Your First Scuba Dive
in the Kerama Islands
No certification needed. Ages 10+.
Our instructors will be right there with you.
Your First Scuba Dive
in the Kerama Islands
No certification needed. Ages 10+.
Our instructors will be right there with you.
Discover Scuba Diving is designed for first-time divers. You don’t need a scuba certification to join.
With Okinawa Aquamarine, you’ll depart from Naha on our own boat and head to the Chibishi area, on the eastern side of the Kerama Islands.
Snorkeling lets you look down into the sea from the surface. With scuba diving, you can breathe underwater and see the coral and tropical fish up close.
Before you get in the water, your instructor will explain how to use the equipment, breathe through your regulator, equalize your ears, and communicate with hand signals. There’s no pressure to go deep. We’ll take things at a pace you’re comfortable with.
When it’s not your turn to dive, you can go snorkeling in the Kerama waters. It’s a chance to enjoy the reef both underwater and from the surface.
4 Reasons to Try Discover Scuba Diving with Okinawa Aquamarine
① See the Reef from a Different Perspective
Instead of watching from the surface, you can swim underwater alongside the fish and get a closer look at the coral.
Watch fish swim past you and see the reef spread out below while you experience the feeling of moving weightlessly through the water.
② No Scuba Certification Required
You don’t need a diving license or previous scuba experience.
Your instructor will show you how the gear works and how to breathe underwater before your dive.
If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, your Okinawa trip is a great chance to give it a go.
③ Support from a PADI Instructor
A PADI instructor will stay close to you throughout the dive.
We’ll check your breathing and make sure you can equalize your ears before descending slowly at your pace.
If you feel uncomfortable or have trouble equalizing, we won’t push you to continue. Your instructor will adjust the dive to suit you.
④ Snorkel Before or After Your Dive
Guests take turns diving, depending on the group size and schedule.
While you’re waiting for your turn, you can enjoy snorkeling.
You get to experience the Kerama sea in two different ways, all on the same trip.
Snorkeling time depends on the sea conditions and how the tour runs that day. Please follow the crew’s instructions.
First Time Scuba Diving? Here’s What to Expect
Can I Really Breathe Underwater?
You’ll breathe through a piece of equipment called a regulator, which fits into your mouth.
It may feel unusual at first. We’ll give you time to practice before the dive and at the surface.
The key is to take slow, relaxed breaths.
What If I Can’t Equalize My Ears?
As you go deeper, pressure builds in your ears. Equalizing helps balance that pressure.
We’ll teach you how to equalize before entering the water and check in with you as we descend.
If your ears hurt, we’ll stop descending and move back to shallower water.
Can I Join If I’m Not a Strong Swimmer?
You don’t need to swim like an athlete, but you do need to be comfortable putting your face in the water and breathing calmly through the regulator.
If you’re not confident in the water or feel afraid of it, please contact us before booking.
What If I Get Scared Underwater?
It’s normal to feel nervous at first.
We’ll practice at the surface until you feel settled. If you’re still uncomfortable, you won’t be asked to dive. You can also use hand signals to tell your instructor if you want to stop.
Are There Sharks or Other Dangerous Marine Animals?
The ocean is home to many different animals. Your instructor will keep an eye on the surroundings throughout the dive.
Please look without touching any marine life, and follow your instructor’s guidance.
Who This Tour Is For
- Anyone trying scuba diving for the first time
- Guests without a scuba certification
- Anyone who wants to explore Kerama Blue underwater
- Guests who want to see coral and tropical fish up close
- Travelers looking for a memorable experience in Okinawa
- Anyone thinking about getting scuba certified in the future
- Snorkelers who want to try going beneath the surface
Discover Scuba Diving vs. Fun Diving
Discover Scuba Diving
Discover Scuba Diving is for guests who don’t have a scuba certification.
You’ll practice using the gear and breathing underwater, then dive with close support from an instructor.
The focus is on a comfortable first experience, not on diving deep.
Fun Diving
Fun Diving is for certified scuba divers.
Dive sites and depths depend on your certification level and experience.
If you’re already certified, please see our Fun Diving page.
Tour Prices
Discover Scuba Diving & Kerama Blue Snorkeling (Half-Day, 3 Hours)
| Category | Regular | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (10–59) | 11,800 JPY | 12,800 JPY |
| Seniors (60+) | 16,800 JPY | 17,800 JPY |
Discover Scuba Diving & Kerama Sea Turtle Snorkeling (Half-Day, 3 Hours)
| Category | Regular | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (10–59) | 13,800 JPY | 14,800 JPY |
| Seniors (60+) | 18,800 JPY | 19,800 JPY |
This plan includes a visit to a spot where sea turtles are often seen. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Discover Scuba Diving & Kerama Blue & Sea Turtle Snorkeling (Full-Day, 5 Hours)
| Category | Regular | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (10–59) | 15,800 JPY | 16,800 JPY |
| Seniors (60+) | 20,800 JPY | 21,800 JPY |
This longer trip also visits a spot where sea turtles are often seen. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Optional Extras
- GoPro rental: 4,000 JPY
Age categories are based on your age on the tour date.
