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An enormous whale shark with its mouth wide open, actively feeding amongst a dense school of smaller fish in Okinawa's clear blue waters, captured within the observation net.
A diver, likely an instructor with a GoPro, closely swims next to a whale shark surrounded by many fish, capturing free memorable underwater moments in Okinawa.
Divers observe a majestic whale shark from outside the large containment net in Okinawa, showcasing the guaranteed sighting and professional guided dive experience.
A professional diver interacts closely with a feeding whale shark inside its netted enclosure, demonstrating the safe and intimate encounter during an Okinawa dive.
A diver gracefully swims alongside a large whale shark in the pristine blue ocean of Okinawa, highlighting a serene and guided underwater encounter.

Okinawa, Japan|Snorkeling with whale sharks/Diving/FUN DIVE Licensed Diving


Duration:2 hour(s)
Guided language: English / 日本語
Free cancellation 4 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

  • Observe whale sharks kept in large nets, with a 100% encounter rate! (Unable to access the network)
  • Free Photos and Videos: Dedicated coaches can take photos and videos with GoPro, with no limit on the number or size, and at no additional charge. The captured images can be directly transferred to the iPhone, or provided via LINE or email.
  • The diving itinerary adopts a dedicated coach system, and each group has a dedicated coach for individual guidance. Even first-timers or those who are not good at swimming can participate with peace of mind.
  • The snorkeling trip is based on a small number of people, and a dedicated instructor will carry a buoyancy board to guide you. Participants can easily explore the underwater world by just holding the buoyancy board!
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

— Itinerary Introduction —

▶ Target group Whale shark diving experience: 15 to 59 years old Whale shark snorkeling: 7 to 59 years old Whale shark fun diving: 18 to 59 years old (must have a diving license and have more than 5 diving experiences)

▶ Things to bring: swimsuit, towel, sandals, boat fee, FUN diving participants must bring their diving license card

— Trip Introduction —
Whale Shark Experience Whale shark, also known as tofu shark, is a large marine creature with a body length of 3 to 5 meters. Due to its special living habits, it is often accompanied by small fish and small sharks.
In each experience, you can enjoy the stunning scene of the whale shark foraging, it will open its big mouth to swallow the shrimp, this is the most exciting moment of the whale shark diving!
Curious whale sharks often approach participants, giving you the opportunity to get up close and personal with this magnificent marine creature.
Don't miss this rare experience!
⚠ Please note: It is not possible to enter the nets that hold the whale sharks.

What You Can Expect

Duration: 2 hour(s)

1 Day

  • Gather at Miyako Port, report, fill out the application form and change into a wetsuit ※Please park your car at the "Umijin Shokudo No. 1 Parking Lot" in the port
    A road sign with a curved arrow indicating the turn towards Toya Fishing Port in Okinawa, serving as the meeting point for the whale shark diving adventure.
  • Gather at Miyako Port, report, fill out the application form and change into a wetsuit ※Please park your car at the "Umijin Shokudo No. 1 Parking Lot" in the port
    The exterior of the check-in building for the Okinawa whale shark activity, with clear directional arrows guiding arriving participants, especially those driving to the location.
  • Diving and snorkeling instructions and practice, then set off on a boat when you are ready
    A happy group of divers in wetsuits and gear on a boat deck in Okinawa, smiling and ready for their exciting whale shark snorkeling or diving trip.
  • After arriving at the experience point, start diving and snorkeling
    Multiple divers in Okinawa gather around two whale sharks within a large observation net, with an instructor actively taking photos to provide free memories.
  • Staff feed whale sharks outside the net, and participants can observe them eating. It is shocking to see whale sharks approaching at close range with their mouths wide open!
    Divers in Okinawa engaging closely with a whale shark near the net, possibly during a unique feeding experience, guided by professional instructors within the netted area.
  • After diving and snorkeling, return to the port and change clothes before the trip ends.

Purchase Notice

  • Patients with the following diseases or those who wish to avoid excessive stimulation should pay attention to health management. Please refer to the Aquatics Health Checklist.
  • Whale Shark Experience Diving: Only for travelers aged 15 to 59 years old, Whale Shark Snorkeling: Only for travelers aged 7 to 59 years old, Whale Shark FUN Diving: Only for travelers aged 18 to 59 years old who hold a diving license and have more than 5 diving experiences. Local staff will ask participants to provide identification documents as needed.
  • In order to ensure the safety of tourists, if the local coach believes that the tourist's health condition is not suitable for participating in water activities, he/she has the right to refuse the participant's experience and the trip fee will not be refunded. Please understand.
  • Passengers who need to take a flight within 18 hours after joining the diving trip will not be able to join the diving trip. (Snorkeling is available)
  • We offer myopia prescription diving goggles up to 800 degrees. If necessary, please inform the specific degree (calculated in 0.00 units). If the degree is not provided, this service cannot be provided. Due to limited quantity, please understand if we cannot provide the required degree. It is recommended that you wear disposable contact lenses yourself.

