Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Zamami Island! Summary of activities you can experience on the island and directions

About 1-2 hours by ferry from Naha city. Among the Kerama Islands, Zamami Island boasts a beautiful view that has been selected as a Michelin Green Guide. Facilities such as cafes and guest houses are also substantial. You can also enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling and SUP. Introducing how to get to the island and what you can experience.

Let's go to Zamami Island in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa!

About 40km west of the main island of Okinawa, there are islands scattered in the East China Sea. Kerama Islands .. "Kerama Blue" The beautiful emerald green sea, called, fascinates divers. The Kerama Islands are made up of about 20 large and small islands and many reefs, and in 2014 31st national park in Japan Was specified in. It is a rare area where the entire island and the sea are national parks.

On the surrounding islands Okinawa Churaumi (Beautiful Sea) You can stay while enjoying the clear sea and the white sandy beach that seems to embody. For snorkeling and diving Enriched activities doing. In marine activities, you can also meet colorful tropical fish!

Among the Kerama Islands, the one that boasts the beautiful scenery registered in the Michelin Green Guide is Zamami Island .. It is the second largest island in the Kerama Islands and has a population of about 600 people.

Michelin Green Guide posted! What is Zamami Island?

Zamami Island is just on the map Central of Kerama Islands Located in Originally famous among divers, Zamami Island was designated as a national park in 2014, and many general tourists have come to visit it. In 2009, The island itself Received 2 stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and is on the island Furuzamami Beach and 2 stars in Michelin Green Guide Japan Acquired. Attention from overseas is also increasing.

Popular Furuzamami Beach One of the highlights is not only the beautiful arc-shaped coastline and the contrast between the green of the surrounding islands and the blue of the sea, but also the coral reefs that spread out in the shallow water. Even children can fully enjoy coral and tropical fish by snorkeling.

Maybe you can meet sea turtles !?

In addition to the Furuzamami beach mentioned above, you may also meet sea turtles on the island. Ama beach , Overlooking the superb view Observatory And so on.

Many islands in the Kerama Islands Coral sand (shards of coral) Although it has a flat shape made of, there are mountains on Zamami Island. Observatory such as "Takatsukiyama Observatory" in the central part of the island, "Chishi Observatory" and "Inazaki Observatory" in the northern part of the island, and "Unajinosaki Observatory" and "Kami no Hama Observatory" in the west. It is unique to Zamami Island that you can see the beautiful sea from the hill.

Takatsukiyama Observatory

Especially Mt. Takatsuki's second observatory Is known as a superb view point with a panoramic view of Furuzamami Beach and the surrounding islands. The dynamic landscape of the Kerama Islands, which weaves the sea and islands, will surely be a memorable view.

On the other hand, for those who want to capture the sunset over the sea with a camera, Kami no Hama Observatory is. It's about a 15-minute walk from Ama Beach, and you can stop by after playing in the sea.

How to get to Zamami Island from Naha by ferry, time and fee?

It takes about 1 to 2 hours by boat from Naha to Zamami Island. Located at Tomari Port in Naha City Tomari Wharf Passenger Terminal Building "Tomarin" There are regular flights from.
The ship that goes to Zamami Island "Ferry Zamami" When "High-speed ship Queen Zamami" Two of. Both head to Zamami Island via Akajima, which is next to Zamami Island. "Ferry Zamami" has a boarding time of 120 minutes, and "High-speed ship Queen Zamami" has a boarding time of 50 minutes. The high-speed boat arrives about an hour earlier I can do it. If you want to enjoy the view of the sea slowly, we also recommend the ferry.
Ferries operate once a day and high-speed boats operate twice a day, and the prices are as follows.

* One child under 5 years old is free of charge per adult. If one adult has two or more toddlers, the fare for one child will be charged.

Tickets are in "Tomarin" Zamami Village Naha Branch Office Counter You can buy it at. It may be full during the July-September season, so Book early ..
For reservations and inquiries about high-speed boats and ferries, please call "Zamami Village Office Naha Branch Office". Reservations can be made from 2 months before boarding to the day before.
Tomari Pier Passenger Terminal Building "Tomari" / Zamami Village Office Naha Branch Office
TEL: 098-868-4567 (Reception hours 10: 00-17: 00)

How to move from Zamami Island to the surrounding islands?

From Zamami Island, next door Akajima or Tokashiki Island You can go to by ferry. The boarding time to Akajima is about 15 minutes, and the fare is 300 yen (adult). It takes about 1 hour to board Tokashiki Island, and the fare is 800 yen (adult).

Aka Island Although it is a small island with a population of about 300 people, it is known for its abundant nature, where you can meet sea turtles, Aka Beach, and the natural monument Kerama deer. You can also go sightseeing on a day trip from Zamami.

