Gorilla Chop
Okinawa's premier shore diving and snorkeling spot, famous for its iconic 'gorilla' rock and vibrant, shallow coral reefs teeming with fish.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer waters, calmer seas
Gorilla Chop
Best Time
Clearer waters, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Okinawa's premier shore diving and snorkeling spot, famous for its iconic 'gorilla' rock and vibrant, shallow coral reefs teeming with fish.
"Discover a vibrant underwater world with easy shore access, perfect for snorkelers and divers of all levels!"
Bring Your Own Life Jacket
Rentals are scarce; bring your own life jacket for safety as there are no lifeguards. :life_jacket:
Shore Entry is Easy
Enjoy a gradual descent from the beach, perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 85 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Gorilla Rock
Shoreline
A unique rock formation that gives the spot its name, resembling a gorilla in a karate chop pose. A must-see landmark!
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Underwater
Discover lush, healthy corals teeming with colorful fish, even in shallow waters. A true underwater paradise!
Abundant Marine Life
Underwater
Snorkelers and divers alike can spot a variety of fish, including Nemo, in this protected marine area. Keep an eye out!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Snorkel & Dive Ready
Best Conditions for Visibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Life Jacket
Rentals are scarce; bring your own life jacket for safety as there are no lifeguards. :life_jacket:
Shore Entry is Easy
Enjoy a gradual descent from the beach, perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Conditions
Visibility is best in calm weather. Ask locals or check forecasts before heading out. ☁️
Capture Underwater Magic
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the vibrant coral and fish. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Life Jacket
Rentals are scarce; bring your own life jacket for safety as there are no lifeguards. :life_jacket:
Shore Entry is Easy
Enjoy a gradual descent from the beach, perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Conditions
Visibility is best in calm weather. Ask locals or check forecasts before heading out. ☁️
Capture Underwater Magic
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the vibrant coral and fish. :camerawithflash:
Rinse Gear Easily
Facilities include rinsing tanks for your diving and snorkeling equipment. 🚿
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Gorilla Chop's stunning underwater scenery, abundant marine life, and easy shore access, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving. While some note variable visibility near the shore, the overall experience is highly positive, with convenient facilities like free parking and showers adding to its appeal. It's a must-visit for nature lovers.
"I went skin diving! The visibility was lower than I expected at the front (although it was still much clearer than the surrounding sea), so it was a bit disappointing, but once I swam further in, the visibility was higher, the seabed was white sand, and with the good weather, my shadow was reflected on the seabed, which was beautiful. There were lots of fish, so it's great for people who want to see lots of fish while snorkeling! 🐟!
There is parking, toilets, and showers, so this is a great place to enjoy snorkeling from the beach, isn't it?"
nao iwa
"It's great for diving. There are a lot of corals and fish just 100m out. I even met Nemo. The water is shallow even farther out, so you can see a great view just by snorkeling. There are about ten parking spaces. It's free. It's great for picnicking. There's also a small white sand beach made of coral."
CK Yoo
"A beach with showers (you can see fish)
It's named after the gorilla chopping! ?
There is a big rock that is an icon
Coral is washed up on the beach, so be careful when walking ⚠️
The water is very clear
There are fish on the rocks not far from the beach, so you can enjoy it just by snorkeling
Serious divers carrying oxygen tanks also use it
With the parking lot behind you, the diving team was on the right and the scuba team was on the left
The free parking lot is large and easy to park
Toilets and showers are available
Shower is available for 3 minutes for 100 yen
There is a large aquarium at the entrance to wash your feet so you don't bring in sand"
N K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gorilla Chop is located in Motobu Town, northern Okinawa. It's accessible by car, with a parking lot available. From Naha Airport, it's about a 90-minute drive via Route 449. Some visitors mention it's a scenic drive along the coast. 
Yes, there is a free and spacious parking lot available at Gorilla Chop, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. +1
While possible, it's less convenient. Public transport options might be limited, and taxis would be expensive. Renting a car is highly recommended for easy access.
Absolutely! Gorilla Chop is well-known for its excellent shore diving opportunities, with easy access to reefs and marine life.
The most straightforward way is to rent a car and drive north. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, offering coastal views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Gorilla Chop is generally free, including the parking lot. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving without any admission cost.
Advance booking is typically not required for general visits. However, if you plan to use specific diving services or tours, it's advisable to check with them.
While there are no strict opening hours mentioned, facilities like showers may have specific operating times. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Rental services for life jackets are not commonly available directly at the beach. It's recommended to rent gear in advance from shops in town or purchase your own.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Gorilla Chop. Visitors swim and dive at their own risk, so it's important to be cautious and prepared.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Gorilla Chop is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering easy shore access to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can also enjoy the unique rock formation and relax on the small beach.
The water is generally very clear, though visibility can vary. It's shallow even further out, making it great for both snorkeling and diving.
You can expect to see a variety of fish, including clownfish (Nemo), and a good abundance of coral. The underwater scenery is quite rich.
Yes, Gorilla Chop is excellent for beginner snorkelers due to its easy shore entry and shallow, clear waters with abundant marine life close to the beach.
Facilities include parking, toilets, showers (100 yen for 3 minutes), and rinsing tanks for equipment. There's also a small white sand beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic gorilla-shaped rock is a must-capture. Underwater, the vibrant coral and schools of fish offer fantastic photo opportunities. The shallow waters also make for unique shots.
A waterproof camera or a GoPro is highly recommended to capture the underwater beauty. The clear water and marine life are perfect subjects.
Yes, absolutely! The marine life and coral are often visible and accessible from the surface, making it great for snorkelers to get amazing shots.
Morning hours often provide the best light and calmest conditions for underwater photography. However, the scenery is beautiful throughout the day.
Try capturing the contrast between the rocky shoreline and the clear blue water, or the colorful fish swimming amongst the corals. The 'gorilla' rock itself offers a unique foreground.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit