Japan・Okinawa｜Kerama Islands Whale Watching｜Chinese and English support from Naha (free city pick-up)｜Japanese support from Chatan
- Limited-time winter departures, get up close and personal with humpback whales
- Departing from Naha and Chatan
- Free pick-up and drop-off service is available for departures from Naha (on a first-come, first-served basis; if the service is full or the designated time is outside the specified period, it will not be possible to arrange service).
- For flights departing from Naha, you can also choose the Churaumi Aquarium ticket package.
- If you are unable to see humpback whales between February 1, 2026 and March 15, 2026, you are guaranteed a full refund or a free additional boat trip before April 5, 2026.
Water Activities
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers, 15 travelers |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point, Get there on your own |
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 Information -
Departing from Naha
- Meeting time: 08:30 / 13:15
- Departure time: 09:00 / 13:45
- Meeting point: Triangular rooftop meeting room inside the port of Mie Castle, Naha (3-20 Nishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)
- Return trip information: Disbandment is required at the same meeting point.
- Meeting point: You can go on your own, or you can choose a pick-up and drop-off service at a designated location (if you mind a long wait, please meet and disperse at the port).
- Designated pick-up and drop-off service: Free designated pick-up and drop-off service is available for departures from Naha. Please inform us of the pick-up location when making a reservation. ※Pick-up and drop-off are limited to the same location.
*Pick-up service will be arranged on a first-come, first-served basis. If the shuttle bus is fully booked or if the reservation is made after 3:00 PM the day before the event, pick-up service will not be available or the pick-up location can be changed.
[Departure time and location for shuttle bus]
<Kokusai-dori Route>
Departure time: 07:45 / 12:30 Omoromachi T Gallery (opposite to Aoyama Fashion Gallery)
Depart at 07:55 / Depart at 12:40 Family Mart (Saion Square)
Departure at 08:00 / Departure at 12:45 from Tembusu Naha (before Lawson)
Departure time: 08:05 / 12:50. Hotel Collective entrance (the side closest to Kokusai Street).
Depart at 08:10 / Depart at 12:55 from the County Council/County Citizens' Square
Departure time: 08:20 / 13:05 (In front of Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi)
Departure time: 08:25 / 13:10 Pacific Hotel Okinawa entrance (near the parking lot)
※ Kokusai Street is designated as a pedestrian-only road from 12:00 to 18:00 on Sundays. Shuttle buses may not be able to stop at the "Jiaxin Hotel" and "Tembusu Naha" pick-up and drop-off points.
<National Highway 58 Route>
Departure at 07:55 / Departure at 12:40 In front of Double Tree by Hilton Naha (on the side with the monorail).
Departure at 08:00 / Departure at 12:45 (In front of Okinawa Nahana Hotel & Spa)
Depart at 08:05 / Depart at 12:50 in front of Prince Smart Inn Naha
Departure time: 08:10 / 12:55 (In front of Hotel Aqua Citta Naha)
Depart at 08:20 / Depart at 13:05 in front of Peace Island Naha.
Departing from Chatan
- Meeting time: 08:30 / 13:00
- Departure time: 09:00 / 13:30
- Meeting point: Marine Industry Promotion Center, Chatan Town (54-54 Mihama, Chatan Town, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture)
- Return trip information: Chatan Town Marine Industry Promotion Center, Sea Station
- Transportation: Travel by yourself
- Itinerary Introduction -
- Whale watching in Okinawa offers warm, calm waters. The Kerama Islands, about 40 kilometers west of Naha City, are surrounded by rich coral reefs, making it one of Okinawa's best breeding and nursery grounds for humpback whales. Come and witness the magnificent sight of the world's largest mammals, the humpback whales!
The graceful movements of humpback whales
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- 【Departure from Naha】
- 08:30 / 13:15 Gather at the meeting room inside Naha Mie Castle Port
- 09:00 / 13:45 Depart from the port to search for humpback whales
- Get up close with humpback whales
- Around 12:00 / 16:45, the tour concludes upon returning to the port. (If you have opted for the Churaumi Aquarium ticket option, please visit the aquarium on your own during your stay in Okinawa.)
