Itinerary Reference

13:00 Meet at Chatan Town Marine Industry Promotion Center

13:30 Boarding and departure

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

16:30 Return to port and dismiss

Tour Highlights

Exclusive winter limited experience in Okinawa from December to April, with flexible morning and afternoon sessions available

99% ultra‑high humpback whale sighting rate, led by experienced captains deeply rooted in local waters to share whale ecology insights

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

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 head to the warm waters of Okinawa, inhabiting and breeding in the pristine, coral‑rich waters surrounding Zamami Island, creating Okinawa's unique winter‑limited marine spectacle. Weighing 30 tonnes and measuring 15 metres in length, these giant deep‑sea creatures write a healing yet breathtaking marine poem here.

This tour departs from Chatan, with a preferred afternoon session to avoid afternoon crowds and rough waves, offering better visibility and a more comfortable experience. Ride the high‑speed boat across the blue sea, feel the sea breeze and waves, and experience the gentle vibration of the hull as you immerse yourself in the marine atmosphere. Led by professional and experienced captains throughout, specializing in local marine ecology, with detailed explanations of humpback whale habits, paired with bilingual commentary in Chinese and English, allowing local and international visitors to easily understand the mysteries of the deep sea.

Enjoy a high probability of close‑up observation of the five classic behaviors of wild humpback whales throughout the tour: the 3‑5 meter ultra‑high Blow (breathing and water spouting), the powerful Breach (full body leap out of the water), the courtship‑exclusive twisted landing posture, Head Slap (tail/head slapping the water), Peduncle Slap (side slapping the water to deter rivals), and Spy Hop (vertical observation to survey the surroundings).

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

Whale Watching Guarantee Details

If humpback whales are not sighted between February 1, 2027, and March 14, 2027, one of the following options will be provided:

① Full refund

② Or a free re‑booking for another boat trip (valid until April 10, 2027)

※ Please note that a successful whale sighting will be considered if any of the following conditions are met:

● Humpback whale spouting (blow) 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 affected by sea conditions and biological activity. Full refunds are only applicable for unsuccessful whale watching between February 1 and March 14, 2027; no refunds or rescheduling services are available for other dates. Thank you for your understanding!

Items to Bring for Whale Watching Tours

Motion sickness pills: Okinawa in winter is often affected by the northeast monsoon, resulting in rough seas and strong winds. Even when taking a cruise or large yacht, noticeable rocking will be felt. Therefore, participants are strongly advised to take motion sickness pills in advance before the activity starts to ensure a more comfortable journey. Motion sickness pills cannot be purchased on‑site.

Windproof and cold‑weather jacket: Winds at sea are strong and temperatures are low. It is recommended to wear a windproof and cold‑weather jacket and bring 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 using a camera or mobile phone to take photos, it is recommended to use a camera strap or phone lanyard to secure the device to your hand to prevent accidental dropping into the sea and ensure safety.

FAQ

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

A: The probability of seeing whales remains the same regardless of the time. Guests are advised to choose the morning or afternoon session based on their own itinerary schedule.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: If the rain does not cause navigation difficulties for the boat, the trip will proceed as usual even on rainy days. If guests choose to cancel on their own due to rain, cancellation fees will apply 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 the day before or on the same day. If the guest's schedule permits, they can reschedule to another date. If rescheduling is not possible, a refund will be issued.

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

A: For guests worried about seasickness, it is recommended to take motion sickness pills on your own 30 minutes before boarding. Looking into the distance, eating hard candy, or staying in a well‑ventilated area are all great ways to prevent motion sickness.

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

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

Please be sure to prepare adequately for the cold. The boat may also rock heavily depending on the sea conditions of the day, so it is recommended to wear shoes with good anti‑slip performance for the tour.