Since making Okinawa my home in 2007, I have visited more than 20 islands within the archipelago. Iheya Island is most definitely in my top three. I enjoyed it so much from the first visit that it became my summer routine to grab my snorkeling gear and hop on the ferry to Iheya. The island, population 1,200, is about 80 minutes by ferry from Motobu Port. The fare is around $47, about the same as the fare to the Kerama Islands, the most popular tourist destination in Okinawa. Contrary to the Keramas, Iheya Island is much quieter, with no sign of overtourism. I enjoy the slow-paced island ambience there.