general:
The Kerama Islands make the perfect island hopping destination in Japan. These tiny tropical wonders are all wonderfully close together, allowing day trip island hopping as well as overnight excursions. Along with being a beach bum here are some of the things you can get up to on the Kerama Islands:
Scuba diving (probably the best in Japan)
Snorkelling
Kayaking
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)
Whale watching (winter only)
So much more!
logistics:
There is a small inter-island boat called the mitsushima (三つ島). It runs between Aka and Zamami some six times a day. And also goes to Tokashiki Island twice a day. It is ever so slightly different in summer and winter. Check out the timetable below. The prices are 300 yen one way between Zamami and Aka, and trips to Tokashiki from Aka or Zamami cost 800 yen one way.
Mitsushima: Kerama inter-island boat timetable
The Queen Zamami and Ferry Zamami boats also run between the Aka and Zamami at various points and in various directions throughout the day. However this is more irregular so check out the official page here to check about these boats.
Aka Island and Geruma Island are attached by bridge. It takes 15 minutes on bicycle or 45 minutes on foot to get from village to village.
Travel advice:
Staying on various islands:
Travel light - You don’t want to be lugging heavy bags from island to island so pack light. Think swimwear, summer clothes, deflated inflatables etc.
Stay the night - To get a true flavour of the islands you really have to see them by day and by night. Be adventurous and you can stay on all the islands and walk away having seen something amazing.
staying in zamami:
Staying in Zamami and doing day trips is an easy way to do it. Zamami is the most touristic and has the most hotels and shops. The boats give you plenty of time to do days trips to Aka, Geruma and Tokashiki. You may find Tokashiki a little bit big to explore in one day, so renting scooters is a good idea.
staying in aka only:
Aka is quieter and more local and authentic feeling. There are still plenty of places to stay and a few places to eat and drink.
staying in tokashiki only:
When staying in Tokashiki, the village of Aharen is the recommended place for beaches, hotels, shops and island hopping opportunities.
staying in geruma only:
Not for beginners to Japan. This island is super local and only has one hotel that doubles as a dive shop. English levels are low but people are nice! It is less convenient as an island hopping hub but day trips are possible if you don’t mind cycling to Aka Island everyday. Renting bicycles from Aka at the start of your trip is best. The thing that Geruma offers is peace and quiet. Recommended for celebrities not wanting to be recognised, explorers of deep Japan and people evading the law.