I've been in Japan several times, and Okinawa is the only part I've not been to yet. Recently I've been looking for places that are good for Snorkeling and Swimming in clear water in Asia, and Okinawa is one of the candidates. Though after some more research, there seem to be some dangers with the sea-floor, dangerous wildlife, currents.
Are there better places in Asia or Oceania to Snorkel and Swim in? Is Okinawa still worth seeing without this? I'd be travelling solo and without driving, so Naha is probably the best place for me to stay.
by churndot
3 comments
To be honest, for this kind of activity, I’d recommend going to a place/country that caters more to Western tourists. If you have good Japanese it is not so bad but getting things done in Japan is like playing life on hard-mode.
If you love the food and the music and the culture, and Okinawa is your thing then it’s a great place to go.
And definitely go to the aquarium first to see all the nasties 🐙 that live in the sea. Then you understand why the beach near the aquarium is a roped off, sterile, paddling area..😝
The snorkeling in Okinawa is great, and it’s no more dangerous than anywhere else in the central Indo-Pacific. The issue is that (to generalise) the Japanese are very risk averse, so they make a much bigger deal out of things than in most other countries. There are, for sure, risks associated with swimming in the ocean, but that’ll be the same wherever you go in the region.
Just came back from diving/snorkelling in Okinawa, Ishigaki and I assure you it’s perfectly safe. I’m no seasoned diver, hence the importance of having a good guide. Sure, we encountered a few sea snakes but they’re not aggressive; it’s more likely to swim away from you than approach you. Look for a guide who can speak your language. Okinawa is really a gorgeous place for diving, pristine waters teeming with life and more importantly not overcrowded with tourists!