Zamami Island (ÀŠÔ–¡“‡, Zamami-jima) is the second largest of the Kerama Islands. It is a highly rated beach destination, known for its beautiful white sand and clear waters, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. The popular beaches are within walking distance from the village which surrounds the port, while observation decks dot the hilly, forested interior of the island.
Beachgoers do not have to travel far as the two main beaches on Zamami are about 20 minutes on foot from the port. For those who prefer a little more seclusion, not far from Zamami Port are the two small uninhabited islands of Gahi and Agenashiku. The two islands can only be reached by a five minute boat ride (no fixed schedule, 1500 yen for a round trip) and offer excellent sunbathing and snorkeling opportunities and no facilities.
The best time to go swimming in Zamami is between May and October. From December to March, the air temperatures can drop to levels below 20 degrees Celsius which many people will consider too cool for swimming. The beaches offer visitors plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with a variety of marine life found as close as 10 meters from shore.
Tour companies offer a multitude of marine activity tours including glass boat rides (about 4,000 yen for one hour), diving (about 15,000 yen for two hours) and stand-up paddling (about 7,500 yen for two hours). Shops near the beaches also rent snorkeling and beach equipment.
From January to March, whale watching boat tours are a popular attraction around Zamami Island. These tours take visitors to see the humpback whales that come from the northern Aleutians and Bering Sea to the warmer Okinawan waters to breed. Reservations can be made through tour companies or your accommodation. Whale watching tours depart from Zamami Port.
While marine activities make up the bulk of attractions at Zamami, hiking is also a pleasant way to get up close with the land-dwelling local flora and fauna. There are also a number of observatories spread across the hilly island which offer views of the island and the surrounding coastline:
High speed boats and car ferries connect Naha's Tomari Port with Zamami Port via Aka Island. Car ferries generally depart once per day, and high speed ferries 2-3 times per day. The one way trip by car ferry takes about two hours and costs 2150 yen, while by high speed ferry it takes about one hour and costs 3200 yen. Round trip tickets are available for 4090 yen and 6080 yen respectively.
Most ferries to/from Naha also make a stop on Aka Island, with the one way ride between Zamami and Aka taking 10-15 minutes and costing 200 yen by car ferry and 310 yen by high speed boat.
In addition, a small village ferry runs between Zamami and Aka several times per day (15 minutes, 300 yen one way). Some of these ferries continue on the Aharen Port on Tokashiki Island (35 minutes, 800 yen one way from Zamami). Reservations are not needed between Zamami and Aka; however, passengers to/from Tokashiki need to make reservations at least one day in advance.
Zamami Village is the only sizeable village on the island and home to the majority of the local shops, tour companies and lodgings. Less central lodgings and tour companies typically offer pick-up services from the port. Alternatively, buses connect Zamami Port to Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach (300 yen one way). It is also possible to rent cars, mopeds and bicycles.
How to get to and around the Kerama Islands
Questions? Ask in our forum.
