From Naha Scuba Diving Trip in Kerama(for certified divers)

Kerama National Park is the star here: clear blue water, coral reefs, turtles, bright fish, and the chance to visit several sites in one long day from Naha. The boat ride takes about an hour each way, but the payoff is access to the islands rather than a quick shoreline outing. Two boat sessions are included, and many people add a third for 5,500 yen.

I like the careful setup and the small groups, limited to four participants. Guides such as Ryuta, Yun, and Utah have earned praise for clear briefings, calm support, and good attention to safety. I also like that equipment, insurance, transfers, and underwater photos are included. The main consideration is the early start, the long boat day, and the fact that lunch and a dive computer cost extra.

At a Glance: Kerama by Boat

• Three possible pickup areas: Naha, Urasoe, and selected locations in Ginowan.
• Two Kerama sessions included: A third underwater session costs 5,500 yen in cash.
• Small groups of up to four: You get a more personal pace than on a large boat.
• English and Japanese support: Boat and safety briefings are given in both languages.
• Photos included: SEAKERS sends underwater images and videos after the outing.
• About $206 per person: The price covers transport, boat travel, equipment, insurance, and two sessions.

Why Kerama Is Worth the Early Start

The Kerama Islands sit offshore from Okinawa, and this outing takes you to Kerama National Park by boat. The area is known for clear water and lively marine life, and the practical appeal is simple: you get a full day in one of Okinawa’s best-known underwater areas without arranging your own boat, equipment, guide, or transfers.

The schedule begins around 6:45 a.m. with pickup. That is early, but it gives you time to reach the port, prepare your equipment, and travel to the islands before the first underwater session at about 9:00 a.m. If you want a lazy vacation morning, this is not the right choice. If you want to make the most of Okinawa’s sea, the early start makes sense.

The water conditions can change with weather and sea conditions, so no responsible operator can promise one exact site. The company says it will arrange another site at no extra cost if weather or boat cancellations affect the plan. If no suitable option exists, you receive a full refund.

A Four-Person Boat Day, Not a Crowded Resort Class

The group limit of four is one of the best features for certified divers. A small group means less waiting while people assemble equipment and fewer differences in pace underwater. It also gives you more time to ask questions during the briefing or tell the guide about your experience and comfort level.

That does not mean you should expect a private boat. One person reported that the boat and reef felt busier than expected, with other groups in the area. Kerama is popular, and several boats may use the same sites. The small SEAKERS group helps, but it cannot remove other boats from the national park.

The guides are central to the experience. Ryuta is named repeatedly in the feedback, including by people who appreciated his patient and attentive manner. Yun led one especially successful day, while Utah was praised for helping a couple feel relaxed and safe. English support is available, though one person found Yun’s English understandable rather than fully polished. The important point is that the company provides both English and Japanese, with a formal boat briefing and session briefing before you enter the water.

6:45 a.m. Pickup and the Port Briefing

Pickup is available in Naha, Urasoe, and selected parts of Ginowan. In Naha, Akamine and the Shuri area are excluded. In Ginowan, the listed pickup hotels are Laguna Garden Hotel, Okinawa Prince Hotel, and Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel and Residence.

You wait outside your accommodation at the agreed time. Be punctual. Missing the pickup can be treated as a no-show, and the schedule has little room for delays. Airbnb guests need to give a precise location on the registration form after booking, so do not assume the driver will find an unclear address.

The day’s briefing and equipment assembly begin around 7:00 a.m. This is not dead time. You get an explanation of the boat routine, prepare your gear, and receive the information needed for the first session. For certified divers, the organized setup is useful because you can concentrate on the day rather than sorting out tanks and equipment on your own.

Equipment rental is included, as is dive insurance. You still need to bring proof of your certification. A useful clothing tip comes from one person who found a hired wetsuit too tight across the chest. If you have a larger bust or prefer more room, request a larger size before the boat leaves. Okinawa’s water can be warm, but a wetsuit that does not fit well is distracting and uncomfortable.

7:45 a.m. Across the Water to Kerama

The trip to the islands takes roughly an hour by speedboat, with arrival near the first site at about 9:00 a.m. A speedboat makes the transfer reasonably quick, but it can also mean wind, spray, and motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take the warning seriously. People prone to seasickness are specifically listed as unsuitable for this outing.

Bring a towel, change of clothes, flip-flops, food, and drinks. Lunch is not included, so pack it before pickup. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, which is sensible on a working dive boat but important to know if you are coming directly from a cruise or changing hotels.

The boat ride is part of the cost, but it also shapes the day. This is an offshore excursion, not a short trip to a beach reef. You trade a longer transfer for access to Kerama National Park and the possibility of several different sites.

9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Underwater Sessions

The first session begins around 9:00 a.m., followed by a second at about 10:30 a.m. Both are included in the $206 price. The precise sites depend on weather and sea conditions, but people have visited locations including Nosaki, Doma, and Kameku.

The reported underwater highlights are impressive: very clear water, turtles, fluorescent-looking fish, colorful coral, small caves, a reef shark, and large trevally moving around schools of smaller fish. These are possibilities, not promises. Marine life is wild, and visibility changes by day. Still, the combination of clear water and protected park sites gives this outing a strong reason to choose it over a basic local session.

The two-session format is also useful for certified divers who want a substantial day without committing to three sessions. You have time between entries to rest, eat, adjust equipment, and talk with your guide. The small group helps here, since the staff can check your setup without rushing through a large roster.

