I will only have one day and I’m wondering which is better, going solo by high speed ferry, or joining an organized group tour.
The tours I’m seeing are pretty much all geared towards diving and snorkeling, and I’d like to take a look around the island, too.
But maybe there’s a reason why they’re all about diving and snorkeling? Maybe there’s no point in roaming around the island?
I’m stupid like that. Help me out here, please!
4 comments
I lived in Okinawa and have done both (multiple times). It depends on what you are interested in. Diving and snorkeling in the Keramas is first-class. So if you want to see some sea critters and coral, take a tour. But don’t expect to walk around the islands at all.
But if you want to explore and see some of the natural above sea scenery, and maybe snorkel at a beach for just a bit, just take the ferry. You can walk around the islands, but it is quite a walk so don’t underestimate it too much. It probably isn’t worth renting a car, though maybe a moped if you like. If you really want to experience a slower pace of life, stay overnight at a minshuku or camping. IMO it is worth taking the ferry and exploring on foot, but there is no doubt that a diving trip is also a highlight. But it is a rural island with not so many “sights”, just a beautiful place to soak in.
What do you want to do on Kerama? Note the diving there is world class – I love it and various Japanese diving people say top 3 in the world. So the reason the tours there are mostly for diving and snorkeling are because it’s so awesome for that.
One winter I stayed two nights on Zamamijima, cycled the first day to beaches and chill, snorkeled the second day. I booked the snorkeling half day tour through Voyagin. It’s worth staying a night or two. Food there was fantastic, too.
Kerama Islands – Zamami and Tokashiki are my absolute favorite summer destinations in Japan, been to both three times. Fantastic kayaking, snorkeling and swimming but not sure if ideal to wonder around unless you are after view points etc. Both islands are very small to cover on foot but also hilly at parts. If you go to Tokashiki, since you are also after little bit of sightseeing, I highly recommend that you visit the mass suicide memorial. Totally walkable from the Tokashiki ferry terminal (following a car road and climbing up all the way but not too long, around 40 minutes one way I think). Also be careful with the ATM options. I ran into many travelers in Tokashiki having hard time once they discovered that the only ATMs available on the island are on the other side (where the main ferry terminal is but not by Aharen Beach).