Okinawa Whale Watching Day Tour | Winter Exclusive Whale Watching, Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market Lunch, Gyokusendo Cave Exploration, and Complimentary Shisa Painting | Small Group of 3-9 People or Naha Hotel Pickup Available
- Winter whale watching trips to spot humpback whales spouting and leaping (subject to sea conditions).
- After whale watching, proceed to the Permahari Seafood Market for a free lunch of fresh seafood (at your own expense).
- Okinawa's Gyokusendo Cave: Step into a limestone cave formed approximately 300,000 years ago.
- The park offers a complimentary wind lion painting experience, and you can take the finished product home.
- Small groups of 3-9 people are served by a driver who also acts as the tour guide; large groups of 20 or more are provided with a Chinese-speaking tour guide.
- Small group packages can specify hotel pick-up and drop-off in Naha city.
Package Options
Product Info
I. Highlights
- Winter Exclusive: Winter is the season for humpback whales to visit Okinawa. The whale watching season runs from late December to March, with a higher chance of sightings in February and March.
- A Full Day of Highlights: Whale watching, Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market, Okinawa World, and Shisa painting—all in one well-paced itinerary.
- Lunch at Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market: Head straight to the fish market after whale watching to choose your own fresh seafood and enjoy lunch at your own pace.
- Departing from Naha: Hotel pickup and drop-off is included (limited to Naha city area), so you do not need to navigate public transport or rent a car.
- Small Group Options (3-9 People): Travel in a small group, perfect for families, for a more comfortable and relaxed experience.
- Complimentary Hands-on Activity: Shisa painting experience at the park is included in the tour fee at no extra cost.
II. Tour Features
- Whale Watching: Board a boat to see humpback whales breaching, blowing, and tail-slapping up close. Okinawa World.
- Gyokusendo Cave: Explore the underground limestone cave, the traditional Ryukyu street, and enjoy traditional performances. Shisa Painting: Hand-paint your own guardian creature and take it home on the same day. One-Day Trip: Depart in the morning and return to Naha the same day, with no need to arrange extra accommodation or transfers.
III. Attraction Details
- Whale Watching: Okinawa's winter is the breeding and calving season for humpback whales, which migrate to Okinawa's waters. The season runs from late December to March. On the boat, you may see whales surfacing and blowing water. If you are lucky, you might see them breach. Since sea conditions are unpredictable, whale sightings are not guaranteed (see notes below).
- Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market: Visit this fish market located next to Tomari Port in Naha after whale watching. Enjoy a variety of fresh sashimi, sushi, and seafood bowls. This is a free time for lunch, and you can decide what to eat at your own expense.
- Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave Gyokusendo Cave: A limestone cave with a history of about 300,000 years. It is about 5 km long, with an 890-meter section open to the public. The cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites and maintains a cool temperature of about 20°C. Kingdom Village: A street that recreates the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Kingdom era, where you can visit workshops and take photos. Traditional Performances: Eisa taiko drum performances are held in the park (schedule subject to daily park arrangements). Habu Museum Park: Get a close-up look at Okinawa's unique venomous snakes and reptiles. Tropical Fruit Orchard: Explore the orchard where tropical fruits are grown.
- Shisa Painting Experience (Complimentary): Shisa are common guardian creatures in Okinawa, traditionally placed on roofs or at entrances to ward off evil and ensure safety. Paint your own in the park's workshop; every piece has its own unique colors and expressions. Suitable for both adults and children, no art skills required. You can take your finished work home as a souvenir.
What is the charm of whale watching? The greatest charm of whale watching is witnessing the spectacular sights of whales breaching, blowing, and slapping the water with their tails! In Okinawa, the whale watching season begins around late December, with February and March being the peak months for sightings. Seeing a massive whale emerge from the sea, spray water, slap the surface, or swim gracefully past the boat is an unforgettable experience. If you are lucky, you might even see whales approach the boat, allowing you to feel the awe-inspiring power of these giant marine creatures up close!
