Two Weeks in Okinawa – The Ultimate Itinerary for Scuba Divers

Recommendation: Board this plan today to ensure you start strong. Easily follow a 14-day route designed for scuba enthusiasts, with clear checklists to help you navigate entering the southernmost reefs and moving between prime sites with minimal downtime.

The route balances boat days and shore days, keeping you inside safe zones and between top locations. August marks peak visibility, with numerous added stops along the way to sample hidden bays while avoiding crowded harbors. At several sites, you’ll find cameras ready to capture wide-angle and macro shots, while suspended platforms offer angles for close-ups.

Gear and value: This plan will allow you to adjust gear lists and packing. Inside budget considerations, it comes with money-back guarantees if weather disrupts a leg. You can rely on clear, inside access to rental shops and camera gear near Naha, easily arranging a kit that suits your needs. The guide ensures you have a strong base for your Okinawa expedition all season long.

What travelers say: Numerous enthusiasts liked that the route included added marine reserves and flexible days; they report better time management and more consistent experiences. The plan helps conserve money while keeping you moving smoothly, and most who used it would recommend it to others.

Practical pointers: Inside this guide you’ll find a concise checklist, recommended camera settings for wide and macro work, and suggestions for nearby lodging close to boat docks. The schedule minimizes backtracking, ensures you aren’t stuck waiting during peak season, and helps you maximize time at sea without compromising safety. If you’re traveling in August, bring a lightweight wetsuit and a dry bag for gear, and plan for occasional rain showers that won’t disrupt the main plan.

Practical Two-Week Okinawa Dive Plan for Evening Painted Sky Dives and Onna Blue Cave

Base in Onna near Maeda Point to cut travel time to the outer reef and Blue Cave zones; choose a room with a kitchen to keep costs at a least level; book ahead, especially in peak season, and use official, licensed guides for evening snorkelling sessions.

1. Week 1 – setup, prep, and first evenings
   • Day 1: Arrive, check in, and lock in two to three evening windows. Confirm a small-group, official night snorkelling option; since weather can shift, keep one flexible day for a back‑up plan. Talk with tetsuro service to compare independent and official options.
   • Day 2: Market visit to stock snacks and spare batteries; visit local shops for a low-cost mask or spare lens if needed; plan to do most onshore prep at the room to protect your energy for the water.
   • Day 3: Maeda Point orientation at the outer reef: depth typically 8–12 m, with azure water and colourful reef life. Look for numerous anemones and friendly fish; note currents and best exit points before sunset.
   • Day 4: First evening session near Maeda Point: target 60–90 minutes before sunset; use a wide-angle lens to capture the painted sky and cave silhouettes; keep the light extremely gentle to avoid spooking wildlife; return to the room for a quick meal.
   • Day 5: Onna Blue Cave visit: arrive at mid‑tide for calmer water; shoot from the cave entrance toward the blue shaft, trying a shallow composition with a compact lens; protect cave surfaces by avoiding contact with walls.
   • Day 6: Snorkelling practice near Misaki cape: azure water, colourful life, and a few friendly anemones; stay off the reef and respect currents; carry a spare dry bag for gear and a back‑up mask.
   • Day 7: Independent option or light rest: consider Yaeyama market exploration or a simple walk along the coast; if you go, return early to keep energy for week 2.
2. Week 2 – photography polish, repeat sessions, and peak-light planning
   • Day 8: Second Maeda Point dusk session: test three angles, bracket exposure, and look for the moment when the sky’s colour blends with the outer reef; keep footprints minimal to protect natural habitats.
   • Day 9: Onna Blue Cave second visit: vary composition with a different lens choice; compare shots of the azure beam and cave walls; review in the room and pick the best few for editing.
   • Day 10: Optional Yaeyama day trip if weather cooperates; bring a light snack and waterproof bag; if back late, do a short snorkelling session near Misaki to cap the day.
   • Day 11: Misaki cap dusk sequence: shoot five-frame bracketing sequences to capture the gradient from orange to azure; use a polarizer or suitable filter to tame glare, and protect the reef by staying off the rocks.
   • Day 12: Night snorkelling with tetsuro/service option or another official operator: brief safety plan, buddy system, and a clear turnaround time; if using a small air tank, handle with care and keep group size tight to avoid crowds.
   • Day 13: Gear check and photo curation: back up top shots to a second card for year‑end edits; visit a few shops for small accessories and a memory card if needed; plan a final review of the shooting routine.
   • Day 14: Return planning and wrap‑up: confirm transport, pack impressions and gear, and arrange a future visit with okinawan hosts or guides; note the most stunning spots to revisit next year.

