Nishibama Beach is the main beach of Aka Island in the Kerama Islands, a roughly one-kilometre arc of white sand fronting the famously clear water known as 'Kerama Blue.' You can wade straight in from the sand onto shallow coral where blue-green damselfish and other tropical fish gather, and on morning tides green and hawksbill turtles often feed on the seagrass within 20-30 m of shore. Typical depths run 1-5 m with 20-35 m visibility, easy for beginners, though swimming out about 200 m brings you to a dramatic drop-off over a white-sand bottom. It is the only beach on Aka with lifeguards on duty (roughly May-October), and in the summer peak (July-September) a plaza at the entrance offers gear rental and a snack kiosk.
Beach-entry snorkeling: walk in from the sand straight onto shallow coral thick with tropical fish
Reliable sea-turtle sightings, best in the morning, on the shallow reef close to shore
A dramatic drop-off about 200 m out, where the bottom falls away over white sand with vivid coral heads
'Kerama Blue' water and a 1 km white-sand beach, rated two stars in the Michelin Green Guide
Inside Kerama Shoto National Park: healthy reef, high visibility, and Aka's only lifeguarded beach
Good to know
SafetyRip currents form near the reef edge and around low tide; if caught, swim parallel to shore to escape the flow, then come in, and never fight it head-on. Several snorkelers have died here in recent years, so beginners should not overextend.
SafetyNever snorkel alone. Go in pairs or more, and wear a life jacket and a float or buoy. Do not enter after drinking, on little sleep, or when feeling unwell.
SafetyMask fogging, panic, and cold from long immersion are real hazards even in shallow water; rest often and watch for chills and fatigue.
SafetyDive and tour boats operate offshore toward the drop-off. Tow a brightly coloured float and stay clear of boat lanes.
SeasonBox jellyfish (habu-kurage) and other stingers appear in the warm months (June-October). This is a natural beach with no protective net, so cover up with a rashguard or wetsuit. Also watch for sea urchins, fire coral, and other venomous marine life.
RulesThis is a national-park protected area: do not touch or collect coral or marine life, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Shade is scarce, so sun protection is essential.
MannersNever stand or step on coral, and keep your distance from turtles and other wildlife; do not feed or chase them.
Practical info
Reach Aka from Naha's Tomari Port by the high-speed Queen Zamami (about 50 minutes direct) or the Ferry Zamami (about 90 minutes); from Zamami Island a short inter-island ferry runs about 15 minutes. The beach is roughly a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Aka Port, lifeguards are on duty about May-October, and the best snorkeling window is July-September. Ferry times, fares, rental prices, and tour conditions change by season, so confirm the latest details before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
