Odin

We've just started to research a possible holiday in Okinawa, mainly for diving and snorkelling. We are advanced scuba divers. Finding it difficult to work out the best place to stay on the islands and many of the guesthouse websites are only in Japanese. We don't have a specific budget to keep to, minimum requirement for lodgings would be a private bathroom. We are planning to visit in July which might not be the best time due to the typhoon season. Would appreciate any advice to point us in the right direction so we can research, plan and book. Booking flights is not an issue, its really where to stay that is close to the best dive sites and beaches that we would like some advice. Thanks!

hawaiiantraveler

Let me preface this by saying I have never been to Okinawa. I have studied the area for a bit planning a future trip but have a hard time going to the beach on vacation when I live on one.

You would want to fly into Nara on Okinawa Island and head to Ishigaki City on Ishigaki Island part of the Yaeyama Islands. Next to Ishigaki is Miyakojima which is also know for its dive sites. Also the other main island of Iriomote is know for its pristine coral reefs. You may find a little information here and use a google translator to translate the Japanese pages if you can.

http://sports.okinawastory.jp/en/

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7200.html

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-709.pdf

Aloha!

mrwunrfl

http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/okinawa/index.htm
Two of the three have J-style rooms with private bath.

http://www.agoda.com/asia/japan/okinawa.html

Chamade

I am told diving in Okinawa is not so great. The wtare visibility is good but there's not much to see, peopl say. I used to live there and at the time the reefs were dying from a variety of diseases and pollution. I've been to Miyako, too, and diving there was OK but nothing spectacular.

Diving is probaby better in Palau, but it's more expensive to get there.

Odin

Thank you for all the info.