よくある質問 Okinawa Scuba Diving FAQ | Kerama & Naha | SEAKERS

Okinawa Scuba Diving FAQ

Planning to go scuba diving in Okinawa? Find answers to common questions about
Kerama Islands diving from Naha, diving experience and certification, rental equipment,
hotel pickup, safety, weather, booking, and more.

General Diving Questions

Q
Where is SEAKERS located?
A

SEAKERS is an SSI Dive Training Center based on Okinawa Main Island.
We mainly serve divers staying in Naha and the surrounding areas, with
convenient pickup and drop-off available at selected hotels.

For most guests, there is no need to visit our dive center, as we provide a pickup service for our diving trips.

Our team is often out diving during the day, so the dive center may not always be staffed. If you would like to visit SEAKERS in person, please contact us in advance.

Q
What are the best places to go scuba diving in Okinawa?
A

Okinawa offers many excellent diving areas, and the best choice depends on
your experience level and the type of experience you are looking for.
Kerama Islands are famous for their crystal-clear water, beautiful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and excellent visibility. They are suitable for a wide range of visitors, including:


Certified divers — from Open Water Diver level

Introductory scuba diving — no diving certification required

Snorkeling — no diving certification required

The best option depends on your experience, interests, weather conditions,
and the type of experience you want to enjoy.

Q
Can I go diving in Kerama while staying in Naha?
A

Yes. Kerama Islands diving is one of the most popular day-trip options
for visitors staying in Naha.

Our Kerama day trip departs from Naha and returns to Naha on the same day,
so you do not need to stay on a Kerama island. Please note that our diving
trips do not include landing on or visiting the islands themselves.

Q
What is the ratio of divers to instructors?
A

We keep our diving groups small to provide a safe, comfortable,
and enjoyable experience.

For certified divers, our maximum ratio is 4 divers to 1 instructor.

For introductory scuba diving, our maximum ratio is 2 participants to 1 instructor.

Keeping our groups small allows our instructors to provide more
personal attention and better support throughout the dive.

Q
How far are the Kerama Islands from Naha?
A

The Kerama Islands are located approximately 30–40 km west of Naha.
The boat ride generally takes around one hour, depending on the destination,
sea conditions, and the boat’s route.

Q
Is Kerama diving available year-round?
A

Diving in the Kerama Islands is available throughout the year, but the
conditions and dive sites can change depending on the season, weather,
wind, waves, and sea conditions.

We select the most suitable dive sites based on the conditions on the day.

Q
What should I bring on my diving trip?
A

Please bring a towel, lunch, drinks, a change of clothes, your logbook, sunscreen, sunglasses, seasickness medicine, and cash for any optional add-ons.

We recommend traveling light and bringing only what you need,
as dry storage space on the boat is limited.

Q
Do I need to bring lunch and drinks?
A

Yes. Please bring your own lunch and drinks for the day.

Japanese tea is available on the boat, but it is shared among all guests,
so we recommend bringing enough of your own drinks to stay hydrated
throughout the day.

As everyone has different food preferences and dietary needs,
we do not provide lunch. Please bring your own lunch that you can
comfortably eat on the boat.

Q
Do your instructors speak English?
A

Yes. Our instructors speak English and regularly welcome international divers from around the world.

Clear communication helps reduce misunderstandings and allows us to
provide clear dive briefings, safety instructions, and explanations
before entering the water.

Kerama Islands Diving

Q
How many dives can I do on a Kerama Islands day trip?
A

Our standard Kerama Islands day trip includes three boat dives.
Depending on the program and conditions, other options may also be available.

Q
What is the water temperature in the Kerama Islands?
A

Water temperature in Okinawa generally ranges from around 21°C in winter
to around 29°C in summer. Conditions vary by season.

Your instructor can recommend suitable exposure protection based on the
season and your personal preference.

Q
What marine life can I see in the Kerama Islands?
A

The Kerama Islands are home to a wide variety of marine life, including
sea turtles, tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, reef fish, and many
other species.

