Approximately 40 kilometers west of mainland Okinawa, just 50 minutes by high-speed boat from Naha's Tomari Port, Zamami Island enchants divers worldwide with its breathtaking waters known as "Kerama Blue." A core island of the Kerama Islands National Park — designated Japan's 31st national park on March 5, 2014 (Coral Day) — it hosts 248 species of reef-building corals (roughly 62% of Japan's total) and welcomes humpback whales from Alaska each winter for breeding. With a population of just 581 (2020 census), this tiny island packs in a Michelin 2-star beach, 98% whale encounter rates, sea turtle snorkeling, and the love story of a dog who swam 3 kilometers across the ocean — Zamami is the ultimate Okinawa travel experience.
1. The World of Kerama Blue — Why Zamami?
What Is Kerama Blue?
Kerama Blue describes the extraordinary ocean color of the Kerama Islands. Visibility typically exceeds 30 meters and can surpass 50 meters under optimal conditions. Three factors create this clarity: white coral sand reflecting sunlight, no major rivers on the islands to introduce turbid runoff, and strong tidal currents that continuously circulate and purify the water. The gradient from crystalline aqua in the shallows to deep azure in deeper waters is the essence of Kerama Blue.
National Park and Ramsar Wetland
The Kerama Islands comprise over 30 islands large and small. Zamami Village encompasses three inhabited islands — Zamami, Aka, and Geruma — plus surrounding uninhabited islets. Designated Japan's 31st national park on March 5, 2014, the area was also registered as a Ramsar Convention Wetland in November 2005, with 353 hectares of sea between Zamami and Aka receiving international conservation recognition. The 248 reef-building coral species documented here represent approximately 62% of all such species found in Japan.
History — From Ryukyu Trade Routes to the Battle of Okinawa
Zamami served as a relay station on maritime trade routes between the Ryukyu Kingdom and Chinese dynasties. In modern history, however, the island witnessed tragedy. On March 26, 1945, US forces landed on the Kerama Islands as a preliminary operation before the main Okinawa invasion, making Zamami the first place in Okinawa where American troops landed. The Japanese military had deployed approximately 300 maru-re suicide motorboats, but under military pressure and indoctrination, 234 civilians died in mass suicides. Today, the Zamami Village Peace and Future Project preserves and shares this history.
2. The Humpback Whale Sea — Winter Whale Watching
Visitors from Alaska
From late December through early April each year, humpback whales migrate from their Alaskan feeding grounds to the warm Kerama waters for breeding and calving. In 1985, humpback whales were spotted near Zamami for the first time in 23 years. This sparked the establishment of the Zamami Village Whale Watching Association (ZWWA) in 1991 — one of Japan's earliest organized whale watching operations. From day one, the association established self-imposed rules to minimize stress on the whales. By the end of 2017, photo identification of tail flukes had registered over 1,604 individual whales.
The Secret Behind 98% Encounter Rates — Inazaki Observatory
Zamami boasts a whale encounter rate of approximately 98%. The secret lies at Inazaki Observatory, positioned on one of the island's highest northern points. Experienced spotters scan for whale blows through binoculars and radio coordinates to observation boats. This land-sea coordination system is the key to the extraordinary encounter rate. Visitors can also try spotting whales from Inazaki Observatory on their own.
Tour Information (2026 Season)
The 2026 season runs January 8 to March 25. Fees are 7,700 yen for adults and 3,850 yen for children (tax included), plus a 600-yen whale research and conservation service fee. Tours last approximately 1-2 hours with morning and afternoon departures. Self-imposed rules limit observation to a maximum of 2 hours per whale group, with mother-calf pairs restricted to 1 hour per morning/afternoon across all vessels. Expect dynamic behaviors including breaching (jumping), tail slapping, and blowing.
3. The Big Three Beaches — Furuzamami, Ama, and Nishibama
Furuzamami Beach — Michelin 2 Stars
Awarded 2 stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan ("worth a detour"), Furuzamami is Zamami's signature beach. The contrast between pure white coral sand and transparent Kerama Blue is picture-perfect, and unlike most managed beaches in Okinawa, snorkeling is permitted. Swim just a few meters from the shore to encounter tropical fish — clownfish, butterflyfish, and more — darting among coral heads. A 20-minute walk or village bus ride from Zamami Port. Facilities include restrooms, showers (300 yen), two beach houses with snorkel gear and parasol rentals.
Ama Beach — Sea Turtle Sanctuary
On Zamami's west coast, Ama Beach is a sea turtle sanctuary. During high tide, green sea turtles swim into the shallows to graze on seagrass. Locals have protected these turtles for generations, so they show little fear of humans. Calmer and shallower than Furuzamami, Ama is ideal for families. Facing west, it's Zamami's premier sunset spot and excellent for stargazing. The adjacent Youth Travel Village offers camping at 510 yen per night, just 30 seconds from the sand.
