Naha, Okinawa, is a fantastic spot if you’re looking to explore the underwater world. With clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of tropical fish, it’s a natural choice for diving enthusiasts—and even those new to the sport. What makes Naha stand out is its proximity to the Kerama Islands, a renowned marine park full of colorful marine life. Among the options, we particularly like the Kerama Islands Full-Day Intro-Diving Trip for its excellent balance of instruction, scenic beauty, and value. It’s perfect if you want to learn how to dive in a safe, guided environment with all the essentials included.
For certified divers eager to explore deeper reefs, the From Naha Scuba Diving Trip in Kerama offers small-group dives with professional instruction. Meanwhile, those who want a more relaxed introduction or a combination of snorkeling and diving will find the Full-Day Introductory Diving & Snorkeling a solid choice. Each tour highlights the natural beauty of Okinawa’s waters, making Naha an ideal base for underwater adventures.
1. Naha, Okinawa: Kerama Islands Full-Day Intro-Diving Trip
At number 1, this full-day intro-diving trip is a favorite for first-timers. It offers a comprehensive, friendly experience with roundtrip hotel pickup and lunch included. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on teaching newcomers how to dive safely in the crystal-clear waters of the Kerama Islands National Park—an area known for its vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. Certified instructors guide every step, making it accessible even if you’ve never worn scuba gear before.
The boat itself is equipped with modern facilities, and the day includes multiple opportunities to snorkel and see marine life close-up. Reviews highlight the professionalism of the staff and the beauty of the underwater scenery, with visitors mentioning how secure and well-supported they felt. For those new to diving, the trip offers a memorable start to exploring Okinawa’s marine environment without the pressure of a full certification.
Bottom line: This is an ideal choice if you want a safe, well-organized introduction to scuba diving amid stunning scenery, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.
2. From Naha Scuba Diving Trip in Kerama (for certified divers)
At number 2, the certified diver trip is perfect for those who already have their certification and want to see Okinawa’s best dive spots. This 8-hour tour offers small-group dives led by English-speaking instructors, ensuring a more personalized experience. The focus is on exploring the depths of Kerama National Park, which boasts over 100 dive sites with varying visibility and marine life.
What’s notable is the inclusion of equipment rental and hotel pickup/drop-off, removing logistical stress. The trip is praised for its safety, professional guidance, and the chance to see unique marine creatures like reef sharks and large schools of tropical fish. Guests often comment on the knowledgeable instructors and the flexibility of the schedule, which can be checked for availability online.
This tour is best suited for certified divers seeking quality over quantity, with the comfort of a premium dive center that’s award-winning. The only downside might be the higher price point, but the exclusive small-group experience balances that cost.
Bottom line: If you’re a certified diver wanting tailored, high-quality dives in a scenic environment, this trip offers excellent value and memorable encounters.
3. Okinawa: Naha: 1 day Kerama Islands experience diving/snorkeling
Number 3 on our list is the 1-day Kerama Islands experience, which is perfect for travelers who want a quick, affordable taste of the underwater world. Over approximately seven hours, the tour takes you to 2-3 top spots for diving or snorkeling, depending on your preference. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for mixed groups or those unsure about their comfort level in water.
The tour is known for its friendly guides and safe environment, making it especially suitable for beginners or families. Reviewers mention how the trip allows for a variety of underwater experiences, with opportunities to see coral reefs, colorful fish, and even a baby shark. The price point is quite attractive considering the included equipment and the chance to explore multiple locations in one day.
Bottom line: For an affordable, flexible day trip that caters to both divers and snorkelers, this option delivers good value and a memorable glimpse into Okinawa’s marine life.
4. Naha: Full-Day Introductory diving & Snorkeling in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa
At number 4, this full-day introductory experience combines diving and snorkeling in a relaxed, safety-conscious setting. It’s led by passionate staff who know the waters well, with the boat providing a comfortable platform for the day’s activities. The tour covers the rich marine diversity of the Kerama Islands, which was designated as a National Marine Park in 2014.
The highlight here is the focus on beginners, with plenty of personalized attention. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, accommodating staff, and the boat’s spaciousness and comfort. The trip’s inclusion of lunch and the opportunity to see colorful coral and tropical fish makes it a good value. The tour is suitable for those new to the ocean or unsure about their swimming skills, with clear instructions and safety measures in place.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you want a well-organized, friendly introduction to snorkeling and diving among Okinawa’s vibrant reefs.
