Along the Coast at Cape Maeda

If Cape Maeda (Maeda Misaki) were in an American park, they would slap the name "multi-use area" on it. Whatever appellation you want to affix, though, it's a must-see when you're in Okinawa.

I told my mom this when she was here, and we were greeted with views like this one, which shows fairly well the wild shifts in sea color:

I meant to take mom snorkeling. I've been diving out here, and it's fantastic. You descend from a cliff face via a steep path, drop down onto a flat surface, put on your gear and step into the shallow water. There's a drop-off, but even when you step into the three-feet deep water, you're lmost immediately surrounded by fish.

Unfortunately for our snorkeling plans, currently there is construction on the ladder that leads to the access point:

The tides were also surging -- evidently, experienced surfers will ride waves nearby, although that looked like a shot of fun chased with the taste of danger.

All of this added up to no snorkeling -- or at least, a five minute drive to a nearby spot.

I said this was a multi-use area, though, and I meant it. Besides sightseers, snorkelers, divers and surfers, you get the occasional local taking a break from work in the cane fields nearby:

Plenty of fishermen come in search of sea bass and batfish. There must be some huge fish down there, because on of the men we saw was strapping himself in with a leather harness.

The sea isn't the only attraction. The craggy rocks create a landscape for climbing or simple exploration, and even break at certain points into meadow and forest habitat.

Whether you're resting against the cliffs fishing or looking for a snorkeling spot, it's not a bad way to spend a day. Now, when that construction's finished, we'll be in business.