Zamami Shima

KERAMA SHOTO

Green sea turtles in April

Zamami is part of the Kerama Shoto National park, located only 50min by ferry from Naha. It is a very special destination, particularly for all its hidden gems activities. Green sea turtles can be seen during all seasons between the different beaches that surround Zamami. Little is collected in terms of data regarding turtles and fish population. The island’s waters are particularly suitable for beginners in both snorkeling and diving.

A rich underwater fauna is populating the surrounding of the island: octopus, cuttlefish, trevally, white tip reef sharks, whales etc. Zamami is mostly known for its beautiful beaches but has other little-known treasures: hidden view points, paddle sunsets and stunning milky way watching. Some unadvertised and unfrequented beaches provide luxuriant coral reefs well protected by the island policies.

Explore the program

April Session
座間味

Zamami Shima

Marine wanders

Zamami Island gathers beaches like Furuzamami, known for its coral reefs and snorkeling, Ama Beach, a calm spot visited by sea turtles, finally Uzaki Beach offers an escape for peaceful sunsets. Just offshore, uninhabited islands like Gahi, Amuro, and Agenashiku invite exploration with their clear waters and untouched shores.

Sea Turtles Conservation

Based in Okinawa Mainland, the Churamura NPO focus on sea turtle conservation in Okinawa. Their activities includes shore patrols, nest monitoring, rescues, educational awareness and data collection. They record turtles around the shores of Okinawa leveraging citizen science and photo-identification.
Last records of sea turtle spotted for Zamami is 2023.
Joining force with the OCPA and YBCN, they reduce the death threat to sea turtles with regular coast cleaning

Historical memory

During World War II, Zamami Island was one of the first places affected by the U.S. landing in Okinawa in 1945, resulting in intense conflict and hardship for the local people. Some residents faced tragic circumstances under military orders: the Maritime Traversing Peace Memorial stands on the island in their remembrance.

Only 1 in 1'000 turtle will survive to adulthood and return to their birth beach to nest

The first cause of death in sea turtles is entanglements in fishing gear

Marine conservation program

20-25 April 2026

This program focuses on data collection of the underwater fauna surrounding Zamami. Online learning will be provided before program start. Leveraging it, we will conduct green sea turtle identification as well as marine surveys (species population, coral health) of the uninhabited islands and the main beaches. The data recorded will support citizen science as well as local marine conservation. 

Program fees: €650
  • High interest for marine conservation
  • Health check: apt for snorkeling or diving
  • Diving licence 
  • Diving insurance (DAN preferred)
  • Health insurance including water sports
  • Complete the online learning before arrival (provided after application approval)
  • 2 dives
  • 2 snorkeling days
  • 5 nights stay
  • English support for day by day needs
  • Guiding from Naha airport to Zamami island
  • Roving survey and coral health assessment of the beaches and uninhabited island
  • Data collection guiding 
  • Data collection for conservation knowledge material
Apply
Data collection method

Not Included

  • Transportation from/to Naha & Zamami (flights & ferry)
  • Insurance
  • Meals during the stay
  • Snorkeling and diving gears