Product Description

Discover one of Japan’s hidden marine treasures on this unforgettable dolphin watching cruise in Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture. This two-hour boat tour takes you through the calm, crystal-clear waters surrounding the Amakusa Islands—home to a resident pod of over 300 wild bottlenose dolphins. It’s a perfect day activity for families, couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts looking to experience Japan’s marine life up close.

Tour Highlights

• Encounter Wild Bottlenose Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat
  Observe dolphins swimming, playing, and leaping alongside the boat. Unlike dolphins in aquariums, these are wild and free-roaming, making each encounter unique.
• High Dolphin Sighting Rate Year-Round
  Amakusa’s unique coastal environment makes it one of the few places in Japan where dolphin sightings are highly likely no matter the season.
• Stunning Natural Scenery
  The tour sails through Amakusa’s scenic bays and inlets, offering panoramic views of Kumamoto’s unspoiled coastlines and island chains.
• Educational and Family-Friendly
  Learn about dolphin behavior and marine ecology from friendly, knowledgeable staff. Suitable for guests of all ages, including children and seniors.
• Convenient and Accessible Experience
  The departure port is easy to access, and support is available in Japanese and sometimes Chinese. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted when space allows.

What to Expect

Board a comfortable sightseeing vessel operated by Sea Cruise and depart from the Dolphin Watching terminal in Kami-Amakusa. The 2-hour cruise is designed to get you as close as possible to pods of dolphins, which often approach the boat out of curiosity. Depending on the weather and dolphin activity, you may see dozens of them swimming together, leaping into the air, or riding the waves created by the boat.

Even in rainy weather, tours usually operate as scheduled, and sightings remain common. Passengers are encouraged to bring cameras or smartphones to capture the experience, but please secure your devices carefully due to wind and sea spray.

Tour Details

• Package Name: Dolphin Watching Experience in Amakusa
• Price: ¥5,500 per person
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Minimum Age: No age restrictions (children must be accompanied by adults)
• Language Support: Japanese, with some Chinese-speaking staff available (language support varies by day)
• Accessibility: The boat has limited accessibility features; please inquire in advance if you have mobility concerns

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Location & Contact

Departure Point
Amakusa Treasure Island Line – Dolphin Watching Terminal
Inside Mioka Amakusa, operated by Sea Cruise
Address: 6215-17 Azu, Matsushima-cho, Kami-Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 861-6195, Japan
Phone: 0969-56-2458
Fax: 0969-56-2993
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Parking: Available on-site

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: While dolphins are visible year-round, the calmer seas of spring and autumn provide the best viewing and photo opportunities.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, camera or phone with waterproof cover, motion sickness medication if needed, and warm clothing in colder months.
• Weather Conditions: Tours operate in light rain, but may be canceled for storms or severe weather. The operator will notify you in such cases.
• Safety: Life jackets are provided and must be worn during the cruise.

Guest Reviews

“It was a wonderful experience, even though it was raining! The staff were so accommodating, and we got to see so many dolphins. Easy to find and well-organized.”

“Saw 40 to 50 dolphins! The cruise was smooth and scenic. If you’re sensitive to motion, take precautions—it’s about 40 minutes each way. Still, a great experience!”

“Very friendly staff and informative explanations about the dolphins. They even waited for us when we were running late due to traffic. Highly recommended!”