Zamami Island

Zamami Island (座間味島) is a small island located in the Kerama Islands group, part of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. It is situated approximately 40 kilometers west of Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, and is accessible by ferry from Naha’s Tomari Port.

Zamami Island is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The island is also home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding ocean and landscape.

One of the main attractions on Zamami Island is the whale shark watching tours, which take visitors to nearby waters to see the gentle giants up close. These tours are available from January to March, when the whale sharks are known to migrate to the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Zamami Island is also known for its traditional Okinawan culture. Visitors can experience local cuisine, music, and crafts at the island’s various cultural events and festivals, such as the Zamami Island Festival held in July.

Zamami Island has a small village area with various accommodation options, including guesthouses, pensions, and hotels. There are also several restaurants serving fresh seafood and local Okinawan cuisine.

Getting there

From Naha

By Ferry:

• Ferry Zamami:
  • Travel time: Approximately 2 hours
  • One-way fare: 2,250 yen; round trip: 4,190 yen
  • Typically runs once a day, but may have additional trips during peak season.
  • Stops at Aka Island before continuing to Zamami Island.
• High-Speed Queen Zamami:
  • Travel time: Approximately 50-70 minutes
  • One-way fare: 3,300 yen; round trip: 6,180 yen
  • Typically runs twice a day from Tomari Port (north side) in Naha.
  • The morning departure usually goes directly to Zamami, while the afternoon service may stop at Aka Island.

Getting to Tomari Port

• From Naha Airport:
  • By Monorail: Take the monorail to Miebashi Station (7 stops, about 14 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes to Tomari Port.
  • By Bus: Take bus lines 26 or 99 from the airport bus terminal to Tomari Takahashi (about 30 minutes).
  • By Taxi: Approximately a 15-minute ride costing around 1,500 yen.