14-Day Dive Schedule: Core Sites, Rest Days, and Travel Time

Recommendation: Begin with two days focused on Cape Maeda’s Blue Cave and Maeda Point, then switch to Kerama’s reefs for days 4 and 5, returning to central Okinawa for days 7 and 8. This layout minimizes dropout risk and keeps travel time efficient.

Day 1 – Arrival and gear check Arrive in Naha, pick up rental gear at the shop, and bring your suit plus a spare layer. Conduct a quick introductory briefing, confirm training for nitrox if desired, and verify all equipment fits. In the evening, settle into the hotel and review the plan with your guide; note local information about weather and currents for the week.

Day 2 – Cape Maeda: Blue Cave and Maeda Point Driving from central Naha takes about 40 minutes. Schedule two underwater sessions on shallow reefs, with bottom depths around 6–18 m and visibility typically 15–25 m. Lunch is typically on board; return mid‑afternoon to rest. Monitor nitrogen levels and avoid long bottom times on the same air fill.

Day 3 – Rest day with trekking option Use the morning for a light hike along the northern coast or visit a local market for ceramic souvenirs. If you prefer a low‑impact activity, choose a scenic bike or walking route. Estinate costs for optional guided treks range, and you can compare price ranges at the shop. Keep bringing water and sun protection; however, stay within comfort to prevent fatigue.

Day 4 – Kerama Islands: Zamami and Aka zones (Day 1) Take an early ferry from Tomari Port to Kerama (roughly 1.5–2 hours). Expect two underwater sessions on reef walls or plateau currents, with depths 12–25 m. Lunch on board; driving time from the hotel to the port is about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. The opportunity to spot turtles and schooling fish is high.

Day 5 – Kerama Islands: Tokashiki and nearby reefs (Day 2) Another morning boat departure, visiting additional sites around Tokashiki. Two underwater sessions focused on healthy corals and dramatic bottom slopes; currents can be stronger in channels, so plan shorter bottom times if needed. Expect price variance with boat charters; confirm inclusive costs and crew tips. Where possible, schedule a brief lunch stop on a secluded beach.

Day 6 – Rest day and casual exploration Revisit the local coastline by driving along the southern flats or enjoy a relaxed evening sunset at a beach club. If you want a hands‑on training refresh, ask your instructor to review buoyancy and gas planning, including nitrogen management.

Day 7 – Central Okinawa reefs: Manza Point Drive about 50 minutes to the Onna area. Two underwater sessions target shallow to mid‑depth reefs (12–20 m) with dramatic bottom features. Look for turtles and vibrant soft coral gardens; keep energy for the second session after a midday lunch. Use this day to refine plan and information on safety drills.

Day 8 – Central Okinawa reefs: Onna Field and vicinity Continue with two underwater sessions around Onna’s reef lines and drop‑off zones. Monitor current strength and adjust bottom time accordingly; this is a good moment to complete any remaining introductory training tasks and to practice pick‑up and drop‑off procedures. Evening debrief focuses on where to place the next day’s entries.

Day 9 – Travel day and light activity Return to Naha by driving, then take a relaxed afternoon to recover. Optional trekking near local parks or a short shore session if you feel rested. Gather information on the rest of the schedule and verify cost ranges for any additional charters.

Day 10 – South Okinawa: Sunabe Seawall and nearby reefs Shore entries at Sunabe provide calmer conditions for an introductory session and buoyancy drills. Expect shallow depths (5–12 m) with a light current; ideal for a relaxed lunch break and a chance to review bottom time and nitrogen limits. Plan a price‑aware approach to gear use and potential equipment upgrades at the local shop.

Day 11 – Rest and gear checks Dedicated to equipment inspection and training refreshers. Revisit your plan for the final two days, confirm Where you’ll go, and verify that you have enough bringing supplies (air, weights, spare parts). Evening discussion covers the opportunity to add a night session if seas cooperate.

Day 12 – Final central Okinawa options or Kerama rerun If seas permit, return to a favorite site for two underwater sessions (depths 12–22 m) to cement buoyancy and gas management skills. If not, swap in a repeat of Cape Maeda or a second Kerama zone closer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth transition to checkout.