Nishibama Beach — Aka Island's White Sands
Nishibama Beach on Aka Island ("nishi" means "north" in Okinawan dialect; written 北浜) stretches approximately 700 meters of white sand along the coast. Its dramatic underwater topography — shallow areas dropping suddenly into deeper water — and dense coral colonies teeming with blue-green damselfish make it a snorkeler's paradise. Lifeguards are on duty May through October. Getting between Zamami and Aka costs just 500 yen by high-speed boat.
4. Diving & Snorkeling — Paradise of Sea Turtles and Coral
99% Sea Turtle Encounters, 248 Coral Species
Guided snorkeling tours report sea turtle encounter rates of over 99%. Three species inhabit these waters: green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles, with Ama Beach's seagrass beds as their primary habitat. The Kerama waters harbor 248 species of reef-building coral, and in May-June, night dives reveal the magical spectacle of coral spawning.
Popular Dive Sites
Ugan (Otoko-iwa / Man Rock) is Zamami's flagship dive point: a massive rock jutting from the sea where tuna, trevally, and occasional manta rays cruise through dynamic currents — an advanced site (50+ dives recommended) with full drift entry. Chishi features cave diving with mystical light shafts piercing through ceiling cracks, suitable for beginners. Gahi-mae offers a sandy slope north of uninhabited Gahi Island where jawfish and pristine coral reefs create a healing underwater landscape. Most dive sites are within 15 minutes by boat from Zamami Port.
5. Island Exploration — Observatories, Uninhabited Islands, and the Love of Shiro and Marilyn
Takatsukiyama Observatory
At approximately 137 meters elevation, a 20-minute walk from Zamami Port, Takatsukiyama Observatory offers two viewing platforms. Platform 1 overlooks Ago-no-Ura Bay, Tokashiki Island, and the Okinawa mainland, while Platform 2 commands views of Furuzamami Beach and Amuro Island. The forest trail connecting the two platforms is a scenic walk in itself.
Uninhabited Island Tours — Gahi, Agenashiku, and Amuro
Shuttle boats from Zamami Port reach three uninhabited islands in 5-10 minutes. Gahi Island is a small hill-shaped island surrounded by white sand where fish are visible even while standing. Agenashiku Island features the famed "Coral Forest" snorkeling spot near a buoy on its west side. Shuttles run 8:30-17:00, with operators recommending the best island based on the day's wind and wave conditions.
Shiro and Marilyn — A Love That Swam the Sea
In 1986, Shiro, a male dog living on Aka Island, began swimming approximately 3 kilometers across the open ocean to visit Marilyn, a female dog on Zamami Island he had met just once. When his owner followed by boat, he discovered Shiro taking roughly 3 hours to cross the strait. Even after Marilyn passed away in 1987, Shiro lived to the age of 17. This true story was made into the 1988 film "I Want to See Marilyn" (Marilyn ni Aitai). Today, a statue of Marilyn stands at Zamami Port and a statue of Shiro at Nishibama Beach on Aka Island, gazing toward each other across the sea.
6. Accommodation & Dining — Minshuku Culture and Island Cuisine
An Island Where Minshuku Rule
Zamami's lodging scene is defined not by large resort hotels but by minshuku — family-run guesthouses where owners personally greet you at the port and serve home-cooked Okinawan meals. Room-only rates run approximately 4,400-8,000 yen; with two meals included, from about 6,000 yen. At the Ama Beach Youth Travel Village, tent camping costs just 510 yen per night, steps from the sand.
Island Cuisine and Izakaya
The Kerama waters are a prime mozuku (seaweed) production area — mozuku tempura and vinegared mozuku are must-try dishes. Also sample whole-fried gurukun (Okinawa's prefectural fish), Zamami-caught sashimi, and rich island tofu. The seafood bowls at Nakamura Suisan near the port are popular. Dining options are limited, so dinner reservations are essential during peak season; minshuku home cooking is often the best meal on the island.
7. Access & Practical Guide — Getting from Naha to Zamami
High-Speed Boat vs Ferry (2026 January Revised Fares)
Departure point: Naha Tomari Port, North Wharf. Queen Zamami (high-speed boat) takes approximately 50 minutes direct or 70 minutes via Aka Island. One-way adult fare: 3,950 yen; round-trip 7,510 yen (revised January 2026). Ferry Zamami takes roughly 90 minutes; one-way adult 2,900 yen, round-trip 5,510 yen. All fares have an additional Chura-shima Tax of 100 yen. Inter-island travel between Zamami and Aka: 500 yen (high-speed) or 400 yen (ferry).
Booking Tips and Best Seasons
Online reservations open approximately 55 days before departure; phone bookings 1 month before (10:00-17:00). Golden Week and summer (July-August) require booking 1-2 months ahead. Best seasons: beaches June-September (warmest water, longest daylight), whale watching January-March (fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates), coral spawning May-June. Typhoon season runs June-October (peak August-September). Getting around the island is easy by village bus, rental bicycle, or on foot.
Packing Checklist
Reef-safe sunscreen (coral protection), rashguard/UV clothing, marine shoes, waterproof phone case, cash (limited ATMs, some shops don't accept cards), motion sickness medicine (for rough seas), lightweight rain jacket, and a reusable water bottle. Snorkel gear is available for rent locally, but bringing your own saves money.
