[Winter Only] Kerama Islands Whale Watching Tour from Naha in Okinawa with Round-Trip Transfers & Photos | Japan
- Zamami Island in Okinawa is surrounded by abundant coral reefs and tropical fish, making it an ideal 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 those unforgettable moments.
- Riding a high-speed speedboat, feeling the splashing waves, the vibrations felt on the hull, and the sensation of becoming one with a whale.
- You can observe wild humpback whales swimming up close on the boat and fully experience the charm of marine ecology.
- Hotels in Naha city offer free shuttle service for your convenience.
- Guests can scan a QR code on-site to download the whale watching guidebook (in Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese).
- Download free photos of the day's experience and past whale watching sessions.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| 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.
Meeting time: 08:30 / 13:00
Departure time: 09:00 / 13:30
Meeting point: Inside Mie Port, Naha (3-20 Nishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)
Return trip information: Disband at the same meeting point.
Transportation: Travel on your own, or choose a designated free shuttle bus stop.
- Itinerary Introduction -
Humpback whales arrive in the warm waters of 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 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. Free shuttle service is available from hotels in Naha for convenient travel.
【 Free Shuttle Bus Meeting Point & Pick-up Time 】※Please arrive at the designated point at least 5 minutes in advance. Look for employees wearing blue uniforms with the word "NEWS" on them.
Connecting to Route A:
08:00/12:40 FamilyMart Saion Square Address: 2-1-1, Asari, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:05/12:45 Tenpusu Naha (Calbee+ Okinawa Kokusai-dori Store) Address: 3-2-2 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:10/12:50 Hotel Collective (HOTEL COLLECTIVE Jiaxin Hotel) Address: 2-5-7 Matsuo, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:25/13:05 Lawson Kariyushi LCH Izumizaki (In front of Lawson convenience store LCH) Address: 1-11-8 Izumisaki, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:30/13:10 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Naha Address: 3-15 Higashi-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Connecting to Route B:
08:00/12:40 APA Hotel Naha Matsuyama Address: 1-4-16 Matsuyama, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:05/12:45 Prince Smart Inn Naha Address: 2-4-13 Matsuyama, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:10/12:50 Hotel Aqua Citta Naha (Water City Naha Hotel) Address: 3-2-20 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:20/13:00 Nest Hotel Naha Nishi Address: 1-20-19 Nishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:25/13:05 LOISIR HOTEL NAHA (Loisir Hotel Naha, Okinawa) Address: 2-1 Nishi 3-chome, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
08:30/13:10 Hotel SANSUI (HOTEL SANSUI NAHA Ryukyu Onsen Namino no Yu) Address: 2-25-1 Tsuji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
[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. The timing and location of whale appearances depend entirely 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. Please note that a full refund is only available for whale watching between February 1, 2026 and March 19, 2026. No refunds will be issued for dates outside of this period.
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. It is recommended to wear a windproof and warm jacket, 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.
- Baby carriers: Due to the swaying caused by waves on the ship, parents traveling with infants aged 0-2 years must ensure that their children are securely fastened in a baby carrier before boarding to ensure safety.
- Itinerary -
[Morning Itinerary]
08:00-08:30 Fixed-point shuttle service
Meet at 8:30 AM inside Mie Castle Port, Naha.
9:00 Departure by boat
~Whale watching time can last up to 3 hours (we will return to port earlier if we spot whales early)~
12:00 Return to port, disband (transfer back to hotel)
[Afternoon Itinerary]
12:40-13:10 Fixed-point shuttle service
Meet at 13:00 at the port of Mie Castle in Naha.
13:30 Departure by boat
~Whale watching time can last up to 3 hours (we will return to port earlier if we spot whales early)~
16:30 Return to port, disband (transfer back to hotel)
[Whale Watching Experience Meeting Point]
Meeting point: Inside Mie Castle Port, Naha (Nishi 3-20, Naha City)
Recognize flags with the word "NEWS" on them.
