Okinawa: Naha: 1 day Kerama Islands diving license required

Okinawa: Naha – 1 Day Kerama Islands Diving Experience (License Required)

If you’re looking for a full day of underwater adventure around Okinawa’s famed Kerama Islands, this tour offers a lot to love. For $135 per person, you get to explore 2-3 authentic diving spots, enjoy whale watching from January through March, and even participate in a traditional mochi pounding event on New Year’s Day if you’re lucky enough to be there at the start of the year. The tour departs from Naha and uses its own boats, making it a personalized and flexible experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances professional guidance with authentic local traditions. The guides are experienced and attentive, ensuring even those who haven’t been diving for a while feel secure and engaged. Plus, the chance to see whales in their natural habitat during winter adds a rare thrill you won’t find on every snorkeling or diving trip.

One potential consideration: this experience is only suitable if you already hold a certified diving license (C-card). It’s not intended for beginners or those without certification. Also, the tour’s schedule and activities depend heavily on weather conditions, so flexibility is key. This is a solid choice for certified divers looking for a comprehensive day in the sea that combines adventure, cultural fun, and wildlife sightings.

It’s best suited for adventurous, certified divers eager to explore Okinawa’s vibrant undersea world, enjoy some cultural activities, and maybe even witness whales. Solo travelers, groups, or couples who appreciate well-guided tours with attention to safety will find this experience particularly worthwhile.

Key Points

• Certification required: Only certified divers with a C-card can participate.
• Includes whale watching: From January 12th to March 31st, you can spot whales during your boat ride.
• Flexible multi-spot visits: The tour covers 2-3 top diving sites in the Kerama Islands.
• Authentic local traditions: Join in the New Year’s mochi pounding event on January 1st.
• Complete equipment and amenities: Rental gear, towels, hot showers, and even boat coats are included.
• Weather-dependent: Sea conditions affect whale sightings and diving plans, so flexibility is essential.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Kerama Islands: What to Expect from the Tour

This tour isn’t just about plunging into the water; it’s a full-day experience that combines adventure, cultural insight, and natural beauty. Starting early from Naha, you’ll board one of the tour’s boats—owned and operated by guides who know these waters intimately. The boats are well-equipped, and with two boats in their fleet, the guides can tailor your experience based on your level and preferences.

The Itinerary: How the Day Unfolds

The day kicks off with a morning departure from Naha’s port, where the crew ensures everyone is comfortable with the gear and plans for the day. The first highlight is the cruise across the Kerama Islands—areas renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. You’ll visit 2-3 carefully selected diving points, chosen daily by the guides based on current conditions and the best visibility.

One of the most appealing features is the personalized guidance. The guides are experienced and eager to answer questions about the terrain, fish species, or anything else you’re curious about. They’re particularly attentive to beginners or rusty divers, making sure everyone can enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.

Underwater Highlights

While above water, the boat offers stunning views of surrounding islands and turquoise waters. Underwater, you’ll find colorful reefs, schools of fish, and possibly some larger visitors like sea turtles or small sharks. The guides emphasize teaching a fun, relaxed diving style that caters to your experience level, ensuring you’re comfortable both in and out of the water.

From reviews, we know that marine life sightings are common, with divers seeing everything from small fish, octopuses, and sea snakes to turtles, sharks, and even whales during winter. As Jessica noted, “We saw small shark and sea snake, of course many different kinds of fish,” which hints at the diversity of the reefs.

Cultural & Seasonal Events

A unique aspect is the January 1st mochi pounding event, a traditional Japanese celebration that adds a cultural touch to your day. If you book on New Year’s Day, you’ll enjoy this all-you-can-eat event along with the diving. During August and September, the tour offers a shaved ice service, perfect for cooling down after a dive.

From January 12th to March 31st, whale watching becomes available. Guides will do their best to locate whales, but as with all wildlife sightings, there’s no guarantee—a point echoed in reviews, which mention that weather and sea conditions can influence visibility.

