When you think of Okinawa, you think of the blue ocean!
Do you think, "But if I go to the beach in winter, I can't swim, so it's no fun"?
But that's a big mistake. There are ways to enjoy the sea in winter too!

One of Okinawa's signature activities is the glass-bottom boat tour. While it's a great activity to enjoy in the summer, winter, when the water temperature drops and the ocean becomes clearer, is the time to truly appreciate the beauty of Okinawa's sea.

This time, I'd like to introduce the glass-bottom boat experience at "Mibaru Marine Center" located at Mibaru Beach in Nanjo City, in the southern part of the main island. Among the many glass-bottom boats in the prefecture, it boasts high customer satisfaction, excellent water clarity, and convenient access from Naha Airport!
Of course, we'll also introduce some recommended spots in the surrounding area, so please look forward to it.

<Table of Contents>
1. Glass-bottom boat experience at Shinbara Beach
1-1. Let's take a glass-bottom boat ride!
1-2. What should I wear for a glass-bottom boat tour in winter?
1-3. When is the best time to see the ocean clearly?
1-4. Access to Mibaru Marine Center
2. Recommended spots around Shinbara Beach
2-1. Power spots rich in nature
2-2. Enjoy Okinawan cuisine, "tempura," at "Kadoya"
3. Relax and enjoy Okinawa

A "glass-bottom boat" is an activity where you can ride in a boat with glass panels that allow you to see into the sea and observe fish and coral. Think of it like a "moving aquarium."

Unlike snorkeling or diving, you don't actually dive into the sea, so no special skills are required, making it enjoyable for people of all ages, from young children to the elderly!

The Mibaru Beach, which we'll be introducing today, is about a 45-minute drive south from Naha city and Naha Airport. You'll arrive in no time as you enjoy the peaceful scenery of the southern part of the main island, with its rustling sugarcane fields.

　1-1. Let's take a glass-bottom boat ride!

Now, let's board the glass-bottom boat you've all been waiting for!

After checking in, you wait in the waiting room for the glass-bottom boat to arrive. The glass-bottom boats depart regularly, and the waiting time is usually no more than 20 minutes. If you're lucky, you might even be able to board without any waiting time.
Once all the passengers are seated, we'll set off with the boatman's cheerful commentary!

As the ship sails out to sea, the color of the ocean gradually becomes bluer.
"There should be fish around now!" the boatman said, stopping the boat, and the fish appeared. Just when we thought we'd spotted one, countless more fish swam past beneath the boat, one after another.

"There are clownfish too. And there are also striped fish like the Hanshin Tigers, right?"
As the boatman explains things, everyone on board gets excited when beautiful fish appear. Adults and children alike are engrossed in peering into the bottom of the boat.

During the approximately 15-20 minute experience, you will continue your observations while moving between points with different water depths: 5m → 10m → 15m → 20m-30m.
What's striking is how different the types of fish that live there, and even the color of the sea, are depending on the depth. Even the same shade of blue can look completely different!

And finally, we were taken to the reef edge where the water suddenly gets much deeper. Unlike the reef where fish swim gracefully, the blue ocean that seemed to drop endlessly into the distance gave me an indescribable feeling of awe towards nature...

You can observe not only cute fish, but also beautiful coral and underwater caves with gaping mouths, giving you a sense of adventure!
This 20-minute video is packed with the charm of Okinawa's ocean that you can't fully appreciate just by looking at it from the beach.

1-2. What should I wear for a glass-bottom boat tour in winter?

It was mid-December, but the temperature was higher than usual, around 22℃. It was warm enough to break a sweat in the sun, so cruising along in a boat, cutting through the sea breeze, was exhilarating!

However, since Okinawa is about to enter full-fledged winter, it's a good idea to bring a windproof outer layer when going on a glass-bottom boat tour.

However, the average temperature in Okinawa during winter is around 17℃. Even in February, the coldest month, it rarely drops to single digits, so down jackets and thick coats might be a bit overkill.

