Overview
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with this winter-exclusive whale watching tour in Okinawa, departing from Naha, Chatan, or Motobu. From December to April, the warm waters of the Kerama Islands become a haven for humpback whales, offering a remarkable 98% success rate for sightings. Watch these majestic creatures breach, splash, and play in their natural habitat aboard a stable catamaran or comfortable boat. With flexible morning and afternoon sessions, free round-trip transportation from Naha, and optional seasickness prevention packages, this tour is designed for convenience and comfort. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or a couple looking for a unique winter experience, this tour promises unforgettable moments surrounded by Okinawa’s stunning seascapes.
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- Winter-Exclusive Whale Watching: Witness humpback whales in the Kerama Islands with a 98% sighting success rate from December to April.
- Flexible Departure Options: Choose from Naha, Chatan (near American Village), or Motobu (near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium) with morning or afternoon sessions.
- Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy stable catamarans, free round-trip transfers (Naha departures), and optional seasickness prevention packages.
- Enhanced Experience: Free whale watching guides, event photos, and welcome drinks (Motobu departures) add value to your adventure.
- Perfect for All Travelers: Ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers, with multilingual safety instructions and passionate guides.
Highlights
- High Whale Sighting Success Rate: Spot humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, and jumping in the Kerama Islands, with a 98% chance of sightings.
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose morning or afternoon sessions to fit your travel plans, with departures from Naha, Chatan, or Motobu.
- Comfortable Boats: Sail on stable catamarans (Naha departures) or uncrowded boats (Motobu departures) for a pleasant experience.
- Free Perks (Naha & Motobu): Downloadable whale watching guides, event photos, and past whale photos, plus free round-trip transfers (Naha) or welcome drinks (Motobu).
- Seasickness Prevention Package (Naha): Optional add-ons like anti-nausea wristbands, glasses, and raincoats for extra comfort.
- Scenic Kerama Islands: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and a serene winter escape from Okinawa’s vibrant cities.
Package Options
1. [Departure from Naha] Morning Session
- Whale watching tour with round-trip transportation from designated Naha locations
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
2. [Departure from Naha] Afternoon Session
- Same as morning session, departing in the afternoon
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
3. [Departure from Naha] Seasickness Prevention Package Morning Session
- Includes anti-nausea wristbands, glasses, and raincoats
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
4. [Departure from Naha] Seasickness Prevention Package Afternoon Session
- Same as morning seasickness package, departing in the afternoon
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
5. [Departure from Chatan] Morning Session (Near American Village)
- Whale watching tour departing from Chatan
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
6. [Departure from Chatan] Afternoon Session (Near American Village)
- Same as morning session, departing in the afternoon
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
7. [Departure from Motobu] Morning Session (Near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium)
- Includes free whale watching guide, welcome drink, and event photos
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
8. [Departure from Motobu] Afternoon Session (Near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium)
- Same as morning session, departing in the afternoon
- Price: ¥6,300–¥7,800 per person
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Itinerary
Afternoon Session (All Departures)
- 13:00 – Departure from Naha, Chatan, or Motobu (exact meeting point confirmed via email)
- 13:30 – Whale Watching (3 hours, guided tour)
- 16:30 – Return to departure point
Note: Morning sessions follow a similar structure with adjusted timings (typically 9:00 AM departure). Return times may vary by up to an hour depending on whale sighting locations and sea conditions.
What to Expect
Whale Watching
From December to April, the Kerama Islands become a winter haven for 300–500 humpback whales, with over a thousand identified in the region. This guided tour offers a 98% chance of spotting these majestic creatures as they feed, mate, and raise their calves. Watch for breaches, tail slaps, and jumps, with passionate guides pointing out key moments. Naha departures use stable catamarans for comfort, while Motobu departures offer uncrowded views near Ie Island. Multilingual safety instructions and downloadable whale guides enhance the experience. Be prepared for choppy waters and bring seasickness medication if needed (or opt for the seasickness prevention package in Naha).
Additional Perks
- Naha Departures: Free round-trip transportation from designated Naha locations, downloadable whale watching guides, and event photos. Optional seasickness prevention package includes anti-nausea wristbands, glasses, and raincoats.
- Chatan Departures: Convenient location near American Village, ideal for central Okinawa travelers.
- Motobu Departures: Near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, with free welcome drinks, whale watching guides, and event photos, plus a less crowded experience near Ie Island.
What’s Included
- Whale watching tour (3 hours)
- Chinese/English/Japanese-speaking guide (limited English vocabulary, multilingual safety instructions provided)
- Free round-trip transportation (Naha departures only)
- Free downloadable whale watching guide and event photos (Naha and Motobu departures)
- Welcome drink (Motobu departures only)
- Seasickness prevention package (anti-nausea wristbands, glasses, raincoats) for select Naha packages
Pre-Departure Notice
You will be contacted via email or phone between 17:00 and 21:00 the day before departure with detailed meeting point information. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive it. During peak season, emails may be slightly delayed; refer to the latest email if you receive multiple. If you don’t receive the information, arrive 10 minutes early at the designated meeting point and look for the tour guide flag to inquire.
Note: In winter, if sea conditions or other circumstances restrict access, the tour may be adjusted or canceled. No refunds will be given for weather-related changes. Please arrive on time, as the tour will not wait for latecomers or allow midway joins.
Reviews
- “Amazing first whale watching experience!” – “Went in early February and saw several whales! The guides were friendly and passionate, though their English was limited. The waters were choppy, but we captured great photos from a distance.”
- “Lucky to see whale jumps!” – “Pick-up was on time, and we saw whale blows, tails, and three jumps! The Japanese-only commentary wasn’t an issue with the multilingual safety boards. Bring your own seasickness meds, as some passengers struggled.”
- “A winter highlight!” – “The tour was well-organized, and the whales were incredible. Even with Japanese commentary, the experience was universal. The wait for whales was worth it, and the free photos were a nice touch.”
FAQs
Q: Is whale watching guaranteed?
A: The tour has a 98% success rate for whale sightings from December to April (guaranteed period: 2/1/2026–3/19/2026 for Naha, 2/1/2026–3/15/2026 for Chatan). However, sightings depend on natural conditions and are not 100% guaranteed.
Q: Are seasickness medications provided?
A: Seasickness medication is not provided unless you book the seasickness prevention package (Naha departures only), which includes anti-nausea wristbands, glasses, and raincoats. Bring your own medication if prone to seasickness.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but young children may need supervision due to choppy waters. Check with the operator for age restrictions.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, and bring warm layers, as it can be windy and chilly on the boat. Raincoats are provided in the seasickness prevention package (Naha only).
Q: Is the tour conducted in English?
A: The primary commentary is in Japanese, with limited English from guides. Multilingual safety instructions are provided, and whale watching guides/photos are available in multiple languages.
Q: Can I join the tour from other locations?
A: Departures are from Naha, Chatan, or Motobu. Naha departures include free round-trip transportation from designated locations. Contact the tour operator for specific pick-up details.
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