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【Okinawa Main Island】Whale Watching Tours

沖縄のホエールウォッチングツアー
Okinawa Main Island Whale Watching Tour Details

What is Whale Watching?

家族で船の上からクジラを鑑賞

Whale watching is an activity where participants board a boat and head out to sea to observe wild whales in their natural habitat. The history of whale watching dates back to the 1950s, when the first tours were organized in San Diego, USA, to observe gray whales.

Today, whales migrate through oceans around the world, and whale watching has become a popular activity in places like California, Hawaii, Australia, and Mexico. Some overseas tours even offer kayaking experiences that allow participants to get incredibly close to the whales.

In Japan, whale watching is available in several locations, including Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kochi, Wakayama, Chiba, and the Ogasawara Islands. The two main species seen in Japan are humpback whales and sperm whales, each following a seasonal migration pattern. If you’re planning to enjoy whale watching during your travels, be sure to check the best season for sightings in your chosen destination.

 

Whale Watching Tours on Okinawa Main Island

沖縄の蔵が飛び跳ねる様子

During winter (January to April), humpback whales can be seen around Okinawa. These whales spend spring and summer in Alaskan waters, where they build up their strength by feeding. As winter approaches, they embark on an incredible 9,000 km journey to Okinawa’s warm seas to give birth and raise their calves.

One of the highlights of Okinawa whale watching tours is the chance to see mother whales with their young—a truly heartwarming sight!

Okinawa boasts an exceptionally high whale encounter rate, with some tour operators offering a full refund if no whales are spotted. In fact, the success rate of whale sightings is said to be around 98%.

沖縄の巨大なザトウクジラ

Humpback whales found in Okinawa typically measure 11 to 16 meters, with some larger individuals reaching 20 meters—about the height of a seven-story building!

Witnessing these massive creatures breach out of the water is an unforgettable experience. This spectacular jump, known as breaching, is believed to help whales remove parasites from their skin. Other fascinating behaviors include spouting, tail slapping, and pectoral fin waving.

During the tour, guides provide insightful commentary on whale behavior and biology, making the experience both thrilling and educational.

 

What to Wear & Important Tips for Whale Watching Tours

沖縄のザトウクジラの潮吹き

Recommended Clothing

Since whale watching tours take place during winter, warm clothing is essential. The wind on the open sea can make it feel much colder than on land. In January, Okinawa’s coldest month, temperatures can drop to around 15°C.

Recommended attire:
✔ Windbreaker or jacket to block the sea breeze
✔ Thick fleece or sweater for extra warmth
✔ Water-resistant clothing (sea spray may get you wet)
✔ Sneakers or other stable footwear (avoid high heels, as the boat may sway)

What to Bring

To capture this rare wildlife experience, bring a camera! If you have a DSLR with a zoom lens, you’ll be able to get fantastic shots of whales breaching and blowing water into the air.

Other useful items:
✔ Binoculars – Spot whales before anyone else!
✔ Towel – To wipe off sea spray
✔ Drinks – Stay hydrated while on the boat

 

Preventing Seasickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness medicine in advance. Additionally, avoid using your phone or reading while on the boat, and focus on looking at the distant horizon—this helps reduce nausea.

Avoid joining the tour if you’re hungover or sleep-deprived, as these conditions increase the chances of seasickness.

FAQ for Booking an Okinawa Main Island Whale Watching Tour
What is the minimum age for participation?
It varies by tour, but some tours allow children as young as 4 years old. Life jackets will be provided for safety.
What should I bring?
No specific items are required, but sunglasses, a camera, binoculars, and a towel are recommended.
What should I wear?
Since waves may cause sea spray, wear warm and water-resistant clothing. As boats can rock with the waves, wear sneakers or stable footwear.
Will the boat shake?
The degree of movement depends on the weather. If you are prone to seasickness, taking motion sickness medication in advance is recommended.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tour operators will monitor the weather and decide shortly before departure whether to proceed. If the tour is canceled due to bad weather, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund—no cancellation fee will be charged.

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