Is Sunabe Beach suitable for beginner divers?

Yes. The shore entry, gradual depth increase, and numerous dive shops offering instruction make it appropriate for beginners. First-time divers must use certified instructors as currents can strengthen and visibility changes with weather.

Can I snorkel at Sunabe Beach without diving certification?

Yes. Snorkeling requires no certification. Equipment rental costs ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 per day. The best areas are 20 to 30 meters from shore in 2 to 5 meters depth.

Are there facilities to rinse equipment and change clothes?

Outdoor showers are available along the seawall. Dive shops provide changing rooms, freshwater rinses, and equipment storage for customers. Public restrooms are located near the parking area.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Green sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish, moray eels, damselfish, and butterflyfish are common. Deeper areas have octopuses and cuttlefish. Manta rays and eagle rays appear occasionally. Night dives reveal Spanish dancers and crustaceans.

Is it safe to swim during typhoon season?

No. Typhoon season runs June to November, peaking in August and September. Do not swim or dive when typhoons approach or pass, as they create dangerous currents and poor visibility. Check forecasts and follow dive shop warnings.

Sunabe Beach

4.5 (81)Point Of InterestEstablishment

Sunabe Beach, located in Chatan town on Okinawa's western coast, has evolved from a quiet fishing area into one of the island's most accessible dive sites. The beach gained prominence during the American military presence in Okinawa, as it sits near several U.S. military installations. Over the decades, it transformed into a recreational hub that attracts both locals and international visitors seeking underwater adventures without the need for boat access.

The beach's primary draw is its exceptional shore diving and snorkeling opportunities. Unlike many dive sites that require boat transportation, Sunabe offers direct entry from the seawall into waters reaching depths of 15 to 20 meters just offshore. The underwater landscape features coral formations, caves, and a diverse marine ecosystem including sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasional manta rays. The site is particularly valued for its year-round accessibility and relatively calm conditions, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. The adjacent Sunabe Seawall, stretching approximately 600 meters, has become an iconic feature where divers gear up and locals gather to watch sunsets.

Visitors typically spend their time diving, snorkeling, or relaxing along the narrow sandy beach. The area supports numerous dive shops offering equipment rental, guided dives, and certification courses, with prices generally ranging from ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 for guided shore dives. Non-divers can enjoy the coastal atmosphere, explore nearby American Village—a shopping and entertainment complex 1.5 kilometers south—or visit the many international restaurants and cafes that line the coast, reflecting Okinawa's multicultural character.

Visitors can reach the site by rental car in about 40 minutes via Route 58, with paid parking available near the seawall for around ¥500 per day. Public buses on routes 20, 28, and 29 also service the area, stopping at Sunabe bus stop within walking distance of the beach. There is no admission fee to access the beach itself. The best diving conditions occur from April to November, though the site remains operational throughout the year.

What other travelers are saying about Sunabe Beach

A beach without the tourists. It's small and has lots of coral, so you'll need water shoes, but it's gorgeous and you can go deep into the water. No life guards, showers, toilets, etc. There were loads of locals hitting the waves that were out past the rocks, and US planes flying overhead. When we went, there were only two other groups there, so it was quiet and relaxing.

Taleah

Sep 1, 2022

Absolutely beautiful. Not too crowded and you can actually find a lot of cool things like shells, coral bits, and several species of crab.

My favorite beach in the area. However NO lifeguard, NO bathrooms, NO nets. It's just a sandy area with stadium seating of paving stones. There's nice sand on the beach itself but be cautious that the first 5-10 feet of beach under the water is rocks/broken coral. Keep an eye out for lots of little crabs.

Awesome beach. Park near by. Seawall ends at the beach.

Good for snorkeling or walking. Parking can be tricky at certain hours.