Anti-Seasickness 3-pc Package: Raincoat, seasickness wristband, anti-sickness glasses
Purchase Notice
If no whales are seen on that day:
Full refund (cannot be rescheduled)
Full refund period: February 1, 2026 to March 15, 2026
Non-refundable period: December 20, 2025 - January 31, 2026 • March 16, 2026 - April 5, 2026
No refund will be issued if any of the following conditions are met. The final decision will be made by the cruise line on the day of your visit. Thank you for your understanding.
① Whales spouting water were seen from a distance. ② More than two guests saw whales that day.
- It is not recommended for elderly people who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues to participate.
- Infants aged 0-2 years, pregnant women, and people who have consumed alcohol are not allowed to participate. If discovered on-site, boarding will be refused and no refund will be issued. Please be aware of this.
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 3 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Depending on the observation status of whales, there may be times when they return to port earlier, so please be aware.
The waves in Okinawa in winter are the highest in a year, and pregnant women are not recommended to participate. Regarding children, the captain will judge whether they can take the boat according to the sea conditions of the day, please understand
Due to force majeure factors such as weather and sea conditions, the whale watching trip may be canceled on the day, and passengers will be notified through the reserved contact information at that time
Guests are requested to prepare raincoats and other cold-proof and waterproof supplies by themselves
Guests who are prone to seasickness are advised to take their own seasickness medicine in advance. Seasickness medicine cannot be purchased on site
For your safety, please wear a life jacket at all times
As long as the rain does not cause navigation difficulties, ships can still leave the port even on rainy days. If a guest cancels due to rainy weather and does not want to participate, cancellation fees will be charged in accordance with regulations
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
The entire event is in Japanese
Free pick-up and drop-off is provided in Naha city (except for some areas such as the Shinto center area). According to the principle of pick-up on the same day, some hotels will arrange for guests to go to a nearby meeting point to gather on their own. The specific information will be subject to the notification received. Please be informed
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 enough time to arrive
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 7 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–6 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
Visitors can expect an immersive winter-only experience focused on observing wild humpback whales in their natural breeding grounds around Zamami Island. The tour utilizes high-speed speedboats, allowing for thrilling rides with splashing waves and a unique sensation of being close to the marine environment. You will have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures, up to 15 meters long, swimming close to the boat and fully experience the charm of marine ecology.
The Kerama Islands whale watching tour typically uses high-speed speedboats. These boats offer an exhilarating experience, allowing you to feel the splashing waves and the vibrations of the hull as you navigate the waters. This design helps in quickly reaching whale sighting areas and provides a dynamic observation experience.
In Japan, tipping is generally not customary or expected, including on tour services like the Kerama Islands whale watching excursion. Service charges are typically included in the tour price, and good service is considered part of the standard practice. There is no obligation to provide additional tips to your guides or boat crew.
Whale watching in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa, is a distinct winter-only activity. Humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters around Zamami Island to breed during these colder months. This period generally spans from late December to early April, offering the best conditions for observing these magnificent marine mammals.
The Kerama Islands whale watching tour boasts a very high encounter rate with humpback whales, often reaching 98%. This high success rate is due to the Kerama Islands being a prime breeding ground for humpback whales during the winter season, significantly increasing the chances of observation.
Yes, the Kerama Islands whale watching tour offers a convenient free shuttle service. This service is available from hotels located within Naha city, ensuring hassle-free round-trip transportation to and from the departure point for your whale watching experience.
After your Kerama Islands whale watching tour, you can access additional resources and memories. Guests are able to scan a QR code on-site to download a comprehensive whale watching guidebook available in multiple languages. Furthermore, you can download free photos from your day's experience, along with a collection of past whale watching sessions, to commemorate your encounter.
The primary species observed during the Kerama Islands whale watching tour is the humpback whale. These magnificent marine mammals are known for their impressive size, reaching lengths of about 15 meters and weighing up to 30 tons. They visit the Kerama Islands during winter for breeding, offering a unique opportunity to see them.
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