Where are good places to snorkel in Okinawa?

Question

I live on Camp Foster and would prefer places nearby.

Answer 1

http://snorkeling.jp/fun/point/map.php

(sorry but Japanese only) try to click point of map to enlarge the points.

Answer 2

I guess it depends how far you want to go out in the water, how crowded of a beach, etc. If you go to Onna-son area, which isn't too far from Camp Foster, even the hotels have decent beaches where you could see different fish once you put on a mask (they were transparent and I couldn't see them with my head above the water). (Moon Beach, Tiger Beach, etc). I last went to Moon Beach in 2006 but no snorkel gear so I don't know if the fish are still there.

If you have more time, go east and take the bridge to the other islands, Ikei and Miyagi. It was too cold to swim so maybe that's why the beach was not crowded but we were able to find some nice spots to camp on the beach and the water there must have some nice snorkeling spots.

I think in general if you just drive north and look out for uncommercial beaches, you have a good chance at a sweet spot. Just be careful of the usual things that the commercial beaches try to protect people from, such as jellies and tides.

Answer 3

Click "Iriomote-Island" and "info" of Marine Resort in this blog.