Nanjo is a remarkable place in Okinawa, especially for travelers eager to combine outdoor fun, spiritual discovery, and cultural insights. Unlike other destinations, Nanjo offers a unique blend of marine activities, holy sites, and cultural experiences that reflect Okinawa’s rich traditions. One of our favorite options is the Ocean Base in Nanjo, where you can enjoy a lively day of banana boat rides, snorkeling, and glass boat tours — ideal if you love water sports or want a relaxed beach day with a twist. For those interested in the island’s spiritual roots, tours to Kudaka Island or Sefa Utaki offer profound insights into Okinawa’s sacred traditions, perfect for history and spirituality enthusiasts. Finally, the Okinawa World park provides a comprehensive look at Okinawan culture, including caves and traditional crafts, making it a great choice for families or travelers wanting a full culture.
Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of these top four tours, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule best.
1. Okinawa Nanjo: Ocean Base Unlimited Marine Activities
At number one, this marine adventure experience offers exceptional value for just $66 per person. Ocean Base is perfect if you’re looking for a full day of fun in the sun. The tour includes a variety of activities like banana boat rides, big mable inflatables, mega duckie, sea kayaking, and more. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just want to paddle around, these options cater to different energy levels.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Okinawa’s vibrant marine life through snorkeling, and for those who prefer to stay dry, a glass boat ride offers a peek at colorful fish and coral without getting wet. Reviews highlight how friendly staff and diverse activities make it a great option for families and groups who want an active day on the water. The all-day access ensures plenty of time to try everything at your own pace.
Bottom line: If your goal is to enjoy a variety of water activities with a laid-back vibe, this tour offers fantastic value and an energetic atmosphere to match.
2. Okinawa: Sacred Island Tour to Kudaka’s Ryukyuan Holy Sites
For around $155.18 per person, this 3-hour tour takes you on a meaningful journey to Kudaka Island, known as the “Island of God.” The tour starts with a ferry ride from Azama Port, where your guide shares stories about Amamikiyo and the deep spiritual connection between the island and Okinawa’s Ryukyuan religion.
Once on Kudaka, you’ll walk along scenic village paths toward sites like Chimintomai and Tugyandä, where traditional purification rituals still take place. The tour also visits the sacred courtyard of Udunmyaa — a place of spiritual significance — and concludes at Ishiki Beach, offering peaceful views and a chance to reflect. While this tour is relatively short, its intimate size and focus on spiritual traditions make it a profound experience.
Reviews are limited, but the focus on storytelling and authentic sites appeals to travelers keen on understanding Okinawa’s religious history. It’s best suited for those who want a deeper cultural experience rather than a quick sightseeing trip.
Bottom line: This tour offers an immersive glimpse into Okinawa’s spiritual side, perfect for history buffs or those curious about local customs.
$155.18 per person
3. Okinawa: Sacred Sefa Utaki Walk into Ryukyu’s Spiritual
For around $98.01 per person, this 1.5-hour guided walk explores Sefa Utaki, the most sacred site in Okinawa. Located on southeastern cliffs, the site features towering limestone formations and ancient paths once used by royal priestesses. It’s a short but powerful experience that combines natural beauty with spiritual history.
Your guide will explain the significance of Sefa Utaki, where nature and spirituality are intertwined. As you walk through the lush surroundings, you’ll see stone altars and sacred groves that reflect the Ryukyu Kingdom’s spiritual practices. The visit also includes a stop at Ganju Station, a small facility that provides cultural background and context, which enhances your understanding before entering the site.
Reviews are not available, but the natural setting and deep historical roots make this a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in Okinawan religious traditions. It’s ideal if you prefer a short, meaningful experience that combines nature and spirituality.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want an authentic, contemplative connection to Okinawa’s sacred landscape.
$98.01 per person
4. Okinawa World Admission Ticket
Last on our list, this comprehensive park pass costs $33 per person and offers 3 to 4 hours of cultural exploration. Okinawa World is a full-day experience where you can visit the Gyokusendo Cave, an impressive limestone cave with striking formations, and explore traditional Okinawan crafts in the Kingdom Village.
The highlight for many visitors is the Gyokusendo Cave, where the natural formations are spectacular, and walking through feels like stepping into another world. The park also offers cultural performances such as Eisa dance and opportunities to try local crafts, making it ideal for families and those wanting a broad introduction to Okinawan culture.
While it’s not focused solely on spiritual sites, the combination of nature, culture, and entertainment makes this a well-rounded choice. The affordable price and diverse attractions make it especially good value for those who want multiple experiences in one place.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, cultural activities, and entertainment, Okinawa World offers a well-priced and engaging day out.
$33.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Nanjo
When selecting from these options, consider your interests and schedule. If water activities are your priority, the Ocean Base experience provides value and variety. For a spiritual or cultural focus, the tours to Kudaka Island or Sefa Utaki offer deep insights into Okinawa’s traditions, with the latter being ideal if you’re short on time but want a meaningful visit. If you prefer a full culture with caves, crafts, and performances, then Okinawa World is your best bet.
Think about your budget and the kind of experience you want. For example, families or groups looking for active fun will enjoy the Ocean Base tour, while history buffs will value the spiritual sites. Booking early is recommended, especially for the more popular tours like Okinawa World and Kudaka Island, which can fill quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Nanjo offers a fantastic range of tours that highlight Okinawa’s outdoor, spiritual, and cultural charms. For an energetic day on the water, Ocean Base tops the list. If you’re after deep cultural or religious insights, the Kudaka Island and Sefa Utaki tours provide meaningful encounters. For a comprehensive cultural experience, Okinawa World blends natural wonders with traditional crafts and performances.
Each of these tours provides a different window into Okinawa’s unique personality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, spirituality, or cultural discovery, Nanjo has something special waiting. Be sure to book ahead to secure your spot, and enjoy exploring this fascinating part of Japan.