Spend a day in what truly feels like paradise. Zamami Island is quiet, surrounded by vibrant blue water, dramatic hills with a feeling of isolation that is difficult to come by in this world. To be honest, it’s actually what I thought Okinawa was going to be like.
Part of the Kerama Islands, Zamami has so much to offer on its 24 kilometre circumference, with a population of just 500 people. The rugged landscape is perfect for hiking and cycling, while the crystal clear waters beckon you to dive in and explore the abundance of marine life below.
Easy to reach from Naha, Zamami Island is one of the best day trips from Okinawa.
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Zamami Island Ferry
The Zamami Island ferry leaves from Tomari Port in Naha, depending on the season it departs 1-3 times a day. The first ferry is typically 9 AM or 10 AM. You can book tickets up to 55 days in advance here.
You can choose either the high speed Queen Zamami which takes up to 1 hour or a slower ferry for 2 hours. We opted for the Queen Zamami which was a large and comfortable catamaran.
The sea can be rough during the autumn and winter months, this is something to consider if you get bad seasickness. We visited in January, the seas were rough even though the weather was warm.
Best Time To Visit Zamami Island
The peak season runs from early April to late November, when the weather is warm and humid and lifeguards are stationed on the beaches: ideal for swimming and water sports.
For whale watching, January through March offers the best opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. However, be aware that weather during these months can be unpredictable, with occasional storms that may cancel ferry services. There’s a real possibility of being stranded on the island for an extra night or two, so plan accordingly and build flexibility into your itinerary.
Zamami Island Hotels
St.Maire Zamami for the nicest hotel on the island. Rooms are modern and spacious, some have a private pool for the ultimate luxury stay. Complimentary coffee and tea is also available. check availability >
Kerama Blue Resort for tranquility. Located on the quiet Nchana Beach, it’s the perfect place to stay in Zamami for those looking to turn off and unwind. A free shuttle is available to pick you up at the port, and also take you to various spots around the island. There is also a good restaurant onsite. check availability >
Shima Stay Holoholo for simple and clean rooms in the heart of Zamami village. Coin laundry and an ice machine are available for guests to use, both come in handy after a day cycling the island. They also offer a 3 hour snorkelling tour. check availability >
Getting Around Zamami Island
The best way to explore Zamami island is to rent a bike. Although small, you cannot see it all on foot in just one day. There are many bike rentals close to the port.
We found one just 5 minutes walk away: Rental Miyamura, there was an honour system where you just put money into a box and took the bike. We loved this and it was an excellent first impression on how safe this island is. It cost 300 yen for 2 hours.
The road around Zamami is incredibly scenic with sprawling ocean views, but it is also hilly. If you are not a frequent cyclist or exerciser then an e-bike would make it a more comfortable ride.
Along with bikes you can rent scooters and electrical cars, however I think cycling allows you to get closer to the nature and take it all in without rushing by.
Zamami also has a town bus that goes between the village and Furuzamami Beach for 300 yen per person.
Things To Do On Zamami Island
Beaches
Ama Beach
White sand, clear blue water, sea turtles and Kahi Island in the distance, Ama Beach is certainly one of the nicest beaches on Zamami Island.
It’s a popular snorkelling spot due to the large number of sea turtles that frequently drop by.
Furuzamami Beach
Big claim but Furuzamami is the best beach on Zamami and my favourite beach in the world. It’s spacious, the sand is soft and fluffy, the water is crystal clear and calm, and there are rocks you can climb up on for the most relaxing rest.
There are many interesting shells and large pieces of coral, we walked the full length and kept getting distracted by the pretty rocks.
You can rent snorkelling gear here, the water is full of different species of fish and live coral, it promises to be one of the most memorable things to do on Zamami Island. Sun loungers, are also available, a place you will not want to leave.
To get here you can walk 20 minutes from the port some of which is uphill, or take a shuttle bus from the port.
Uhama Beach
Very quiet beach, you need to climb on a few rocks to get here. It takes about 25 minutes to cycle here from the port.
Fine white sand and deep within a bay, it’s almost like a lake.
Ino Beach
The furthest beach from Zamami Port (approximately 30 minutes by bike or 20 minutes by car), Ino Beach rewards those who make the hilly journey with seclusion and tranquility.
Surrounded by natural scenery and rarely visited by tourists, this expansive beach is perfect for escaping the crowds with a good book. You may well have it entirely to yourself.
Observation Decks
Kami-no-hama
This wooden deck gives you a birds eye view of the Kerama islands, on a clear day you can see as far as Kumejima, it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset on Zamami Island.
If you have binoculars you might even catch a few whales in the distance.
Unajinosachi
In my opinion this is the best viewpoint in Zamami.
Follow a staircase down to an open seascape. It’s windy, rugged and so so beautiful. You can see Yakabi Island, Aka, Tonaki, Aguni, and the Zamami cliffs
Inazaki
Another good whale watching viewpoint on Zamami. Climbing up a small wooden hut allows you views of the northern shoreline.
Chishi
Located in the northernmost tip of the island, this offers a different view from the others on the list. It’s more isolated and harder to get to, but once you get here you are rewarded with rugged cliffs and ocean views.
Mt. Takatsuki
Mt. Takatsuki is one of the highest viewpoints on the island at 131 meters.
There are two observation decks, the first overlooks Zamami Port and the village, while the second offers panoramic views from Ajin Beach to Asa Port Ango no Ura.
Whale Watching
The Kerama islands offer the perfect location to whale watch from the beginning of January until the end of March. Humpback whales migrate from the Arctic to warmer waters in order to mate and birth. It’s easy to see why they choose these warm, protected waters
Zamami has many whale watching tours, I recommend booking a tour from Zamami Whale Watching Association in order to ensure money is being put back into the local community. Please check this website for Zamami whale watching tours. Most of the captains are Zamami residents.
The tour lasts 2 hours and takes groups out the different locations around the island. They are helped by a worker on the land using binoculars to spot where they are on that day. It’s best to book in advance, but tours can be cancelled due to bad sea conditions.
The price is an average of 8,000 yen per person.
Snorkelling + Diving
With water so clear and marine life so abundant, it’s not a surprise that diving and snorkelling is one of the top things to do in Zamami, and considered the best in Japan.
The optimal time is May – October due to favourable weather conditions, but it’s still possible outside of this time, it just might be a bit colder.
The ocean has sea turtles, three different species of clownfish, butterflyfish, sea snakes and much more. There is also a large amount of live coral.
Areas on the beaches are restricted therefore it’s better to snorkel with a tour who can take you out further.
Where To Eat On Zamami Island
There aren’t too many restaurants on Zamami, but the few that are there are genuinely excellent. Most of them are only open in the evening but a few are open for lunch.
- Wayama Mozuku: amazing soba, so flavourful and the pork is super tender. The restaurant also operates snorkelling tours.
- Torajiro: unassuming izakaya with delicious hearty dishes like takoyaki, stewed pork and curry rice.
- Shokudou Jirobe: slightly off the beaten track, taste authentic Okinawan cuisine. Dishes include swordfish steak, Goya chanpuru and squid ink yakisoba.
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