Okinawa World: Step into one of Okinawa's most iconic cultural experiences and feel the traditional culture and natural wonders of the Ryukyu Kingdom! Gyokusendo Cave is a famous limestone cave in Okinawa, stretching about 5 km. Formed over 300,000 years, it features spectacular stalactites and underground landscapes. Walking through it feels like entering a mysterious underground world. The Habu Park in the park allows you to learn about Okinawa's unique snakes and their ecology, and enjoy various exhibits related to Okinawa's natural environment. It is a popular spot that combines sightseeing, culture, and nature. Whether you are a family, a first-time visitor to Okinawa, or a traveler wanting to delve deep into Ryukyu culture, this is a perfect place to experience the natural, cultural, and traditional charm of Okinawa.
Enjoy a complimentary Okinawa-style handicraft activity. Paint your own cute Shisa and unleash your creativity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Afterward, you can take your hand-painted Shisa home as a special souvenir and a wonderful memory of your Okinawa trip.
Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market: Visit this fish market located next to Naha's Tomari Port after whale watching. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The market offers fresh fish, sashimi, sushi, and seafood bowls. Taste seasonal catches like tuna from Okinawa's waters. You decide what and how much to eat, without the need for a group meal. Lunch at your own expense
Purchase Notice
- Infants under 2 years old who do not require a seat do not need a ticket. One adult is limited to bringing one infant who does not occupy a seat. If you are traveling with an infant who will not occupy a seat, please be sure to note their date of birth in the remarks field when booking.
- This tour includes whale watching. Due to potential boat movement, pregnant women are not permitted to participate. If you have other health concerns or are prone to seasickness, please assess your condition before booking.
- Please note: As humpback whales are wild animals, it is possible that we may not encounter them on the day of the activity. No compensation or refunds will be provided if no whales are sighted.
- Small vehicles may be used on the day of the tour. Please avoid bringing large luggage. If necessary, please specify the size and number of luggage items in the remarks field.
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Okinawa
Duration: 1-day trip
Transportation: 7-seater Alphard / 10-seater Hiace / 45-seater bus
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum group size: 3 people for small groups; 20 people for bus tours
Tour leader: 0
Guide: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Company Name: Ocean Tourism Co., Ltd.
Address: 4B Sankyo Fukuoka Bldg., 2-9-11 Hakataekiminami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2025
Affiliation: Full member of JATA (Japan Association of Travel Agents)
Reminders
A minimum of 20 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 4 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: Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Small groups of 9 people or fewer will be served by a VIP vehicle with a driver-guide. This is a shared tour, and you will be traveling with other passengers. Please note that we cannot provide unscheduled stops outside of the planned itinerary.
This is a group tour. If you wish to leave the group during the tour for personal reasons, please inform us in the remarks section when booking or contact KKday Customer Support. You must submit a departure agreement to the tour leader on the day of the tour to leave the group. Any missed portions of the itinerary will be considered a voluntary waiver, and no additional refund will be provided.
The tour may be delayed, changed, or canceled due to road or weather conditions. The itinerary sequence, arrival times, and duration of stay are for reference only and may be adjusted at any time due to weather, traffic, restaurant reservations, attraction closures, or local events. Please plan your schedule carefully. We are not liable for any losses incurred due to delays in bus service affecting your personal transportation or other arrangements.
If the tour is canceled or suspended before departure due to factors beyond the travel agency's control, such as severe weather, natural disasters, mechanical failure, traffic accidents, war, strikes, riots, or government orders, a full refund will be provided. If the tour is suspended after departure, costs already incurred will be deducted before a refund is issued. In such cases, participants may not object or claim compensation, and travelers are responsible for any losses or additional expenses incurred.
For safety and tour efficiency, the company reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, modify activities, or cancel the tour. A full refund will be provided if the tour is canceled.
This is a group tour; you will be traveling with other passengers, and vehicle type will be assigned based on the number of participants.
Please be aware that the boat may return to the port early depending on whale sightings.
The whale watching tour may be canceled due to force majeure such as weather or sea conditions. You will be notified via the contact information provided.
Humpback whales are wild animals. No compensation or refunds will be provided if no whales are spotted on the day of the tour.
Tour language: Chinese/Japanese (availability of guide service depends on staff scheduling). This tour is a package tour, and Chinese is the primary service language.
