All Reviews for Top Okinawa Attractions

I have been to Okinawa several times, but I finally visited the Churaumi Aquarium. Unfortunately, it rained all morning on the day of my visit, but I was moved by the impressive large tank where whale sharks, manta rays, and many fish swam! The rain stopped in the afternoon, but it was quite windy and chilly. However, the lively dolphin shows were great. I want to go again!

何度か沖縄に行っていますが、やっと美ら海水族館に行って来ました。
当日は朝からあいにくの雨でしたが、
ジンベイやマンタ、いっぱいの魚たちが泳ぐ大迫力の大水槽で見れて感動！
昼から雨は上がりましたが、すごい風で肌寒かったけどいろんなイルカ達の元気いっぱいのショー
良かったです。
また行きたいです。

My first trip to Okinawa started at the Churaumi Aquarium, and each time I went further south. Last time, I visited around Shuri Castle, and this time I traveled even further south. The sightseeing bus had a set schedule that included both places I was interested in and those I wasn't. This time, I went to Okinawa World, which I found uninteresting, so I asked to add the Ryukyu Glass Village at the last minute. Surprisingly, it turned out to be really enjoyable. I think being able to have such experiences is one of the great advantages of hiring a private taxi.

最初の沖縄には美ら海水族館から始まり、くるたびに南下、前回は首里城あたり、今回はさらに南下して南部旅行。観光バスは自分の関心あるとこも、興味ないところも決められた時間配分。今回は沖縄ワールド、自分には面白くなく、急きょ、琉球ガラス村を追加してもらった。しかもこれが予想外に良かった。こんな楽しみができるのも貸し切りタクシーの良さではないでしょうか。

Okinawa Ocean Expo Park is very spacious and enjoyable, but the aquarium itself was smaller than I expected. It was helpful that there was free parking available, but there were so many options that I was unsure where to park for the aquarium.

海洋博公園はとても広く楽しめますが、水族館自体は思ってたよりも小規模でした。
無料で駐車場も完備されてて助かりましたが、
沢山あり、水族館に行くのにどこに停めたらいいのか迷いました。

It was great to efficiently tour Ishigaki Island without renting a car, while also being able to sightsee and enjoy meals. The bus guide provided detailed information that helped me understand Ishigaki Island better, which I wouldn't have known on my own. Even in January, the blue sea and blue sky of Ishigaki Island were amazing.

レンタカーを借りずに石垣島を効率よく一周回れて、観光もできて、食事もできて良かったです
個人で回ってもわからないようなことをバスガイドさんが詳しく教えてくださるので石垣島の事がよくわかります
１月でも石垣島の青い海と青い空は最高でした

It was great to leisurely and efficiently visit the island's attractions with a charming guide who spoke with a smile. Not only did we see the tourist spots, but we also received explanations about various places on the island that we wouldn't have known about on our own, which felt like a great value.

For lunch, we enjoyed Ishizaka beef hamburgers and Miminga at a restaurant with a nice view, and everything was very delicious.

Lastly, we got to listen to some sanshin songs, which made for wonderful memories. I highly recommend it! ❣️

笑顔語り口魅力的なガイドさんとのんびり、しかも無駄なく効率的に島の名所を回れてとても良かったです。観光地だけでなく、自分達で回るのでは知り得ない島内の随所の説明もありお得感満載。
昼食は眺めのよい店で石坂牛ハンバーグ、ミミンガ等土地の食べ物網羅されとても美味しかったです。
最後に三線の唄も聞けとてもよい思い出となりました。オススメします❣️

The guide's tips on how to enjoy each destination and stories related to Okinawa were helpful and enjoyable. It was windy and cold near the sea. Food was being sold at various locations. The Hikan cherry blossoms were also in bloom. I'm glad we took the bus since it would have taken over two hours to drive from Naha.