- 【Departure from Chatan】
- 08:30 / 13:00 Chatan Town Marine Industry Promotion Center, Sea Station
- 09:00 / 13:30 Depart from the port to search for humpback whales
- The entire journey takes up to 3 hours
- Disbanded after returning to the port around 12:00 / 16:30
Purchase Notice
- The minimum group size for departures from Naha is 10 adults, while the minimum for departures from Chatan is 15 adults. If the minimum group size is not met, the event will be cancelled. Notification will be sent via message board one to two days prior to the event.
- Children aged 0-2 years can enjoy whale watching in Naha for free, but please be sure to enter the number of children when making a reservation. If you only inform us on the day that you will be traveling with a child, the boat may be full and you may not be able to board. Adults will not be able to request a refund for reasons such as needing to take care of a child. Please be aware of this.
- Since the port does not have accessible facilities, people with mobility impairments should not book whale watching trips departing from Naha.
- If you and your family/friends make separate reservations, please be sure to use the same representative's name, or inform all accompanying persons of their order numbers in advance via the message box, to avoid being assigned to different boats on the day of the activity. If you do not inform us in advance, you may be assigned to different boats on the day, and we will not be able to make adjustments for you on the spot. Please be aware of this.
- Depending on the tracking of humpback whales, the activity time may be subject to change. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- For safety reasons, we cannot accept pregnant women or guests who may be pregnant. We apologize for any inconvenience. Guests who are refused boarding due to pregnancy on the day of the trip will not receive a refund.
- The trip may be cancelled or the activity schedule may be changed due to weather, sea conditions, or other factors. In the worst-case scenario, you may be informed of the cancellation at check-in. Please check the message box before your trip.
- Please note that if there are infants or elderly participants: the waves are high in Okinawa during winter, and young children or the elderly may be refused boarding on the day of the trip depending on the wave conditions. In such cases, a full refund will be provided. Thank you for your understanding.
- Even in rain, activities will proceed as scheduled if the seas are calm and it is safe to do so. The decision to sail or not is made by the experienced captain. Cancellations and refunds due to personal reasons (such as bad weather, car trouble, illness, etc.) will not be accepted.
- In case of strong winds, high waves, or other unfavorable sea conditions, the activity will be cancelled for safety reasons. In such cases, participants can reschedule free of charge. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be issued through the platform.
- Please understand in advance that as humpback whales are wild animals, we may not be able to see or encounter them on the day of the activity. There will be no compensation or refund offered even if we do not see humpback whales.
≪Naha Whale Watching + Churaumi Aquarium Admission Ticket Package Usage Instructions≫
- Tickets for Churaumi Aquarium cannot be obtained in advance; please collect them upon check-in on the day of whale watching.
- Children under 6 years old can enter for free, so the fee does not include the cost of admission to Churaumi Aquarium.
- This tour does not include pick-up and drop-off service to Churaumi Aquarium. Please make your own arrangements to visit the aquarium during your stay in Okinawa.
≪Naha Fixed-Point Pick-up and Drop-off Service Usage Instructions≫
- If you inform us that you need pick-up and drop-off service after 3:00 PM (Japan time) the day before departure, or if you make a reservation after 3:00 PM (Japan time) the day before departure, we will not be able to provide you with pick-up and drop-off service, even if you have filled in the pick-up and drop-off locations. Please go to the meeting point at Naha Mie Castle Port on your own.
- After 15:00 (Japan time) the day before the departure date, there will be no change of pick-up and drop-off points. Please meet at the pick-up point you filled in at the beginning.
- Free pick-up and drop-off service is arranged on a first-come, first-served basis. If the quota is full, no pick-up and drop-off service can be arranged.
- When there are many passengers using the free shuttle service in Naha city, you may have to wait at the port for a long time (30 minutes or more for both outbound and return trips) because the vehicle may need to make two trips or/and wait for passengers scattered on different ships to return to the port before it can depart or/and properly pick up (drop off) all passengers.
- If the shuttle bus needs to make two trips to pick up and drop off passengers, the departure time may be adjusted. If this happens, you will be notified in the message box the day before the event. Please be sure to check your email or add the service provider's communication software (Line/Whatsapp) in advance.