Tokashiki Island Is the largest island in the Kerama Islands with a population of about 750. Aharen Beach, which has 800m of white sand, is also full of marine activities such as snorkeling. It is crowded with many tourists during the season. Events such as the "Whale Strait and Kashiki Festival" where drums and Eisa are shown are also held.

Currently, there are no ships other than Akajima and Tokashikijima, so if you want to move from Zamami Island to another island in the Kerama Islands, you need to return to Naha once.

Transportation on the island (bus, rental car, rental motorcycle, bicycle rental)

On the island Village bus Is passing. Routes include Zamami Port and Furuzamami Beach in the southern part of the island. The number of flights is one or two per hour The price is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. Like ferries, buses are crowded during the July-September season.

As of July 2020, taxis on the island are closed. Even during business hours, only one taxi company needs to make a reservation, so if you want to visit the northern part of the island where buses do not pass, or if you want to move according to your schedule, Rent-a-car, rental motorcycle, bicycle rental Is recommended. Both can be rented at rental shops on the island.

Precautions for staying in Zamami Island ・ What do you want to prepare?

Let's check the precautions on the island and what you want to prepare in advance.

Precautions (whether ferry service is possible / coral conservation, etc.)

The ferry from Naha to Zamami and the ferry from Zamami to Naha may be postponed depending on the weather. Announcement of availability at 8 o'clock every morning You can check it on the Zamami Village official website.

The beaches of Zamami Island are also inhabited by coral in shallow water, Coral conservation Therefore, on the island, we are calling on people not to break the coral by standing in the shallow water or to stand on the rocks in the sea and crush the coral.

At low tide, it may be easier for your feet to stick to the coral. For swimming and snorkeling Don't put your feet in the shallows Also, wear a life jacket and give your child a float. Life jackets and floats can be rented at a marine shop near the beach for around 500 yen.
In addition, there are concerns about water shortages on the island. Shower and equipment cleaning after diving as much as possible Aware of saving water Please go.

Among the Kerama Islands, Zamami Island is introducing credit card payment, but Cash payments at small shops and guesthouses There is. It is a good idea to have the necessary cash ready according to the length of stay.

For other precautions, please read the official website of Zamami Island. ..

What you want to prepare

To prevent sunburn sunglasses , Sunscreen It is safe to have such things. Both can be purchased at the shops on the island. If you are worried about seasickness, prepare a motion sickness stop.
There is an observatory on the island, but there may be no shops along the way. Don't forget to drink when you go to the observatory ..

What kind of facilities are there on Zamami Island? (Beach facilities, shops, cafes, etc.)

Zamami Island, which is visited by many tourists, has shops and cafes in addition to guest houses, providing an environment that makes it easy for tourists to stay. Let's take a look at the facilities on the island.

Beach facilities (toilet, shower, etc.)

Furuzamami Beach Facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, lockers, vending machines, and shops.
On Ama Beach There are toilets, changing rooms, showers, vending machines, shops, etc. There are no lockers, but you can leave your luggage at the campsite administration building.

Hotel / guest house

There are more than 20 inns on the island, including luxury hotels for around 20,000 to 30,000 yen per night, hotels for around 6,000 to 8,000 yen per night, pensions, and guesthouses run by locals.

There are facilities such as a washing machine, a washing place for diving equipment, and Wi-Fi, so you can stay for a long time. It is a good idea to choose an inn that suits your length of stay and purpose. In the guest house, Places where children cannot stay There is also. If you are traveling with a family, please check the facility information in advance and make a reservation.

Shop / souvenir shop

Even on the island, around Zamami Port, A store run by a local There are multiple.
In addition to the island's largest store "105 Store" where you can buy food, alcohol, sweets, ice cream, miscellaneous goods and souvenirs, "Nagisa" which sells drinks and ice cream near Zamami Port, also near Zamami Port "Komine Shoten" that sells lunch boxes, etc.
If you want to shop early in the morning or at night, use the "Zamami store" near Zamami Port. Open from 7:30 to 21:00.

To find souvenirs, head to "Zamamimun Market" in the eastern terminal of Zamami Port. In addition to island specialties such as mozuku curry and mozuku chips, we also sell island-original eco-bags and T-shirts.

as a side note There is no convenience store on the island So, get what you need at the store.

Cafe / restaurant

On the island, there are restaurants serving Italian, French, creative and ethnic cuisine, as well as restaurants serving Okinawan local cuisine.

Speaking of local cuisine on the island Mozuku soba .. Okinawa soba is characterized by its chewy noodles kneaded with mozuku seaweed, and is offered at famous stores such as Wayama Mozuku near Zamami Port. This is a must-try item in Zamami.
Around Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach, there are also cafes that serve light meals and shaved ice. Perfect for when you're hungry or for a break after playing in the ocean.

