CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY
Waaaaay back in 2008, I asked readers “Watcha gonna do” with the new year? Many responded with the wish to see the outer islands. Today’s post comes from Okinawa Hai reader Steve, who is going to tell us just how easy it is to get to one of these islands. You may remember Steve from the post Steven Works at Being Unaccompanied. When I read the list of things he’d done to show his wife Okinawa, I realized he was a goldmine of “To Do” information. So, over the next few weeks, while I take a breather and enjoy my Marine (who just happened to come home from deployment today!) Steve is going to show us some cool stuff he’s done around the island. Steve, take it away…
A relatively short ferry ride from Tomari port in Naha, Zamami is part of the Kerama islands. It’s a popular dive/snorkel/beach destination in the summertime and the main place from which whale watching tours are launched in the late winter and early spring. The round trip fare will vary depending upon which ferry you choose, but keep in mind that neither can transport cars. If you have a SOFA license, though, you can rent a scooter and zip around just like the natives. If you really want to get fancy, there are car rentals available as well.
Tomari port is very easy to get to. Head south on Route 58 toward Naha past Camp Kinser. Cross the bridge after Kinser and take a right at the third traffic light – you will see Tomari port on your left. Take your first left into the port parking lot. There are two ferries available there – the Zamami Ferry (transit time ~two hours) and the high speed Queen Zamami (transit time ~one hour).
Tracy and I took the Queen Zamami, whose office will be immediately to your right when you pull in to the Tomari Port parking lot. The Zamami Ferry will cost you about 4000 yen round trip and the Queen Zamami will cost about 5500 yen round trip. Parking is free – just ask the person at the ticket counter exactly where you can park. For timetables for either ferry, click here. Select the links under “Boat Schedule” on the right side of the page. The website is in Japanese, but the timetables are pretty easy to read. If you wish to stay for more than a day, there are small hotels and B&Bs on the island that are quite reasonably priced. Bring plenty of yen with you, as we found that few places on the small island accepted credit cards.
View From The Top
Nothing says “Lush Tropical Island” quite like an Hibiscus flower
Like I said, the high season for diving and beach going is during the summer, so when my wife was here over Christmas the island was virtually deserted. We could not have picked a better day to go, though. Over the time she was here, every day was rainy and/or overcast, except for that one. The sun was out and the temperatures must have been in the 70s. We spent the day lazily strolling the island, availing ourselves of some of the food unique to Zamami, snorkeling, and stretching out on the almost deserted beach.
Furuzamami Beach
On that half-mile stretch of golden sand we saw only two other couples the whole day and nobody seemed to have a care in the world. With crystal clear water and live coral close to the shore, the snorkeling was nothing short of phenomenal. All and all, I could not have imagined a more perfect day.
Note from the Editor: What about you, readers? Have any of you followed up on your desire to see the outer islands? Let’s here it!
Beautiful photos!!!!! Goldmine of info is true!!!!!
Great post – this is awesome info. Thanks, Steve!
I’d love to see a post about the islands (I forget the names now) where you ride a water buffalo cart from one island over to the other on the sand bar….I *really* want to do that with my kids!
Thanks for that post Dasha and Steve. All the info at my fingertips will make me get into gear to get to the outer islands
)
Steve,
I hope that you read this and can tell me how you parked at Tomari Port.
In response to Gary’s question – as I recall it now, you park in a garage across the port from the Queen Zamami Ferry. When you pull into the port, pull around to the left, curve right, cross the bridge with rails shaped like a dragon, curbe right again, and the garage will be on your left. On the map above, it’s in the area called “Tomarin Parking.” Enjoy the Keramas!
Steve,
This is so great bumping into you on Okinawa Hai. Actually my wife found your article. I am a retired Marine here on vacation from my teaching job in Northern California. My wife and I work out at the Camp Hansen House of Pain nearly every morning.Hope that you got your pick for your next duty station.
I HIGHLY recommend going to Zamami island. The visitors center at the port is extremely helpful. They can also set up accomodations for you at different guest houses around the island. Amazing snorkeling and GORGEOUS beaches. We will go again!
Went to Zamami for the 3rd & 4th of July. Amazing island. Parking was not free at Tomari port (2500Y for 24-36 hours) like a previous post had stated. Cars are allowed on the ferry for 8000Y and up, depending on size. Best to look at guest house rooms before paying…some are dorm style to include gym style bathrooms/showers. rooms are about 5000Y per person. Rented a car for 3700Y and saw the entire island in 2 hours. Beaches are great…no Americans on the beach we went to…only Japanese.
any recommendations for hotels on the island?
Went there today. One word- AWESOME!! Beautiful beaches and snorkeling. Also rented scooters. Lady at the info desk was helpful in pointing us to right places and super easy to find. Thanks for the great directions Steve. Also- you can rent cabins and camp as well on another beach there, Ama. We WILL be going back again.
Any recommendations for places to stay?
I am planning on an Island hop this or next weekend. I already did one to Tokashiki Island. Wow, great beach there called Aheran. Where is Furuzamami Beach located on Zamami, it’s hard to read the google map. Which beach is more full of people; AKA’s southern Beach or Furuzamami Beach? Thanks, John
If anyone needs info for an island hop to Tokashiki Island, just email me @ gijohnie99@live.com and I will post the info on this site too. John
Hi Folks, trying to plan a trip to Zamami. I was just wondering if you need to book the Queen Zamami ferry tickets in advance? Or can you just show up in the morning and buy your tickets on the spot? I’ve tried calling the ticket office and lady there doesn’t speak any English. Thanks!
Jet – During busy times you should book ahead. So some weekends and holidays for sure. Even still if you show up early enough in person at the counter there are always cancellations and you can probably get on the boat that day…but you have to be there when the ticket office opens, so atleast an hour before that time, to be sure you are early enough in line.
The port does not take card so make sure you get enough Yen to cover your Ferry ride.
“The round trip fare will vary depending upon which ferry you choose, but keep in mind that neither can transport cars.”
Really? Not according to this website: link to zamamienglishguide.com