(Photo by 123RF)
When the month of March arrives in Okinawa, it’s time that many beaches on the island open up to beachgoers. Some of them will even have ceremonies and special offers to kick off the season.
It’s true that there are beaches where you can swim all year round. But there’s nothing wrong with celebrating the early arrival of the beach-going season. Just be careful that some resort beaches in Okinawa require that tattoos be covered.
Get your swimsuit ready and let’s hit the beach.
1. ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT
MARCH 16: As a special offer for the day, admission fees and parking fees will be free. Ocean Park water obstacles, which normally cost 5,000 yen, will be available for free as well. Other water activities available there include sea kayaking, jet ski bike riding, and more. No restrictions on tattoos.
-PARKING FEE COSTS: 3,000 yen per vehicle normally
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (A ceremony is scheduled at 10 a.m. and Ocean Park will be open at 11 a.m. on March 16.)
-TEL:098-966-1211
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.505998, E127.859180
-40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
2. SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA RESORT
Open throughout the year: A ceremony for water safety is to be held on March 19. Water activities such as banana boating, snorkeling tours, and zip-lining are available. No restrictions on tattoos.
-PARKING FEE: 600 yen per hour (2,500 yen at most)
-OPEN: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (subject to change)
-TEL: 098-965-2222
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.462128, E 127.811506
-A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
MARCH 4: This beach is home to other activities such as flyboarding, jet-skiing, boat tubing, and more. Tattoos need to be covered.
-ADMISSION FEE COSTS: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for ages 4-12.
-PARKING FEE COSTS: Free parking is available at Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa.
A free shuttle bus is available between the hotel and the beach.
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change)
-TEL: 098-052-4093
-GPS COORDINATES: N26.531863, E 127.929991
-A one-hour drive from Camp Foster
MARCH 31: A resort beach at a 20-minute drive from Camp Schwab. Guests are required to cover their tattoos with a jacket or a rash guard.
-ADMISSION FEE: 1,650 yen (adult, inclusive of tax), 550 yen (child), free admission for those who stay at the hotel.
PARKING FEE Included in the admission fee.
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
-TEL:0980-55-8880
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.546329, E 128.077174
Early APRIL (TBD): This beach near Camp Hasen boasts of 800-meter-long sandy shore. Home to activities such as banana boating and sea kayaking.
*Swimming is prohibited before the beach opens.
-PARKING FEE COSTS: 500 yen
-OPEN: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
-GPS Coordinates: N 26.459806, E 127.947202
-A 10-minute drive from Camp Hansen.
6. NABEE BEACH
APRIL 1: This beach near Cape Manzamo is home to water activities such as a banana boat, sea kayak, and more.
-PARKING FEE: Free
-Admission FEE: Free
Shower and locker usage cost 100 yen (two minutes) and 200 yen respectively.
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Subject to change)
-TEL: 098-966-8839
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.502060, E 127.857871
-A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
7. TIGER BEACH
April 1: A resort beach of Hotel Monterey in Onna village. Tattoos need to be covered with stickers which can be purchased at a convenience store inside the hotel or by putting on a t-shirt.
-ADMISSION FEE COSTS: 1,000 yen (inclusive of usage fee for shower and locker)
-Parking Fee: 500 yen
-OPEN: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Subject to change)
-TEL: 098-993-7108
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.454341, E 127.806077
-A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster
APRIL 1: Adjacent to Expo Park, this beach dazzles visitors with its emerald green and cobalt blue.
-PARKING FEE COSTS: Free
-OPEN: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (subject to change)
-TEL: 0980-48-2741
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.699195, E 127.877590
-A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster
9. SESOKO BEACH
MID-APRIL: A popular beach on Sesoko Island. This beach boasts beautiful views of Ie Island and Motobu Peninsula.
-ADMISSION FEE COSTS: Free
-PARKING FEE COSTS: 1,000 yen per day
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change)
-TEL: 098-047-7000
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.650026, E 127.856139
-A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.
10. MOON BEACH
APRIL (TBD): A resort beach a 40-minute drive from Camp Foster. Home to water activities such as a banana boats, flyboard, and more. Tattoos need to be covered.
-Admission Fee: 2,000 yen (middle school students and above), 1,000 yen (elementary school students)
-PARKING FEE: 1,000 yen
-Open: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
-Tel: 098-965-1020
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.451104, E 127.802283
-A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster
11. TROPICAL BEACH
LATE APRIL: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma. Water activities such as banana boats and boat tubes are available.
-PARKING FEE COSTS: Free
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Subject to change)
-TEL: 090-4471-0581 (for reservation)
-GPS COORDINATES: N 26.28148 E 127.731782
-A 10-minute drive from MCAS Futenma.
APRIL 6 (subject to change): Located near DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, this resort beach is home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as sea kayaks, banana boats, and water obstacles are available. A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
-PARKING FEE: - 500 yen
-OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (subject to change)
-TEL: 098-850-1139
-COORDINATES: N 26.156294, E 127.647378
-Close to Naha Air Port and Ashibinaa Okinawa Outlet Mall.
ON-BASE BEACHES
While local beaches are opening up, on-base beaches deserve attention as they continue to offer great choices for your next vacation. Good customer service, comfortable lodging, and recreational tours packed with fun and adventures are waiting for you there.
A. Torii Beach
The peaceful waters of Torii Beach will be perfect for kayak and SUP board riding. Camping and recreation gear are available for rent including a tent, grill, lantern, canopy, and frisbee. There are pavilions and a water slide as well.
Torii Beach (Photo by Aya Ichihashi)
B. White Beach
This naval base in the east can be a good place for relaxation. Cozy campers and cabins are available for rent. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and beach volleyball. There are also basketball courts and softball fields nearby.
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
C. Okuma Beach
This beautiful beach in the north is a great getaway destination. Home to water activities including wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, Jet skiing, and banana boating. You can also enjoy camping and golfing there.
This small beach near the Air Force facility offers a quick getaway destination. Take diving and surfing lessons and embark on a tour for ocean adventures. During winter whale watching boat trips are available there. Plus, don’t forget to grab a bite at Seaside.
