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 at a Glance#
Address: Zamami Island, Kerama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Website: https://zamami.jp/en/
Admission: Ferry fares vary; expect a round-trip fare from Naha of approximately JPY 3,000-5,000 depending on type of vessel and season
About Zamami Island#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 15° - 19° | 17° | 131 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.6h |
| February | Acceptable | 15° - 19° | 17° | 131 mm | overcast | 77% | 5.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 17° - 21° | 19° | 177 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 19° - 23° | 21° | 184 mm | overcast | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 1.5 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 241 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.3h |
| June | Good | 25° - 29° | 27° | 248 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.6h |
| July | Very Good | 26° - 31° | 34° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.5h |
| August | Very Good | 26° - 30° | 33° | 252 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Very Good | 25° - 29° | 30° | 215 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 27° | 25° | 173 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.4h |
| November | Very Good | 20° - 24° | 22° | 135 mm | overcast | 76% | 5.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
| December | Good | 17° - 21° | 19° | 110 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