ガイドさんの、各行き先での楽しみ方や沖縄にまつわるお話がためになり、楽しかったです。
海の近くは風が強くて寒かったです。
各所で食べ物を販売していました。
ヒカン桜も咲いていました。
那覇から車で行ったら2時間以上運転しないといけないのでバスで行って良かったです。

I had a great time. The guide was very experienced and explained things while occasionally playing the sanshin. It was a sunny day, so the scenery was fantastic, and there were moments when the guide took photos for us. The optional glass-bottom boat ride was also wonderful; the sea was very beautiful, and we were able to see sea turtles and coral.

とても楽しかったです。ガイドさんがとても慣れた方で、ところどころ三線も引きながら説明してくださいました。この日は晴れていたので景色も最高で、ガイドさんが写真を撮ってくださる場面もありました。オプションで乗ったグラスボートも、海がとても綺麗でウミガメや珊瑚なども見ることができました。

Since I was traveling alone and didn't have a car, I was glad to be able to visit many tourist spots in a short amount of time. Both the guide and the driver were great, and I had a lot of fun.

ひとり旅だったので、車もないし、短い時間で、
沢山の観光地を回ってもらって良かったです。
ガイドさんも運転手さんもとても良かった、楽しかったです

I made a reservation because I heard that Kerama is the best.
For those who will make reservations in the future, I will share the good points and disappointing points.

**Good Points**
We were able to swim in the most beautiful spot at the end.
For those who can't swim, you can hold onto a bodyboard.
There were also people who borrowed life jackets for the sea if they asked.
You can float comfortably just with a wetsuit, so don't worry!
Unlike overseas, there are waves, which makes it fun.

**Disappointing Points**
I heard from others and online that Kerama is the best, but if you've done this in Guam, Saipan, or Hawaii, don't get your hopes up. It really is inferior to overseas options.

**Reference Points**
There were people who got seasick, so it's better to take motion sickness medication. If you get seasick, you won't be able to enjoy it.
Of course, if you feel sick, it's best to not hold back and just throw up.
The boat is non-smoking, so you can smoke in front of the boat until just before departure. Bring an ashtray. I use IQOS, so I kept it in the box.
It might be a good idea to bring a plastic bottle. You can drink water from paper cups on the boat, but a plastic bottle is more convenient.

慶良間が一番と聞いてたので予約しました。
今後予約する人の為に良い点とガッカリ点を言います。
良い点
最後に一番キレイな場所で入れた。
泳げない人には、ボディボートにつかまれる。
ライフジャケットも言えば海用のを借りてた人もいた。
ウエットスーツだけで十分に浮くので安心してください❗
海外と違い、波があるので楽しい

ガッカリ点
他の人やネットからの情報で慶良間が一番と聞いてましたがグアム、サイパン、ハワイなどでやった人は期待したらダメです。やっぱり海外よりは劣る。

参考点
船酔いしてた人がいたので、酔い止めは飲んだ方がいいですよ。船酔いしたら楽しめないですからね
もちろん酔ったら我慢せず吐くのが一番
船は禁煙なので、出発直前まで船の前でタバコ吸えます。灰皿持参。私はアイコスなので箱に入れてました。
ペットボトルは持参した方がいいかな。船に紙コップで水飲めるけど、ペットボトルがラク。

We participated as a family. It was amazing. The aquarium and Kouri Island were particularly great. The additional meals were delicious as well. If I have the chance, I will definitely join again. I highly recommend this course.

家族で参加しました。最高でした。水族館と古宇利島は特に良かったです。追加での食事も美味しかったです。機会があればまた、参加させて頂きます。
是非お勧めのコースです。

We were blessed with warm weather and no wind. I didn't have high expectations for lunch, but it was very delicious. The guide sang several songs, and the snake lute was wonderful. I would like to participate again.

温暖で、風も無く良い天候に恵まれました。
昼食も期待してませんでしたが、大変美味しいかったです。ガイドさんが何曲も歌ってくれて、蛇三線も素晴らしかったです。又参加したいです。

It was a very cold day with occasional rain, but traveling by bus was easy. Along the way, I enjoyed listening to the audio guide, which provided explanations at various points, making it enjoyable even on my own. I believe it was when we passed over the Kouri Bridge, and the driver slowed down so we could take in the scenery properly.