Marine life sightings are naturally affected by season, weather, and
underwater conditions, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Q
What is Kerama Blue?
A

“Kerama Blue” is the name commonly used to describe the exceptionally
clear blue water around the Kerama Islands. The area is known for excellent
visibility, beautiful coral reefs, and vibrant marine life.

Q
Can I choose the dive sites in the Kerama Islands?
A

Dive sites are selected by our dive team based on weather, wind, waves,
currents, visibility, diver experience, and safety.

In the Kerama Islands, we mainly visit dive sites around Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Kuroshima, Maejima, and the Chibishi Islands, depending on the conditions of the day.

We always aim to provide the best possible diving conditions for the day,
but specific dive sites cannot always be guaranteed.

Q
Is Kerama diving suitable for experienced divers?
A

Yes. The Kerama Islands offer a wide range of diving environments and
are suitable for experienced certified divers as well as divers who are
looking for relaxed coral reef diving.

Q
Can certified divers and beginners join the same boat?
A

Yes. Certified divers and beginners can join the same boat and enjoy the Kerama Islands day trip together.

During the dives, certified divers and introductory divers will be
separated into different diving teams with their own instructors,
as each program has different depths, skills, and safety requirements.

This is a great option for friends, couples, or families with different
diving experience levels who still want to enjoy the same day together.

Certification & Diving Experience

Q
What scuba diving certification do I need?
A

For certified diver programs, you generally need a recognized scuba diving
certification such as SSI Open Water Diver, PADI Open Water Diver, or an
equivalent certification from another recognized training organization.

For diving at Manza and the USS Emmons, a higher level of certification and additional experience may be required. Please check the individual dive site pages for the specific certification and experience requirements.

Some programs are also available for beginners without certification.

Q
I haven’t dived for a long time. Can I still join?
A

Yes, you can. However, if you have not dived for a long time, we highly recommend taking the SSI Scuba Skills Update, refresher program before your dive trip.

This program is designed for divers who are feeling rusty and want to
refresh their diving skills, increase safety, and feel more comfortable
and confident in the water.

Q
Can beginners go scuba diving in Okinawa?
A

Yes. Okinawa is an excellent place to experience scuba diving for the first
time. We offer beginner-friendly programs with professional SSI instructors.

Beginners do not need a scuba certification to participate in an appropriate
introductory diving program
.

Q
Do I need to be able to swim to scuba dive?
A

For the Open Water Diver course, you must complete a 200-meter swim or a 300-meter swim using a mask, snorkel, and fins as part of the course requirements.

For introductory scuba diving (Try Scuba), swimming ability is not required. However, we highly recommend having some snorkeling experience before trying scuba diving.

Being comfortable in the water can make a significant difference in
your confidence and ability to successfully enjoy your first scuba
diving experience.

Q
Can children go scuba diving?
A

Yes. We are happy to welcome young divers. Children from 10 years old can participate in our Try Scuba program or even begin the Open Water Diver course.

For young participants, we require the cooperation and involvement
of a parent or legal guardian throughout the booking and training process.

Age requirements may vary depending on the diving program, so please
check the individual program page before booking.

Q
Can I dive with a PADI certification at an SSI Dive Center?
A

Yes. You do not need to be SSI certified to dive with us. We welcome divers who hold an Open Water Diver certification or higher from other recognized scuba training agencies, including PADI.

When signing up, please provide a copy or photo of your diving certification card so we can verify your certification level before your dive.

Equipment & Rental Gear

Q
Do you provide rental scuba equipment?
A

Yes. Rental equipment is available, including the main scuba equipment
required for diving.

Full equipment rental is ¥4,400 per day. Rental equipment is included in our standard recreational diving courses, but is not included in professional-level courses.

Q
Is a dive computer included?
A

A dive computer is not included in the standard Kerama Islands 3-dive
trip price. It can be rented separately if required.

We highly recommend using a dive computer to help monitor your
depth, dive time, and no-decompression limits, making your dives
safer and more enjoyable.

If you are not familiar with using a dive computer, our dive team
will be happy to show you how to use it before diving.

Q
Can I use my own scuba diving equipment?
A

Yes. Certified divers are welcome to use their own equipment, provided
that it is suitable, properly maintained, and appropriate for the planned
diving activities.

