[Chatan/Sunabe] A Golden Week miracle! A record of snorkeling and encountering the first "school of fish" of the year during a brief break in the weather.

May in Okinawa. Normally, this is the time when the rainy season is about to begin and the weather becomes unpredictable.

This year's Golden Week was also marked by forecasts of cloudy and rainy weather, which was a bit frustrating for those who love the sea.

However, Friday, May 8, 2026.

That day, overcast skies covered the sky from morning, but miraculously, the sun peeked through a gap in the clouds around noon.

"It's now or never!" With that conviction, I headed to Sunabe Beach in Chatan Town.

This is one of Okinawa Island's top snorkeling and diving spots, loved by both locals and tourists.

This time, I'll give you a detailed report on my first underwater stroll at Sunabe this year.

1. Sunabe Beach: A "Special Place" Sunabe Beach, located in Miyagi, Chatan Town, is easily accessible from Naha City and is just a short distance from "American Village," an area lined with stylish cafes and shops. Its most distinctive feature is that just a few meters from the shore, you'll find a vast expanse of soft coral, resembling a flower garden. Stairs have been installed along the breakwater, making entry easy, which is another attractive feature. On this day, when I arrived around noon, the sunlight was shining directly from above. The surface of the sea shimmered with emerald green, and the "Sunabe Blue" stretched out before me, as if the cloudy weather from earlier had never happened.

2. First dive of 2026: Off to the water!

I put on my familiar swimsuit, mask, and snorkel. Holding my fins, I slowly descended the stairs. The water at my feet was a little cool, but it was a pleasant sensation to my body after being exposed to the strong May sun. As I slowly surrendered myself to the sea, a world of exceptional clarity unfolded before my eyes. I had been told the visibility was "fairly good," but I could see clearly several meters ahead underwater, and the curtain of sunlight rippling off the rocky surface illuminated the bottom with a sparkling light. The way the light filtering in from the surface brought out the complex topography of the seabed in three dimensions is something I never tire of seeing.

3. The underwater landscape of Sunabe and the "signs of life"

Soon after starting to swim, I noticed the rugged, rocky reefs characteristic of Sunabe. There, small damselfish and clownfish swam, each protecting their habitat. As I continued swimming and filming, I felt the water becoming clearer. As this was my first snorkeling trip of the year, every stroke felt fresh and new. It was a world of silence, with only the sound of bubbles I exhaled underwater and the gentle sound of waves. Seeing such abundant nature thriving right next to the bustling streets of Chatan made me realize once again the profound depth of Okinawa's nature.

4. Highlight: The sudden appearance of a "school of jet-black fish"

We had been sailing offshore for a while when a large shadow swayed at the edge of my vision. At first, I thought it was the shadow of a rock, but it moved slowly, changing shape as it approached us. "It's a school of fish!" The moment I realized this, my heart started beating a little faster. It was the first large school I had seen this year. The full extent of it becomes clear around the one-minute mark of the video. It was a huge group of fish with dark bodies. They were probably the "black surgeonfish" or "unicorn surgeonfish" that are commonly seen around Sunabe at this time of year. They moved in a coordinated manner, swimming leisurely yet powerfully, in time with the swells of the waves. There were hundreds, or perhaps even more. The wall of fish that crossed in front of me was breathtaking, and their scales, occasionally gleaming silver in the sunlight, seemed to be dancing underwater. They were so close that I felt like I could reach out and touch them. The fish didn't seem to see me as an enemy; they swam past me without any surprise, enveloping me in their embrace. This feeling of becoming one with nature is the true joy of snorkeling.

5. A Gift of Sunshine While enjoying our encounter with schools of fish, the clouds above continued to move moment by moment. Looking at the water's surface, there were moments when the clouds blocked the light, and the sea's color changed to a deep blue. Our decision to enter the water during this brief break in the sunshine was absolutely correct. In snorkeling, sunlight is the best illumination. It is because of the light that the colors of the fish become more vibrant and the clarity of the water stands out. A luxurious moment that made us forget the busy daily life of Golden Week. Our first dive of the year ended in the best possible way.

6. After snorkeling, head out of the water in Chatan town and relax on the breakwater, enjoying the sea breeze. One of the great things about Chatan's Sunabe is the abundance of things to do after you get out of the water. Just behind the breakwater, you'll find a variety of shops, from authentic hamburger joints to cafes boasting their own roasted coffee. Sitting on a terrace, sipping a cold drink while surrounded by the scent of the sea, is pure bliss. Sunabe Beach has a unique, mellow atmosphere that warmly welcomes not only "sea professionals" like divers and surfers, but also those who simply want to stop by and gaze at the ocean.

Summary: Getting ready for the upcoming Okinawa beach season

This experience at Sunabe was a fitting start to the 2026 marine leisure season.

Location: Sunabe Beach (Miyagi Beach), Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture

Conditions: Good visibility, sunny (around noon)

Highlights: Breathtaking schools of fish, beautiful soft corals, and curtains of sunlight. Okinawa is heading into the peak of summer.

Not only will we see large schools of fish like this one, but as the water temperature rises, even more creatures will become active. When you visit Okinawa, be sure to take a look at the waters of Chatan and Sunabe. There, a world of breathtaking beauty awaits you, one that will make you forget your everyday worries. I can't wait to see what encounters await me on my next dive.