Photo By Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | White Beach, located on White Beach Naval Facility, shares similar qualities with...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - Much of Okinawa’s coast is made up of white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. The subtropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, and a day at the beach or a tropical weekend get away is no more than a 90-minute drive away.
Okuma Recreational Facility, White Beach and Oura Wan Beach are three of several on-base beaches that offer an array of activities and accommodations.
Located in the northern area of Okinawa, the Okuma Recreation Facility rests on a small peninsula with beaches on its north and south sides; South Beach is designated for water activities, and North Beach is tailored for people looking for a more relaxing atmosphere.
Beach cottages, private cabanas and log cabins can be rented or people can go camping. Tents and a variety of camping supplies are available for rent to make the stay more comfortable. Barbeque pits and grills are located at all lodging areas, including the camping sites.
Dining options include the Surfside Restaurant and Sunset Café, both located on Okuma. The Waverunner Lounge features music from live bands, karaoke, Wi-Fi and amusement games to keep people entertained.
Habu Links Golf Course is a nine-hole, par three, executive course with challenging holes for both the amateur and experienced golfer. For the little ones, putt-putt golf is located next to the restaurant.
There are two camping areas where campers can bond with nature. The family camping area, located along Okuma’s South Beach, provides a superb view of the ocean. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The singles camping area, for adults only, is located at the end of South Beach, with a fabulous view of the water. Quiet hours for the singles area are from 2 to 6 a.m.
“I really like the fact that I can go to an adults-only area,” said Staff Sgt. Jorge Valdez, with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The club is a fun place to hang out at night.”
Snorkel sets, vests, wet suits, scuba gear, a variety of small boats and other gear are available to rent.
“I stayed at Okuma Beach for three days,” said Cpl. Jerrell Jackson, a radio operator with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd MarDiv. “I wanted to experience everything Okuma had to offer, from the personal water crafts and water sports to just lying back in the cabana and relaxing.”
Jackson has been on Okinawa more than a year and said he has been to other Okinawa beaches but prefers Okuma.
“It’s just a beautiful place,” said Jackson. “The water is the color blue that you see in the movies, and it stayed calm the entire time I was there. I never really saw harsh, rapid waves.”
Okuma’s South Beach Event Center offers catering for events, such as birthday parties or business meetings. The event room can be booked up to three months in advance.
Camp Schwab is known for the training opportunities it offers, but nestled deep inside this Marine Corps Base lays Oura Wan Beach.
Oura Wan Beach is host to many Marine Corps unit functions as well as The Cottages at Oura Wan Beach, which are private cottages designed for those looking for a getaway.
Guests can rent kayaks, sailboats, windsurfing equipment or even charter a boat through Oura Wan Boating.
White Beach, tucked away behind the gates of White Beach Naval Facility, is another on-base beach that offers fun for all. Its white sand beaches are used for quite a few different activities.
Home to a Navy facility, White Beach is used as a staging area for ships and other vessels. It pulls double duty as a morale and recreation site.
Cabins are available for rent at Smuggler’s Cove Bluff. Personal watercraft, sailboats, fishing equipment and beach cabanas with barbecue grills are all available for rent through the Recreation Center Office.
Fishing trips, sailing classes and personal watercraft licensing classes are also available from the office.
White Beach offers an array of activities and amenities appropriate for families, friends or couples looking to get out and about and enjoy what the island of Okinawa has to offer.
“White Beach is perfect if you’re looking to spend a day at the beach because it’s relatively close to the Marine Corps camps,” said Jessica Valdez, the family readiness officer for 7th Communication Bn., III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF.
“Okuma is a great place to get away for a few days,” she added.
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2011 20:35 |
| Story ID: | 75591 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 328 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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