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Snorkeling in Okinawa If you are interested in directly observing life below the water's surface, you basically have two options: snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkeling requires no extensive training and is the easiest way to enjoy the beauty found just below the water's surface. Scuba diving gives you greater freedom to explore deep below the water's surface but it is much more difficult to master. Here are some guidelines for safe and enjoyable snorkeling. Okinawa is a haven for snorkelers. Its crystal clear waters is home to an enormous diversity of beautiful and interesting fish such as the Rurisuzume and Kaeruuo. All you need is a piece of sausage and a bit of bread and you can see the fishes dance playfully around you as you swim, much like the old Japanese story about Taro Urashima. The reefs which separate the island from the open sea create shallow reef lagoons called Inoo. These lagoons are ideal spots for snorkeling. The water is calm and only about 4 to 5 meters deep. It is crystal clear and provides an excellent view of the corals. The three basic items you will need for snorkeling are a snorkel, a mask, and fins. You will also be needing booties since you will be walking on sharp limestone rock and craggy places. It is also a good idea to wear a wet suit to protect your body from the elements, and gloves in case you come in contact with poisonous fish. The dangerous sea While the greatest dangers associated with snorkeling are usually related to unsafe practices or equipment, there are a few dangers in the marine environment which you should look out for. The most dangerous creature in Okinawa is the box jellyfish. It is about 2 meters long and its sting is extremely poisonous. Its tentacles contain millions of stinging cells which discharge venom through the skin on contact, causing intense burning pain, rashes, raised welts, and in some cases even death. Vinegar kills the stinging cells of jellyfish. Hopefully you will never get close to a box jellyfish, but just in case you do, flood the stung area with domestic vinegar for half a minute to render the stings harmless. TheUnbachiisoginchaku is another denizen of the reef which pose a danger to snorkelers. The Unbachiisoginchaku stays in the gap between corals and is often very difficult to spot. It spreads its thorns in the water. Like the puff jellyfish, it releases its venom when touched, causing painful red spots to appear at the area of contact. First aid treatment consists of washing the affected area with ice-cold water. Other dangerous creatures of the sea include the trumpet urchin and stone fish. These creatures are only dangerous when stepped on. Their venom is voluntarily expelled when pressure is applied to them. Ocean currents can be very dangerous and even the smallest ones can be misleading. While there are numerous spots on Okinawa (like the Inoo) where the water is calm and stable, still there are places where the current flows so strong, you can easily find yourself being swept out to sea. Should you find yourself caught in a dangerous ocean current, do not try to swim directly against its flow back to shore. To escape its seaward pull, swim to the side or diagonally out of the current, and gradually move back to the beach. The best response to a dangerous or potentially fatal situation is to stay calm. Panic is your greatest enemy. It's a response that can hurt you. When confronted with an emergency, remember to control your fear, stay calm and level-headed, and avoid panic. Discover the joys of snorkeling While snorkeling is not a complicated activity, there are a few things that can help make it more enjoyable and safer for you. You will be able to enjoy your snorkeling on Okinawa more if you get some basic instruction before you venture out into the waters. Many dive shops in Okinawa offer courses that cover all the requirements of safe snorkeling. Done correctly, snorkeling offers a multitude of rewards and a little snorkeling instruction, especially at the start, is your best key to unlocking the treasure chest of fascinating mysteries contained within the underwater world.