Q
Do you offer Enriched Air Nitrox?
A

Yes. Nitrox is available for eligible certified divers on applicable
diving programs. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use
Nitrox.

Naha Pickup and Transportation

Q
Do you provide hotel pickup in Naha?
A

Yes. Complimentary pickup and drop-off are available at selected hotels
in central Naha.

Some areas, including Oroku, Akamine, and Shuri, are outside our standard
pickup area. Please check Accommodation Recomendation if you are unsure whether your hotel is covered.

Q
What time do I need to be ready for pickup?
A

Pickup is typically early in the morning, usually around 6:20 AM. The exact pickup time depends on the day’s diving schedule and your hotel location.

Because of the early departure, we recommend booking your hotel without breakfast, as you may not have enough time to eat before pickup.

We will send your final pickup time and meeting location by 5:00 PM on the day before your participation date. Please be ready at the designated pickup location at the confirmed time.

Q
Can I be dropped off somewhere other than my hotel?
A

In some cases, we may be able to arrange drop-off at another suitable
location in our service area. Please contact us in advance so we can check
whether it is possible with the day’s schedule.

Q
Can I still join your tours if I stay outside of Naha?
A

Yes. You are welcome to join our tours even if you are staying outside of Naha. If you have a rental car, you can meet us directly at Miegusuku Port in Naha. The meeting time is usually around 6:45 AM.

The parking fee is the customer’s responsibility and costs ¥700 per day. Credit card payment is available at the parking facility.

The exact meeting time and details will be sent by 5:00 PM on the day before your participation date.

Safety, Health, Weather & Flying

Q
What happens if the weather or sea conditions are bad?
A

Safety always comes first. If weather or sea conditions make diving
unsafe, we may change the dive sites, modify the schedule, or cancel
the activity.

Decisions are made based on the actual conditions and safety of our guests
and crew.

Q
Do I need to complete a medical questionnaire?
A

Yes. Divers are required to complete the appropriate diving medical
questionnaire before participating.

Depending on your answers, a medical evaluation from a qualified physician
may be required before diving.

Q
How long should I wait before flying after scuba diving?
A

After multiple dives, we recommend allowing at least 18 hours before flying.
A longer surface interval may be appropriate depending on your diving
schedule and circumstances.

Q
Can I dive if I am not feeling well?
A

You should not dive if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms that may
affect your ability to dive safely.

Please inform us about any relevant health concerns before participating.
When in doubt, consult an appropriate medical professional.

Q
Do I need to complete a diver medical questionnaire?
A

Yes. All divers are required to complete a Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire before participating in scuba diving.

If you answer YES to certain medical questions, you may be required to obtain medical approval from a physician before diving.

In addition, participants 60 years of age or older are required to have the diver medical form reviewed and signed by a physician before participating, regardless of their answers on the questionnaire.

If medical approval is required, please have the appropriate medical form completed and signed by your physician before your participation date. Without the required medical clearance, you will not be able to participate, and no refund will be provided if you are unable to dive due to incomplete or missing medical clearance.

Booking & Payment

Q
How do I book a diving trip with SEAKERS?
A

You can book directly through our online booking system, or simply contact us and we will assist you with the booking process.

Please complete your booking as early as possible to give us enough time to arrange your rental equipment, hotel pickup, and diving team for your participation date.

All required booking information must be completed at least two days before your scheduled participation date.

Q
What payment methods do you accept?
A

We accept payment by credit card and Wise.

Your booking will be confirmed once payment has been received.

Q
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
A

Cancellation conditions depend on the timing and reason for cancellation.
Please check the cancellation policy for your specific booking before
making a reservation.

Q
Can I book multiple diving days?
A

Yes. You can combine multiple diving days during your Okinawa trip.
Popular combinations include Kerama Islands, Manza, and USS Emmons,
depending on your experience and schedule.

If you are planning several diving days, we recommend arranging your
schedule in advance.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions about scuba diving in Okinawa, our dive trips,
courses, or your booking, please feel free to contact us.

You can reach us by <strong>email, WhatsApp, LINE, or Instagram</strong>. Our team will be happy to help you plan your diving experience in Okinawa.

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