Aharen Beach — Attraction in Tokashiki

A much better beach for snorkeling than what is available on the more popular, nearby Zamami island. There are 2 swimming zones. The central supervised (lifeguard) zone is not good for snorkeling because you are required to wear a life jacket if you snorkel in this area. Plus it’s mainly for swimming, too many kids etc. The outer 2 non-supervised zones (just to the left and right of the central zone) are for snorkeling, just don’t go too far out or too far left (boat launch) or right (rocky peninsula) or the lifeguard will come out and tell you off. I didn’t try the smaller zone to the right, but there is a great amount of sea life and beautiful coral in the larger left zone. I saw a sea snake, conger eel and many friendly fish both big and small. I found Nemo! I wanted to go to the small island just in front of the beach area, but the banana boat ride there via Jetski is ¥1000 per person. There are loungers, umbrellas, etc for rent. This beach has no shade. There are 4-5 secluded beaches on the other side of the peninsula which you can get to via 2 paths you can see on the satellite view (5 min walk from this main beach). Just in front of the main beach entrance is the Octopus Garden restaurant (currently not visible on Google maps - marked a closed previously during Covid). They have wonderful food and the second floor outdoor/sheltered dining area is the only place you can eat...

Aharen Beach is really amazing; I decided to go, and I was alone. I met some of the local people who told me you should book with some agency to enjoy your day; at that time I tried, but all was booked. I went on my own, booked the ferry online, and I was afraid that I might not enjoy the day there. But all my expectations changed; everything was available there. There was a place in front of where the bus takes you off to the beach where they rent the equipment and offer some snorkeling tours for only 5000 yen. I had a tough time because I lost my phone under the sea, but the tour guide and the manager of the place, whose name is Kuniyoshi Haruhiro, helped me and returned my phone. I am so grateful for their efforts and honesty, and I'm recommending joining them whenever you go to Aharen Beach. The tour was really excellent, and the tour guide helped us to see the different coral reefs and sea turtles. Thank you so much for making my day. I will attach the photo of the card of Mr. Haruhiro if you want to ask for more information and...

The beach is amazing and the water is crystal clear. You can rent sunbeds and umbrella. I paid 3000 yen for 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella. I found it a bit expensive but there isn't any other way to be protected from the sun. The beach is clean and there are lifeguards that are very attentive. They always make sure everyone is safe. They won't let you snorkel without a life vest, but you can go to the other side of the beach where you can do what you want. There are some shops around and a place to shower and change. The shower costs 300 yen for 5 min and it only accepts 100yen coins. The changing room is the same room as the shower so...good luck with that. They have these metal boxes to put you stuff in, but I didn't use it. I just went for the "big" shower and although I couldn't lock the door, I had no problems. I saw some other place where they offered shower and changing room for 500 yen. Maybe it is worth checking. I managed with the public one.

I had a great time and it is totally worth it to visit Tokashiki island and...