At Okinawa Aquamarine, safety comes first on every tour. We support guests who are new to snorkeling or diving, aren’t confident swimming, or are joining with children or older family members.

Our safety measures cover staffing, the boat, equipment, health checks, and sea conditions. We adjust each tour to the day’s conditions and each guest’s experience and fitness, keeping the pace manageable.

Our tour doesn’t end when you leave the water. It ends when you’re back at the harbor, safe and happy with your day at sea.

Small Groups and Personal Support

We organize guests into smaller groups based on group size, experience, age, and fitness, rather than having one guide look after a large group.

We give beginners and guests who are worried about swimming extra attention so our staff can keep a close eye on them.

In the water, we check that guests:
・Are breathing and moving comfortably
・Aren’t getting tired
・Aren’t feeling anxious
・Are staying with the group
We adjust the pace to suit the guests on each tour.

We Help Beginners Get Comfortable First

Some guests tell us:
“I’ve never been in the ocean before.”
“I’m nervous about putting my face in the water.”
“I feel uneasy when I can’t touch the bottom.”

Before snorkeling or Discover Scuba Diving, we explain how to use the equipment and how to breathe. We don’t expect you to get straight in and start swimming.

Once you’re in the water, you can hold onto the boat’s ladder if needed while you get used to the water and practice breathing.
We take things gradually, helping you feel comfortable before moving on.

Wetsuits Provide Extra Buoyancy

Guests wear buoyant wetsuits for snorkeling.
Wetsuits help support your body at the surface, which can be reassuring if you aren’t a strong swimmer.
We also use additional flotation equipment when needed, with staff nearby to help.

If you can’t swim, please contact us to discuss joining a snorkeling tour.

Our Own Boat with a Capacity of 31

We travel toward the Kerama Islands on our own cruiser, which can carry up to 31 people.
Its larger hull provides stability, and the boat is equipped with the facilities and safety equipment needed for our tours.

We usually take around 15–20 guests, with a maximum of 25, to give everyone more space. Guest numbers are adjusted to suit the day’s activities and group.

AED and Emergency Oxygen on Board

During a tour at sea, immediate access to emergency facilities on shore may not be possible if an accident or sudden illness occurs.
We keep the following equipment on board for emergency first aid.

・AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
An AED checks the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, delivers an electric shock when sudden cardiac arrest is suspected.

・Emergency Oxygen
Emergency oxygen is available for first aid following a snorkeling or diving accident, breathing problems, or sudden illness, until emergency responders or medical staff take over.

This equipment helps us prepare for emergencies. Preventing accidents remains our first priority. Before each tour, we check sea conditions and guests’ health, and follow our safety procedures throughout the trip.

We work on both accident prevention and emergency preparedness to help you enjoy Okinawa’s waters safely.

Led by a PADI Instructor

Our lead guide is a certified PADI Instructor with 25 years of guiding experience.

PADI Instructor
Makoto Sone　#477816

For diving, safety is our priority from the briefing through to support underwater.

If you’re nervous about your first Discover Scuba Diving experience or returning to diving after a break, please let us know when booking.

We Don’t Run Tours When Conditions Are Unsafe

Sea conditions change every day.

Wind, waves, currents, rain, and visibility all affect whether a tour can run safely.

We check the day’s sea conditions before choosing our snorkeling and diving sites.

If conditions make a trip toward the Kerama Islands unsuitable, we may move to a safer location or cancel the tour if needed.

Getting everyone back safely takes priority over reaching the planned destination.

A Comfortable Pace for Children, Beginners, and Older Guests

We consider each guest’s fitness, experience, and health, rather than making decisions based on age alone.

We take extra care to keep the pace manageable for:
・Guests entering the ocean for the first time
・Guests who aren’t confident swimming
・Young children
・Guests returning to ocean activities after a long break
・Older guests

If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking.

Medical Certificates for Guests Ages 60+

Guests ages 60 and over must provide a medical certificate from a doctor.
We don’t turn guests away simply because of their age. The certificate helps us check their health before they join.

Regardless of age, your medical history or current health may require a doctor’s clearance, or may mean you cannot join the tour.

For details, please see Information for Guests Ages 60+.

Health Checks Before Your Tour

Snorkeling and diving take place in the open ocean.

To help you take part safely, we ask about your health when you book and on the day of your tour.

Please tell us in advance about any medical conditions, medications, past serious illnesses or surgeries, or other health concerns.

We want to make sure you’re well enough to enjoy the activity safely, without pushing yourself.

Boat and Equipment Checks

The condition of our boat and equipment is just as important to tour safety as our staff.

We routinely check the boat and the snorkeling and diving equipment used on our tours.

Equipment with a fault or other problem is not used on a tour.

How You Can Help Keep the Tour Safe

Tour safety depends on cooperation between our staff and guests.

Please:

• Listen carefully to our staff’s instructions.
• Don’t push yourself if you feel unwell.
• Stay with your group in the water.
• Don’t join after drinking alcohol.
• Give us accurate information about your health.

Thank you for helping us keep the tour safe for everyone.

Talk to Us Before Entering the Water

“Can I join if I can’t swim?”
“I’m nervous about my first dive.”
“Can I join with my child?”
“Can I join if I’m over 60?”

If you have questions or concerns like these, please talk to us in advance.
We’ll consider your experience, fitness, and health, and explain the options for taking part safely.

Helping you enjoy the waters of Kerama, with safety as our first priority.
That’s how we plan every tour at Okinawa Aquamarine.