Zamami Island
Island Kerama island near Okinawa, noted for diving
Part of the Kerama archipelago, Zamami Island attracts snorkelers and divers with coral reefs, white-sand beaches and ferry links to Naha; seasonal boat tours run for whale-watching and sea kayaking.
Zamami Island is one of the inhabited islands of the Kerama group in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, known for clear waters, coral reefs and dive sites. The island is a popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving and beach recreation.
Beaches and shallow coral areas attract day-trippers and divers; reef channels and drop-offs around the island support coral communities and reef fish. Seasonal boat trips and kayak excursions operate from village piers, and whale-watching outings are offered in winter months when humpback whales pass the Kerama archipelago.
The island developed as small fishing and trade settlements within the Ryukyu island chain and retains a low-density, village-based settlement pattern. Local facilities focus on tourism services such as guesthouses, dive shops and boat operators.
Zamami lies within the Kerama Islands southwest of Okinawa Island, administratively part of Zamami Village in Okinawa Prefecture and reachable by scheduled ferry from Naha.
- Whale watching season: Humpback whales are commonly sighted in Kerama waters in winter; organized boat trips and kayak tours run in the season.
- Access and services: Regular ferries connect the island with Naha on Okinawa Island; visitor services concentrate in a few small villages on the island.
How to Get to Zamami Island #
Ferries and high‑speed boats connect Zamami to Naha (Tomari Port) on Okinawa Island; crossing times vary from about 50 minutes (high-speed) to 2 hours (ferry). Book ferries in advance in summer and check for typhoon‑season cancellations.
Tips for Visiting Zamami Island #
- Book ferries in advance during summer (July-August) when domestic Japanese tourists visit the Kerama islands.
- Take the short taxi from the port into the island's small village to rent snorkeling gear - coral reefs around Zamami are excellent and well‑protected.
- Respect local regulations around coral and marine life; the Kerama Islands are a designated conservation area.
Best Time to Visit Zamami Island #
Best visited from late spring through early autumn for snorkeling and diving in clear, warm waters.
Weather & Climate near Zamami Island #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 15°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2173 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (241 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (248 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (252 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (215 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
