This 9-day journey takes divers to Japan’s southernmost seas, where subtropical reefs, sea turtles and wild manta rays await beneath water of extraordinary clarity. Splitting time between Okinawa’s main island and the remote Yaeyama Islands, the itinerary pairs guided diving with the culture, crafts and jungle landscapes that make this corner of Japan unlike anywhere else in the country.

Descend into the Blue Cave near Cape Maeda, where sunlight turns the water an ethereal blue, then cross to the Kerama Islands for boat dives in the clarity known worldwide as “Kerama Blue.” On Ishigaki, glide alongside wild manta rays at the celebrated Manta Scramble and explore the vast coral fields of the Yaeyama reefs. Between dives, visit the World Heritage Shuri Castle, try your hand at traditional bingata dyeing, wander the pottery lanes of Tsuboya, ride a water-buffalo cart through the red-tiled village of Taketomi, and kayak the mangrove waterways of Iriomote on the way to Pinaisara Falls.

With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide on your diving and sightseeing days, comfortable accommodation in Naha and Ishigaki, and a domestic flight linking the two island groups, this itinerary offers a seamless way to experience Japan below and above the waterline — ideal for certified divers who want world-class sites without the complexity of arranging boats, transfers and permits themselves.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Dive four distinct regions — the Blue Cave, the Kerama Islands, Manta Scramble and the Yaeyama reefs — in one journey.
• Balance guided diving with Okinawan culture, from Shuri Castle to hands-on bingata dyeing.
• Venture beyond the usual route to Taketomi and Iriomote, two of Japan’s most unspoiled islands.
• A well-paced 9-day itinerary designed for certified divers who want expert local support throughout.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Naha

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival at Naha Airport.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Naha

Day 2 | Naha

• Diving at the Blue Cave, Cape Maeda (sea cave glowing with ethereal blue light, beginner-friendly)
• Fun diving at the Cape Maeda Reef (colorful coral and reef fish along Okinawa’s west coast)
• Lunch at a local restaurant

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Naha

Day 3 | Naha

• Ferry from Tomari Port to the Kerama Islands
• Two boat dives in the Kerama Islands (islands famed for “Kerama Blue” clarity, sea turtles and coral)
• Lunch at a local restaurant

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Naha

Day 4 | Naha

• Visit Shuri Castle (World Heritage symbol of the former Ryukyu Kingdom)
• Bingata Dyeing Experience (hands-on workshop of Okinawa’s vivid traditional stencil-dyed textiles)
• Explore Tsuboya Pottery District (historic Naha lane of Okinawan “yachimun” ceramic workshops and shops)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Naha

Day 5 | Ishigaki

• Domestic flight from Naha to Ishigaki Island
• Free time at Euglena Mall (Ishigaki’s covered arcade of island produce and local crafts)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Ishigaki

Day 6 | Ishigaki

• Boat diving at Manta Scramble, Kabira (world-famous site where wild manta rays glide at shallow depth)
• Second boat dive off Ishigaki
• Lunch at a local restaurant

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Ishigaki

Day 7 | Ishigaki

• Boat diving on the Yaeyama Coral Reefs (vast reef fields rich in coral and tropical fish)
• Ferry to Taketomi Island
• Visit Taketomi Village (preserved Ryukyu village of red-tiled homes toured by water-buffalo cart)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Ishigaki

Day 8 | Ishigaki

• Ferry to Iriomote Island, Uehara Port
• Mangrove kayaking on the Urauchi River (paddle through lush subtropical mangrove, Iriomote’s iconic scenery)
• Pinaisara Falls trekking (hike to Okinawa’s tallest waterfall through Iriomote’s jungle)
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Optional: Stargazing and jungle night tour

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Ishigaki

Day 9 | Ishigaki

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Ishigaki Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide on diving and sightseeing days
• 9 days itinerary
• 8 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation
• Breakfast everyday
• Four lunches at local restaurants
• Guided diving as specified, including the Blue Cave, the Kerama Islands, Manta Scramble and the Yaeyama reefs
• Bingata dyeing experience in Naha
• Mangrove kayaking and Pinaisara Falls trekking on Iriomote Island
• Domestic flight from Naha to Ishigaki
• Ferry fares and taxi transfers as specified
• Public transportation
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

All diving on this tour requires a valid open water certification. Please share your certification level and recent dive history when you enquire, so that we can match you with suitable sites.

Diving, ferry crossings and boat activities depend entirely on sea and weather conditions.

Manta ray sightings at Manta Scramble are seasonal and, as with all wildlife encounters, cannot be guaranteed.

The main hall of Shuri Castle is scheduled to reopen on November 23, 2026. Visits before this date will take in the surrounding grounds and ongoing restoration works.

A guide accompanies you on Days 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8. Arrival, departure and the travel day between Okinawa and Ishigaki are arranged without a guide, allowing you to move at your own pace.

Accommodation tax of JPY 100–500 per person per night is payable directly at each hotel. A single room supplement applies for guests requiring private accommodation.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 9-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.