When is the best time to go whale watching in Okinawa? Introducing the highly rated and recommended tours and popular rankings!
On this page, Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Special feature!
Information on the best seasons and dates, highly rated tours, and popular rankings We will thoroughly introduce information that will be useful for making reservations.
In addition, Age restrictions for children and popular areas such as Naha and Onna Village Let's check out the information together.
table of contents
- 1 Okinawa whale watching tour popularity ranking
- 2 Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Recommended Plan
- 3 Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Times and Best Seasons
- 4 Okinawa whale watching tour locations
- 5 Age restrictions for Okinawa whale watching tours
- 6 Time required for Okinawa whale watching tour
- 7 Okinawa whale watching tour price list
- 8 Okinawa whale watching tour clothing and belongings
- 9 What is Okinawa Whale Watching?
- 10 Okinawa Whale Watching Frequently Asked Questions
- 11 Editorial department recommended feature articles
Okinawa whale watching tour popularity ranking
First of all, based on the latest reservation data from Activity Japan, Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Popularity Ranking ” will be introduced.
Depart from various locations on Okinawa's main island, such as Naha and Chatan, to spots where you can encounter whales. Many of the recommended plans are ranked highly.
Tour contents and fees (prices), Check out the reviews and testimonials Please use this to help you compare plans.
- 4.6
- (51 reviews and experiences)
★Our whale guide, who explains the ecology and behavior of whales, is extremely popular★Okinawa's largest shop, established 43 years ago! Special tours based on years of experience★"Tours that will please both your kids and your wallet" recommended for family groups★Stamp rally with prizes that kids will love & family-friendly, completely non-smoking boat + free admission for children 0-5 years old★Photos & transportation & raincoats & motion sickness wristbands
- 4.5
- (31 reviews and experiences)
(Note) This is not a half-day trip to the Chibishi Islands, but a tour that travels to three diving points in one day, such as Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka Island (islands designated as national parks). At JOY CREATE Okinawa, we will guide you to 2-3 places where there are many fish in one day, such as Zamami, Tokashiki, and Aka Island! Enjoy excitement and sensations that cannot be experienced in other sightseeing and attractions
- 5.0
- (7 reviews and experiences)
Departing from Motobu Town in northern Okinawa ☆ Closest to the much talked about Junglia Okinawa! (20 minutes) ☆ 10 minutes from Churaumi Aquarium! Small group tours. Two departures per day from Toguchi Port in Motobu Town. Experienced staff who love whales will guide you to see the whales of the north! Free pick-up and drop-off from some designated hotels in Motobu Town and Nago City! (However, if you are using a rental car or other means of transportation,
[Departure from Naha/held in Kerama/1 day] Snorkeling + uninhabited island landing or whale watching
- 4.6
- (31 reviews and experiences)
Whale watching is available from January to March! ☆ Landing on uninhabited islands is available from April to December! ★ High chance of encountering sea turtles! ☆ Super comfortable on a large or high-speed cruiser! ★ Wide variety of marine sports! ☆ Okinawan bento lunches, drinks, and equipment rentals are all free! ★ Plan with great benefits ☆ Benefit [1] Free download of photos taken on the day! Benefit [2] Season
- 4.7
- (5 reviews and testimonials)
★No need to bother buying motion sickness medicine when you travel! Okinawa's highest standard seasickness prevention plan ★A full tour with reduced observation time and no return to port ★Free photo gifts, raincoats, candy, and drinks ★We will do our best to help you make the best memories of your time on the sea ★A company with 23 years of history that puts the prevention of accidents on your important trip first
- 4.7
- (55 reviews and experiences)
★Captain Kaito, who has been operating ships for 40 years and is the best at finding whales, is very popular! Thanks to my 40 years of experience and skill, I can time the whales right with them, so whales often pop up right next to the boat! ①Small group size for easy viewing of 360° whales┗Comfortable with a capacity of 30 people on a 40-passenger cruiser┗Best position as you can move around freely inside the ship
- 5.0
- (2 reviews/testimonials)
★Northern Okinawa Whale Watching★Every winter, humpback whales come to the warm Okinawa to breed. When it comes to whale watching in Okinawa, the Kerama Islands are famous, but you can also see many whales in the waters off the northern part of the main island, near Motobu. The whales' spectacular performance is full of charm that can only be understood by going there!! The meeting place is Okinawa
A warm and moving half-day whale watching tour in the cold season! Travel safely and comfortably on a large, rock-resistant double-decker boat with photo data included. Easily accessible near the Churaumi Aquarium!
