Blue Cave — Attraction in Onna

We went to the blue caves on a Monday in August (Japan Summer holidays). There were easily 100-150 people in the water between the main entrance into the sea and the caves (roughly 200m swim to get to the cave). When we entered the cave there was little to no room to move as the cave was just full of people, almost to the point of being a health hazard.

The swim to the caves was lovely with clear warm water, coral and lots of colourful fishses.

If you plan on snorkeling just bring your own or rent a pair as entering the sea and caves are free. Don't bother with a tourist package/tour as it would be a complete waste of money for what they can offer you.

There are a few beaches in the area within walking distance that are nice to see after you have checked out the caves.

There are facilities by the entrance to the caves which includes: parking, toilets, showers, coin lockers, drink vending machines and a restaurant of sorts. The surrounding township is small but also has a few good options for lunch.

If you are coming from Naha city you can get to the caves by bus. Times are available on Google maps and are fairly accurate, just expect it to be delayed by 5-10min. Travel time was approximately an hour and a half.

Positives: clear water, good snorkeling, nice beaches around the caves you can go to after. Negatives: can be very crowded in summer, cave itself is a bit...

We visited in the middle of May for snorkeling and the water was still slightly cold. Wave was also strong. Be aware if you have motion sickness. According to our guide, the water in the summer season is more calm and is more recommended for marine sports. However, there is also a higher chance of typhoon.

Overall, snorkeling at the Blue Cave was a great experience.

Details of our 2-hour tour for reference:

Schedule 8:00 – Leave hotel with guide 8:05 – Change into diving suit, instructions 8:15 – Car ride to shore 8:30 – Boat ride to Blue Cave 8:45 – Arrive 9:15 – Boat ride back to shore 9:30 – Remove equipment 9:45 – Shower 10:00 – Finish

Other Notes Room charge payment (tour booked via hotel) Towels included in plan Recommended to wear marine shoes, rash guard (not provided) Water proof phone case recommended if you wish to take photos on your own Photo service available at addition charges Soft contacts can be wore Glasses / hard contacts: goggles with prescription provided Change and shower...

Extremely crowded. Do you like swimming/floating in line? This is likely the place for you. If you go very very early or during the off season, probably ok.

We went middle of July and the boat ride there was fine, swimming/snorkeling to the cave entrance was fine, but as soon as you get close to the cave they herd you to the right side. You then proceed to float up the right side, to the end, then back down the other side. It took almost 40 minutes of our 1 hour of snorkeling. There is one nice spot for a picture at the cave exit, but not really worth the wait. I would wholeheartedly recommend snorkeling in Okinawa, but maybe not at the Blue Cave.

The waters are dirty from all the chumming/fish food/bread the guides give everyone to feed the fish. There are a lot of fish though, so if you can go and hang out outside the cave, you might have a better...