Okinawa, Japan | Winter Whale Watching Experience | Departure from Headquarters | Complimentary Welcome Drink (En route at your own expense)
- Whale watching near Ie Island is a rare experience with only a few boats on the water, offering clear visibility and a sparse crowd, resulting in a 98% chance of encountering humpback whales.
- Departing from ports near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, morning and afternoon departures are available.
- Free whale interpretation manual provided.
- Download free photos of the day's activities and stunning whale photos taken in the past.
- Welcome drinks provided
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Photography service |
| Sightseeing type | Whale watching |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
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.
【Product Introduction】
Humpback whales arrive in the warm waters off Okinawa in late December and early April to breed. Zamami Island in Okinawa is surrounded by rich coral reefs and tropical fish, making it the best breeding ground for humpback whales during winter. Whale watching in Okinawa is a winter-only activity. Large humpback whales can weigh up to 30 tons and reach lengths of about 15 meters. Don't miss the chance to encounter the world's largest mammals in winter and capture that moving moment. Enjoy a high-speed boat ride, experiencing the splashing waves, the vibrations of the boat, and the feeling of being one with the whales. You can observe wild humpback whales swimming up close from the boat and fully experience the charm of marine life.
[Probability of whale sightings]
Many travelers ask whether the success rate of whale watching differs between morning and evening sessions, or whether rainy weather affects the chances of whale watching.
As this trip focuses on wild whale watching, it's a completely nature-driven experience, with the timing and location of whale appearances entirely dependent on their activity patterns. Based on our team's years of experience, whales will appear during our trip most of the time, almost daily. However, there are a few days when we may miss them, possibly due to expanded whale ranges or changes in their behavior. Missing a whale watch during the four-month whale watching season is extremely rare, usually occurring only on a handful of days. Whale Watching Guarantee: If you do not see whales on a given day, you can participate again free of charge until April 5, 2026. ※A successful whale watch is considered complete if you witness a whale spouting or if other guests see whales on the same day.
Items to bring for a whale watching tour
- Seasickness medication: Okinawa is often affected by the northeast monsoon in winter, resulting in rough seas. Even when traveling on cruise ships or large yachts, you will feel significant swaying. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that participants take seasickness medication before the activity to ensure a more comfortable journey. Seasickness medication will not be available for purchase on-site.
- Windproof and warm jacket: Strong winds and low temperatures are expected at sea, so a windproof and warm jacket is recommended, along with a beanie. Please avoid wearing hats that are easily blown away by the wind to prevent inconvenience.
- Non-slip athletic shoes: The boat may be wet or bumpy, so please wear non-slip athletic shoes and avoid wearing unstable shoes such as high heels.
- Anti-slip camera strap: When using a camera or mobile phone to take pictures, it is recommended to use a camera strap or mobile phone strap to secure the device to your hand to prevent it from accidentally slipping into the sea and to ensure safety.
【Itinerary】
Meeting time: 08:30 / 13:00
Departure time: 09:00 / 13:30
Meeting point: Okinawa Island Crew
Return trip information: Disband at the same meeting point.
Morning [Meeting Time] 08:30 / [Departure Time] 09:00; Afternoon [Meeting Time] 13:00 / [Departure Time] 13:30
Purchase Notice
- The entire event will be conducted in Japanese. We apologize that we cannot provide services in Chinese or English. Thank you for your understanding.
- The minimum number of participants is 6. If the number of participants is less than 6, the event may be cancelled, and KKday customer service will notify you the day before.
- Booking restrictions: Pregnant women and those who have consumed alcohol are not allowed to participate. If discovered on-site, they will not be allowed to board and no refund will be given. Please be aware of this.
- Participation is not recommended for elderly people who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues.
- The timing may vary depending on the whale tracking situation. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- Sea conditions in Okinawa differ from those in summer. Waves are higher in winter. If children aged 0-3 years register, they may be refused boarding on the day of the trip depending on sea conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- Whale watching guarantee: If you do not see whales on the day of your whale watching trip, you can participate again for free before April 5, 2026. ※A successful whale watching trip is considered to be achieved as long as you witness a whale spouting water or other guests seeing whales on the day of your whale watching trip.
- If your trip is cancelled due to weather conditions, you can change the participation date or get a refund free of charge.
- The entire boat trip takes about 3 hours, but if whales are spotted earlier, the boat will return to port sooner. (Whale watching time is approximately 1 hour.)
- Before registering, please be sure to assess your own health condition and read the precautions carefully.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Pregnant women
You may be splashed by waves when watching whales. Please wear warm or waterproof clothes that you don't mind getting wet. Avoid wearing unstable shoes such as high heels. Be sure to wear a life jacket provided by the ship throughout the process.
Guests who are prone to seasickness are advised to take their own seasickness medicine in advance.
For your safety, please wear a life jacket at all times.
Passengers are asked to prepare raincoats and other cold-proof and waterproof supplies.