Senior guests are accommodated in smaller groups; the senior rate is 5,000 JPY above the adult rate.
Peak-season tours fill up quickly, so we recommend booking at least one month in advance.
What’s Included
Boat trip
Guide and instructor fees
Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins)
Life jacket
Scuba diving equipment
Wetsuit
Insurance
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Food and drinks
- Change of clothes
- Sunscreen
- Motion sickness medication (if needed)
Participation Requirements
This tour is for guests ages 10 and up.
Guests ages 60 and over must provide a medical certificate confirming fitness to dive. We have no fixed upper age limit, but participation may be declined depending on your health or the day’s sea conditions.
For details, see Information for Guests Ages 60+.
If you have a medical condition, take medication, or have had a serious illness or surgery, please check with us before booking.
Tour Schedule (Half-Day Tour)
Check in at the meeting point, review your health information, and get fitted for your equipment.
Once everyone is ready, we’ll leave Naha by boat and head toward the Kerama Islands. The crew will choose the site based on the sea conditions.
We usually reach the first site about 20–30 minutes after leaving port. Before entering the water, your instructor will explain the equipment, breathing, equalizing your ears, hand signals, and basic safety rules.
We’ll descend slowly while checking your breathing and equalization.
If you can’t equalize or feel uncomfortable, we won’t go any deeper.
Once underwater, take your time looking at the coral and tropical fish.
When you’re not diving, you can snorkel or relax on the boat.
After the water activities, we’ll head back to Naha. You can use the shower on board and check your photos.
Once back in port, you can change and head off.
For the full-day tour, check-in is at 9:30 AM and the tour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You’ll visit multiple sites for diving and snorkeling.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel for personal reasons, the following cancellation fees apply:
- 15+ days before the tour: 0%
- 8–14 days before: 30%
- 4–7 days before: 50%
- 2–3 days before: 70%
- 1 day before: 80%
- On the day: 100%
If we cancel the tour due to unsafe weather or sea conditions, there is no cancellation fee.
Participation Requirements
Discover Scuba Diving is open to guests ages 10 and up.
For your safety, we’ll ask about your health, medical history, and any medication you take when you book or on the tour day.
Some medical conditions, medications, or past health issues may require a doctor’s clearance before you can dive.
At Okinawa Aquamarine, guests ages 60 and over must provide a medical certificate confirming fitness to dive.
If you’re unsure whether you can take part, please contact us before booking.
Flying After Scuba Diving
You cannot fly immediately after scuba diving.
Flying too soon after diving increases the risk of decompression sickness due to the nitrogen remaining in your body and changes in cabin pressure. Please plan your dive for a day before your flight home, not on your departure day.
As a general guideline, wait at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive, or at least 18 hours after multiple dives, before flying. Longer intervals provide an additional margin of safety.
Please leave plenty of time between your last dive and your flight.
Discover Scuba Diving FAQs
Can I Join If I’ve Never Scuba Dived Before?
Yes. This tour is designed for beginners who don’t have a scuba certification. We’ll explain the equipment, breathing, and equalizing your ears before your dive.
Can I Join If I’m Not a Strong Swimmer?
Please contact us if you’re not a confident swimmer. You don’t need advanced swimming skills, but you do need to feel comfortable in the water. Your instructor will stay close by.
How Deep Will We Dive?
We start in shallow water and usually dive around 5 meters (16 feet) deep. The actual depth depends on how you’re feeling and the sea conditions. We won’t push you to go deeper.
What If I Can’t Equalize My Ears?
We’ll show you how to equalize before entering the water. We descend slowly, and if you feel discomfort in your ears, we’ll move to shallower water.
Can Divers and Snorkelers Join the Same Boat?
Yes. For example, children can snorkel while their parents try scuba diving. You can add the different activities for each guest when booking online, or contact us before booking.
Will We See Sea Turtles?
Sea turtles can sometimes be seen at certain sites, but sightings are never guaranteed. We choose sites that are suitable for the day’s diving conditions.
What Is the Minimum Age?
Guests must be at least 10 years old. Other health requirements may apply, so please contact us before booking if you have any concerns.
Can Guests Ages 60+ Join?
Yes, depending on your health and the sea conditions. Guests ages 60+ must provide a medical certificate confirming fitness to dive. See Information for Guests Ages 60+ for details.
Can I Fly on the Same Day as My Dive?
Not immediately after diving. You need enough time between your last dive and your flight. We recommend scheduling your dive before the final day of your Okinawa trip.
Does the Tour Run If It Rains?
Sometimes, yes. Rain alone doesn’t always stop the tour. Strong winds, waves, or unsafe sea conditions may cause a cancellation even when the weather looks sunny.
Come See the Coral and Fish for Yourself
Breathing underwater for the first time can feel a little strange, and you might be nervous.
But once you settle in, there’s a whole world of coral and fish to see. I hope you get to experience it for yourself.
Our instructors will walk you through the equipment and breathing step by step.
Take your time getting used to it, and please ask us anything you’re unsure about.
Scuba diving lets you explore below the surface, while snorkeling gives you a view from above.
We’d love to show you both sides of the Kerama sea.
Makoto Sone
Head of Okinawa Aquamarine