Itinerary Reference

08:30 Meet at Chatan Kaiyogyo Promotion Center

09:00 Board the vessel and depart

~Maximum 3 hours for whale watching (if whales are spotted early, the boat will return ahead of schedule)~

12:00 Return to port and disperse

Tour Highlights

December to April Okinawa exclusive limited experience, flexible morning and afternoon sessions available

99% ultra‑high humpback whale encounter rate, experienced captains leading the tour with deep expertise in local waters and whale ecology education

No group tour constraints, independent and convenient travel, immersive encounters with deep‑sea giant marine life

Okinawa's winter romance is hidden within the azure deep sea. Every year from late December to early April, massive and gentle humpback whale pods migrate to the warm waters of Okinawa, inhabiting and breeding in the pristine coral‑rich waters around Zamami Island, creating Okinawa's unique winter‑limited marine wonder. Weighing 30 tonnes and measuring 15 metres in length, these giant deep‑sea creatures write a healing and breathtaking marine poetry here.

This tour departs from Chatan, with a preferred morning session to avoid afternoon crowds and rough waves, offering better visibility and a more comfortable experience. Board a high‑speed speedboat to gallop across the blue sea, feel the sea spray on your face and the gentle vibration of the hull, allowing you to immerse yourself in the marine atmosphere. Throughout the journey, professional and experienced captains lead the way, specialising in local marine ecology, providing detailed explanations of humpback whale habits, paired with bilingual commentary in Chinese and English so that both local and overseas visitors can easily understand the mysteries of the deep sea.

Enjoy a high probability of observing wild humpback whales performing five classic behaviours up close: 3‑5 metre ultra‑high blows during surfacing, full‑of‑power breaches into the air, courtship‑exclusive twisted landing postures, head slaps for playful water splashing, peduncle slaps to deter external threats, and spy‑hopping for vertical environmental scouting.

Every single scene is an unreplicable deep‑sea masterpiece, capturing the most touching and healing moments of winter in Okinawa and unlocking an exclusive marine ecological adventure.

Whale Watching Guarantee Details

If no humpback whales are sighted between 1 February 2027 and 14 March 2027, one of the following options will be provided:

① Full refund

② Or a free re‑ride (valid until 10 April 2027)

※ Please note that whale watching will be deemed successful if the following conditions are met:

● Humpback whale blowing behaviour is seen from a distance

● More than 2 guests spot humpback whales on the day

Warm Reminders

Whales are wild animals, and viewing results are subject to sea conditions and biological activity. A full refund is only applicable if whale watching is unsuccessful between 2027.2.1 and 3.14; other dates do not include refund or rescheduling services, please take note!

Items to Bring for Whale Watching Tours

Motion sickness medicine: Okinawa in winter is often affected by the northeast monsoon, resulting in rough seas. Even when riding cruise ships or large yachts, significant rocking will be felt. Therefore, participants are strongly advised to take motion sickness medicine in advance before the activity begins to ensure a more comfortable journey. Motion sickness medicine cannot be purchased on‑site.

Windproof and cold‑weather jacket: Strong winds and low temperatures are common at sea, so 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 sports shoes: The boat may be slippery or bumpy, so please wear non‑slip sports shoes and avoid unstable footwear such as high heels.

Anti‑slip camera strap: When taking photos with a camera or mobile phone, it is recommended to use a camera strap or mobile phone lanyard to secure the device to your hand, preventing accidental drops into the sea to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Q&A

Q: Does the probability of seeing whales vary depending on the time?

A: The probability of seeing whales does not change at different times. Guests are advised to decide whether to join the morning or afternoon session according to their own itinerary schedule.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: If the rainfall does not cause navigation difficulties for the boat, departures will proceed as usual even on rainy days. If guests choose to cancel on their own due to rain and do not wish to participate, cancellation fees will be charged in accordance with regulations.

If the tour is cancelled on the day due to severe weather conditions or high waves preventing departure, guests will be notified on the preceding day or on the day itself. If guests' schedules permit, they can reschedule to another date. If rescheduling is not possible, a refund can be issued.

Q: I am a bit worried about getting seasick...

A: Guests who are worried about seasickness are advised to take motion sickness medicine on their own 30 minutes before boarding. Looking into the distance, eating candy, or staying in a well‑ventilated area are all great ways to prevent seasickness.

Q: Are there any other items that need to be prepared in advance?

A: It is recommended to bring extra personal items such as a jacket, binoculars, and a towel. Winter in Okinawa can sometimes bring very strong sea breezes and occasional low temperatures.

Please make sure to prepare adequately for the cold. The boat may also rock severely depending on the sea conditions of the day, so it is recommended to wear shoes with good slip resistance when joining the tour.