The event will be conducted entirely in Japanese. We apologize that we cannot provide Chinese or English language services.
Reservation restrictions: Pregnant women and people after drinking alcohol are not allowed to participate. If confirmed on-site, no refunds will be made, please be informed. Elderly people who are in wheelchairs or have limited mobility are not recommended to participate.
If you are unable to arrive at the meeting point on time on the same day, you will not be able to change the date and venue for free, and a 100% cancellation fee will be charged, so please allow sufficient time for your arrival.
If the rain does not affect the ship's navigation, it will depart as scheduled even in the rain. Raincoats can be rented on-site at the customer's own expense. If a guest cancels due to rain, it will be considered a forfeit and no refund will be given.
Please note that the time may change depending on the status of whale tracking.
Sea conditions in Okinawa differ from those in summer. In winter, the waves are higher. If young children register for the trip, they may be refused boarding on the day of the trip depending on the wave conditions. We appreciate your understanding.
Depending on the road traffic conditions on the day, the shuttle bus may be delayed, but please wait at the designated point at least 5 minutes in advance. If you miss the shuttle bus, please go to the store to meet up by yourself. The shuttle bus is a free service and no complaints will be accepted.
Missing the meeting time will be deemed as a cancellation on the same day, and the fee will not be refunded. Please allow enough time to arrive.
Please be informed that depending on the time and location of the whale sighting, the return time may be advanced or delayed by more than 1 hour.
You may be splashed by waves when watching whales. Please wear warm or waterproof clothes that you don't mind getting wet. Avoid wearing unstable shoes such as high heels. Be sure to wear a life jacket provided by the ship throughout the process.
As long as the rain does not cause navigation difficulties, you can leave the port as usual even on rainy days, and free raincoats are provided on site. If a guest cancels because he or she does not want to participate on a rainy day, it will be considered a voluntary abandonment and no refund will be given.
Walking on the vessel while it is in motion is prohibited. Any behavior that could endanger safety is strictly prohibited on board.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 6 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–5 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- 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
The Okinawa winter whale watching experience primarily takes visitors to the waters off Ie Island to search for humpback whales. During the approximately two-and-a-half-hour voyage, professional guides will provide explanations about whale ecology and share insights into the habits and knowledge of humpback whales. The tour includes a welcome drink, and you'll have the chance to download photos from the day's excursion and stunning whale photos taken in the past for free, allowing you to fully capture this unforgettable journey.
The whale sighting rate for Okinawa's winter whale watching is very high, statistically reaching 98%. From December to April each year is when humpback whales migrate from colder waters to Okinawa's warmer seas to breed and give birth, making this the prime season for observing them. During this period, you can almost guarantee sightings of these magnificent marine creatures daily, with excellent chances on both morning and afternoon tours.
Since the whale watching tour departs from Motobu Port, which is near the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you have several transportation options. If you're driving, it's about a 5-10 minute drive to the port, and parking is available. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is quick and convenient. If you have ample time, some bus routes may also pass nearby, but it's recommended to check the latest schedules to ensure they align with your timing.
On the Okinawa winter whale watching tours, the boat facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and safe whale watching environment. The vessel features an observation deck, ensuring you have a clear, uncrowded view to spot humpback whales. As only a few boats operate in the waters near Ie Island, this enhances the viewing quality. To cope with sea weather, the boat also offers shelter, and hot drinks or blankets may be provided as needed to ensure your comfort during the ride.
You can book the Okinawa winter whale watching experience through the KKday platform, enjoying a convenient online booking process and instant confirmation to ensure your travel arrangements are smooth and worry-free. The fee typically includes the whale watching boat fare, professional guide's whale explanations, a welcome drink, a free whale guide booklet, and complimentary downloads of the day's activity photos and past spectacular whale photos, offering you a comprehensive and enriching experience.
For the Okinawa winter whale watching activity, it is recommended to bring warm clothing (as it can be windy at sea even if the weather seems mild), a windproof jacket, a hat, a scarf, and seasickness medication (if needed). You might also want to bring binoculars and a camera to capture memorable moments. Important precautions include always following the instructions of the captain and guides, avoiding running on the boat, and maintaining quiet to minimize disturbance to the whales, ensuring a safe and enjoyable whale watching experience.
If the Okinawa winter whale watching activity is canceled due to adverse weather conditions (such as strong winds or large waves) or other force majeure events that lead the boat company to deem it unsafe to sail, two options are typically offered. You can choose to reschedule your experience to another available date or opt for a full refund. It is recommended to carefully review the tour's cancellation policy before booking to understand the specific contingency measures and refund/rescheduling regulations.
In addition to the core whale watching tour, the Okinawa winter whale watching experience provides several value-added services designed to enrich your journey. This includes a complimentary whale guide booklet to deepen your understanding of humpback whale ecology. Furthermore, the tour offers a welcome drink to warm you up while you observe the whales. Most notably, you can also download photos from the day's excursion and stunning whale photos taken in the past for free, allowing you to take cherished memories home.
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