You need a valid certification from a recognized organization. This is not an introductory lesson, and non-swimmers or uncertified participants cannot join. The operator also lists several medical restrictions, including pregnancy, heart problems, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, recent surgery, and low fitness. People over 60 are also listed as unsuitable, so check with the operator before booking if that applies to you.

Lunch on the Boat at 11:30 a.m.

After the second session, lunch takes place on the boat around 11:30 a.m. The setting is pleasant in its own way: you are surrounded by open sea and still close to the park, rather than stopping at a restaurant or returning to shore.

The practical catch is that lunch is not supplied. Bring a packed meal and drinks, and remember that towels are not included either. Keep food compact and easy to manage on a boat. You also cannot bring oversize luggage or large bags.

If you are tempted by the third session, this is the time to decide. You pay 5,500 yen in cash for it. A dive computer is another optional cost at 1,500 yen in cash, though the company offers one free in exchange for a positive review. I would treat the computer as a normal piece of safety equipment and confirm the arrangement before the day begins, rather than relying on an after-the-fact offer.

12:30 p.m. Optional Third Session

The third session starts around 12:30 p.m. and is the reason many people report three different sites in one day. For certified divers who still feel fresh, this is a good way to make the boat trip pay off. Several people used the option and described three memorable locations, with turtles, reef fish, caves, and clear water.

The extra fee is reasonable compared with booking another full boat day, but it is not automatically the best choice for everyone. You have already completed two sessions, spent time on a speedboat, and started before 7:00 a.m. If you are tired, cold, seasick, or simply satisfied, skip it. A third session should add enjoyment, not turn the final hours into work.

Ask about the third session during booking or the morning briefing. Payment is in cash, and the schedule can change with sea conditions. You should also confirm how the day’s sites and depth profile fit your own certification and recent experience.

Underwater Photos Without Carrying a Camera

Underwater photos and videos are included, which is a valuable extra for an outing like this. You can focus on your buoyancy and surroundings instead of managing your own camera. The images also make it easier to remember the details later, especially if you see a turtle, shark, or a fast-moving school of fish.

The quality and number of images will naturally depend on visibility, marine life, and the guide’s position. Still, the included photo service adds real value to the package, especially for anyone who does not own an underwater camera.

Guides such as Ryuta have been noted for sending edited short videos and photos after the day. That is a thoughtful finishing touch, though you should not treat the photo service as a guarantee of a professional personal shoot. Safety and guiding come first.

Is $206 a Fair Price?

At $206 per person, this is not a bargain-basement local outing, but the package includes a lot: hotel pickup and drop-off in designated areas, the boat ride to Kerama, two boat sessions, full equipment rental, an English or Japanese guide, insurance, and underwater photos.

The value improves if you use the included transfers and equipment. Renting gear separately, arranging transport to the port, and finding a boat on your own would add cost and planning. The small group also matters. You are paying for a more controlled day, not simply a seat on a large sightseeing boat.

Budget for lunch, drinks, and possibly a towel replacement if you forget one. Add 5,500 yen for the optional third session and 1,500 yen for a dive computer if needed. Since these extras are cash payments, prepare money before pickup.

The strongest value comes for a certified diver with limited time in Okinawa who wants a full Kerama day without handling logistics. If you already have a boat, equipment, and transport, the price may feel less attractive.

Who Should Book This Outing?

I would recommend it to certified divers who want clear water, coral, and a chance to see turtles and other marine life while staying in or near Naha. It suits people who value a small group, English support, included equipment, and door-to-door transport.

I would not choose it for a first scuba lesson, a relaxed late-morning activity, or a person who dislikes boat travel. Children under 12, pregnant people, non-swimmers, wheelchair users, and people with the listed medical conditions cannot join. The operator also says the activity is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance, so ask directly about food arrangements if that concerns you.

Book only after checking your certification, pickup address, health suitability, and wetsuit size. Then pack lunch, water, a towel, dry clothes, flip-flops, and cash. The more carefully you prepare, the more time you can spend enjoying Kerama.

Should You Book SEAKERS?

Book this outing if you want a serious full-day ocean trip with a small group and minimal planning. The strongest reasons are the two included Kerama sessions, guides who provide clear support, included equipment and insurance, and photos sent afterward.

Skip it if you need a short activity near shore, dislike speedboats, or are not comfortable with an early start and possible third-party boat traffic at popular sites. For a certified diver staying in Okinawa’s main urban area, though, this is a well-priced way to reach Kerama National Park and make the sea the center of your day.

FAQ

How long is the SEAKERS Kerama outing?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including pickup, the boat journey, two included sessions, lunch time, and the return transfer.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in designated areas, the boat ride, two boat sessions, scuba equipment rental, an English or Japanese instructor, insurance, and underwater photos.

Is lunch included?

No. You need to bring a packed lunch, food, and drinks. A towel is not included either.

How much does the optional third session cost?

The optional third session costs 5,500 yen in cash.

Is a dive computer included?

No. A dive computer costs 1,500 yen in cash. The company also states that it may be provided free in exchange for a positive review.

Do I need certification?

Yes. Every participant must hold a valid scuba certification from a recognized organization.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available in Naha, Urasoe, and selected parts of Ginowan. Naha’s Akamine and Shuri areas are excluded, and the listed Ginowan hotels are Laguna Garden Hotel, Okinawa Prince Hotel, and Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel and Residence.

What languages are spoken?

The instructors provide support in English and Japanese, including the boat briefing and session briefing.

What should I bring?

Bring your diving certification, a change of clothes, towel, flip-flops, packed lunch, and drinks. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

What happens if the weather cancels the boat?

The company will arrange an alternative site at no extra cost when possible. If no suitable option is available, you receive a full refund.