Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour/Limited Time Whale Watching

The Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour promises an unforgettable underwater adventure, with the added thrill of potential whale sightings. Priced at $73.90 per person, the tour provides snorkeling gear, refreshments, and optional lunch. While reviews have been mixed, this excursion offers the chance to explore Japan’s stunning Kerama Islands and witness the region’s captivating marine life up close. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time adventurer, this tour could be the perfect way to learn about the wonders of the Pacific.

Key Points

• This snorkeling tour takes place in the Kerama Islands near Naha, Japan, and offers an optional limited-time whale watching experience.
• The tour includes snorkeling equipment, restrooms, bottled water, and tea, but participants must provide their own swimsuit, towel, and other personal items.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers and is not wheelchair accessible, with participants required to follow safety instructions from the guides.
• Reviews for the tour are mixed, with some praising the optional lunch and amenities, while others criticizing the snorkeling quality and organization.
• Participation may be refused for certain medical conditions, and the tour may not fully meet the expectations of experienced snorkelers.

Tour Overview

The tour is titled "Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour/Limited Time Whale Watching" and is located in Naha, Japan.

It has 28 reviews with an overall rating of 4.1. The tour costs from $73.90 per person and includes snorkeling equipment, restrooms, bottled water, and tea. An optional 880 yen lunch is available.

The tour meets at Miegusuku Port in Naha City at 7:30 AM, with limited pick-up service from major hotels. Parking is available for 500 yen.

Participants should bring swimwear, sandals, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at Miegusuku Port in Naha City at 07:30 AM for the start of the tour.

Free pick-up is available from major hotels in Naha, but capacity is limited. Confirmation emails are sent after booking.

Those without hotel pick-up must meet at the port. Parking costs ¥500 for the day, with free parking nearby.

Visitors from outside Naha should allow extra time due to potential traffic, especially on weekdays.

The tour operates a maximum of 10 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

What to Bring

Visitors should bring a swimsuit to wear under their clothes and a change of clothes for the return trip.

Sandals are recommended for walking on the boat and in the water. Sunscreen is a must to protect against the strong sun.

Participants may also want to pack a small lunch if they don’t pre-order the optional meal. Other essentials include a towel and any necessary medications.

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, so travelers don’t need to bring their own. Packing light and efficiently is advised for this active excursion.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Most travelers can participate in the Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour, though those with serious medical conditions, asthma, diabetes, recent surgeries, or who’ve consumed alcohol within an hour may be refused.

Infants must sit on laps. The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Tour operators prioritize safety and may deny participation if they’ve concerns about a traveler’s ability to comfortably and safely engage in the snorkeling activities.

Participants should be prepared to sign waivers and follow all instructions from the guides to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Snorkeling Locations

The tour visits three distinct snorkeling spots around the Kerama Islands. Experiences vary, as some participants report seeing turtles and colorful marine life, while others describe poor visibility and organization.

The snorkeling locations include:

• A shallow, protected cove with tranquil waters and abundant tropical fish
• An open area near coral reefs, offering opportunities to spot larger marine creatures
• A site with strong currents and decreased underwater visibility, which can be challenging for beginner snorkelers

Snorkeling conditions and sightings depend on factors like weather, tide, and group size, leading to mixed reviews from tour participants.

Communication

How effective was the communication during the Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour?

Reviews on the communication were mixed. While some participants felt the guides had sufficient English proficiency, others reported that communication was lacking.

Certain travelers expressed difficulty understanding instructions and felt the guides could have provided clearer information.

The tour’s language barrier reportedly impacted the overall experience for some, making it challenging to fully enjoy the snorkeling activity.

Improved communication, particularly in English, could enhance the tour’s quality and ensure all participants feel informed and supported throughout the excursion.

Lunch and Amenities

Along With the guided snorkeling experience, the Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour also offered an optional lunch for participants.

The lunch, priced at 880 yen, included:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork

While not included in the base tour price, the optional lunch was appreciated by those who indulged.

The tour also provided other amenities, such as towels and nausea medication, to help ensure a comfortable experience for the travelers.

Overall Sentiment

Varied sentiments emerged among participants regarding the Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour. Some enthusiastically recommended the experience, praising the optional lunch and amenities like towels and medication.

However, others felt the tour fell short, particularly in terms of the snorkeling which they deemed underwhelming compared to diving. Communication issues with the guides compounded the problem for some.

The reviews were mixed, with the snorkeling quality and organization appearing inconsistent across different participants.

While the tour offers a convenient option, it may not fully meet the expectations of experienced snorkelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Life Jackets Provided During the Snorkeling Activity?

Yes, life jackets are provided during the snorkeling activity. The tour overview indicates that the use of snorkeling equipment is included, which typically encompasses life jackets for safety purposes.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but allowing personal equipment provides more comfort and familiarity for those who have their own.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy generally allows for full refunds with at least 24 hours’ notice. However, the specific details may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator directly for the most up-to-date cancellation and refund guidelines.

Is the Snorkeling Area Suitable for Beginners?

The snorkeling area is generally suitable for beginners, though experiences can vary. Some participants reported seeing turtles and colorful fish, while others noted poor visibility. It’s advisable to check with the tour operator about the skill level required.

Can I Opt-Out of the Snorkeling and Just Do the Whale Watching?

Yes, participants can opt-out of the snorkeling portion and just do the whale watching. The tour description indicates this is a Limited Time Whale Watching tour, so the whale watching is a standalone activity that doesn’t require snorkeling.

The Sum Up

The Naha: Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world of Japan’s Kerama Islands, with the added bonus of limited-time whale watching. While the experience has garnered mixed reviews, participants should be prepared for a day of adventure, taking necessary precautions for health and safety. The tour includes snorkeling gear, refreshments, and optional lunch, providing a well-rounded experience for those interested in this unique adventure.