時折雨も降りとても寒い日でしたが、バスでの移動で楽々でした。
道中、音声ガイドで所々解説を聞きながら進むので、ひとりでも十分楽しめました。
古宇利大橋通過時だったと思いますが、ゆっくり速度を落として通過してくださったので、しっかりと景色を見ることができました。

Although the weather was bad, the guide sang many songs and the stories were enjoyable, making for a wonderful time. I was concerned about my companion's footing, but I was grateful for the utmost consideration shown.

天候が悪かったのですが、ガイドさんが歌をたくさん歌ってくれ、話の内容も楽しくとても素晴らしいひと時を過ごしました。連れの足元に不安があったのですが、最大限の配慮をしてくださりありがたかったです。

I escaped the cold and enjoyed a long-awaited trip to the tropical Okinawa. I discovered new tourist spots like Manza Beach and American Village, which felt like a new Okinawa experience. I had been to the Churaumi Aquarium several times before, so I separated from the group, but just the two of us went to the Tropical Dream Center, where we enjoyed the tropical plants and beautiful flowers, truly savoring the island vibe.

As expected from the travel company chosen by Veltra, the staff, including the driver and tour guide, were wonderful. There were over 40 participants on the bus, a mix of Japanese and foreigners (mainly from Asia), and most people exchanged smiles as we passed each other. However, we had to wait about 20 minutes for a group of six young men and women, presumed to be Korean, who were not at the meeting point. At each tourist spot, they returned to the bus just in time, often one or two minutes late, which was quite common. I thought the early drop-off would be quick, but even before we arrived, there was an announcement, and despite the bus stopping, they didn’t get off until the tour guide went to get them. Eventually, they got off without saying anything.

They were likely not part of Veltra's group, but I thought it must be tough for popular tours to refuse anyone. Other than that, it was a problem-free and enjoyable trip.

寒さを逃れ、久々の南国沖縄旅行を楽しんできました。
万座毛・アメリカンビレッジ等新しい観光地も見えて、新沖縄発見でした。
美ら海水族館は以前に何度も行ったので、団体から離れる形態になりましたが、我々だけでしたが熱帯ドリームセンターに行き熱帯植物・きれいな花を見て南国の島を十分に味わいました。
さすがのベルトラさんが選ぶ旅行会社で、スタッフの運転手さん添乗員さんは素晴らしかったです。
参加者もバスに４０人以上の日本人と外国人（主にアジア系）が混合乗車していましたが、ほとんどの人が笑顔ですれ違う感じでしたが、途中集合場所から参加した韓国人と思われる若い男女の６人グループが集合場所におらず２０分程度待たされ、各観光地でも喫煙のためかバスに帰ってくるのが時間ギリギリで1・２分遅れはあたりまえの様子で、さすがに途中解散は早く降りると思っていたら、着く前に案内があったのにバスが止まっても降りず、添乗員さんがおこしに行って、やっとしばらくして６人で何も言わず降りていきました。
ベルトラさんの客ではないグループでしょうが、人気ツアーも来る人拒めずで大変と思いましたが、それ以外は問題なく楽しい旅ができました。

I had a very fulfilling day visiting various places since the morning. I felt that the Churaumi Aquarium could have been a bit shorter, but for families, this duration might be just right.

朝から色々なところを回れてとても充実した1日になりました。美ら海水族館はもう少し時間短くても良いように思えましたが、家族づれだと今くらいがちょうどいいのかも知れません。

On my first trip to Okinawa, I searched for a tour that would allow me to see various sights in one day, and I participated in this one. Each stop had enough time for us, which I think was great for my elderly parents. Additionally, the tour fee included admission to the Churaumi Aquarium and Pineapple Park, so we were able to enjoy ourselves from morning until night, making this tour very cost-effective. It was a lot of fun. Thank you very much.

初めての沖縄旅行、１日でいろいろ観光できるツアーを探して、今回参加させていただきました。
ひとつひとつの滞在時間が十分あったので、高齢の両親にとっても大変良かったと思います。
またツアー代に美ら海水族館とパイナップルパークの入園料も含まれており、それで朝から晩まで遊んでこのツアー料金はとてもコスパがいいと思います。
とても楽しかったです。
ありがとうございました。

I efficiently toured the beautiful spots of Ishigaki Island, which included lunch. The bus guide was very articulate and enjoyable to be with. I was impressed by the stunning scenery of Kabira Bay. I think the tour price was reasonable and a great deal.

