Snorkeling

I will be staying near Nago, a night on Ie island and another day or 2 in Naha and want to go snorkelling. By snorkelling I mean bobbing a few feet from the surface looking below the surface. Are there any regulations I should be aware of or it is it ok to basically swim with a mask on!

Thanks

Make sure that the beach is suitable for snorkeling. Some are not because of dangerous currents. I am not sure about the beaches around Nago. If it is a suitable beach, then there are no restrictions on snorkeling. Just don't touch anything and don't step on corals. And beware of the habu jelly fish and some other dangerous animals.

Try these sites for some locations:

http://snorkeling.jp/fun/point/map.php (Japanese, just move the map and zoom in on Okinawa. You can click on individual sites and get more info, Japanese, of course.)

http://www.mccsokinawa.com/mccs.asp?id=563

Read the info on this site for snorkeling basics and safety:

http://www.snorkeling.info/snorkeling-basics/index.html

I would also invest in some felt-soled dive boots for walking on the coral during low tide. Watch out for the sea urchins, stone fish, etc. Don't snorkel if the wind and waves are high. Watch the currents.

Check out this website for the marine animals you need to look out for (about a third of the way down the left sidebar):

http://www.virtualginza.com/okinawa.htm?japan3.htm

Have fun!!