Hi guys, so I plan to take a trip to Okinawa in mid-May with my gf and I were wondering if anyone had any experience snorkeling around the area? Particularly in the south Sesoko tail area. We’re intermediate-level snorkelers and plan to bring rash guards, water shoes and swimming gloves just in case (and rent fins too ofc). Our goal is to hit up Sunabe Seawall (ik not in Sesoko), Gorilla Chop, Sesoko Tail and Minna Island.
I was also wondering if the ferries from Toguchi Port would be open to sail to Minna Island in May.
by Budilicious3
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Since you’re traveling to different snorkeling points in Okinawa, recommend you go to Maeda point too.
http://www.maedamisaki.jp/en/
The snorkeling is OK on Sesoko’s Tail, but it take a bit of effort and it’s not without risk.
The “road” to Sesoko’s tail is mostly a deeply furrowed dirt track with a lot of overgrowth around it, and terminates in a small clearing that’s not easy to turn around in. From there you have to clamber down some short cliffs with sharp rocks to get into the water.
Timing your snorkel to the tides is essential, as there can be big tidal currents if you’re in the water at mid-tide.
Honestly, I’d say the payoff isn’t worth it. There’s a lot of big table corals in decent condition, but the fish life isn’t any better than you’d see on other, safer sites like Gorilla Chop.
Minna is a much better bet, and the ferry will be running on its spring schedule, with four ferries a day, to and from the island.
Sunabe is surprisingly good for how close it is to Naha and being across the street from Kadena. Nice to be able to snorkel all afternoon/morning, then pop back to Naha to eat and drink in the evening. If you go early morning, be ready to see lots of sea snakes. It’s pretty cool. Gorilla chop is very chill mid-week and decent too. You can also snorkel at Manjiro beach in Itoman, and while it’s really chill, the snorkeling is only so-so. Also, if you continue further along that road, if you go through Southern Links golf course, there is a beach on the backside that has some snorkeling, and again, is very chill. TBH, snorkeling-wise, Sunabe is the best.
Just a quick heads up—mid-may will be when the Okinawa rainy season starts.