I’ve discovered five incredible activities you can’t miss at Sunabe Seawall Beach in Okinawa.
Start your day scuba diving at Coral Gardens, where you’ll encounter vibrant marine life in shallow, beginner-friendly waters.
When afternoon rolls around, grab your camera to capture dramatic seascapes, especially during golden hour.
Next, catch some waves at one of Okinawa’s premier surf spots, or simply stroll the 2-mile stretch during sunset for breathtaking views.
Cap off your day at INFINITI Bar & Grill, where local flavors meet panoramic ocean vistas.
These experiences are just the beginning of what this coastal gem has to offer.
1) Scuba Diving at Coral Gardens
While Sunabe Seawall offers multiple dive sites, Coral Gardens stands out as a premier spot in Chatan’s vibrant waters.
I’ll tell you why it’s perfect for both novice and experienced divers: with depths averaging just 5 meters and minimal currents, you’ll feel completely at ease exploring this underwater paradise.
You’ll discover a mesmerizing flower garden of soft corals, where anemone fish dance among the tentacles and curious nudibranchs add splashes of color to the seascape. The serene underwater environment creates the perfect setting to experience traditional Okinawan melodies carried through the water.
Don’t miss the quirky underwater post box at 7 meters – it’s a fantastic photo op! If you’re lucky, you might spot graceful turtles gliding by or a whitetip shark patrolling the deeper waters.
With year-round diving and comfortable temperatures, even in winter, I’d recommend booking a morning dive to experience the best visibility.
The dive site perfectly complements Japan’s luxury travel experiences with its exclusive marine encounters and pristine conditions.
2) Sunset Beach Walks
Tranquility descends upon Sunabe Seawall as the day winds down, making it one of Okinawa’s most enchanting spots for a sunset stroll.
I recommend timing your walk to begin about 30 minutes before sunset, when the sky transforms into a canvas of ever-changing colors against the clouds.
Located in one of Okinawa’s best destinations, Sunabe offers pristine coastal views throughout the year.
You’ll find the 2-mile stretch from Baba Park to American Village offers plenty of space to meander, and I particularly love watching the surfers catch their final waves as the sun dips below the horizon.
If you’re staying nearby, it’s just a 6-minute walk to join the locals who gather for this daily spectacle.
Don’t forget to pop into one of the English-friendly cafes along the way – there’s nothing quite like sipping a warm drink while nature puts on its nightly show.
While Sunabe is stunning, Okinawa’s hidden beaches offer equally spectacular sunset views away from the crowds.
3) Seaside Photography
At sunrise and sunset, Sunabe Seawall transforms into a photographer’s paradise with its dramatic seaside vistas and ever-changing light.
I recommend bringing your wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping coastal views, and don’t forget a polarizing filter to cut through the water’s glare and enhance those vibrant blues.
You’ll want to time your visit with the tides – low tide reveals fascinating tide pools and textures in the exposed reef that make for stunning foreground elements.
For those dreamy water effects you’ve seen in professional shots, pack a tripod and experiment with long exposures during the golden hour.
While you’re composing your shots, look for natural frames created by the seawall’s architecture and pay attention to the mesmerizing patterns in the coral formations below.
The subtropical climate of Okinawa provides year-round photography opportunities with dramatic cloud formations and stunning atmospheric conditions.
After your photo session, you can grab refreshments from the nearby Japanese vending machines that offer unique local drinks to help you stay hydrated.
4) Surfing The Perfect Wave
Sunabe Seawall consistently ranks among Okinawa’s premier surf spots, offering both left and right breaks over a coral reef system.
If you’re planning to catch the perfect wave here, I’d recommend visiting during winter when northwesterly swells create ideal conditions, especially with those crisp offshore winds from the east.
You’ll want to time your session with mid to high tide – trust me, those coral reefs demand respect. For your safety, always carry emergency numbers when surfing in unfamiliar waters.
While the spot handles waves from 2ft to a hefty 8ft, Sunday mornings can get pretty crowded when the swell’s pumping.
I’ve found the sweet spot is catching those 7-9 second period waves, particularly during the early hours when the water’s a balmy 76°F and the cross-offshore winds haven’t kicked up yet.
Family surf lessons are available year-round for visitors wanting to experience Okinawa’s legendary waves.
5) Beachfront Dining
Several exceptional dining spots along the seawall let you savor both incredible ocean views and mouthwatering cuisine.
I’d recommend heading straight to INFINITI Bar & Grill, where you’ll find yourself mesmerized by panoramic East China Sea vistas from their Spanish-tiled deck patio.
The restaurant’s award-winning pastas, like their signature “Green Green” and “umi budo ho ta te,” are absolute must-tries. Drawing inspiration from Kyushu culinary traditions, their menu showcases the best of Japanese regional cooking. If you’re looking for more local flavors, they’ve mastered traditional Okinawan dishes too.
For a different vibe, check out the newly relocated Kissa Gitano near Camp Foster, where Cuban sandwiches and seafood paella reign supreme.
Pro tip: time your visit to INFINITI during sunset – there’s nothing quite like sipping an Orion Draft while watching the sun melt into the horizon.
Experience the authentic taste of the islands with their Okinawan food guide featuring regional specialties prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.
