Beach notes

Beachcombers like to visit the beach area at Apogama for the beautiful scenery. Following the jungle path from the small parking area, you will arrive at the beach in front of a giant rock. The main feature of this beach is the large natural cave inside the giant rock with its opening facing the beach. The cave is quite large, with the ceiling being approximately 15-20 feet at the highest point. During high tide water flows through the cave, and there are several pools 3-5 feet deep inside the cave.

The beach itself is quite rocky, and better suited to beach combing, picnicking, or picture taking, as there is very little sand.

Fishing notes:

Apogama is not a popular fishing spot.

Snorkeling notes:

Snorkelers should be extra careful in this area. Although the reef is beautiful, and the deep cuts in the reef provide a great view of tropical fish and sea life, please take note that approximately 60% of fatal drownings on Okinawa involve swimmers and snorkelers overcome by strong currents. It is much less likely that a diver, surfer, paddle boarder, etc, will be lost to the sea due to the fact their activities require them to have equipment which floats (divers have a BCD, surfers have their boards). Many snorkelers each year find themselves in danger in the ocean when they are overcome by currents and realize they cannot stay afloat. If planning to snorkel at Apogama, please don a life jacket or inflatable snorkel vest. And bring a buddy with you, as it’s not a good practice to be out in the ocean alone.

Parking notes

There is no paid parking, and very little space near the beach path (2-3 cars maximum). On a busy day, visitors will park along the road side as close as possible to the beach path and there are no signs in the area indicating that parking is not allowed.

Surfing notes

Apogama is not a popular surf location.

SCUBA diving notes

This is one of the most popular dive sites on Okinawa, and can be quite challenging. The Okinawa Dive Sites Map (MCCS) rates Apogama/Onna Point as a level 4 dive site. It is an exciting dive for those who like to travel through reef cuts, below overhangs, and various swim-thrus. It’s an interesting maze, as well as a likely location for shark sightings. While not the deepest dive, it is known for its strong currents and the entry/exit has been known to throw many divers off their feet while making their way through the incoming swell. When waves are present the incoming swell will pull strongly back out to sea, creating a strong rip as feeder currents speed up as they flow into 2 distinct reef cuts as they make their way to deeper water. The more severe of the two rip/reef currents at Apogama is one of the most dangerous and has claimed many lives over the years.

*Dive site ratings are progressive from 1 (easy dive) to 5 (very difficult dive) and take into account ease of entry, depths, known hazards, currents, and how changes in weather affect conditions at the site.

Other notes

When you arrive at the beach, the typical entrance for a snorkel or a dive is to the left of the beach path and to the left of the giant rock. Further left, and out in front of the rocks at the south end of the beach, is the main rip current which has caused so many tragic accidents to beachgoers over the years.

Please go slow as you introduce yourself to ocean recreation at Apogama. Find and experienced person to guide you in the area, learn about the location, and most importantly consider your own abilities before getting ahead of yourself.