Diving in Kerama Islands

Explore 71 dive sites in Kerama Islands, Japan. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Marine Life in Kerama Islands

Home to 382 recorded species including 233 reef fish, 105 hard corals, 13 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sea cucumbers, 4 other, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Dive Site Difficulty in Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands has 27 beginner, 11 intermediate, 2 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Marine Protected Areas in Kerama Islands

  • 沖縄海岸 - Quasi National Park (IUCN Category V)
  • 沖縄戦跡 - Quasi National Park (IUCN Category V)
  • 屋我地 - National Wildlife Protection Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Keramashoto Coral Reef - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category II)
  • 大保 - Prefectural Wildlife Protection Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • 久米島 - Prefectural Natural Park (IUCN Category V)
  • 渡名喜 - Prefectural Natural Park (IUCN Category V)
  • 慶良間諸島 - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • 共同漁業権区域（沖縄県） - Common fishery right area (IUCN Category VI)
  • やんばる - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • チービシ - Prefectural Wildlife Protection Area (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Kerama Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Naha International Airport (OKA), Naha - 28 km away, approx 46 min travel time
  • Kadena Air Base (DNA), Okinawa - 42 km away, approx 61 min travel time
  • Kumejima Airport (UEO), Kumejima - 66 km away, approx 87 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for diving in the Kerama Islands throughout the year?
The Kerama Islands are renowned for their exceptional water clarity, often referred to as 'Kerama Blue'. Divers can expect visibility exceeding an impressive 50 metres, making it an ideal destination for clear underwater exploration. This consistently high visibility allows for breathtaking views of the vibrant marine environment.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Kerama Islands, and are there any seasonal highlights?
Divers exploring the Kerama Islands can look forward to encountering abundant sea turtles, which are a highlight of the national park. While specific seasonal highlights beyond this are not detailed in the provided data, the vibrant reefs and diverse topographies generally support a rich variety of marine species. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Kerama Islands for different experience levels?
For beginners, excellent sites include Hanare Beach, Umagai, and Tokashiku Beach Front, offering accessible reef and shore dives. Intermediate divers have a wide selection, such as Aguni Fudensaki, Nishi Hama, and Ibo-ibo Sango, providing varied reef explorations and more challenging conditions.
What experience level is required for diving in the Kerama Islands, and are there options for beginners or advanced divers?
The Kerama Islands cater to both beginner and intermediate divers, with numerous sites suitable for varying skill levels. Beginners can explore gentle reef and shore dives like Kamiyama Labyrinth (a beginner-friendly cave) or Tokashiki Lighthouse. Intermediate divers have a vast choice, including sites such as Cape Kyan and Ugan, but there are no dive sites explicitly listed as requiring an advanced experience level in the provided data.
How do divers typically get to the Kerama Islands for diving, and is it usually a day trip or an overnight stay?
Divers typically access the Kerama Islands, an archipelago located approximately 30 km west of Naha, Okinawa. While the proximity to Naha makes day trips a popular and feasible option for many, the extensive number of dive sites and the beauty of this national park also make overnight stays a common choice for more comprehensive exploration.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in the Kerama Islands, including water temperature and potential weather concerns like typhoons?
Information regarding specific seasonal variations for diving in the Kerama Islands, including detailed water temperature ranges and potential weather concerns like typhoons, is not available in the provided data. Divers are advised to consult local dive operators or our when to dive section for the most current conditions and seasonal insights.
Is the Kerama Islands diving suitable for macro photography or are there more opportunities for wide-angle shots of reefs and larger marine life?
With exceptional 'Kerama Blue' visibility often exceeding 50 metres and the presence of abundant sea turtles, the Kerama Islands offer fantastic opportunities for wide-angle photography. The diverse underwater topography, including numerous reefs, pinnacles, and a cave site like Kamiyama Labyrinth, further enhances the potential for stunning wide-angle shots of the expansive underwater landscapes and larger marine life.
What are the common underwater topographies found at Kerama Islands dive sites, such as caves, walls, or coral gardens?
The dive sites in the Kerama Islands feature a variety of underwater topographies. Common formations include extensive reefs, such as those found at Hanare Beach, dramatic pinnacles like Tokashiki Three Rocks, and even a notable cave system at Kamiyama Labyrinth. Some sites also offer easy access from the shore, such as Tokashiku Beach Front.