The Surf Window

Miyako-jima

Okinawa, Japan

Reef breakAdvanced

130km southwest of Okinawa, Miyako-jima is famous for having Japan's clearest water, visibility exceeding 50m, and reef breaks where typhoon swells and northeast groundswells create some of the country's most beautiful surf in a true tropical island setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–NE 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to S under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Rights and lefts over the outer reef

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Exposed outer reef in clear tropical water requires experience and reef awareness

Hazards

  • •Coral reef throughout, booties required
  • •Strong currents through the reef channels
  • •Remote island, nearest major hospital in Okinawa

Local Tips

  • •The water clarity is genuinely extraordinary, see the reef clearly from the surface
  • •Yonaha Maehama Beach is one of Japan's finest beaches, white sand and turquoise water
  • •The island's mango and sugarcane culture is wonderful, try awamori (Okinawan spirits)

Location

Map showing the location of Miyako-jima in Okinawa, Japan

24.6833, 125.2833