Furuzamami is a shallow, reef-fringed beach on the southeast side of Zamami Island in Okinawa's Kerama Islands, and it's the classic showcase for the famously clear 'Kerama Blue,' with visibility that often tops 20 meters. Just a few meters off the white sand you're into branching coral alive with green chromis and several species of clownfish, while the reef zone on the right (east) side of the beach is well known for green sea turtle encounters — which, together with the shallow 1-5 m depth, makes it a favorite for first-time snorkelers. The reef shelves off to a sandy bottom around 4-5 m, and the whole area sits within the Kerama Shoto National Park marine protected area (designated 2014). As of 2026 it remains a busy day trip from Naha — about 50 minutes by high-speed ferry — with gear rental available at the seasonal beach house in summer.
'Kerama Blue' water rated two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, with visibility that frequently exceeds 20 m on calm days
Coral right off the sand — within a few meters of entry you're over branching coral holding hundreds of green chromis and multiple clownfish species
High green-turtle encounter rate in the reef zone on the beach's right (east) side
A classic reef drop-off — enter near the rocky point at the west end and the coral shelves off to a sandy bottom around 4-5 m
Best at high tide, when you can float over the coral to see fish up close; at low tide the water gets shallow and swimming zones are limited
Good to know
SafetyBeyond the reef edge the bottom drops off sharply and rip currents can push you out to sea. Stay inside the roped swimming zone, never snorkel alone, and wear a life jacket or float.
SafetyDon't touch or step on hazardous marine life — sea urchins, fire coral, stonefish and the venomous sea kraits you may see in the water. Wear water shoes and watch where you put your feet.
SafetyTour boats and jet skis operate offshore. Keep inside the swimming zone and tow a brightly colored float or buoy so you stay visible.
SafetyBeginners: watch for mask fogging and panic. Practice fitting your mask and breathing in the shallows, don't over-swim into deep water, and mind hypothermia on long sessions.
SeasonThe snorkel season is April-November (peak July-September), with summer water around 27-29°C. June-September is box-jellyfish (habu) season and stings can be fatal, so cover exposed skin with a rash guard or wetsuit; high tide is best for floating over the coral (at low tide it gets shallow and zones are restricted).
RulesThis is a marine protected area within Kerama Shoto National Park. Collecting or touching coral and wildlife is prohibited, individual snorkelers are expected to wear a life jacket and stay within designated zones, and reef-safe sunscreen (free of oxybenzone and octinoxate) is encouraged.
MannersMind your manners around turtles and coral: keep your distance, never touch or feed the sea turtles, and don't stand on or kick the coral with your fins.
Practical info
Reach Zamami from Tomari Port in Naha on the 'Queen Zamami' high-speed ferry (about 50 min; the car ferry is roughly 90-120 min), then a ~15-minute bus or 20-minute walk from Zamami Port to the beach. The snorkel season runs April-November (peak July-September); seasonal beach-house rentals, fees, opening hours and bus/ferry schedules change year to year, so confirm the latest details before you go.
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