☆☆Great Free Benefits☆☆① Whale Guidebook with trivia about whales (download)② Photos taken on the day and a few carefully selected images of whales from the past (download)③ Free pick-up service within Naha city (location designated by our company)④ Tea provided on board☆Two tours per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon!┗The tour time is about 3 hours, so it can be easily incorporated into your itinerary.
[Great perks included!] Enjoy a comfortable cruise with peace of mind with this 3-piece set! Total Marine Spot NEWS' special features: ・Guaranteed one seat per person! ♪ Enjoy a comfortable cruise with seats facing the direction of travel! ・Whale guide staff will be on board! ・Includes a whale guidebook (downloadable) ・Introducing whale trivia! ・Naha
Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Recommended Plan
" Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Where is best? I think many people are unsure about which shop to book and which plan to choose.
If you're having trouble choosing an Okinawa whale watching tour, check out these user reviews: The recommended method is to refer to reviews and word-of-mouth ratings is.
Below are some of the activities carefully selected by the Activity Japan editorial department: Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Recommended Plan "We will introduce you to "
- 4.6
- (51 reviews and experiences)
★Our whale guide, who explains the ecology and behavior of whales, is extremely popular★Okinawa's largest shop, established 43 years ago! Special tours based on years of experience★"Tours that will please both your kids and your wallet" recommended for family groups★Stamp rally with prizes that kids will love & family-friendly, completely non-smoking boat + free admission for children 0-5 years old★Photos & transportation & raincoats & motion sickness wristbands
- 4.7
- (5 reviews and testimonials)
★No need to bother buying motion sickness medicine when you travel! Okinawa's highest standard seasickness prevention plan ★A full tour with reduced observation time and no return to port ★Free photo gifts, raincoats, candy, and drinks ★We will do our best to help you make the best memories of your time on the sea ★A company with 23 years of history that puts the prevention of accidents on your important trip first
- 5.0
- (7 reviews and experiences)
Departing from Motobu Town in northern Okinawa ☆ Closest to the much talked about Junglia Okinawa! (20 minutes) ☆ 10 minutes from Churaumi Aquarium! Small group tours. Two departures per day from Toguchi Port in Motobu Town. Experienced staff who love whales will guide you to see the whales of the north! Free pick-up and drop-off from some designated hotels in Motobu Town and Nago City! (However, if you are using a rental car or other means of transportation,
- 5.0
- (2 reviews/testimonials)
"Private whale watching departing from Fisherina in Chatan Town! A half-day charter plan to search for humpback whales that visit during the winter." Every winter, humpback whales return to Okinawa to breed, marking the most exciting season in Okinawa's oceans! Board the fully chartered and comfortable boat "Haisai" and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Okinawa.
- 4.7
- (55 reviews and experiences)
★Captain Kaito, who has been operating ships for 40 years and is the best at finding whales, is very popular! Thanks to my 40 years of experience and skill, I can time the whales right with them, so whales often pop up right next to the boat! ①Small group size for easy viewing of 360° whales┗Comfortable with a capacity of 30 people on a 40-passenger cruiser┗Best position as you can move around freely inside the ship
Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Times and Best Seasons
" When can you see whales in Okinawa? " etc. Okinawa Whale Watching Tour I'm sure many of you are researching when the event will be held.
The season when you can see pods of humpback whales off the coast of Okinawa is Every year from late December to early April is.
During the tour period Every day, many large ships (boats) set sail to reach the spot where the humpback whales live. doing.
Also, even though they are wild whales, The best season is December, January, February, March and April. It is said that the chance of encountering one inside is over 90%.
Okinawa whale watching tour locations
" Where can you see whales in Okinawa? " Questions about tour locations and recommended spots are also frequently asked questions.
In the summer, pods of humpback whales that live in Russia and Alaska, In winter, they seek warm waters near Okinawa to breed. I'm coming.
Okinawa Whale Watching Tour teeth, Using various locations on the main island as bases, we head to whale watching spots in the Kerama Islands (Kerama Islands). and head on a large ship (boat).
Below, we will introduce the southern part (Naha), central part (Onna Village and Chatan), and northern part (Motobu Town) of the main island of Okinawa. Recommended plans for each area We will introduce the following.
