Zamami Island is the most visited of the Kerama Islands, known for Furuzamami and Ama beaches' near-luminous turquoise water, world-class snorkeling and diving, and seasonal humpback whale watching just offshore.
Zamami Island lies roughly 40 kilometers west of Naha within the Kerama Islands National Park, reachable by a high-speed ferry that cuts the crossing to under an hour. The island's defining feature is water clarity locally branded 'Kerama Blue' — visibility regularly exceeds 20-30 meters, drawing scuba divers and snorkelers to reef systems rich with hard corals, sea turtles, and reef fish just a short swim from shore. Furuzamami Beach, a 10-minute walk or short bus ride from the port, is consistently rated among Japan's best beaches for its powder-fine sand and gentle, shallow entry. From January through March, humpback whales migrate through the Kerama channel to breed, and daily whale-watching boat tours depart directly from Zamami port, often spotting whales within 20-30 minutes of departure. The village itself is small, with a handful of guesthouses, dive shops, and simple seafood restaurants, retaining an unhurried, low-rise character quite different from the resort development of the main island's west coast.
Good to know
- Hours
- Island accessible year-round; ferry schedule varies by season
- Best time
- January-March for humpback whale watching; April-June for calmest, clearest water
- Best for
- Beaches, Diving, Nature
Location
Zamami-son, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3311
26.2297, 127.3028 View on map
Highlights
- Furuzamami Beach, ranked among Japan's top beaches
- Humpback whale watching tours (January-March)
- Snorkeling and diving with sea turtles
- Ama Beach's quieter, less-visited shoreline
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash; ATM and card acceptance are limited on the island
- Reserve accommodation months ahead for summer weekends
- Rent snorkel gear at the port before heading to the beach
When to visit
January through March is best for humpback whale watching, while April to June brings the calmest seas and clearest water for snorkeling.
Accessibility
The port area and main village are flat, but Furuzamami Beach requires a short walk on a paved then sandy path; beach wheelchairs are not widely available on the island.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Zamami Island?
High-speed ferries depart from Tomari Port in Naha and take about 50 minutes; a slower car ferry takes roughly 2 hours and costs less.
When can I see whales at Zamami?
Humpback whales migrate through the Kerama Islands from around January to March, and daily whale-watching boats depart directly from Zamami port during that window.