Day 13 – Last full day: wrap‑up transitions Use a final two underwater sessions to revisit preferred lines, confirm gas plans, and collect information for future trips. Ensure all gear is brought to the hotel safe and organized; check catch‑up notes in case you want to recheck any price estimates or estinate costs for future itineraries.

Day 14 – Departure Check out after a light morning lunch and a brief debrief. Your guide delivers a written summary of the week, including the days when you dived (note: term avoided here to keep language consistent) and the bottom depth ranges you experienced, plus opportunity for booking a future trip with preferred shop and charter partners.

Evening Painted Sky Dive Booking: Availability, Fees, and Waivers

Book the Evening Painted Sky session two weeks ahead to guarantee a slot on zamami and the Kerama islands, with three twilight windows and a maximum of six travellers per slot. Sessions run roughly 75 minutes, from 5:30 PM to 7:15 PM, weather permitting, and you’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you’re travelling here from abroad, plan a little extra time to settle in and set a clear thought about what you want to observe.

Fees start at $140 per person for the standard package; Premium adds a private viewing space and a light snack for $195 per person. Equipment rental is $25, and a private room for group briefing can be added for $50. Quotes exclude taxes.

Waivers: All participants sign an online waiver before arrival. The waiver covers safety guidelines, current sea conditions, weather variability, and emergency procedures. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian who also signs. If the session is called off due to safety reasons, you may reschedule or receive a full refund; otherwise, the policy requires 24 hours notice to avoid fees.

Availability and locations: The experience operates from zamami and the Kerama islands; you can add island-hopping to your plan, including zamami. Availability depends on sea state and daylight; safety takes priority. The program also weaves in local history, including wwii wrecks near zamami.

Weather and schedule changes: If showers or strong currents appear, the session may be postponed to the next day or moved to a safer time. If the operator calls off, you can reschedule or receive a full refund; in difficult conditions, we aim to minimize disruption while keeping safety as the main priority. Stop moments for breath and observation are built into every plan, so you won’t miss the painted sky.

Booking tips and what to bring: Choose either standard or premium; decide based on your group size and desired extras; bring a light jacket, water, and a small bag for essentials. Even if conditions shift, it’s not difficult to adjust, allowing you to reach the painted sky and still appreciate the deepest tones. We cover everything you need to know about timing, gear, and safety. The current conditions will determine stops along the route, and our guides provide significant safety oversight, ensuring a room for every kind of traveller.

Safety and understanding: Our guides maintain safe protocols and clear communication; you’ll leave with a new understanding of the sky over water and the sense of lightness you feel in the moment, appreciating the current, the scenery, and the history that surrounds zamami and its islands.

Onna Blue Cave Access: Best Entry Points, Time Windows, and Photo Opportunities

Arrive at Cape Maeda’s main entry before 9:45 to catch a low-tide window (roughly 9:30–11:30) when currents calm, water stays clear, and natural light paints the cave walls. You wont wait long for a prime slot if you book the morning session with the instructors.

Alternative entry points include the backside access along the middle of the cliffs, where a calm stretch can be navigated with instructors’ guidance; contrary to popular belief, the backside is not always open, and tides matter, so check before you depart.

Time windows for optimal illumination depend on sun angle and water influence; knowing the window helps your effort. Maybe you’ll be able to capture a shaft of light between 10:30–12:30 on cloudless days to illuminate corals and rock textures, then switch to photography mode as the water turns from turquoise to cobalt.

Photo opportunities highlight the cave’s interior: luminous blue water, coral gardens along the floor, and reflections on limestone surfaces. If you time it right, you’ll be lucky to catch a shaft of sunlight slicing through the opening. Use a wide-angle lens, frame minimalist scenes, and capture silhouettes of swimmers against the opening.

Recommended gear includes a compact camera unit for quick snaps and a lightweight mask kit. Local shops coordinate with instructors for trekking along the coast, provide safety briefings, and help you stay able to move through tighter sections. After the session, rinse in rooms with showers at the base and store gear for quick access.

Visiting from nearby spots like Kouri or the Onna Gardens area offers alternative entry approaches; these routes depend on weather and water conditions, so verify with guides and plan to arrive early. On busy weekends, tourists crowd the main site, and unfortunately, heavy seas can close the option.

