Kerama Islands Full-Day Intro-Diving Trip from Naha — Review
What the tour is like
Same boat and crossing as the snorkeling tour, same 50-minute ferry to Kerama. But instead of staying at the surface, you do a guided try-dive (intro scuba). You spend time in shallow water (12–18 feet) with an instructor who walks you through breathing, equalization and basic techniques. You see reef fish, turtles, sometimes sea snakes and eels. Water clarity is exceptional. You can also choose to snorkel at one or more stops if you want to surface. Full gear (tank, BCD, wetsuit) is provided.
What works
- No certification required — pure intro experience
- Certified instructors with you at all times in shallow water
- Same spectacular Kerama water and turtle sightings as the snorkeling tour
- High visibility even on overcast days — reviewers noted it
- Option to snorkel at some stops if you want a break from diving
- Full day, so you get two dives instead of one
Worth knowing
- Deeper price tag than snorkeling ($68 vs $49)
- Sharing a boat with other groups; not private
- Long day (7 hours) if you’re new to diving and tired
- Early wake-up for hotel pickup
- Weather can change the schedule; strong currents cancel dives
Spring and autumn offer the best sea conditions. If you’re nervous about diving, the snorkel option at any stop takes the pressure off. Many first-time divers do one dive and snorkel the rest; guides are comfortable with that.
Who it’s for
Anyone curious about scuba who doesn’t have a certification. First-time divers. People who want to go deeper than snorkeling but need professional support. Experienced snorkelers ready to try the underwater world.
Not for you if: you’re uncomfortable underwater or anxiety-prone. The snorkeling tour ($49) offers the same Kerama Blue beauty without the pressure of learning to dive.
Compare to other tours
Most bookedKerama Islands Snorkeling Day Trip from Naha with Lunch
Private
Best for familiesNorth Okinawa Sightseeing Tour & Churaumi Aquarium
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be certified to dive?
No. A try-dive (intro scuba) is designed for people with zero diving experience. An instructor stays with you in shallow water, teaching you to breathe underwater and manage basic skills. Many people do their first dive this way.
How deep do we go?
Try-dives stay in shallow water, typically 12–18 feet, where it’s easy to surface and light is bright. You’re not going to any extreme depth — it’s an introduction in a safe environment.
Will I see turtles and fish?
Yes. The Kerama Islands have excellent marine life. Turtles, reef fish, and occasionally sea snakes and eels are seen. Reviewers consistently noted the extraordinary clarity and wildlife, even on overcast days.
What if I’m anxious about diving?
Tell your guide beforehand. The tour includes a snorkel-only option at any stop — you can snorkel instead of diving and still experience the water and the reefs. Guides are trained to take it slowly with nervous first-timers.
Is it the same boat as the snorkeling tour?
Same boat, same operator (Marine House SEASIR), same 50-minute crossing to Kerama. Main difference: this tour is designed around diving with instructor support, so group size is smaller (~20) and you do two shallow dives instead of three snorkel stops.