
Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory
Descend into an underwater world at Busena Marine Park's observatory, offering close encounters with vibrant marine life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Better visibility & fewer crowds

Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory
Best Time
Better visibility & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend into an underwater world at Busena Marine Park's observatory, offering close encounters with vibrant marine life.
"Such a unique experience for an amazingly cheap price!"

Check Visibility Report
See real-time visibility on their website before you go! :iphone:
Bring Coins for Fish Food
¥200 in 100-yen coins to feed the fish! :moneybag:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Observatory
Submerged viewing area
Descend into a unique underwater world and witness vibrant marine life up close through circular windows.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Surface of the sea
Glide over coral reefs and observe marine creatures from above without getting wet.
Fish Feeding on the Footbridge
Footbridge above observatory
Attract a flurry of fish by tossing specially purchased food into the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Visibility
Accessibility and What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Visibility Report
See real-time visibility on their website before you go! :iphone:
Bring Coins for Fish Food
¥200 in 100-yen coins to feed the fish! :moneybag:
Steep Stairs Alert
Narrow spiral stairs down. Not ideal for mobility issues. :walking:
Glass Bottom Boat First
Go for the boat ride first in case of weather changes. :boat:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Visibility Report
See real-time visibility on their website before you go! :iphone:
Bring Coins for Fish Food
¥200 in 100-yen coins to feed the fish! :moneybag:
Steep Stairs Alert
Narrow spiral stairs down. Not ideal for mobility issues. :walking:
Glass Bottom Boat First
Go for the boat ride first in case of weather changes. :boat:
Free Parking Available
Park at the resort, short walk to ticketing. :car:
Shuttle Bus Convenience
Use the shuttle bus to the jetty and back. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory to be a unique and affordable experience, offering close-up views of marine life. While the steep stairs can be a challenge for some, the opportunity to feed fish and see vibrant underwater scenes makes it a worthwhile stop for many.
"Such a unique experience for an amazingly cheap price (¥1050 per adult). The website will tell you how clear the visibility is, but even though today was said to be "cloudy" the fish swim directly up to the viewing windows and you can enjoy them all, scale to tail!
Card payment is available for tickets; Bring an extra ¥200 (in 100¥ coins) to buy fish food on the foot bridge! The fish come to the surface VERY quickly to eat it all up.
The stairs up and down are quite steep, this would not be a good activity for very young children or those with mobility issues."
Sten Edwards
"Parking is available within the resort and it’s free. Just a short walk to the ticketing booth.
If you are going for the glass bottom boat ride, recommended to go for that first in case of change of weather and causing the ride to be cancelled.
There’s a shuttle bus available and it will drop you near the jetty and when you are done, you can hop back on to head down to the observatory.
We found the observatory to be interesting. Note: it’s a narrow stairwell to head down(abt 3M) to the viewing area. So nice to be seeing the fishes so close and in their natural environment."
Ginny Toh
"You can come here for a ride in a glass floored boat the view the coral and fishes.
Short trip but interesting to see the fishes and corals in the wild.
Do visit the marine observatory as well."
Nigel Chee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The observatory is located within the Busena Marine Park in Onna, Okinawa. Many visitors arrive by car and park at the adjacent resort, which offers free parking. A shuttle bus service is also available, taking you from the resort area to the jetty and the observatory.
While specific bus routes can vary, it's generally recommended to check local Okinawa bus schedules or consider a taxi for direct access if not driving. Many visitors combine their trip with other northern Okinawa attractions.
Yes, the park is located near the Busena Terrace resort and is a popular stop for those exploring the northern coast of Okinawa. Consider pairing it with a visit to nearby beaches or other marine activities.
Parking is available within the resort area and is generally free for visitors to the marine park. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the ticketing booth and the pier.
The observatory is well-signposted within the Busena Marine Park area. Follow the signs for the underwater observatory and the glass-bottom boat rides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are quite affordable. For adults, it's around ¥1050, and for children, it's approximately ¥500. Combining the observatory with a glass-bottom boat ride might offer a package deal.
Yes, card payment is available for tickets, which is convenient for many visitors. However, it's advisable to have some cash for smaller purchases like fish food.
Advance booking is generally not required for the underwater observatory. Tickets can be purchased on-site. However, checking their website for any special events or group booking information is always a good idea.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Busena Marine Park website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, often a combined ticket is available that includes both the underwater observatory and a glass-bottom boat ride, offering good value for experiencing both attractions.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of colorful tropical fish, coral formations, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. The fish often swim right up to the viewing windows.
While children can enjoy seeing the fish, the steep and narrow spiral staircase down to the observatory might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Yes, you can purchase fish food for ¥200 (in 100-yen coins) on the footbridge above the observatory. Tossing this food attracts many fish to the viewing area.
A visit to the underwater observatory itself is relatively short, often around 15-30 minutes, depending on how long you spend observing the marine life. The glass-bottom boat ride adds extra time.
The observatory can get crowded, especially during peak times. They limit the number of people allowed down at once, so you might have to wait. Visiting in the morning can help avoid the largest crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the observatory. However, be mindful of other visitors and the lighting conditions, which can be dim.
Besides the underwater observatory, the glass-bottom boat ride offers unique perspectives of marine life. The scenic coastal views from the pier and surrounding resort area are also great for photos.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at the windows, as it can disturb the marine life and affect visibility for others.
For clear shots through the windows, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. If you plan on using a phone, ensure it's protected from any potential splashes on the boat ride.
The scenic backdrop of the ocean and marine life makes for great selfie opportunities. The pier and the resort grounds also offer picturesque settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the combined ticket for the observatory and the glass-bottom boat ride to maximize the fun. The boat ride offers a different perspective and is generally well-tolerated by children. Remember to bring some cash for fish food and be prepared for potentially crowded conditions during peak hours. Visiting in the morning can help ensure a more relaxed experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking at the resort is free, saving on additional costs. While there are package deals for the observatory and glass-bottom boat, even visiting just the observatory offers significant value. For those exploring Okinawa on a budget, this attraction provides a memorable encounter with marine life that rivals more expensive options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Underwater Observatory
While the experience is fascinating, it's important to note the accessibility. The steep and narrow spiral stairs are a significant consideration for those with mobility challenges or very young children. Despite this, the observatory provides an engaging and educational experience, allowing you to witness the underwater world without needing to dive or snorkel. The presence of fans helps to keep the air circulating, making it comfortable even with a number of visitors.
For an even more interactive experience, visitors can purchase fish food on the footbridge above the observatory. Tossing this food into the water attracts a flurry of fish, creating a dynamic spectacle right at the viewing windows. This simple act transforms the observation into a more engaging encounter with marine life, making it a memorable part of the visit for many.
The Glass-Bottom Boat Experience
Many visitors recommend taking the glass-bottom boat ride first, especially if visiting during a time when weather can be unpredictable. This is because boat rides are more susceptible to cancellation due to sudden changes in sea conditions. By experiencing the boat tour early in your visit, you increase your chances of enjoying it before any potential weather disruptions. The ride itself is typically a short but rewarding journey, offering a different perspective than the static observatory.
Combining the observatory and the glass-bottom boat ride provides a comprehensive marine experience. While the observatory offers a submerged view, the boat ride gives you a surface-level perspective of the same vibrant ecosystem. This dual approach ensures you get a well-rounded appreciation for the beauty and biodiversity of Okinawa's coastal waters.


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