石垣島の良い所を効率よく巡って昼食付きでした。
バスガイドさんもとてもお話上手で楽しい方でした。川平湾の景勝は美しく感激しました。
ツァー代金もお安くお得だと思います。

Kayaking was a wonderful experience because we were able to do it at a beautiful beach with few people, and it included drone photography. The snorkeling was particularly well-taught, and the instructor was very attentive to the surroundings, making it a safe option even for families with children.

カヤックは人が少ない綺麗なビーチでさせてもらえた為、ドローン撮影も含めて非常に良い時間でした。
シュノーケリングは特に丁寧な教え方でよく周りを見てくださる方だったので、子連れでも安心かと思います。

It was unfortunately rainy, but I was glad to be lent a large umbrella. The glass-bottom boat at Kabira Bay was optional, but it felt like everyone was participating, making it hard to choose not to go. Overall, I was satisfied!

あいにくの雨でしたが、大きめの傘を貸していただき良かったです。川平湾のグラスボートは自由参加でしたが、みんな参加する流れ？という感じで行かないという選択肢をしにくかったです。でも全体的には満足でした！

I checked the weather forecast and thought it might be a good idea, so I quickly booked a kayak tour.

Even though it was January, we were blessed with sunny weather and a temperature of 25°C, making it a pleasant experience to paddle the kayak.

Kabira Bay is not just for looking; you have to immerse yourself in the sea! (laughs)

The staff were friendly, and it turned out to be a happy holiday.

天気予報を見て、これはいけるかもと思い立ち、急遽予約したカヤックツアー。

1月とはいえ気温25℃の晴天に恵まれ、気持ちよくカヤックを漕ぐことができました。

川平湾は、見るだけじゃなくて海に浸かってなんぼです！笑

スタッフのお兄さんもフレンドリーで、ハッピーな休日になりました。

I ended up traveling to Okinawa alone for personal reasons and signed up for this tour. Every place we visited was enjoyable, but the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium had more souvenirs than I expected, which was great. Since I was exploring alone, the guide kindly offered to take my pictures. They took photos of me at Kouri Island and Manza Beach, and the locations were beautiful, plus the pictures turned out really well! (laughs) Additionally, they were very helpful in sharing the timing for the dolphin show at the aquarium and recommending sweets at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. I had a wonderful time participating alone, and the kindness of the guide made for great memories. I highly recommend this tour!

訳あって1人で沖縄旅行をすることになりこのツアーに申し込みました。
回った場所はどこも楽しめましたが、御菓子御殿が予想以上にたくさんお土産がありよかったです。
1人でまわっていたのでガイドの方からお写真撮りましょうかと声をかけていただきました。古宇利島、万座毛で写真を撮っていただきましたが、場所もよくお写真がすごく上手で映えてました！（笑）
また、美ら海水族館のイルカショーの時間や御菓子御殿のおすすめスイーツを教えていただきとても親切でした。
1人で参加してもとても楽しめましたし、ガイドさんの親切さがとても良い思い出になりました。すごくおすすめのツアーです。

I was nervous at first about doing SUP for the first time, but the guide taught us carefully, so even kids who aren't good at sports managed to do it somehow. It was warm even in January, so wearing just a swimsuit, an Airism parka, shorts, and leggings was just right. My child fell off the board and got soaked, but it seems like the water wasn't cold, so they enjoyed it (^ - ^). Kabira Bay was really beautiful and amazing! I want to experience SUP in Ishigaki Island again.

初SUPでうまくできるか最初は緊張しましたが、ガイドさんが丁寧に教えてくれたので、運動が苦手な子供でもなんとかできました。
1月でも暖かかったので、水着にエアリズムパーカーにショートパンツ、レギンスを履いただけでちょうどよかったです。子供はボードから落ちてずぶ濡れになってしまったけれど、水も冷たくなかったので気持ちよかったみたいです(^-^)
川平湾は本当に綺麗で最高でした！また石垣島でSUP体験したいです

This is my second time in Ishigaki Island, but I hadn't been outside the city center. The essence of Ishigaki Island lies outside the central area. There's no need to elaborate. You should go.

