Exploring the Wonders of Okinawa's Underwater World: A Day Trip to Busena Marine Park
On our trip to Okinawa, we planned a special day to visit Busena Marine Park. The idea of seeing tropical fish without having to dive was very appealing. Since we also planned to visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium the next day, and it was on the way from Okinawa City, we decided to add Busena Marine Park to our itinerary. The park is located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, in Nago City. From the end of the highway, it's just a 5-minute drive after exiting at the Kyoda interchange.
Busena Cape, where the park is located, is one of the scenic highlights of northern Okinawa and is surrounded by many luxury resorts. Just driving along the coastline towards the park already made us feel more relaxed. The park provides a free shuttle bus that takes about 5 minutes for a single ride, and the buses come every 20 minutes. Though walking from the ticket office to either the underwater observatory or the glass-bottom boat dock only takes about 10 minutes, the shuttle bus is a nice option to beat the heat during the scorching summer.
We bought a combo ticket that included both the underwater observatory and a glass-bottom boat ride, so our first stop was the boat. The glass-bottom boat is whale-shaped, which is super cute. We were also lucky enough to catch a Pokémon-themed boat, which thrilled our little Pokémon fan! The boat tour lasts about 20 minutes and can accommodate up to 36 passengers. The design is well thought out, allowing everyone a good view of the underwater world through the glass panels at the bottom of the boat.
Shortly after setting sail, the boat stops where schools of fish gather, allowing you to see the colorful tropical fish swimming right beneath you. It was our first time experiencing the underwater world without getting wet, and it was truly special. Fish food is available for purchase on board, which can attract more fish to the boat. The fish food container is made from fish-friendly biscuits, so after feeding, you can break open the container and toss it into the water to feed the fish as well — very eco-friendly. The boat also moves to different areas where various types of fish live, and the crew provides explanations, though everything is in Japanese, so we didn’t understand much.
Before arriving at Busena Marine Park, we were worried that the glass-bottom boat might not be operating because Okinawa had just experienced heavy rainfall the week before, and the boat tours had been suspended for days. Fortunately, the weather was perfect on the day of our visit, and the sea was calm enough for the boats to run. However, there were still some waves, and the ride was a bit bumpy. Surprisingly, despite both Mr. K and our child being prone to motion sickness, they were fine! I, on the other hand, got a little seasick. Even though I also tend to get motion sickness, I usually don’t throw up, unlike the two of them, who can get very sick. So, if you're prone to seasickness, it's a good idea to take some medication beforehand just in case.
After the boat ride, we took the shuttle bus to the underwater observatory. After getting off, there's a boardwalk that leads to the observatory. Walking along the boardwalk, surrounded by the beautiful contrast of the blue sky, white clouds, and turquoise sea, we couldn’t resist stopping to take pictures. The observatory is about 21 meters tall, and staff will collect tickets at the entrance. Once inside, you’ll need to descend a spiral staircase that’s quite steep and narrow, making you feel like you’re entering a submarine. While the stairs are narrow, there are separate up and down paths, so you won’t have to worry about crossing paths with people going in the opposite direction. However, there’s no elevator or other means of ascent or descent, so if you’re traveling with young children or elderly family members with mobility issues, you might want to reconsider.
Once at the bottom, the fish swimming right outside the windows were so close, it felt like you could reach out and touch them! Our kids were completely captivated. The observatory has 24 viewing windows at varying heights, so even little ones can enjoy the view. Depending on the time of day and season, you may see different species of fish. The element of surprise, not knowing what you’ll see next, adds to the fun of the experience.
After leaving the observatory, we fed fish from the boardwalk. Near the entrance to the observatory, you can buy fish food, and as soon as you toss it into the water, a swarm of fish appears. The weather that day was absolutely stunning, with the clear blue-green sea beneath us. The view from the boardwalk was breathtaking, and if you visit in the evening, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous sunset.
Busena Marine Park is a perfect destination for those who want to observe marine life up close without diving, especially for families with kids. The experience will definitely excite them. However, if marine life isn’t a major interest or if your itinerary doesn’t include nearby attractions, there’s no need to go out of your way to visit.
Busena Marine Park (ブセナ海中公園)
Opening Hours
【April to October】
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
【November to March】
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
Closed: Open year-round
※Note: Operation may be limited depending on weather or sea conditions.
【Underwater Observatory】
Adults (High school students and older): ¥1,050
Children (4 years old to middle school): ¥530
Under 3 years old: Free
【Glass-Bottom Boat】
Adults (High school students and older): ¥1,560
Children (4 years old to middle school): ¥780
Under 3 years old: Free
【Combo Ticket】 (Underwater Observatory + Glass-Bottom Boat)
Adults (High school students and older): ¥2,100
Children (4 years old to middle school): ¥1,050
Under 3 years old: Free
※On your birthday, present a passport or other ID for free access to both the glass-bottom boat and the underwater observatory!
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