Whale watching in Naha
- 4.6
- (51 reviews and experiences)
★Our whale guide, who explains the ecology and behavior of whales, is extremely popular★Okinawa's largest shop, established 43 years ago! Special tours based on years of experience★"Tours that will please both your kids and your wallet" recommended for family groups★Stamp rally with prizes that kids will love & family-friendly, completely non-smoking boat + free admission for children 0-5 years old★Photos & transportation & raincoats & motion sickness wristbands
- 4.7
- (5 reviews and testimonials)
★No need to bother buying motion sickness medicine when you travel! Okinawa's highest standard seasickness prevention plan ★A full tour with reduced observation time and no return to port ★Free photo gifts, raincoats, candy, and drinks ★We will do our best to help you make the best memories of your time on the sea ★A company with 23 years of history that puts the prevention of accidents on your important trip first
Whale watching in Chatan and Onna Village
[Half-day tour from Chatan, Okinawa] Whale watching tour - 2 trips per day ★ Over 20,000 passengers!
Recommended points: ★ Approximately 20,000 people are sent every year ★ 17 years of experience in whale watching tours! Operated by the prefecture's largest optional tour company ★ Guided by a veteran captain A chance to meet one of the world's largest mammals! Departs from near Chatan American Village ♪ Recommended for guests staying in central Okinawa Island such as Chatan, Onna Village, and Yomitan ♪ --
Okinawa Whale Watching from Chatan Town [Central main island | Near Onna Village]
Okinawa Whale Watching from Chatan Town [Central Main Island | Near Onna Village] Limited to winter! Whale watching! Whales return to Okinawa's sea only during the winter. The whales that are raising their young will show you a dynamic performance together with their parents! I can meet you now! ! Seeing it up close is amazing! ! <Event time> ▽Meeting/▽Departure｜▽Return to port 8:
Whale watching in the northern part of the main island (Motobu Town)
- 5.0
- (2 reviews/testimonials)
Every winter, humpback whales return to Okinawa to breed. When it comes to whale watching in Okinawa, the Kerama Islands are famous, but you can also see many whales in the waters off the coast of Motobu. The encounter rate is high at 98% to 99%, and the dynamic performance of the whales is impressive. There are also morning and afternoon tours, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
- 4.6
- (9 reviews and experiences)
★A full-fledged tour with reduced watching time and no return to port★Free photo gifts, raincoats, candy, and drinks★We will do our best to help you make the best memories of your time at sea■No. 1 in number of reviews┗2025 Activity Japan - Okinawa Main Island Northern Area - Whale Tour Review Ranking No. 1 (2
Age restrictions for Okinawa whale watching tours
From small children to adults, regardless of age or gender Whale watching in Okinawa is popular with people of all ages .
Due to the nature of this activity, you will be on a boat operated by an instructor and will be heading to the diving spot. No special skills required .
At Activity Japan, From 0 to 100 years old Participants are Okinawa Whale Watching Tour We are currently introducing the following.
Any plan From preschool children around 3 or 4 years old to elderly people around 80 years old are eligible to participate.
Time required for Okinawa whale watching tour
Okinawa Whale Watching Tour There are morning and afternoon departures, and the travel time varies depending on the plan. Approximately 3 to 4 hours is set to.
The required time is Meeting time, reception time, boarding time, travel time to and from the point, and actual time to observe whales All processes are included.
Some activities may be combined with other activities. The set plan requires more than 6 hours Some are set to .
Enjoy Okinawa in winter with snorkeling and diving Another recommended way to enjoy the tour is to choose a course that suits you.
Okinawa whale watching tour price list
At Activity Japan, The lowest price is from 5,000 yen (tax included) per participant Reservations available Okinawa Whale Watching Tour We are currently introducing the following.
Overall The average price is around 5,500 to 7,000 yen (tax included) per participant. .
The experience fee mainly includes: In addition to boarding fees and guide fees, life jacket rental fees and insurance fees Contains:
Also," Full refund if you don't see any whales There are also plans that offer great deals such as:
Below, we will introduce the plans listed on Activity Japan. Okinawa whale watching tours ranked by cheapest price ” will be introduced.
Okinawa whale watching tours ranked by cheapest price
I really want to see whales, but... . I feel seasick! ? This tour was started for those people. It is also recommended for pregnant women, those with babies, those who are worried about their legs and feet, and those who want to observe the whales around Zamami from a bird's-eye view. If we start talking about whales, 2 nights and 3 days is not enough, but we are aiming for a fun tour of about 2 hours.