石垣島は2度めだが、中心地以外には行っていなかった。
中心部以外にこそ石垣島の本質がある。
詳しく述べる必要はない。
行くべし。

I participated in a mangrove cruise kayak exploration and a water buffalo tour on Yubu Island. I'm grateful that I could join even after making a reservation the day before. Under the blue sky, I leisurely paddled the kayak while enjoying nature—it felt truly wonderful! The staff were refreshing, and their smiles were the best!

Additionally, unexpectedly getting off the kayak for a jungle exploration allowed me to experience the incredible nature that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. The staff's explanations about the plants were also very enjoyable.

Spending time with the water buffalo on Yubu Island felt like time was flowing slowly. I felt that everything about coming here was great! I will definitely participate again. Thank you!

西表島でマングローブクルーズカヤックで探検と由布島水牛観光に参加しました
前日に予約でも参加できたことに感謝です(^^)
青空の下、カヤックをゆっくりと漕ぎながら自然を堪能☆ほんとに気持ち良かったです！
スタッフさんも爽やかで何より笑顔が最高でした！
そして、まさかのカヤックを降りてジャングル探検がここにこなければ見れない大自然を感じられて最高でした！
スタッフさんの植物などの説明もありとっても楽しめました

由布島の水牛もふれあいながら時間がゆっくりと流れる♪
全てがここに来て良かった！と感じられました
また参加させていただきます。
ありがとうございました(^^)

I didn't rent a car, so I was able to fully enjoy the island with a bus tour. The guide's stories were interesting, and it was a lot of fun. I recommend joining the cruise at Kabira Bay.

レンタカーを借りなかったので、バスでのツアーで島を存分に満喫することができました。ガイドさんのお話も面白く、とっても楽しかったです。川平湾でのクルーザーに参加するのをお勧めします。

After a relaxing stay at a hotel in Ginowan, which is close to Naha and has a harbor view, my mother and I, as beginners in Okinawa, wanted to do some sightseeing on our last day, so we joined a full-day tour. Initially, we considered a taxi tour because of my elderly mother, but thanks to this punctual tour, we were able to visit all the places we wanted to see. If we had taken a private taxi, we might not have been able to visit as many places at my mother's leisurely pace, and we might have ended up returning early, which wouldn't have been the same as the tour experience. As a Japanese person living in France for 30 years, I was captivated by the beautiful voice of the female guide and her clear and correct Japanese! I was overwhelmed by the amount of information she provided and was impressed by the professionalism of Japan! While many Japanese might take this for granted, such experiences are not common in France or other countries!!! The wonderful guide was modest, but I believe that Japanese people should take pride in their abilities and engage with the world without being overly humble. This was also thanks to the detailed history of Okinawa she shared with us, and being able to witness the U.S. military bases in Okinawa!!! I am grateful for the great tour and the wonderful guide and driver.
From a person who has lived in France for 30 years.

母息子して、沖縄初心者、那覇にも近くハーバーヴューでもある宜野湾のホテルにゆったりと滞在後、やはり色々と観光したく最終日に参加した、終日ツアーでした。高齢の母とだったため、当初タクシーツアーを検討しましたが、結果、時間厳守のこのツアーに乗ったおかげで観たい所が全て周れ、貸し切りタクシーだったら同じ時間でも、甘えて母のゆっくりペースでたいして周れづ、また途中で帰るなどして、ツアーのようには行かなかったでしょう。在仏３０年の日本人として、ガイドの女性添乗員さん美しい声の、そして正しく綺麗な日本語に聞き惚れていた一日でした！そしてその情報量には圧倒され、日本のプロフェッショナルの凄さに感動しました！それが当たり前と思う日本人が多いのかと思いますが、フランスでも他国でもそんな事はあり得ません！！！その素敵な添乗員さんは謙遜されていましたが、日本人は、慎ましくあっても、そう‘’謙遜‘’せずに、誇りをもって、これからの世界と付き合っていかなければと思った次第です。それも詳しい沖縄の歴史をガイドしていただき、沖縄の米軍基地を目の当たりにできたお陰です！！！
良いツアーと素敵な添乗員さん、運転手氏に感謝
在仏３０年者より

