Adventure Activities in Okinawa


2019.04.16

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Adventure Activities in Okinawa

In Okinawa, when sitting on the beach sipping cocktails gets monotonous, there’s still a variety of adventure activities that will keep you active and in or near the water. From Honto to Ishigaki, at beach resorts or public beaches, you will have several marine activities to choose from.

  • 01

    Snorkeling

    Snorkeling

    Snorkeling

    Besides swimming in the ocean, snorkeling is probably the most accessible marine activity in terms of price and skills required to practise. With all of the beaches around the prefecture being surrounded by coral reefs, just about any spot is great for swimming with beautiful marine life. If you like to be accompanied by sea turtles, head down to Yoshino Beach in Miyakojima, where there seems to be a higher chance of seeing then in the water. At public beaches like Yonehara Beach in north of Ishigaki you can rent a set of snorkels and fins for 1,300 yen from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and spend the day exploring the reefs near the beach. Always keep in mind that in Okinawa currents can get strong very quickly so stay close to the beach and preferably snorkel with a partner.

    Popular tours: Enjoy Diving and Snorkeling at Miyako Island (Voyagin)

    Snorkeling

    Snorkeling

    Snorkeling

    Snorkeling

    Yoshino Kaigan
    place
    Okinawa Miyakojima-shi Gusukube Hoka
    phone
    0980-73-2690
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  • 02

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    One of the highlights of Ishigaki’s beaches is the opportunity to scuba dive with manta rays. At Kabira Bay these majestic animals are relatively easy to spot as they visit the cleaning stations at the edge of the coral reefs. Although seeing them every time you dive is not guaranteed, you’ll increase your chances while staying safe by joining one of the tours offered in the area and heading to the Manta Scramble. There are several diving schools in Kabira Bay, but two that stand out are Umicoza Diving School and Euro Divers which is run out of Club Med Kabira. One of the packages offered at Umicoza includes two dives during the day, one to get acquainted with the equipment and learn basic techniques, and the second dive at the Manta Scramble, all for 25,000 yen. Prior reservation is highly recommended or you might miss the boats.

    Popular tours: Try an Introduction Diving Course! - in Ishigaki Island (Voyagin)

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

    DIVING SCHOOL umicoza
    place
    Okinawa Ishigaki-shi Kabira 827-15
    phone
    0980882434
    info
    【URL】https://umicoza.com/en/
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  • 03

    Motor Sports

    Motor Sports

    Motor Sports

    For those who prefer to stay above water, there’s also the opportunity to test your balance on a wakeboard or have some fun with friends while riding a banana boat. Two of the best public beaches to add some adrenaline to your vacation are Maehama Beach in Miyakojima and Kouri Beach in northern Honto. A 20-minute round of wakeboarding in Miyakojima will set you back 3,500 yen while the banana boat ride at Kouri Ocean Side costs 1,500 per person for 10 minutes. Other thrilling activities at both beaches include flyboard rides and jet ski cruising, all while enjoying the view of the iconic long bridges of Okinawa.

    Motor Sports

    Motor Sports

    Yonaha Maehama Beach
    place
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Shimoji Yonaha 1199
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    Kori Beach
    place
    Okinawa Kunigami-gun Nakijin Mura Kori
    phone
    0980562256
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  • 04

    Paragliding

    Paragliding

    Paragliding

    If what you want is a bird’s-eye view of the endless blue waters and the mountains, then you need to head down to Chinenmisaki in the Nanjo District of Honto and go for a flight with the guys at Ryukyu Sky Academy. Together with a certified instructor who will take you over the water and the historical site of Seifa Utaki, of the most sacred sites for Okinawan people. Another option especially for children is the fluffy floating experience, during which you’ll be floating in the air with a paraglider tied to a motorcycle on the beach; a safe way to get over the flying jitters. The paragliding experience costs 8,700 yen and is available (weather permitting) from 9-6pm next to the entrance of Seifa Utaki.

    Ryukyu Sky Academy
    place
    Okinawa Nanjo Chinen Kudeken 455-1
    phone
    098-948-4377
    info
    【URL】http://ryukyu-sky.com/web/
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  • 05

    Whale-watching Tours

    Whale-watching Tours

    Whale-watching Tours

    From the deep subtropical forest of Yambaru Park and back out in the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean, if you visit Okinawa during the winter months (from January to March) you'll get the chance to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales who travel all the way from the northern waters of Alaska to the Kerama Islands to give birth and raise their calves before heading back up north. Several companies like the Zamamison Whale Watching Association and Marine House Seasir, give the tours with departure options from Naha, Motobu, and Zamami. If you're keen on seeing these beautiful cetaceans we recommend you give yourself at least a couple of backup days to set off on the tour. Due to sea conditions the tours might be postponed and although some companies do offer a refund, the most likely result is for your tour to be postponed to the following day.

    Popular tours: Whale watching tour in Okinawa with a high-speed boat ! (Voyagin)

    Whale-watching Tours

    Whale-watching Tours

  • 06

    Yambaru National Park

    Yambaru National Park

    Yambaru National Park

    Japan has a thing for national parks and these can be found in almost every region of the country. Okinawa is no exception and Yambaru National Park is number 33 on the long list of parks. Yambaru's subtropical forest expands over 13,000 hectares on the northern end of Okinawa Island, and is home to a wide range of wildlife and a rich history. With such a vast area, Yambaru National Park is actual several travel destinations within one, below will give you our favourites and let you choose from there.

    Yambaru National Park

    Yambaru National Park

    To explore deep into the forest, take a break from the heat, and refresh your mind, we recommend a hike to Hiji Waterfall. From the Yuiyuikunigami Rest Area, drive 2 km to the park gate, and after a small fee, a 1.5 km hike will take you in close proximity to the tranquil and refreshing waterfall. The trail is steep in some sections and will make you work up a sweat, but is easy enough for hikers of all levels.

    Yambaru National Park

    Yambaru National Park

    At the tip of Yambaru National Park and the most northern tip of Okinawa Island you'll find the beautiful rock formations of Cape Hedo. While here, wander around the rocks (please mind the sharp areas), and take in the view of the open ocean in front of you. On clear days you can see Yoron Island on the horizon so keep an eye out.

    Yambaru National Park

    Yambaru National Park

    Down the road from Cape Hedo, you'll run into what is probably the most important tourist spot inside Yambaru National Park. Daisekirinzan, a natural park recently created in Okinawa, is home to Ashimui, the oldest sacred place where the royals of the Ryukyu Dynasty are said to have prayed for prosperity, good harvest, and the safety of their people. At Daisekirinzan, you can get right up close to ancient limestone rocks, visit sacred sites, and come face-to-face with Japan's biggest mangrove tree.

    Yambaru National Park

    Yambaru National Park

    Before you leave Yambaru Park, and to get a view of the pristine forest but this time from the water, we recommend you make a stop at the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest. Here, hire a guided tour and set off on a river kayak to explore Okinawa's largest mangrove forest and one of the national treasures of the former Ryukyu Kingdom.

    Yambaru National Park
    place
    Okinawa Prefecture Kunigami-gun Kotohira Village, Ogimi village and Higashimura
    info
    【URL】https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/yambaru/index.html
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