Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Chibishi Islands, A Great Beach Holiday Spot Close to Naha

The Chibishi Islands (チービシ環礁) are located between mainland Okinawa and the Kerama Islands group. It is formed by three uninhabited sand dunes. Because Chibishi Islands are so close to Naha, if you don’t have much time, it is possible to experience the charm of the Kerama Island National Park by taking a half-day trip to Chibishi Islands.

In addition to watersports activities, humpback whales can also be spotted from January to March!

The Three Islands in Chibishi Islands

Important:
☛ Take preventative measures if you get travel sickness easily. The boat’s speed to the islands is fast and may swing a lot.
☛ Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time. You won’t be able to board the boat if you arrive within 15 minutes before departure.

Explore the Chibishi Islands With a Guided Tour

If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of the Chibishi Islands, how about joining one of the below tours?

Nagannu Island (ナガンヌ島)

© 沖縄観光コンベンションビューロー

Nagannu Island’s formal name is Keise Island (慶伊瀬(ケイセ)島). It is commonly referred to as Nagannu Island as “Nagannu” means long and thin in the Okinawan dialect.

While Nagannu Island is the biggest island amongst the Chibishi Islands, the long narrow island’s diameter is only 1.5km.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. In fact, it is the opposite! The island has many coral reefs and tropical fish living under the water surrounding it and is equipped with the facilities below:

  • Accommodation
  • Watersports gear rental shop
  • Lockers
  • Showers
  • Toilet facilities.

Nagannu Island is also one of the areas where sea turtles spawn. So it is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving for those who visit Naha!

And there is no need to worry about language barriers. English signs are placed on Naganuu Island. Also, as the island receives many international visitors, the staff on Naganuu Island can speak English.

If you can read Japanese, refer to Nagannu Island Official Site for a list of activities you can enjoy on Nagannu Island. Otherwise, either email [email protected] for a list of activities/plans in English.

Tip: You can also book the Nagannu Island Tour via kkday.

What to Bring to Nagannu Island

© photo-ac.com
  • Swimming suits
  • Rash guard
  • Towels
  • Beach sandals and/or water shoes. The beach shore is made of corals which can be painful to walk on.
  • Spare clothes
  • Sun protection items
  • Cash

Things to Keep in Mind About Nagannu Island

  • Bringing food and drinks to the island is prohibited.
    • Please purchase food and drinks from the restaurants and shops on the island.
    • If you have a food allergy or a special dietary requirement, email [email protected] to notify them for permission to bring food to the island is recommended.
  • Shampoo and soap are not allowed on Nagannu Island.

How to Get to Nagannu Island

By the boats that depart from Naha‘s Tomarikō Ferry Wharf, you can get to Nagannu Island in around 20 minutes.

  • Refer to the map on the right for the wharf’s location.
  • Refer to HERE for the boat’s timetable. You can translate it using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.

Note that 100 yen is payable upon landing.

Important: Unfortunately, you can only visit Nagannu Island by choosing from one of the half-day, full-day, or overnight plans. The cheapest plan that only includes a return ferry trip from Naha and facilities usage charges is at least 5,800 yen for adults for a full-day plan. The cost of the plans does not include cottages and beach umbrellas.

Kuefu Island (クエフ島)

Kuefu Island is a small, 100-meter-long island made of coral and shell fragments. Thanks to the atoll formed by corals, the waves and currents at Kuefu Island’s beaches are calm. But while it is a great spot for snorkeling and for adoring the corals and tropical fish, Kuefu Island doesn’t have shades. So be sure to take all possible measures to prevent sunburns!

© photo-ac.com

Because Kuefu Island does not have a pier, you will need to swim/snorkel ashore from a boat. Like Nagannu Island, many tourists would visit as it is easily accessible from Naha. However, it is uninhabited, with no lodging facilities.

Also, because many tourists who visit the island have been feeding the fish, many fish would come to you when you snorkel. But the downside is that many coral reefs there are damaged.

Tip: While there are no toilet or shower facilities on Kuefu Island, they are available on the ferry.

How to Get to Kuefu Island

By the boats that depart from Naha‘s Tomarikō Ferry Wharf, you can get to Nagannu Island in around 20 minutes.

Important: Kuefu Island is only accessible when joining a tour. You can book through kkday HERE if you don’t speak/read Japanese.

Tip: There are coin-operated lockers in the waiting room at Tomarikō Ferry Wharf.

Kamiyama Island (神山島)

Kamiyama Island is the sand dune that has the most vegetation and the one that is closest to Okinawa’s main island. Compared to Nagannu and Kuefu islands which have been turned into resorts, Kamiyama Island retains its unspoiled nature.

While it remains relatively less known to tourists, it is the spot in Chibishi Islands with the highest probability of running into a sea turtle!

From February to May, you might see broadclub cuttlefish spawning while you snorkel!

For history buffs, Kamiyama Island was where the U.S. army directly bombarded the main island of Okinawa.

How to Get to Kamiyama Island

By the boats that depart from Naha‘s Tomarikō Ferry Wharf, you can get to Nagannu Island in around 20 minutes.

Important: Kuefu Island is only accessible when joining a tour.

Discover the Islands in the Keruma Islands National Park

Click the photo for more travel islands in Keruma Islands!

The Kerama Islands are a subtropical island group comprising more than 20 islands. If you have time, you can island-hop the three inhabited islands and even the few uninhabited islands to enjoy what the national park has to offer.

For more information, refer to our article on Keruma Islands!

Discover the Attractions in Naha

While Naha’s beaches certainly doesn’t represent Okinawa’s breathtaking beaches, the capital of Okinawa has a wealth of cultural properties. It is where you want to be if you love shopping too!

Since you must stop by Naha to get to the Kerama Islands, how about allocating a day or two to discover the city when you visit Okinawa next time?

For more information about what to do and where to eat, refer to our article on Naha City!

Naminoue-Shrine-Naha-Okinawa-Japan
Click the photo for more travel ideas in Naha!