In short
- Blue flag means the water is open to everyone.
- Yellow flag restricts entry to guided tours and instructors.
- Red flag means the water is closed to all swimmers.
In this article
The management at Cape Maeda updates the flag colors based on daily sea conditions. Knowing what each color means helps you plan your visit, especially if you plan to snorkel without a guide.
What do the blue cave okinawa flags mean?
The flags indicate who is allowed to enter the water at Cape Maeda based on current sea conditions.
There are three colors: blue, yellow, and red. The management office monitors the waves and currents, changing the flag to keep swimmers safe. You will see the flag displayed at the facility before you walk down the public stairs.
Can I swim independently during a yellow flag?
No, independent swimmers cannot enter the water when the yellow flag is up.
A yellow flag means the sea conditions require professional supervision. Only guided tours and certified instructors can use the shore entry. If you arrive without a tour on a yellow flag day, you cannot swim to the Blue Cave.
How do tours help on yellow flag days?
Boat tours can often access the cave when shore entry is closed to the public.
Boat tours leave from the nearby Maeganeku Port. This 10-minute boat ride bypasses the public stairs at Cape Maeda. If the shore entry is restricted by a yellow flag, a boat tour might still get you to the cave entrance safely.
What happens if there is a red flag?
A red flag means the water is entirely closed to everyone.
Neither independent swimmers nor guided tours can enter the water at Cape Maeda during a red flag. The waves or currents are too dangerous. Tour operators will either cancel your trip or move your activity to a nearby, safer beach.
Do I need special gear on blue flag days?
Yes, you must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid even when the water is open to all.
This rule is strictly enforced at Cape Maeda. You cannot enter the water without proper flotation gear, regardless of your swimming ability or the flag color. You also need marine boots for the rocky shore entry.
How often do the flags change?
The flags can change at any time during the day as sea conditions shift.
The management office evaluates the weather, wind, and tide constantly. A day that starts with a blue flag might shift to yellow or red by the afternoon. The best months with stable conditions are May through October.
Questions travellers ask
Can non-swimmers go to the Blue Cave Okinawa?
Yes, non-swimmers can join guided snorkeling tours. Instructors provide life jackets and manage your safety in the water.
What is the parking fee at Cape Maeda?
Parking costs 100 JPY per hour for standard vehicles. The lot holds 180 vehicles and fills up fast in summer.
Can you visit the Blue Cave Okinawa without a tour?
Yes, you can go without a tour if the blue flag is flying. You must wear a mandatory life jacket and bring your own gear.
