The Kerama chain of islands is the perfect vacation spot, especially if you love hiking, sitting on the beach, whale watching, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The stunning blue ocean water around these islands is so distinctive that a color is named after it.

 Kerama blue. Most of the Kerama Islands are uninhabited, and the most popular destinations are Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka.

The islands can be reached by ferry from Naha .

There are fast ferries from Tomari Port in Naha to three of the Kerama Islands: Tokashiki Island  (There are three flights per day, the journey takes about 35 minutes), and Zamami Island  (50 to 70 trips take place and the trip takes XNUMX to XNUMX minutes), Aka Island  (There are 50 or XNUMX flights per day, and the journey takes about XNUMX minutes.)

From there, you can reach the island by ferry.

Tokashiki Island is the largest of the Kerama Islands, with Tokashiki Village and port on the northeast coast, and Aharien Village and port on the southwest coast. Ferries from Naha will take you to Tokashiki Port, but you may want to get to the other side of the island, to Aharen Beach and Tokashiko Beach.

There are many great beaches on the island, but these two have the best snorkeling spots, as well as the best facilities for tourists. The marine life here is exceptional, and the waters are home to a large number of sea turtles.

Aharin Beach is the larger of these two, and there are plenty of tour companies that run shuttle buses to the port. The Kobandaki Observation Deck is located next to the beach, offering stunning views of the islands and coastline.

Tokashiko Beach is smaller, doesn't have many diving spots, but is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The area around Tokashiko Beach is surrounded by densely wooded hills, and there are hiking trails and lookout points as well.

Although it is the second largest of the Kerama Islands, Zamami Island is so small that you can walk to its two beautiful beaches within 20 minutes.

As with all of these islands, there are plenty of great walks through the tree-covered hills, but Zamami Island is best known for its golden sandy beaches.

Walk east of Zamami Port for about 20 minutes, and you will reach Furuzmami Beach. Head west the same distance and you will reach Ama Beach. Both beaches are beautiful, with good facilities, and a wide range of companies offering glass-bottom boat diving trips and diving equipment rentals.

Ama Beach is characterized by its shallow waters, which makes it popular with families, but this means that you do not get to see coral reefs and marine life unless you swim more in the water.

Although Aka Island has a population of only 400, this number multiplies many times over when visitors come in search of gorgeous beaches and pristine nature.

Japanese spotted deer run freely in the Ryukyu Islands. They even swim among the islands. It should be noted that this type of deer is a protected species.

Aka's best beach is Nishibama Beach, which is a 30-minute walk from the port, and you can rent a bicycle, car, or motorbike to get there. If you like cycling, the best way to get around the island is by bicycle.

There is a bridge that connects you from Aka Island to Giruma and Fukage Islands. These islands are overlooked by many tourists, but they are well worth a visit as they have beautiful beaches and plenty of Kerama blue ocean waters.

Between January and March, the ocean waters around the Kerama Islands welcome guests of a special kind. They are whales of the humpback whale family. The whales feed in Alaskan waters throughout the year, then swim to the Kerama Islands to give birth and raise their young in the warm waters.

Prepare for a two- or three-hour whale watching excursion. And you will definitely get great views of whales up close. Where the length of the whale 15 meters with fins a third of its length; They are truly magical creatures! And if you're not lucky and don't see any whales during the trip, you'll get your money back.