can be rented on the island for ¥1,000-1,500 per day. Rental shops are located in Zamami village near the port and at some beach facilities during summer. If you have your own gear, bringing it is recommended for better fit and hygiene. Wetsuits are also available for rent during cooler months.
How much does diving cost at Zamami Island?
Diving at Zamami typically costs ¥12,000-15,000 per dive, including equipment rental and guide. Multi-dive packages offer better rates. The island has several dive shops offering courses for beginners and guided dives to the 50+ dive sites surrounding the island. Visibility often exceeds 40 meters, with abundant manta rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Are there ATMs on Zamami Island?
ATM availability on Zamami is very limited, and many Japanese ATMs don't accept foreign cards. It's essential to bring sufficient cash from Naha. The island operates primarily on cash - most restaurants, shops, and rental services don't accept credit cards. Withdraw money at Naha Airport or in the city before taking the ferry.
What should I do if I miss the last ferry back to Naha?
If you miss the last ferry (typically departing around late afternoon), you'll need to stay overnight on Zamami. The island has small guesthouses, minshuku, and pensions (¥6,000-12,000 per night), though availability may be limited without advance booking. Check the ferry schedule carefully before your visit and plan to return well before the last departure, especially on day trips.
Is Zamami Island suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Zamami is family-friendly, especially Furuzamami Beach which has shallow areas, calm water, facilities, and summer lifeguards. The island's small size and peaceful atmosphere are ideal for children. However, consider that the ferry ride can be rough for very young children prone to seasickness, and facilities are basic compared to larger resort destinations.
What kind of marine life can I see while snorkeling at Zamami?
Zamami's waters are rich with marine life including sea turtles (green and hawksbill), tropical fish (clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish), manta rays, and healthy coral reefs. During whale season (January-March), you might see humpback whales from shore. The protected national park status ensures excellent biodiversity and pristine underwater ecosystems.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen at Zamami Island?
Absolutely yes. Regular sunscreen chemicals can damage coral reefs. Use reef-safe or mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). The sun is extremely strong, especially during summer, so adequate sun protection is essential. Many dive shops and accommodations emphasize the importance of reef-safe products to protect the precious Kerama Blue ecosystem.
What medical facilities are available on Zamami Island?
Zamami has only basic medical facilities. There's a small clinic for minor issues, but serious medical problems require evacuation to Naha by ferry or helicopter. If you have chronic conditions or medical needs, bring adequate medication and supplies. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for water activities like diving and snorkeling.
Can I camp on Zamami Island?
Yes, camping is available at designated sites on Zamami Island. You'll need to bring your own camping equipment as rental options are limited. Designated camping areas have basic facilities. This is a budget-friendly way to stay on the island, though be prepared for basic amenities and check weather forecasts as wind can be strong, especially during winter months.
How crowded does Zamami Island get during peak season?
During peak season (Golden Week, July-August, long weekends), Zamami can get quite crowded relative to its small size and limited facilities. Ferry bookings fill up, accommodations book months ahead, and popular Furuzamami Beach sees many visitors. For a more peaceful experience, visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, October) on weekdays. The island receives about 80,000 visitors annually, mostly Japanese tourists.
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