Komaka-jima
コマカ島26°09′ N 127°51′ EBeach
Komaka-jima is a small uninhabited island off Chinen, Nanjo, that you reach in about 15 minutes by boat from the Chinen Marine Leisure Center for a white beach and a reef for swimming and snorkelling.
Photo Kugel~commonswiki · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Komaka lies between the Chinen coast and Kudaka, a small island of white sand set in coral. Nobody lives on it, and a day here means the boat out and back with time on the beach in between. Small children can paddle among fish in the shallows, and the centre runs instructor-led snorkelling and diving.
From May to October little terns raise their chicks on the island. If you come across a nest, watch from a distance and move on.
Before you swim
- Habu-kurage box jellyfish appear from May to October; Okinawa nets many swimming beaches from June to October against them, and vinegar poured on a sting before removing tentacles is the standard first aid.
- Little terns nest on the island from May to October; keep away from nests and chicks.
December to March
The marine leisure centre runs year-round, 9:00–17:00 from October to March, and also runs sea-grape picking from October to April. The island sits off the east-facing Chinen coast and gets the northeast wind in winter, so boats can be cancelled.
Snorkelling
Entry From the beach
Reef fish close to shore; the centre runs guided snorkel and dive trips
Our ratings
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
- Sunset
- Quiet
- Families
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Bring water and sun protection for the day.
- Look down on Komaka first from Chinen Misaki Park, just up the road.
FAQ
Quick answers about Komaka-jimaよくある質問
How do you get to Komaka Island?
By boat from the Chinen Marine Leisure Center in Nanjo. The high-speed boat takes about 15 minutes, and trips need a minimum of two people.
Can you visit Komaka Island in winter?
Yes. The Chinen Marine Leisure Center operates year-round, 9:00–17:00 from October to March, though wind can cancel boats.
Is Komaka-jima safe?
Know these before you swim at Komaka-jima: habu-kurage box jellyfish appear from May to October; Okinawa nets many swimming beaches from June to October against them, and vinegar poured on a sting before removing tentacles is the standard first aid; little terns nest on the island from May to October; keep away from nests and chicks.
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