- The times listed on the page are the departure times for the shuttle bus. Please arrive at the meeting point early to wait for the bus. Latecomers will not be waited for. If you miss the shuttle bus due to your own reasons or being late, you will need to go to the port meeting point on your own, and you will be responsible for any expenses incurred.
- There is no space for luggage or strollers in the shuttle bus or at the port, so please do not bring them.
Limited-time offer
If we are unable to see humpback whales between February 1, 2026 and March 15, 2026, we will offer one of the following options:
① Full refund
②Or take another free boat ride (valid until April 5, 2026)
However, if the following conditions are met, it will be considered a successful observation of a humpback whale. Please take note.
●Humpback whales spouting water were observed from a distance.
● Two or more passengers saw humpback whales that day.
Includes/Excludes
Surcharge(s)
Chatan Town Marine Industry Promotion Center, Marine Station Environmental Protection Tax
Visitors participating in whale watching tours departing from Chatan are required to pay an additional environmental tax of 300 yen per person. Please pay this tax in cash to the staff on the day of registration.
Reminders
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The activity time may be changed depending on the situation of humpback whale tracking. Please note that the time may change.
The event may be canceled or the time may be changed due to weather conditions one hour before the event.
For safety reasons, please wear a life jacket at all times.
The use of drones is prohibited on board.
Due to ship equipment and safety considerations, we regret that we are unable to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs. We apologize for the inconvenience.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Validity Period
- The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Meeting Point
Location Name: Naha Mie Port Waiting Office (Departing from Naha)
Address: 20 Nishi 3-chome, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Location Name: Chatan Town Marine Industry Promotion Center, Sea Station
Address: Japan, Okinawa Prefecture Chatan Town Mihama５４
Experience Location
Location Name: Naha Mie Castle Port
Address: 3 Chome-3-3 Tsuji, Naha, Okinawa 900-0036Location Name: Chatani Binchuan Fishing Port
Address: 4 Minato, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0114Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 5 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–4 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 best season for whale watching in the Kerama Islands is typically during the winter months, from late December to early April. This period marks the arrival of humpback whales, who migrate to the warmer waters of Okinawa to breed and calve. Peak sightings often occur from January to March, offering excellent opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures.
Whale watching tours to the Kerama Islands primarily depart from two main locations in Okinawa: Naha and Chatan. Naha Port is convenient for those staying in the capital city, often providing free city pick-up services. Chatan is another popular departure point, particularly for visitors staying in the central Okinawa area, offering easy access to tours.
A Kerama Islands whale watching tour offers the thrilling opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. You can expect to see whales breaching, tail slapping, and spouting. Tours often include an experienced guide who provides insights into whale behavior. Many tours also offer a whale sighting guarantee during peak season, providing a refund or re-cruise if no whales are spotted, enhancing the value of the experience.
Beyond exhilarating whale watching, the Kerama Islands are renowned for their pristine, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. They are a designated national park, offering exceptional opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy exploring uninhabited islands, relaxing on white sand beaches, and experiencing the rich biodiversity of Okinawa's marine ecosystem.
Yes, for tours departing from Naha to the Kerama Islands, a free designated pick-up service is often provided. This service helps streamline transportation from various city locations directly to the departure port. It's important to note that this service is usually based on the order of reservation and may have specific operating times or capacity limits.
The Kerama Islands offer a rich variety of activities beyond whale watching. Visitors can enjoy world-class snorkeling and scuba diving to explore colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing on picturesque beaches like Furuzamami Beach are also popular. Island hopping between islands like Zamami, Tokashiki, and Aka provides opportunities to discover secluded spots and local charm.
To ensure a comfortable Kerama Islands whale watching experience, participants should consider a few things. Dress in layers, as sea breezes can be chilly, especially in winter. It's advisable to take seasickness medication beforehand if prone to motion sickness. Bring binoculars for better viewing and don't forget sun protection. Following the guide's instructions is crucial for safety and respecting the whales' natural environment.
Yes, language support is available for Kerama Islands whale watching tours, depending on the departure location. Tours departing from Naha often provide support in Chinese and English, catering to a diverse international audience. For tours originating from Chatan, Japanese language support is typically offered, ensuring clear communication and guidance throughout the experience for Japanese-speaking guests.
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