For more information about the island's cafes and restaurants, please visit the official website of Zamami Village.

Post office / ATM

On the island 1 post office Yes, you can send letters and luggage. The post office is open from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays. Luggage can also be shipped at guest houses and diving shops.
Also, at this post office The only ATM on the island There is also. It's a good idea to use it when you need cash. Please note that it is not available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Clinic / Residential police box

On the island 1 clinic , 1 police box There is. The clinic's business hours are as follows. On Saturdays and Sundays, only emergency cases are available.

9:00 am to 11:30 am Closed / 14:00 to 16:30 pm Reception closed

Items that can be rented (umbrellas, snorkel sets, etc.)

Furuzamami Beach There are two rental shops, "Magii Sea Club" and "Rental Shop Higa", and you can rent umbrellas and snorkeling sets.
Ama beach If you want to rent marine goods at, use the nearby "Oki Rental" and "Pension Hamayu". It's a little far from the beach, so check the map.

On the island, there are several dive shops Hold snorkel tours and diving tours with equipment doing. For those who are new to snorkeling and diving, we recommend a tour where you can rent the necessary equipment and have an instructor guide.

What you can do on Zamami Island (snorkeling, diving, SUP, etc.)

swim

Zamami Island Furuzamami Beach , Ama beach Is a swimming beach. During the April-October season, you can rest assured that the lifeguard will check your safety.
In addition to the above two islands, there are Yuhina beach, Uhama, Touma beach, Ino beach, etc. Swimming beach But there is no lifeguard. When bathing on these beaches, Manage your own safety Please swim.

Diving and snorkeling

The attraction of Zamami Island is, after all Coral reefs spreading in the shallow sea! You can meet coral and colorful fish even in shallow water. Ama beach Is also a habitat for sea turtles, so we often encounter sea turtles that come to the shallows. The sea turtles you see up close will surely be good memories.

An experience diving and snorkeling tour from Okinawa is also held by a marine sports company. Diving and snorkeling because the instructor will guide you on the tour while considering the safety and level of the participants Safe for beginners You can enjoy it.

SUP (Stand Up Paddle Surfing)

Stand on a board that resembles a surfboard and paddle while standing on the surface of the water Stand Up Paddle Surfing (commonly known as SUP) Is a popular activity in recent years because it does not require difficult techniques such as surfing and even beginners can enjoy it.

At Zamami Island, in addition to tours to enjoy SUP, those who enjoy both SUP and snorkeling by loading snorkel goods on SUP, do yoga on SUP SUP yoga Tours etc. are held. In addition to day tours that go in the daytime, there are also sunset night tours where you can enjoy the sea in the evening!

Sea kayaking / clear kayaking

On the island, row a small boat yourself and go over the water Sea kayaking Can be experienced. With a clear kayak (skeleton kayak) with a transparent bottom, you can fully enjoy the beautiful sea and fish, and you will be able to spend a blissful time. You can rent equipment at the rental shop on the island.

Fishing

A tour to enjoy sea fishing on a fishing boat from Zamami Port is also recommended for families. The equipment will be prepared by the ship, so you can participate empty-handed. You can catch fish unique to the sea of Okinawa, such as red grouper fish, Meeby!

Nordic walk

By using two dedicated poles (stock), you can walk while reducing the burden on your legs and waist. Nordic walk .. On Zamami Island, you can go to the observatory with a local guide Tour around the beach Is being held.
Courses, times and dates will be decided in consultation with the guide. If you participate, you may find a surprising little spot. Apply to the Zamami Village Tourist Association (TEL: 098-987-2277).

Whale watching (held from January to March)

Every January to March, humpback whales come from Alaska to the Kerama Islands for breeding. On Zamami Island, the Zamami Village Whale Watching Association Whale watching tour Is being held. Departing from Zamami Port, it is held twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
For details on the tour, please see the official website of the Zamami Village Whale Watching Association.

A day trip from Naha. Choose the tour you care about and join us!

You can enjoy the beautiful greenery of the sea and mountains in about 1 to 2 hours by ferry from Naha. Zamami Island .. It is also a point that you can go sightseeing on a day trip. Even in the Kerama Islands, there are relatively well-equipped facilities such as shops, restaurants, and rental shops, so I'm happy that there are few things to prepare for travel.

In marine activities, snorkeling, diving, SUP, etc. Kerama Blue You can enjoy the sea. There are various plan tours, such as those that depart from Naha and those that gather locally on Zamami Island. Why don't you find something you are interested in and join us?

* Information such as plans, prices, timetables, and phone numbers is as of July 2020.