[Okinawa Onna Village] Winter only! Whale watching ~ About 1 hour by car from Naha Airport
Whales, the world's largest mammals, come to Okinawa only from winter to spring! See the huge size of whales right before your eyes! There is no doubt that it will be a wonderful memory! Please listen carefully to the boarding instructions from the staff so that you can watch safely!
- 3.9
- (4 reviews and testimonials)
↓For those who wish to book a PM tour, click here! ↓https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/56273 \Recommended points/★We have a track record of transporting approximately 20,000 people annually★17 years of experience in whale watching tours! Operated by the prefecture's largest optional tour company★Guided by a veteran captain You can encounter one of the world's largest mammals
- 2.0
- (1 review and testimonial)
↓Click here to book the AM tour! ↓https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/1451＼Recommended points／★About 20,000 people are sent every year★17 years of experience in whale watching tours! Operated by the largest optional tour company in the prefecture★Guided by a veteran captain A whale watching tour where you can encounter one of the world's largest mammals
Okinawa Whale Watching from Chatan Town [Central main island | Near Onna Village]
Okinawa Whale Watching from Chatan Town [Central Main Island | Near Onna Village] Limited to winter! Whale watching! Whales return to Okinawa's sea only during the winter. The whales that are raising their young will show you a dynamic performance together with their parents! I can meet you now! ! Seeing it up close is amazing! ! <Event time> ▽Meeting/▽Departure｜▽Return to port 8:
Okinawa whale watching tour clothing and belongings
Whale watching in Okinawa The season to enjoy Winter (December to April) is.
Even in Okinawa, where the climate is hot, humid and warm throughout the year, During this time, the temperature drops and there are more cool days. .
In addition, whale watching is an activity that can be enjoyed on a large ship (boat). Characteristics of strong sea breeze there is.
Because the temperature feels lower than on the ground, Prepare an outerwear to protect against the cold We recommend that you keep it.
Below, Recommended clothing when participating in whale watching in Okinawa I am summarizing.
- Long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
- long pants
- hat
- sunglasses
- Raincoat (waterproof outerwear)
- Such
Because the sunlight is strong on the sea, Comfortable with sunglasses and a hat can enjoy to
again, A raincoat (waterproof outer layer) in case of sudden weather changes or splashes of water It is a good idea to have one ready.
Required when boarding a boat Life jacket (floating vest) rental fee is included in the tour price is common.
What is Okinawa Whale Watching?
In winter, they seek out the warm sea. A pod of humpback whales coming to the waters off the Kerama Islands in Okinawa .
is the largest mammal There is a tour where you can observe whales (whales) up close. whale watching ” Or "whale watching."
In places such as the Kerama Islands, they can reach a length of about 15 meters and a weight of about 30 tons. Giant whale show time can enjoy
And if I'm lucky again, I'll bring a baby whale Encountering parent and child whales .
A number of tours where you can experience the dynamic mystery of nature, Extremely popular for Okinawa travel and sightseeing in winter proud of
*The content of this article is current as of November 2025.
Okinawa Whale Watching Frequently Asked Questions
Q Charms and Features of Okinawa Whale Watching
A In Okinawa, you can mainly see humpback whales. Humpback whales store up plenty of nutrients in the northern seas in the summer, and come to the waters near Okinawa and Amami Oshima in the winter. They travel thousands of kilometers in search of warm seas to give birth and raise their young. If you're lucky, winter in Okinawa is the best time to experience whale watching, as you might even see baby whales.
Q What are the precautions for whale watching in Okinawa?
A For whale watching, you will travel by high-speed boat to the whale habitat point. Even in Okinawa, it can feel cold in the winter sea. Long sleeves that are easy to put on and take off are helpful. Attach a strap or hang your hat or camera around your neck to prevent it from falling into the sea. Pregnant women and infants may not be allowed onboard. Participation conditions must be confirmed at the time of booking.
Q When and where can you see whales in Japan?
A Whale watching is actually an activity that can be experienced all over Japan without going to Hawaii. Whales migrate in the waters near Japan in each season, and appear in the Ogasawara Islands in early spring, in Hokkaido from spring to autumn, and around Amami and Okinawa in winter. Depending on the time of year, you can see whales even in areas where you can make a day trip from big cities, such as off the coast of Choshi in Chiba Prefecture and Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture.
