By tight travellers, April 2026
Zamami Island
If you’re looking for white sand beaches, crystal clear water, an abundance of marine life – all without a sh*t ton of tourists. Then the Kerama Islands should shoot to the top of your bucket list!
Perfect for: snorkelling, beach bums, whale watching, and getting off grid in a tropical paradise.
How to get to Zamami Island
Zamami Island makes up the Kerama Islands in Okinawa, Japan. Located a short ferry journey away from Naha. So first get on’t tinterweb and get yoursen a flight booked. We use a SkyScanner to find cheap flights!
After an optional few days exploring Naha, book yoursen a ferry!
From Naha:
There are 2 ferries that run from Tomari port to Zamami:
- The Ferry Zamami: a cargo and passenger ferry that takes around 2 hours (stopping at Aka Island first) and costs ¥2150 one way (adult)
- The Queen Zamami: high speed ferry that takes 50 – 70 minutes and costs ¥3200 one way (adult)
You can book the ferry here. If you’re travelling from Naha, we do recommend that you reserve the ferry a few days in advance.
From other Kerama Islands
If you’re island hopping, you can get a ferry from Tokashiki, (Check out our Tokahsiki blog here) to Zamami. After asking about, we found a phone number that you can use to ‘book’ the ferry (better safe than sorry- I’m not sure if it runs unless it’s expecting passengers). But essentially, you just turn up at Aharen beach port at the designated time and pay the captain when on board.
BOOK HERE – 098-987-2614
The boat stops at Aka Island first, which takes 20 minutes. Then heads to Zamami Island, which takes an additional 15 minutes.
There is a small village ferry that runs between Zamami and Aka a few times a day which costs ¥300 one way. Tickets can be bought from the port on the day of departure.
If you only have time for a day trip, these can be done from Naha.
Use code ‘TIGHTTRAVELLERS5‘ for money off!
Where to stay
There are a limited amount of accommodations on Zamami Island, and you may have to go turn ya pockets out.
The cheapest option we found, was a campsite reet on Ama beach. Imagine: sleeping on the forest floor, sea breeze, sunrise wake ups, birds chirping. Cold showers, bugs everywhere, minging sh*tters, no WiFi, 9-5 shared electric, and a bad back. All for the eye watering price of ¥4900 a night. Worth it? You tell me.
Check out our TikTok here!
Prices depend on what you hire. This price included campsite use, as well as the hire of 1 medium tent and 2 sleeping mats. You can book in advance – we emailed zamamicamp.official@gmail.com to do this.
If that doesn’t sound like a bit of you: we found some alternate stays:
As always, make sure to compare prices across various platforms.
Getting around Zamami
There a a couple of ways to travel around the island. Our tried and tested way – walk. But if you’re inclined to spend your money, there are other options.
- Hire a bike / electric scooter (not as cool). The cheapest option for bike rental was ¥1500 for the day.
- Hire a moped. The cheapest option we found was ¥3,500 for the day.
- Public transport. There is a bus that connects Zamami Port to Ama beach and Furuzamami beach. Tickets cost ¥300 per adult, one way.
Things to do
There are 2 main beaches, both a 20 minute walk from the port: Ama beach and Furuzamami beach.
Furuzamami beach is the most popular: there are rental shops, and a beach hut nearby that offer food / drinks, and have toilets / showers.
So of course, we went to the less popular Ama beach; I mean we were camping right next to it. You have to swim quite far out to see fish and coral (towards the end of the designated swimming area if lifeguards are present). There are also chances to see sea turtles if you’re lucky!
There are designated swimming areas on both of these beaches. Lifeguards man the beach from April – November around 9 – 17:30. Do with that what you will.
There are obviously other beaches on the island if you’re one to explore. Here are a few recommended by a local: Inō Beach and Amuro Island which is uninhabited (this can be accessed via water taxi or a sandbank if you’re that way inclined and feeling adventurous).
From late December to early April, visitors can enjoy whale watching. Tours depart from Zamami port and take visitors to see humpback whales that visit Okinawan water to breed.
Hiking is also popular on Zamami Island and there are a lot of observatories. Our favourite, Kami-no-hama Observation Deck where you can watch the sunset.
Make sure to stay connected. Us tight travellers shop around the find the best deals on e-sims. For Japan, this was found on Trip.com.
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