Tokashiki Island Day Trip by Boat from Naha

Miegusuku Port and the crossing from Naha

The day begins at Miegusuku Port on Naha's waterfront, where you check in at 08:40 (07:30 in September) with our partner host. The charter boat leaves about 40 minutes later and heads west into the East China Sea, reaching Tokashiki Port after roughly an hour, with views back to the Naha skyline and ahead to the green Kerama hills.

If you are asking how to get to Tokashiki Island on your own, the alternative is the public ferry or high-speed boat from Tomari Port, followed by a local bus across the island, which needs advance booking in summer. This Tokashiki Island tour bundles the boat, the island shuttle and lunch into a single booking, so you simply turn up at the port and enjoy the day.

Tokashiki Island

Tokashiki is the largest island of the Kerama group, a hilly, forested island of about 15 square kilometres with a small population living mostly in the main village by the port. Steep roads climb over its central ridge, giving glimpses of turquoise bays on both coasts, and the whole island lies within Kerama Islands National Park, created in 2014 to protect its reefs and seas.

The island is famous for the clarity of its water, known as 'Kerama blue', and for its quiet pace compared with Okinawa's main island. On arrival a shuttle bus meets the boat and drives you over the hills to the beach, so there is no need to walk or rent a car. From January to March humpback whales also visit the surrounding waters.

Aharen Beach

Aharen Beach, on the south-west coast, is the best-known beach on Tokashiki: a long crescent of fine white coral sand in front of the small village of Aharen, with shallow, calm water that shades from pale turquoise to deep blue. Offshore lies the uninhabited islet of Hanari, and hills on both sides frame the bay. Lifeguards patrol the swimming area in season, and there are showers, a rental shop for parasols and snack stands nearby.

Is Aharen Beach worth visiting? For many visitors it is the most beautiful beach within easy reach of Naha, perfect for swimming, floating and simply watching the colours change. Your curry rice lunch is served here, and the free time lasts until the return shuttle at 16:00 (15:00 in September).

Sea turtle snorkelling in Tokashiku Bay

The default option includes a guided snorkel of about one hour, usually in Tokashiku Bay on the island's southern coast, where green sea turtles graze on the seagrass beds close to shore. With a snorkel set and the compulsory life jacket, even beginners float easily while the instructor leads the group to where the turtles feed. Many guests swim within a few metres of a turtle, though wild animals are never guaranteed.

The start time of the snorkel is announced on the island, and the instructor speaks basic English. Snorkelling is open to ages 6 to 59, and everyone fills in a consent form on the day. Keep your distance, never touch the turtles or corals, and follow the instructor so that the turtles stay relaxed and keep returning to the bay.

Best time for a Tokashiki Island day trip

The best time to visit Tokashiki Island for a beach day is from April to October, when the sea is warm and the island shuttle and lunch stands are all open. The charter departures run in the warm season, and in peak summer the beaches are busiest; September has an earlier timetable, with check-in at 07:30 and return to Naha around 16:10.

Typhoons can affect Okinawa from July to October, and boats do not sail when the sea is unsafe; in that case we help you change the date or refund. On a normal day you are back at Miegusuku Port at about 17:10, with time for dinner in Naha.