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Comfort & Safety Measures

Even in winter, the water in the Kerama Islands stays above 22°C, making it pleasantly warm for diving. The tour provides boat coats, hot water showers, and heated cabins to keep everyone comfortable. You’ll want to bring sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, and personal medication. Since the tour caters to certified divers, gear rental—including tanks and weights—is included, simplifying your planning.

Group Size & Atmosphere

The tour is flexible, accommodating single travelers and small groups. As some reviews highlight, the guides are friendly and professional, eager to make sure everyone has a good time. The boat can get crowded—up to 50 people, according to some reviews—so patience and clear communication are important.

Wildlife & Marine Life

Most divers come away excited about the marine biodiversity. The reefs are alive with fish, octopuses, turtles, and sometimes sharks. The chance to see whales from January to March adds a rare bonus, though the sighting is weather-dependent. You’ll also have the opportunity to rent a camera or Gopro if you want to document your underwater moments.

Authentic Experiences & Practical Tips

Beyond the diving, the tour offers a glimpse into local Okinawan culture with the mochi-pounding event and the chance to enjoy hot Okinawa soba and oden for lunch—warming dishes perfect after a chilly morning in the sea.

A major plus is the transportation logistics—pick-up from your hotel in Naha is included, saving you time and hassle. Parking is available at the port for those driving, with a small fee. The guides respond well to special requests, whether it’s a birthday celebration or specific dive spots.

Considerations for Travelers

Because the tour is weather-dependent, there’s a chance that whale sightings or some diving plans may be delayed or altered. It’s wise to stay flexible and keep an eye on the weather forecast. Also, since it’s geared toward certified divers, non-certified or beginner snorkelers will need to look elsewhere or opt for beginner-friendly tours.

If you’re wary of seasickness, taking medication beforehand is recommended. The guides are very professional, but delays caused by rough seas or weather can happen. Lastly, early booking is advised, especially in high season, to secure your spot and any special requests.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for certified divers who want to explore Okinawa’s underwater world with knowledgeable guides. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy wildlife sightings, like whales or turtles, or want to combine marine adventure with local traditions. Solo travelers and small groups who value personalized guidance and well-organized logistics will find this tour a great fit.

It’s less suitable for families with young children or non-divers—unless they’re comfortable snorkeling and don’t mind the certification requirement. Also, if you’re seeking a relaxing, passive day without much physical activity, this might be more adventurous than you’re after.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a robust, well-organized, and authentic opportunity to discover Okinawa’s Kerama Islands. The combination of diving, whale watching, and cultural activities makes it stand out compared to more generic tours. The guides’ knowledge and passion shine through, and the chance to see marine life and whales adds significant value.

While weather can influence the day’s success, the tour’s flexibility and safety measures help ensure a positive experience. The full gear rental, included transportation, and optional camera rentals make this a practical choice for certified divers wanting a seamless, engaging day in the sea.

If you’re looking for a professional, lively, and authentic Okinawa diving adventure—especially if you’re already certified—this tour is worth your consideration. It’s a chance to explore stunning waters, witness wildlife, and enjoy Okinawa’s local flavor—all in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certification to join this tour?
Yes, you must have a diving license (C-card) to participate. It’s designed for certified divers.

Is whale watching guaranteed?
Not quite. Whale sightings are seasonal (January to March) and depend on weather and sea conditions. There’s a high chance, but no absolute guarantee.

What equipment is included?
All full rental equipment is provided, including tanks and weights. You can also rent a camera or Gopro for an extra fee.

Can I join if I haven’t been diving recently?
Yes, the guides carefully adapt to your level and will ensure you feel comfortable, even if it’s been a while since your last dive.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, change of clothes, personal medication, and your dive log. Towels and boat coats are provided.

Is there food included?
Yes, lunch options like hot Okinawa soba and oden are included, especially in winter. In August and September, shaved ice is available.

This tour offers a fantastic blend of marine exploration, cultural experiences, and wildlife sightings. It’s perfect for certified divers who want to make the most of Okinawa’s underwater treasures and appreciate a well-organized, authentic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: