Nishibama Beach (北浜ビーチ) is Aka Island’s main beach. The spot is renowned for its stunning Kerama-Blue waters and soft, pristine white-sand beach. Many people would visit the beach for snorkeling to explore the gorgeous coral reefs spreading near the shore. Besides coral reefs, you might be able to swim with a sea turtle at Nishibama Beach too!
Table of Contents
- The Swimming Season at Nishibama Beach
- How to Enjoy Nishibama Beach
- Nishibama Observatory (北浜展望台)
- How to Get to Nishibama Beach
The Swimming Season at Nishibama Beach
During the swimming season from early April to mid-November, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, toilet and shower facilities, vending machines, equipment rental shops, restaurants, and temporary stalls are available to source everything you need to enjoy what Nishibama Beach has to offer.
In addition, lifeguards are stationed at Nishibama Beach during this time of the year for beginners to swim and snorkel.
But to see more colorful coral reefs, you would have to swim to the far end of the designated swimming area, around 80 meters offshore.
With that being said, if you are an experienced snorkeler, the condition of the coral reefs beyond the swimming area is a lot better with more fish. It is also where many diving boats would stop for customers to dive down.
How to Enjoy Nishibama Beach
☛ The coral reefs at the far end of the designated swimming area are the most dynamic (around 50 to 80 meters offshore).
☛ There is an observation deck (completed in 2018) for you to stay under the shade.
☛ Nishibama Beach’s entrance is a spot to run into Kerama Deer!
☛ The best time for photography is around noon.
☛ Long fins are recommended if you want to snorkel at the best snorkeling spot at Nishibama Beach (located offshore in front of the beach house).
☛ The best way to explore Nishibama Beach, disregarding the designated swimming area, is to enter from the north end of the beach. The spot where the most lively coral reefs are located is around 40 meters offshore. Then you can slowly move south, where the best snorkeling spot is further away from the shore. But if the current is flowing from south to north, it is more efficient to snorkel/swim from the other direction.
Nishibama Observatory (北浜展望台)
While you take a break from the water, how about hiking up for five minutes to Nishibama Observatory? It is a great spot for a panoramic view from the east side of Aka Island!
How to Get to Nishibama Beach
- Nishibama Beach is around a 20 to 25-minute walk from Aka Island Village. You can also reach Nishibama Beach, which is around 10 to 15 minutes by bicycle.
- If you have access to a car, the drive will take approximately 5 minutes.
Tip: Check with your accommodation provider on Aka Island to see if they can take you to Nishibama Beach.
Discover Other Tourist Attractions on Aka Island
Experience the tranquil beauty of Aka Island, a pristine escape from Naha. Besides Nishibama Beach, the small island near Okinawa’s main island has a few more spots that feature Kerama Blue waters, soft, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
For more information, refer to our Aka Island article!
