When is the best time to visit Ama Beach to see sea turtles?

Visit Ama Beach during high tide to see green sea turtles, as they come to feed on the shallow seagrass meadows when there is sufficient water depth. Early morning and late afternoon are the times when sea turtles typically visit the beach due to the abundant seaweed growing there. For the best water color and visibility, the sea appears most blue between 9 AM and 1 PM since the beach faces southwest. You can check tide information at the tourist information center near Zamami Port or ask the lifeguards if turtles have been spotted that day.

What facilities and amenities are available at Ama Beach?

Bathrooms and changing facilities are available at the beach. The adjacent Ama Beach Campground offers hot showers, toilets, a community kitchen, electronic device charging stations, and baggage storage. Beach snacks selling sandwiches and drinks operate on-site, though food options are more limited compared to Furuzamami Beach. Lifeguards are stationed at the beach from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM between early April and late November. Equipment rental facilities may not always be available or open at the beach.

Can I camp at Ama Beach and what does it cost?

Yes, the village-run Ama Beach Campground is located directly next to the beach and charges a base fee of ¥500 per person per night to use facilities including showers, toilets, and the community kitchen. Camping gear is available for rental, and there are also cottages with check-in at 2:00 PM and check-out at 10:00 AM. Reservations can only be made by telephone, and like most establishments on the island, only cash payments are accepted. There is an ATM at the post office in Zamami village.

What are the rules for observing sea turtles at Ama Beach?

If you spot a sea turtle, do not approach it or chase it—protect the turtles' safety and habitat by watching from a respectful distance. Never touch or follow sea turtles, avoid sudden movements, and give them adequate space when they surface to breathe. Do not attempt to touch, feed, or make excessive noise around the turtles, as lifeguards will intervene to maintain a peaceful environment. These rules exist to prevent the turtles from avoiding the beach and to ensure their continued presence for all visitors to enjoy.

Okinawa

Ama Beach, Zamami

Q: Is Ama Beach suitable for families with children?

Yes, Ama Beach is ideal for families as the calm, shallow waters are perfect for children. The beach typically has gentle waves and remains shallow, making it a great spot for inexperienced snorkelers or those new to diving. However, you should note that the sea floor contains rocky areas with corals and limestone, so wearing protective footwear is advisable. The sand on shore is mixed with broken coral reefs and stones rather than being purely fine sand. Lifeguards monitor a designated swimming area to protect both visitors and the coral reefs.

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Last updated Sep 20, 2026

Ama Beach is located on Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands archipelago in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The Kerama Islands are known for their distinctive azure waters, locally referred to as "Kerama Blue," and the area has earned two stars from the Michelin Green Guide for its pristine nature and scenery.

The beach is particularly renowned for green sea turtle sightings, with these marine creatures visiting daily at high tide to feed on the shallow seagrass meadows. The calm, shallow waters make this an ideal location for families with children, though visitors are reminded to observe turtles from a distance to protect their habitat. Beyond turtles, the beach features a vibrant coral garden located just meters from the shore, densely covered with branching corals and home to species including tomato clownfish living among sea anemones.

Visitors can access the beach via a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from Zamami Port to the west. Alternative transportation options include renting bicycles for a 20-minute ride, scooters, or cars, with the beach well-signposted from the jetty. To reach Zamami Island, visitors take boats from Tomari Harbor in Naha, Okinawa's capital city, with the closest monorail stop being Miebashi, a 10-minute walk from the jetty.

Parking areas near the beach accept both coins and major credit cards, with some offering free parking and designated disabled spaces close to beach access points. Visitors should note that the sea floor contains rocky areas with corals and limestone, making footwear advisable, and shade is limited, so bringing sun protection is recommended. For optimal turtle viewing and snorkeling conditions, checking tide tables and visiting at high tide is essential.

The beach provides basic facilities including bathrooms and baggage storage. Lifeguards are on duty from late April until early November. The adjacent Ama Beach Youth Travel Village offers camping facilities starting at ¥500 per night for tent sites, with cabins also available. The campground includes hot showers, kitchen facilities, free wifi. Beach snacks selling sandwiches and drinks are available on-site, while Zamami village, located approximately one mile away, offers a broader selection of restaurants and accommodation.