Okinawa Travel Forum

Hello dear knowers of Okinawa island!

I'd be very grateful if somebody out there could provide me with useful infomation regarding the usual weather late December on the Kerama Islands as we plan spending a few days there at the very end of december, likely in zamami jima.
Is it possible to dive, because it seems very windy ?
What's the water and air temperature like?
Is there anything to do (like trekking, visiting, hiring a motorbike?)
Any good ryokan to spend a couple of days on the islands?
Thanks a lot in advance!!
Joska

Ask these guys:

http://www.reefencounters.org/

They do run winter dive trips down to Yonaguni, but i don't know about the Keramas. As far as stuff to do on Zamami in the winter, you can still hike and other stuff, but it is the off season. If you would like a list of minshuku on Zamami, I have a small one as follows...can't recommend any, but they all, except one, provide 2 meals a day:

Dive Inn Hama 987-2013
Zamami Tei 987-2736
Yoneko 987-2175
Miyanozato 987-2019
Nakayama 987-2677
Takatsuki 987-2247
Miharashi 987-2042
Ookawa 987-2406
Seidorum 987-2016

Each of these place are 7,000 yen or less a night per person

Try the lee side on the northern end near Nago. You can hire a boat for 30,000 Yen (US $25). The reefs are beautiful there. Further south on the Pacific side is even more spectacular. Catch a fisherman out of Henoko. It gets more expensive for hiring boats the further south you get. Buses from Naha to Nago are frequent and quite inexpensive. Cabs are available at day rate, a bit pricey, but worth it if you are hauling your gear with you.

As far as weather is concerned, expect it to be a bit cold and windy...Maybe around 17 or 18 degrees centigrade, but it will feel colder out on the water. However, if the sun is out, it will feel warm and the temp. will climb into the low 20's. Dive companies operate all year, and Olddude has listed a reputable English-speaking one as well as many other Japanese places. Other than diving and snorkeling, there isn't much to do on the Kerama Islands. In the summertime they can become quite festive, but in the off-season expect quitness. Hope this helps! And, have fun!
Kenny

They should offer some whale watching trips around that time of year. Depending on the weather. Last year quite a few trips were canceled.
Daniela