They efficiently take you around the famous spots in Ishigaki, and if you're sightseeing without a car, they provide guidance even while you're in the vehicle, which I think is great. However, because it's so efficient, it might feel a bit rushed. The glass-bottom boat at Kabira Bay was nice, but it would have been even better if there had been time to stroll on the beach. They seem to plan the itinerary to ensure you can make it to the airport or the afternoon Taketomi Island tour, so as long as there are no issues, it seems like you could fit in your flight schedule and other plans afterward.

効率よく石垣の名所をまわってくれるので、車無しの観光の場合は車中でもガイドもしてくれるのでとてもいいと思います。
ただ効率がいいので、バタバタかもしれません。
川平湾ではグラスボートも良かったですが、ビーチを散策する時間があるともっとよかったかも。
空港や午後の竹島ツアーに間に合うようにプランニングしてくれているそうで、トラブルがなければ、飛行機の予定やその後に他の予定を入れても間にあいそうです。

I experienced a canoeing and snorkeling tour.

In the canoe, we were able to paddle through the mangrove forest, and it was a fun experience to go down the river while seeing tropical plants up close. We also got to peek into a limestone cave, which was exciting as it was enveloped in darkness despite the bright daylight.

Snorkeling was my first time, and I could see the bottom of the sea at a depth twice my height, feeling the vibrant coral reefs and the fish living there up close. The beauty of the light filtering in near the surface was stunning.

In January, Tokyo is extremely cold, so I can't part with my down jacket, but Ishigaki Island is around 20 degrees, allowing me to enjoy autumn attire. It was the perfect escape from the winter chill. I also want to try SUP next time.

カヌーとシュノーケリングのツアーを体験しました。

カヌーではマングローブ林の間を周ることができ、南国な植物を間近に見ながらの川下りは楽しい経験でした。鍾乳洞も覗くことができ、明るい時間にも関わらず暗闇に包まれていてワクワクしました。

シュノーケリングはそれ自体が初めてだったのですが、身長の倍ほどの水深が底まで見渡せる海、発達した珊瑚礁と暮らす魚を間近に感じることができます。そして水面近くに差し込む光の美しいこと。

1月の東京は極寒なのでダウンが手放せませんが、石垣島は20度くらいなので秋の装いで過ごせます。
冬の寒さから逃れて楽しむのに最高でした。また
SUPも体験してみたいと思います。

I think this is a great tour to enjoy Okinawa. However, while the dinner performance was interesting, the taste was just average. The portion was large. For me, American Village might have been better as a different sightseeing option. It wasn't very appealing for my aunt as a tourist spot. Okinawa's winter was surprisingly cold, and I wanted to return to the bus quickly.

　沖縄を満喫するのにすごく良いツアーだと思います。ただ夕食がパフォーマンスとしては面白かったけど味は普通でした。量は多かったです。アメリカンビレッジが私にとっては別の観光の方が良かったかなぁ？おばさんには観光としてイマイチでした。沖縄の冬、意外と寒くて早くバスに戻りたかったです。

It was a relaxing day tour from Naha to the northern tourist spots, swaying on the bus, buying and enjoying Okinawa's famous snacks at each stop, and taking in the scenery through the window. I was startled by the sound of military aircraft from the U.S. military base, but overall, it was a fulfilling experience in Okinawa. I had a great time. It was truly a wonderful experience. Of course, the staff were professional and provided a great sense of security.

那覇から北部の観光地まで…のんびりバスにゆられて、停まる毎に沖縄の名産おやつを買って食べて、車窓の景色を楽しんで、、、、米軍基地の軍用機の爆音におののいて、、、、沖縄を満喫出来る一日ツアーでした。楽しかったです。本当に良い体験でした。もちろんスタッフさんもプロフェッショナルで安心感も満載でした。