On particularly cold days, they apparently lower windbreak sheets onto the boats, so even though it's an outdoor tour, you probably won't need to bring any special warm clothing.

　1-3. When is the best time to see the ocean clearly?

While Okinawa's seas are generally beautiful at any time, according to the staff, they are especially recommended on days when the north wind is blowing. Apparently, the wind from the land changes the currents and improves the water clarity!

Regarding the weather, glass-bottom boats have roofs, so you can still enjoy them even on rainy days. Of course, in terms of the clarity of the water, it goes without saying that sunny weather on the day of and the day before is ideal!

　1-4. Access to Mibaru Marine Center

[Access by car]
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to "Haebaru Minami IC" → then take Prefectural Road 48 and National Route 331 for approximately 45 minutes.
*The Mibaru Marine Center parking lot is marked by a yellow sign with a mermaid on it.

[Access by bus]
From Naha Bus Terminal, take Okinawa Bus No. 39/Hyakuna Line and get off at the last stop, "Shinbara Beach". The fare is 780 yen.
*However, the number of trains is limited, so prior confirmation is essential.

[Mibar Marine Center Details]
■TEL: 098-948-1103
■Address:1559-6 Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (October - June)
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (July - September)
■Regular closing days: Open all year round (may be temporarily closed due to weather, etc.)
■Parking: Available (Paid / 500 yen)
■URL:http://www.mi-baru.com/

　2-1. Power spots rich in nature

After enjoying a glass-bottom boat ride, we recommend taking a stroll around Shinbara Beach.
If you head left from the parking lot of the Mibaru Marine Center, you will find Hyakuna Beach, which is said to be the place where Amamikiyo, the goddess who created the Ryukyu Kingdom, crossed over from Kudaka Island.

In addition, there are many other sacred sites that have been cherished since ancient times, such as "Hamagawa Utaki" and "Ukinju/Hainju."

While there are signs and walking paths, this is a place where you should enjoy a quiet stroll, remembering that it is an important "sacred site" in Okinawa.

Some areas have uneven footing, so it's best to wear comfortable shoes. There are also steep stairs, so young children and the elderly should exercise caution.

2-2. Enjoy Okinawan cuisine, "tempura," at "Kadoya"

After enjoying a stroll, fill your stomach with some of Okinawa's finest local cuisine: Okinawan-style tempura!

Located about a 5-minute drive from Shinbara Beach, near Hyakuna Elementary School, "Kadoya" is a restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite tempura that is beloved by the people of Okinawa. At lunchtime, it gets bustling with local customers.

Each piece of tempura costs 60 yen. Freshly fried tempura is continuously placed in the display case. You can eat inside the shop, but today I opted for takeout. I hurried back to Hyakuna Beach before the tempura got cold!

The blissful moment of enjoying piping hot tempura while sitting on driftwood. Time flows by leisurely, as if you've entered a different world.
Sometimes, it's important to simply take time to gaze at the sea like this.

[Kadoya Details]
■TEL: 098-948-3307
■Address:743 Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 19:00 PM (13:00 PM - on Tuesdays) *Closes when sold out
■Regular closing day: Monday
■Parking: None

Also, there are many lovely Okinawan-style cafes with ocean views scattered around Shinbara Beach♪
Among them, the most famous is,A teahouse on the beach.It's about a 3-4 minute walk from Mibaru Beach.

For more details, please see the article below.
・Recommended by Okinawa repeat visitors! 10 cafes you absolutely must visit when you come to Okinawa

Shinbara Beach may not be a glamorous tourist spot, but it's a hidden gem for those in the know, offering Okinawa's proudly beautiful ocean, a cherished sacred site, and delicious local cuisine.

The beach is full of coral and beautiful seashells, making it perfect for creating lasting travel memories.

Since you've come all the way to Okinawa, I recommend taking some time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Okinawa!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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