5. Okinawa: From Naha: 1 day Kerama Islands diving license required
Number 5 is for certified divers ready to explore the deeper, more advanced sites of the Kerama Islands. This licensed diver tour offers a full day of boat dives at multiple spots, with the flexibility to enjoy 2-3 different sites depending on conditions and your preferences. It’s aimed at divers with experience, providing access to the island’s most breathtaking underwater scenery.
The trip emphasizes convenience—pickup from your hotel and a seamless process without lengthy paperwork, making it easier to enjoy your dive. The main appeal is the access to nearly 100 dive sites around the islands, each offering a unique underwater experience, from vibrant coral gardens to large pelagic sightings.
Reviewers mention the professionalism of the crew and the excellent logistical setup. It’s ideal for experienced divers who appreciate a straightforward, no-fuss day of exploring Okinawa’s best underwater environments.
Bottom line: Certified divers looking for a flexible, high-quality boat diving experience will find this tour a reliable, rewarding option.
$141.22 per person
6. Okinawa: Naha: 1 day Kerama Islands diving license required
Number 6 offers a slightly different experience for licensed divers. This license-required tour emphasizes cruising between islands at high speed, with additional perks like whale watching from January to March and seasonal shaved ice in August and September. It’s a lively, active way to see multiple islands and enjoy some of Okinawa’s most famous dive spots.
The tour’s unique feature is the high-speed boat, which cuts travel time and maximizes your underwater and island time. Plus, the optional whale watching adds an extra layer of excitement for winter travelers. It’s a good fit if you enjoy a dynamic schedule and want to explore diverse environments across the Kerama archipelago.
The reviews note the flexibility and the chance to customize dives, with the added bonus of social activities like mochi pounding during the season. However, it requires a dive license and a higher level of comfort in water.
Bottom line: For licensed divers who want to explore multiple islands quickly and enjoy seasonal bonuses, this tour packs a punch.
7. Naha: Tokashiki Day Trip & Kerama Islands Scuba Diving Trip
Number 7 combines a day trip to Tokashiki Island with a scuba diving experience in the Kerama Islands. While the reviews are not specified, the itinerary suggests a focus on enjoying the pristine blue waters and underwater scenery with an experienced instructor. This tour is suitable for those who want a full day of activities, including time ashore on the island.
The highlight is the opportunity to swim and dive in clear waters, with equipment included for beginners. The emphasis on guided experiences makes it accessible for first-timers or less confident swimmers. The trip offers a chance to see the famous Okinawan reefs and marine life, providing a comprehensive day out.
Bottom line: If you want a combination of island exploration and underwater adventure with professional guidance, this trip offers good value for a full day’s activity.
$141 per person
8. Kerama Islands Okinawa Scuba Diving Adventure
Lastly, at number 8, this scuba diving adventure for certified divers is tailored for those with a license. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with the main focus on exploring some of Okinawa’s top dive sites without the fuss of paperwork or lengthy logbook procedures. It’s a straightforward, efficient way to get in multiple dives.
Since it’s designed for licensed divers, the experience is primarily about exploring the underwater scenery at your own pace with a knowledgeable crew. The emphasis on comfort and convenience makes it suitable for repeat visitors or those who want to maximize their diving without extraneous logistics.
Bottom line: If you’re a licensed diver seeking a no-hassle, quality diving day with flexible sites, this tour is an excellent pick.
$131
How to Choose the Right Naha Scuba Tour
When selecting a diving experience, consider your certification level, budget, and how much time you want to spend underwater. Beginners might prefer introductory trips or combined snorkeling options, which are more relaxed and beginner-friendly. Certified divers should look at the more advanced boat dives to access the best reefs.
Time of year matters—winter offers whale watching if you’re in the license-required tour, while summer is great for snorkeling and reef exploration. Booking early is advisable during peak seasons, especially for popular tours with limited availability.
Naha offers a wide array of diving adventures, whether you’re just starting out or an experienced diver eager to explore Okinawa’s underwater treasures. Two or three standout choices include the intro trip for beginners and the small-group certified dives for the seasoned diver. Both provide a safe, memorable experience with easy logistics. For a quick, affordable taste, the 1-day snorkeling and diving trip is hard to beat.
Whatever your level, Naha’s proximity to vibrant reefs and marine parks promises an exciting underwater outing. Book early, pack your sense of adventure, and enjoy discovering Okinawa’s underwater world—your fins are waiting.