Cruise port Kerama Islands
Info for port Kerama Islands on 13 Jun 2027
Port information & tips for Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands are a subtropical jewel in southern Japan and, as part of a protected national park in the Okinawa Prefecture, delight visitors with their untouched nature. The region is characterized by crystal-clear water, world-famous as "Kerama Blue," and offers an incomparable backdrop for nature lovers thanks to colorful coral reefs and rich marine life. Highlights include the award-winning Furuzamami Beach and the picturesque Aharen Beach, while viewpoints such as the Takatsuki-yama Observatory provide wide panoramic views across the archipelago. Smaller ships or tender boats usually dock at the Zamami Port Terminal, which is located right in the heart of the charming island village and offers visitors immediate access to beaches, local cafes, and diverse island adventures.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The Kerama Islands, a breathtaking archipelago southwest of Okinawa, are typically reached via ferry connections from Naha on Okinawa. This makes Naha Airport (OKA) your central hub, from which you can easily reach the ferry terminal or your cruise ship.
Airplane
Naha Airport (OKA) is the closest international airport and the gateway to the Kerama Islands. There are no direct flights from the DACH region; you will usually reach Naha with a stopover in major Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei. Due to the long flight time, we recommend arriving at least one day before your scheduled embarkation to start your island adventure relaxed.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Naha Airport (OKA), you can easily reach Tomari Port, the main ferry terminal for the Kerama Islands, as well as other cruise terminals in Naha. The taxi ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs approximately 1,500 to 2,000 Yen. Alternatively, you can use the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) from the airport to Miebashi Station, from where Tomari Port is reachable in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Many cruise lines also offer their own transfer services.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in Naha before departing for the Kerama Islands is highly recommended to prevent jet lag and make your arrival more relaxed. In Naha, you will find a wide selection of hotels, many of them near Tomari Port or along Kokusai Dori, the lively main street. A hotel stay allows you to start your journey to the picturesque Kerama Islands well-rested.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Arriving at the ports of Zamami or Tokashiki provides direct access to the paradisiacal island world and the crystal-blue waters of the national park.
On Foot
The charming island villages are located directly at the piers and can be easily explored on foot within 5 to 10 minutes. Short paths lead directly to local dive shops and cafes, as well as to picturesque viewpoints in the immediate vicinity.
Island Buses
The official village buses on Zamami and Tokashiki offer a reliable connection to the famous beaches such as Furuzamami or Aharen. Departure times are synchronized with the arrival of the ships, allowing for a comfortable ride through the islands' green hilly landscape.
Ferries and Water Taxis
Thanks to regular ferry connections and private water taxis, moving between the various islands such as Aka or Geruma is effortless. These boats start directly in the harbor area and also offer a wonderful opportunity to marvel at the island world and the coral sea from the water.
To make the most of your stay in the Kerama Islands, a combination of the dreamlike sandy beaches and the charming villages directly at the islands' piers is recommended.
Aharen Beach
This paradisiacal beach on Tokashiki Island is easily accessible thanks to short transfer routes from the port and impresses with its crystal-clear water and vibrant underwater world, which is perfect for extensive snorkeling trips directly off the coast.
Zamami Village
The picturesque village is located in the immediate vicinity of the harbor basin and, with its traditional alleys and small handicraft shops, offers an ideal opportunity to get to know the decelerated lifestyle of the islanders during a relaxed walk.
Takatsuki Mountain Observation Deck
The impressive viewpoint above the port of Zamami allows for a fascinating view over the entire archipelago and, thanks to its good accessibility, is an excellent destination to admire the famous shades of blue of the Pacific in their full glory.
Furuzamami Beach
The picturesque Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island is easily accessible from the port in just about five to ten minutes by shuttle bus and impresses with its crystal-clear, turquoise water – the famous "Kerama Blue". This award-winning stretch of coastline is ideal for snorkeling directly from the shore and also offers excellent infrastructure with rental stations for equipment, shaded areas, and small kiosks for refreshments. Thanks to the well-organized facilities and the relaxed atmosphere, you will experience a perfect beach day surrounded by untouched nature. It is best to visit the beach right after arrival in the morning to enjoy the morning peace, and plan your return to the port about ninety minutes before departure to make the return journey to the ship completely relaxed.
The way back from the dreamlike beaches to the port is straightforward and safe thanks to the well-organized island buses and manageable distances. Plan a small time buffer for boarding the tender boats or checking in at the pier to enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere until the very end.
Island Buses (Shuttle)
The local buses on the main islands of Tokashiki and Zamami are reliably timed to the ships' port times and bring you directly from the popular beaches of Aharen Beach or Furuzamami back to the port. The stops are clearly visible at the beach entrances, and notices at the waiting areas also provide information about punctual departure times.
Taxi and Rental Vehicles
Taxis can be found conveniently at the central meeting points in the port villages as well as at the main beaches, and can also be called via the staff in the beach shops. If you are exploring the island with a rental bike or scooter, simply return them to the rental stations in the port village and walk directly to the pier from there in a few minutes.
On Foot
Within the charming port villages, distances are short and easy to find thanks to clear signage in Japanese and English. The flat streets lead you safely through the town directly to the port square, so you can conveniently combine your return to the ship with a short stroll through the local shops.
In port on 13 Jun 2027
