Plan your visit
Plan Your Day
Get the facts on parking, facility fees, and the daily flag system. Proper preparation makes your water entry much smoother.
Getting there
How to reach Cape Maeda.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive north from Naha via Route 58 or the Okinawa Expressway to Cape Maeda in Onna Village. | 1 hour | Tolls plus 100 JPY/hr parking | The safest and most common transport. The car park has 180 spaces but often fills up by 8:00 AM during peak summer season. |
| Bus: Take Route 120 (Nago Nishi Airport Line) to the Kuraha bus stop, then walk to Cape Maeda. | 90 mins + 20 min walk | approx 1,200 JPY | Involves a 20-minute uphill walk from the bus stop to the cape facilities. |
| Tour: Join a boat tour departing from nearby Maeganeku Port directly to the cave entrance. | 10 mins | Included in tour fees (approx 5,000 - 10,000 JPY) | Bypasses the strenuous public stairs and allows entry even on Yellow Flag days when shore entry is closed to the public. |
When to go
- J
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- M
- J
- J
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- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The cave is accessible year-round, depending on sea conditions. May through October are the most popular months. During summer, the 180-space parking lot often fills up by 8:00 AM.
What to bring
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Showers cost 200 JPY for 2 minutes.
Shampoo and body soap are strictly prohibited.
How the day runs
Sample itineraries.
Beat the crowds by arriving early for a guided snorkel tour.
- Arrive at Cape Maeda
Secure a parking spot and pay the 100 JPY per hour fee.
- Meet your guide
Check in and pay any required facility fees in cash.
- Water entry
Walk down the public stairs or take the boat to the cave.
- Inside the cave
Spend time viewing the blue light and feeding fish.
- Shower and change
Use the coin showers and hair dryers before departing.
Avoid the steep stairs by taking a boat from Maeganeku Port.
- Arrive at Maeganeku Port
Meet your boat tour operator directly at the port.
- Boat ride
Enjoy a quick 10-minute boat ride to the cave entrance.
- Snorkel or dive
Enter the water directly from the boat.
- Return to port
Ride the boat back and use the shop's facilities to shower.
Cape Maeda Facilities
The official public park handles all shore access. Bring plenty of 100 JPY coins. You need them for parking (100 JPY/hr), lockers (100 JPY), showers (200 JPY/2 mins), and hair dryers (100 JPY/4.5 mins).
Read the flags before you get in the water. A Blue flag means anyone can enter. A Yellow flag means only tours and instructors can enter. A Red flag means the water is closed to everyone.
Easiest way to do it
[Okinawa Blue Cave] Snorkeling with Private Guide+ Free Photos
2 h 30 min 4.9 (194)
- Boat Ride Fee
- Photo & Video Fee (Up to 50 Images)
- Private Guide Fee
- Insurance Fee
From$37per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What should I pack?
Bring swimwear, a towel, marine boots, and 100 JPY coins. A rash guard or wetsuit is highly recommended for jellyfish protection.
Can I use soap in the showers?
No. Shampoo and body soap are strictly prohibited for environmental reasons.
Is parking available?
Yes. The official lot holds 180 vehicles. It costs 100 JPY per hour.