Cape Maeda
Cape Maeda things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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.
The Traveling CondorThe Traveling Condor
10
Maeda is a shell of its former self. If it was sentient, it would scream out in agony. So many people stomping around on the coral that it has been worn away. In fact, keep reading the reviews right here. You’ll see people recommending boots so you can stand… on the coral! I yelled at a guy for sitting on the coral (see picture) while messing around with his friends. According to the announcement they play on a loop, he had to be there with an “instructor”. The whole requirement of an instructor is an absolute joke. The “instructors” take as many people as they can get to hold onto an innertube and pull them around and into the cave. The only qualification they appear to have is to be able to take photographs with one hand while pulling their customers with the other. The SCUBA instructors aren’t much better. Almost every single diver I saw had yet to achieve neutral balance and had their fins or knees on the coral. The cave has become unbearable. So crowded both above and below the surface. When I was there this past weekend, there was a group of screaming women being pulled by an instructor on an innertube. There were probably six or seven of them and they did not stop screaming their entire time in the cave. They didn’t look like they could have swum on their own. Their hair was still dry! Speaking of not swimming. I saw another group of customers being pulled by an “instructor”. There was a man who lost hold of the inner tube with one hand and was spun around onto his back. The guy looked terrified! The “instructor” didn’t notice. I’m sure the pictures are great. They chum the water like crazy (see photo). Sergeant Fish love it, humans who care about the environment, not so much. The coral looks so unhealthy.
Old IM'erOld IM'er
150
Cape Maeda used to be a good spot for snorkeling, freediving, and SCUBA. Now there is a locked gate with cameras to keep you from reaching the water outside of business hours. The parking lot costs 100¥ + 100¥ for every hour. It's not expensive, but consider the following. You still pay if you enter and the gate isn't open, and license plates with "A or Y" will get ticketed for parking outside of the lot. Aside from all of that, it's an extremely popular spot for tourists. When it's open, people who can't even swim are permitted to breathe SCUBA and get towed around by divemasters. On normal days, the water is full of incompetent divers who are swimming across each other like a school of sardines. This is why the site has become so dangerous that they no longer allow swimming with winds over 10 knots or at night. The Maeda website is not updated when conditions change and the site closes, so if the website says they're open, then you may arrive and pay to park only to find out that the gate is locked.
Jake HillJake Hill
10
Go diving or snorkeling here to see some of the most diverse populations of fish and coral. Above was 2 years ago. Below is currently. Used to be great for diving. Now full of tourist and high turnover for people in and out of water. Lots of dead coral from people walking on the coral tops instead of staying in paths (chain). Many broken coral from irresponsible diving. This place is continuing to become less beautiful, too many people are just making money instead of trying to help take care of this nature preserve by showing its beauty and educating people about Okinawa and it's water. I will continue to catalog the decline. (The bathrooms are horrible!)
McTyMcTy
10
If you're looking for a picnic spot in Maeda, this is the place! You can take the walking trail where the shower facilities are, there is a nice spot to watch sunset and have a picnic. It's a scenic place for a morning or evening walk but don't expect it to be spectacular. Its serenity is what makes it special. Not many tourists for sightseeing, but they're many divers from mainland Japan, Taiwan or Korea. It's one of the best diving spots in Japan. If you're diving, be cautious, it has had a number of fatalities recently. If you have small kids, do keep and eye on them as certain places near the cliffs do not have railings.
EH TANEH TAN
00
It was amazing! I definitely recommend a floaty/life vest for the kids because the water can get deep. My husband was so patient with our 10 year old carrying him on his back for two hours. Our son decided he didn't want to snorkel because his mask was giving him trouble. When we went up for lunch we bought him a floaty so my husband could enjoy himself more. (Yes our 10 year old is a great swimmer but he was to short to stand in most places). Parking was full when we got there but you just wait in line till someone leaves. It's 100yen an hour, they sell food, equipment and water shoes in the building.
AshleyAshley
00
Nearby Attractions Of Cape Maeda
Blue Cave
Zanee Beach
Cape Maeda
Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park Maeda Cape Garden

Blue Cave
4.6
(494)Click for details

Zanee Beach
4.6
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Cape Maeda
4.5
(24)Click for details

Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park Maeda Cape Garden
4.7
(15)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Cape Maeda
オーシャンBBQ真栄田
Pizzeria da Enzo
The Bros. Sandwich Stand
Plant-Based Restaurant Gajimaru
島豚・琉球牛 燦 別邸
Yuntakutei
Auberge Bonne Chere Raout
Nagi
Maeda Soba
Barukorabo Oshanterasu Maedamisakiten

オーシャンBBQ真栄田
4.9
(437)Click for details

Pizzeria da Enzo
4.4
(447)$$
Click for details

The Bros. Sandwich Stand
4.5
(239)Click for details

Plant-Based Restaurant Gajimaru
4.8
(148)Click for details
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