When planning a snorkeling trip in Okinawa, you may find yourself wondering, “What should I wear?” and “What should I bring?”
Okinawa is known for its warm weather, but air and water temperatures vary with the season and weather conditions.
It helps to plan not only what you’ll wear in the water, but also what you’ll wear on the boat and during the journey, how you’ll protect yourself from the sun, and what you’ll change into afterward.
This guide covers what to wear and bring for snorkeling in Okinawa, with practical tips for first-time snorkelers.
What to Wear on Your Snorkeling Trip
To make getting ready easier, arrive at the meeting point with your swimsuit already on under your clothes.
A good basic outfit includes:
- A swimsuit
- A rash guard
- Quick-drying shorts or board shorts
- Sandals
Many tours use wetsuits, so choose a swimsuit that fits comfortably underneath one.
For women, a simple swimsuit is usually easier to wear under a wetsuit than one with lots of ruffles or decorations.
What Should You Wear Under a Wetsuit?
A swimsuit is the usual choice for wearing under a wetsuit.
The wetsuit goes over your swimsuit to help keep you warm and protect your body in the water.
Wetsuits also provide some buoyancy, helping your body float more easily at the surface while snorkeling.
In cooler weather, or if you get cold easily, you may also wear a rash guard over your swimsuit and under your wetsuit.
Wetsuits and recommendations vary by tour operator, so check in advance if you’re unsure what to wear.
Do You Need a Rash Guard in Summer?
Okinawa’s summer sun is strong, so a rash guard is a good choice for sun protection.
The water can keep you feeling cool, making it easy to miss the signs that you’re getting sunburned.
Your back, shoulders, and arms are especially exposed, so a long-sleeved rash guard can be helpful.
On the boat, sunlight also reflects off the water.
Use a rash guard and a hat along with sunscreen for better coverage.
What to Wear for Winter Snorkeling in Okinawa
You can enjoy snorkeling in Okinawa in winter, but both the air and water are cooler than in summer.
A wetsuit helps keep you warm in the water. However, it’s especially important to prepare for after you get out.
Northerly winds are common in winter, and wind against wet skin can feel colder than you might expect.
For a winter trip, bring items such as:
- A long-sleeved outer layer
- A hoodie
- A windbreaker
- A large towel
Have dry clothes ready so you can change soon after the tour instead of staying in a wet swimsuit for too long.
What to Bring for Snorkeling
If your tour operator provides rental equipment such as masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, you won’t need to bring much yourself.
A basic packing list includes:
- A swimsuit
- A towel
- A change of clothes
- Sandals
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- A hat
- Motion sickness medication, if needed
Requirements may vary by tour, so also check the packing instructions your tour operator sends after booking.
Useful Extras to Bring
These items aren’t essential, but they can make your trip more comfortable.
A Waterproof Bag
A waterproof bag is handy for carrying wet swimsuits and towels.
A plastic bag will also work, but having one bag for all your wet items makes it easier to keep the rest of your belongings dry and organized on the way back.
A Waterproof Phone Case
Your phone may get splashed on the boat or near the water.
A waterproof case is useful for taking photos and protecting your phone during the journey.
If you plan to use it underwater, check its waterproof rating and instructions beforehand.
A Light Jacket
Even in summer, the wind on a moving boat can make you feel chilly just after getting out of the water.
A lightweight sun hoodie or windbreaker that you don’t mind getting wet can be useful.
A Hair Tie
If you have long hair, it can get caught under your mask or block your view while snorkeling.
Bring a hair tie to keep it out of the way.
Do You Need Sunscreen?
Sun protection is an important part of preparing for snorkeling in Okinawa.
Sunlight reflects off the water, so you can get sunburned even during a short outing.
Pay particular attention to areas your rash guard or wetsuit doesn’t cover, such as your face, neck, ears, and the backs of your hands.
Use sunscreen as directed, and combine it with protective clothing and a hat rather than relying on sunscreen alone.
What About Glasses and Contact Lenses?
You can’t wear regular glasses under a snorkeling mask.
Some tour operators offer prescription masks, so ask about availability when booking.
Some people snorkel while wearing contact lenses, but there are risks if water gets into their eyes.
If you choose to wear contacts, bring spares in case you lose a lens.
Should You Remove Jewelry and Watches?
We recommend removing necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry before joining the tour.
They can get lost in the water or catch on your wetsuit or equipment.
Leave expensive watches and jewelry somewhere secure, such as your hotel.
Consider Motion Sickness Medication for Boat Tours
If you’re traveling to the snorkeling site by boat and are concerned about seasickness, prepare in advance.
If you don’t often take boat trips, you may not know whether you’re prone to seasickness.
Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, and avoid both a heavy meal and an empty stomach on the morning of your tour.
If you take motion sickness medication, follow the product instructions and consult a doctor or pharmacist if needed.
Extra Items to Bring When Snorkeling with Children
If you’re joining with children, bring a few extra supplies in addition to your own:
- Extra towels
- A change of clothes
- A hat
- Drinking water
- A light jacket
- A bag for wet items
Pack a little more than you think you’ll need.
Children may be full of energy in the water but suddenly feel cold or tired once they get out.
Have towels and dry clothes ready so they can dry off and change right away.
Keep Valuables to a Minimum
Bring only the valuables you need for your snorkeling tour.
Carrying less cash and leaving expensive jewelry behind can help reduce the risk of losing something.
Storage options vary by tour operator, so check in advance if you have concerns.
Pack the Night Before
Packing on the morning of your snorkeling trip makes it easier to forget something.
The night before, put the following items together in one bag:
- A swimsuit
- A towel
- A change of clothes
- Sandals
- Sun protection
- Drinking water
- Any medication you need
Arriving with your swimsuit already on under your clothes will also save time when getting ready.
Final Tips: Start with a Swimsuit, Towel, and Dry Clothes
For snorkeling in Okinawa, start with a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes, then add what you need for the season and your tour.
In summer, focus on sun protection, staying hydrated, and avoiding overheating. In winter, prepare to stay warm after getting out of the water.
For boat tours, planning ahead for seasickness can also help you enjoy your time on the water more comfortably.
Okinawa Aquamarine provides the equipment you need for snorkeling, so even first-time snorkelers don’t need to bring their own bulky gear.
“What should I bring?”
“What should I wear at this time of year?”
“What does my child need?”
If you have questions like these, please feel free to contact us before your tour.