Okinawa
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- Epic typhoon swells
- Subtropical reefbreaks
- Secret spots and islands
- Low crime rates
- English speaking Japan
Negatives
- Flat spring, mostly windswell
- Shallow reefs, no beachbreak
- Mainly high tide spots
- Crowded premier spots
- Expensive
Okinawa surf travel guide
Okinawa Prefecture consists of 161 islands, scattered over 1,000km, towards Taiwan. These Ryukyu Islands are now the most popular Japanese beach resort destination, thanks to its mild climate and fringing coral reefs. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, Okinawa picks up virtually any swell going. Most waves break at higher tides over very shallow shelves of reef and/or basaltic rock and crowds are heavy at the main spots, but most outer reefs and islands are still uncharted.
Surf spots in Okinawa
Research the 13 surf breaks in Okinawa and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Okinawa.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Okinawa
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 31,192,000
- Population
- 126,476,461
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- JPY
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 121.36 JPY JPY
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +81
- Dialing out
- 010
- Language
- Japanese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most countries can visit Japan visa free for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
You can fly to Naha (AHA) from Hong Kong, or Taiwan. Daily flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Companies: JAL, ANA, JAS, ANK, JTA. Tokyo to Okinawa is $290 o/w. Board tax: $60 to $165! Inter-island flights are big Boeing 737: plenty of room for boards. Naha- Miyako: $105. Tokyo Narita Dep tax: $17.
Getting Around
A rental car is a must but costs $80 daily. Traffic is often heavy with Japanese road signs. Route 58 is congested during rush hour from Naha to Nago; take the express toll road ($8). If you’re a non-Japanese speaking ‘gaijin’, use buses and taxis. Taxi fees start at $3.50 then $0.50 for each 407m unit: a 20km ride costs $28. Left side driving.
Accommodation
City hotels in Naha, Sunabe, Chatan-cho area on the west side and beach resorts in the central and northern parts are $50-60 a night. Island resorts like the Big AJ Resort on Ikei from $120. Facilities are very good. B&B costs from $45/n/dbl. Expect $15-20 for a meal, drink Awamori!
Activities
Beautiful white sand beaches, 40 golf courses, good diving or Togyu Bull fighting. See the Festival of Sun, Ocean & Joggers and Dragon boat races. It's the land of Karate and the Iriomote wildcat, a 'living fossil'.
Hazards & hassles
Coral reefs are alive, sharp and shallow; avoid reef cuts and myriad urchins. Because of steep and hollow take-offs, many locals wear booties and helmets. There are shark sightings and shark attacks have occurred (Miyako 10/00). Very low crime so traffic and crowds will be the main problems.
Handy Hints
Expensive surf supplies at the Source Surf Shop or the Ryukyu Glass Factory; longboard ($800), shortboard ($500), bodyboard ($230), springsuit ($200). Rental is $25/day. 'Mensore' means welcome, most locals speak some English.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.