Cape Maeda (Maeda Flats)

Cape Maeda is an absolute gem for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts visiting Okinawa. The moment you step into the water, you're greeted by an astonishing variety of sea life. From colorful schools of fish to the occasional sea turtle, sea snake, or even a large octopus, the underwater world here is nothing short of spectacular. One of the highlights is swimming along the reef to reach the famed Blue Cave. The cave itself is a mesmerizing sight, with its deep blue hues creating an almost otherworldly ambiance. It’s an excellent spot for families, providing a safe yet thrilling adventure for kids and adults alike. The popularity of Cape Maeda means it can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To truly enjoy the experience, I recommend arriving early in the morning. This not only helps you beat the crowds but also offers a chance to see more active marine life. Facilities around Cape Maeda are well-maintained, with showers and rental shops available for convenience. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to assist with gear or provide tips on the best spots to explore. Overall, Cape Maeda delivers an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with an abundance of marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, this destination is a must-visit on Okinawa.

One of the best snorkeling site we visited on the island of Ryukyu. Very crowded but surprisingly the wildlife and corals here are in very good condition. The swim to blue cave took about 15min. A very special experience

It is a great place to experience snorkeling or diving. It has a big coral reef site where there are a lot to see. The Blue Cave is miracle. Provided the weather is fine, the waterfront is accessible via a staircase. A few diver shops offer services there. Pretty convenient if one wants to try. Very popular.

This was the first location we went snorkeling on the island. It was a beautiful spot with many fish, corals, and urchins. It was a very busy location though. There were about a dozen boats with tour groups either snorkeling or diving. The water was a bit choppy and made getting in and out a bit of a challenge. For newer snorkelers and children a life jacket/snorkel assist is needed. If you're concerned check their website before hand to see the flag conditions. Parking was a little difficult, but there was still enough room. MAKE SURE TO BRING CASH/YEN. It's the only way to pay for the parking. It's about ¥100/hr. Will definitely be going back to explore the Blue Cave nearby and the beaches to the west of the point.

Very busy tourist and local destination spot. If you didn't arrive early, be prepared to wait in queue for parking space. Parking is 100yen/hr which is very reasonable compared to other beaches, and showers are 200yen/1.5 minutes. Beautiful place to snorkel, highly recommend it.