Respect marine life: sharks may appear near reefs; keep distance, avoid touching corals, and participate in small groups to minimize impact.

Night Dive Gear and Safety Protocols: Lighting, Buddies, and Emergency Procedures

Begin your night immersion with a clear buddy plan: pair up with a single partner, agree on signals, and perform a two-light check at the harbour facilities listed by your operator. Arrive early to review the open-water plan, confirm the ride back to the harbour, and verify a spare battery stored in a dry bag.

Lighting focus: carry a primary white LED around 1000–1500 lumens, a back-up 300–600 lumens, and a red light for close work and signaling. Keep batteries in a dry, taped container and rotate between sources if needed. In azure night water, plenty of light helps you spot spots on reef edges and avoid hazards near the bottom. Mount the main light on a head strap for hands-free steering, stash the back-up in a pocket, and clip the red light to your wrist for quick signaling to your buddy.

Buddy protocol: stay within arm’s reach, maintain a fixed distance of about one to two meters, and agree on a simple, practiced signal for any problem. Before entering open water, review the plan with your partner and confirm who leads in low-visibility sections. If you must reassess, pause together at a known point and recheck gear, air supply, and the surface contact plan.

Emergency procedures: if a light fails, switch to the back-up and return toward the ascent plan with your buddy. Use a surface marker buoy (SMB) on ascent and a red light to stay visible to the official safety boat. If separation occurs, follow the pre-arranged signal, ascend slowly, and rejoin at the planned point or surface at a pre-agreed harbour location. Always use the official signals and stay calm to reduce risk during a quick, controlled ascent.

Seasickness and boat-back considerations: if seasickness hits, sit on deck, hydrate, and focus on the horizon. Avoid heavy meals immediately before the session and keep medicines as advised by crew. On arrival back to shore after the session, a short harbour ride helps you settle; this ride is usually quick and planned to minimize downtime.

Pre-session checks: prior to entering open water, review current conditions, currents, and the maximum depth allowed for your certification. The depth40 limit is listed for many night activities; do not exceed it without explicit authorization from the service staff. If you arrive from Haneda or another hub, use the listed transfer times to reach the harbour facilities in time for briefing and equipment checks.

Facilities and logistics: harbour showers and changing rooms are typically open after the tour, with ample space to rinse gear and reorganize for the return ride. The staff often provide a brief on local spots and caution you about hidden entanglements near reefs, so stay alert at all times and respect the marine environment.

Part of a smooth experience is knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Keep a small spare set of consumables aboard and spent time reviewing the official emergency procedures before you arrive on site. This approach minimizes risk and keeps the mood calm, allowing you to enjoy the night wash of the azure water and the glow of your lights.

Local Logistics: Transit, Lodging, and Recommended Dive Shops for a Smooth Trip

Book the first morning ferry from Tomari Port to Zamami and secure a harbor-view room; there are plenty of departures daily, and arriving early helps you settle before the sea wind picks up. Expect calm seas on the first leg, and if you have dived before, you’ll want a light pre-brief and a quick surface swim to shake off travel fatigue.

From Naha Airport to Tomari Port, plan 20–30 minutes by taxi or direct bus, then entering the ferry terminal. If you booked ahead, you’ll skip lines and have a smoother transfer; the route sits close to Taiwan, making it easy to weave in a broader itinerary.

On Zamami, lodging options range from guesthouses to small pensions; a booked stay near the harbor saves transit time and makes early departures simple. Look for a room with straightforward breakfast, a secure gear room, walking distance to the dock, and underground gear closets where available.

Recommended local scuba shops provide gear rental, guided boat trips, and clear safety briefs. Seek a single package that covers equipment, air fills, weights, and boat transfer to the pier; confirm any charge for reef etiquette guidance and whether a marine park pass is required. A shop with a neat display of gear and friendly staff helps you start the day right.

Grocery options are limited on the island, so plan ahead. At the harbor you’ll find a few stalls with plenty of fresh fruits and a tomato or two; bring a small lunch or buy a ready-made option to keep costs down, and check for a display of seasonal produce to guide what you buy.

Entering the water from a sheltered spot reduces chop; slightly adjust your buoyancy for the first minutes, and keep an eye on the reef to protect corals. Check wind before heading out and aim for calm mornings; the walking path between village and pier makes logistics easy, and many boats use crafts that head out on quick trips–great for a surface look at life below the surface.