Includes/Excludes

  • Consumption tax
  • Free Photography
  • Equipment Rental
  • Flood insurance
  • Water guide fee
  • Parking Fee
  • Shower
  • Personal expenses
  • Other expenses not mentioned above
  • Additional fees (boat fees)

Reminders

  • If the itinerary/experience time is extended or part of the content is cancelled due to force majeure factors such as traffic conditions or weather, please contact customer service. We will provide partial refunds and other corresponding treatments.

  • People with the following physical conditions or those who are not suitable for excessive stimulation cannot participate in this tour/experience. High blood pressure, heart disease, fear of heights, asthma, epilepsy, pregnant women. In addition, if you have undergone surgery, chronic diseases, medical history, or are currently seeing a doctor or taking medication, please be sure to consult us before making an appointment.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Please note that if a passenger is late, the tour will still depart/start as scheduled and a cancellation fee will be charged.

  • If the passenger cancels the activity due to personal reasons (itinerary changes, physical discomfort, etc.), the corresponding cancellation fee will be charged according to the cancellation policy. However, if the trip is cancelled due to a typhoon or other force majeure factors (such as flight cancellations, ship cancellations, etc.), no cancellation fee will be charged.

  • If you have a flight plan within 18 hours, you will not be able to participate in the experience diving and fun diving, and will be charged 100% of the activity fee. (Snorkeling is not affected)

  • If the local operator determines that the activity should be cancelled, the staff will contact the traveler to confirm whether they wish to change the date or cancel the trip free of charge.

  • Those who drink alcohol or have a severe hangover on the day will not be allowed to participate in the event, and will be charged 100% of the event fee.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Meeting Point

Location Name: Miya Fishing Port

Address: Japan Okinawa Prefecture Toya Village Toya 33 Toya Fishing Port

How to Get There
・From Naha Bus Terminal, take bus No. 28 or 228 (towards Yomitan Bus Terminal), get off at Miyakono Station, and walk about 5 minutes to Miyakono Port ・Map Code: 33 792 330*08

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 3 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. Is snorkeling with whale sharks possible in Okinawa, and what does it involve?

Yes, snorkeling with whale sharks is absolutely possible in Okinawa. This experience allows participants to float on the water's surface with a mask and snorkel, observing whale sharks within large, specially designed nets. The activity is conducted in small groups with a dedicated instructor who carries a buoyancy board, making it easy and safe for beginners or those who are not strong swimmers to explore the underwater world and get close to these magnificent creatures.

2. When is the optimal season for a whale shark encounter in Okinawa?

The whale shark encounter in Okinawa is available year-round, in both winter and summer. Since the whale sharks are observed within large, designated nets, the opportunity for a close encounter remains consistent regardless of the season. This ensures a reliable and predictable experience whenever you choose to visit, offering a unique chance to see these ocean giants at any time of the year.

3. How does the whale shark snorkeling and diving experience in Okinawa compare to other global locations?

The whale shark experience in Okinawa offers a distinctive advantage: observing whale sharks kept within large, specially designed nets. This method ensures a 100% encounter rate, providing a reliable and guaranteed opportunity to see these marine giants up close. This predictability sets it apart from many open-ocean encounters in other global locations, which often depend on natural migration patterns and luck. The presence of professional instructors further enhances safety and guidance.

4. What kind of interaction can participants expect during an Okinawa whale shark encounter?

During an Okinawa whale shark encounter, participants can expect a close observation experience. You will be able to get very near to the whale sharks as they swim gracefully within their netted environment. The focus is on respectful viewing and appreciating these ocean giants up close, guided by professional instructors. This ensures a safe, educational, and memorable interaction for everyone, allowing you to witness their majestic presence.

5. What is the main difference between whale shark snorkeling and diving experiences in Okinawa?

The main difference between whale shark snorkeling and diving experiences in Okinawa lies in the underwater depth and gear. Snorkeling involves floating on the water's surface, using a mask and snorkel, often holding onto a buoyancy board guided by an instructor. Diving allows you to go deeper underwater with scuba gear. While both activities offer close encounters with whale sharks in their netted habitat, diving provides a more immersive, eye-level perspective with individual guidance from a dedicated coach.

6. Are photos and videos included during the Okinawa whale shark experience?

Yes, complimentary photos and videos are a highlight of the Okinawa whale shark experience. Dedicated coaches are equipped with GoPro cameras to capture your moments with the whale sharks throughout the activity. There are no limits on the number or size of the images and videos taken, and no additional charges. These precious memories can be conveniently transferred directly to your iPhone or provided via LINE or email, allowing you to easily share your adventure.

7. Do participants need prior diving experience or strong swimming skills for the Okinawa whale shark activities?

No, prior diving experience or strong swimming skills are not required for participating in the Okinawa whale shark activities. The programs are specifically designed to be accessible for beginners and those who are not confident swimmers. For diving, a dedicated coach provides individual guidance, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. For snorkeling, a dedicated instructor uses a buoyancy board to assist participants, making it enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

8. Is a whale shark encounter guaranteed during activities in Okinawa?

Yes, a whale shark encounter is guaranteed during the activities in Okinawa. The whale sharks are observed within large, specially constructed nets, which ensures a 100% encounter rate for all participants. This unique setup provides certainty that you will get to see and experience these magnificent creatures up close, removing the unpredictability often associated with wildlife encounters in the open ocean and ensuring a fulfilling experience.

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