When March rolls around in Okinawa, that means beach season will be right around the corner. It’s time to go to the surfside and chill out on a resort beach takes a dive into nature. The Japanese government has just announced that starting March 13, wearing mask will no longer be mandatory, leaving it up to each individual to make that decision. That means the stage is set to celebrate the beach opening in full swing like we did before COVID. The island got plenty of locations for you to soak up the sun and enjoy the water. Let’s check out the best spring break beaches that Okinawa has to offer.

1. ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT MARCH 18: As a special offer for the day, admission fee will be discounted to 1,000 yen (free for hotel customers) and no free parking will be charged. You can enjoy Ocean Park water obstacles as much as you want. Please note that reservation is required and the admissions will be capped at 200 on this day. Other water activities available there include sea kayaking, jet ski bike riding, and more. - PARKING FEE COSTS: 3,000 yen per vehicle starting Mach 19 - OPEN: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.) - TEL: 098-966-1211 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.505998, E127.859180 - 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.

2. SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA RESORT Open throughout the year: Water activities such as banana boating, snorkeling tour, zip-lining are available. - 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 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.462128, E 127.811506 - A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.

3. KARIYUSHI BEACH MARCH 4: Water Land (obstacle courses) is scheduled to open on the same day. This beach is home to other activities such as flyboarding, jet-skiing, boat tubing, and more. - ADMISSION FEE COSTS: 550 yen for 13 years old and above, 330 for ages 4-12, free admission for 3 years old and below. - PARKING FEE COSTS: Free parking is available at Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa. Visitors need to inform staff they’re parking their vehicles for the beach. - OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change) - TEL: 098-052-4093 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N26.531863, E 127.929991 - One-hour drive from Camp Foster.

4. KANUCHA BEACH MARCH 26: This beach is home to water activities such as obstacles courses, parasailing, fly board, and more. - 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 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.546329, E 128.077174 - A 20-minute drive from Camp Schwab.

5. ZANPA BEACH APRIL 1: This beach is home to water activities such as banana boat, jet-skiing, boat tubing, and more. - PARKING FEE COSTS: Free - OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - TEL: 098-958-5000 (for info on water activities) - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.435680, E 127.715947 - A 15-minute drive from Torii station.

6. NABEE BEACH APRIL 1: This beach near Cape Manzamo is home to water activities such as 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 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.502060, E 127.857871 - A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.

7. TIGER BEACH APRIL 1 (TBD): This resort beach in Onna village is home to water activities such as parasailing, banana boat, jet ski, and more. - Parking Fee: 2,000 yen - ADMISSION FEE COSTS: 1,000 yen (inclusive of usage fee for shower and locker) - OPEN: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Subject to change) - TEL: 098-993-7108 - WEBSITE (hotel) - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.454341, E 127.806077 - A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.

8. EMERALD BEACH 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. - 7 p.m. (subject to change) - TEL: 0980-48-2741 - WEBSITE - 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 - OPEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m (subject to change) - TEL: 098-047-7000 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.650026, E 127.856139 - A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.

10. UPPAMA BEACH Late March or early April (subject to change): A beautiful beach on Nakijin peninsula. Water activities such as jet ski, sea kayak and boat tube are available. - Facility usage fee and parking fee: TBD - OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (subject to change, the reception desk closes at 5 p.m.) - TEL: 0980-56-2767 (hotel) - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.691692, E 127.991841 - A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.

11. TROPICAL BEACH LATE APRIL: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma and a good spot to have a beach BBQ part at. Water activities such as banana boat and boat tube are available. - PARKING FEE COSTS: Free - OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Subject to change) - TEL: 090-4471-0581 (for reservation) - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.28148 E 127.731782 - A 10-minute drive from MCAS Futenma.

12. ORION ECO CHURA-SUN BEACH APRIL 1 (subject to change): A resort beach home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as sea kayak, banana boat are available. - PARKING FEE: - 500 yen - OPEN: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (subject to change) - TEL: 098-850-1139 - WEBSITE - GPS COORDINATES: N 26.156294, E 127.647378 - A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster. 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 your there.

A. Torii Beach The peaceful waters of Torii Beach will be perfect for kayak and SUP board riding. Camping and recreation gears are available for rent including tent, grill, lantern, canopy, and frisbee. There are pavilions and a water slide as well. WEBSITE Facebook

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. WEBSITE Facebook

C. Okuma Beach This beautiful beach in the north is a great getaway destination. Home to water activities including wake boarding, water skiing, knee boarding, Jet skiing, banana boating. You can also enjoy camping and golfing there. WEBSITE Facebook

D. Kadena Marina 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. WEBSITE Facebook