[Half-day tour from Chatan, Okinawa] \2026/Winter only! Whale watching tour on a large cruiser ☆Money back guarantee available from February 1st to February 28th☆
- Recommended for dating
- Empty-hands OK
- Solo participant
- Operate rain or shine
- Children welcome
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Possible number of bookings1~
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Participating age0Age ~ 75 Age
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Duration2~3 hours
<Tour Introduction> Whale watching season has arrived in Okinawa once again! Island Message's proud 57-passenger "Yukai" cruiser not only offers great views, but also features separate flush toilets for men and women, and a dry room with sofas for protection from the wind and rain, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for women and children. One of the few cruises departing from Chatan, we accept reservations for two trips per day, morning and afternoon, from January 1st to February 28th. *We will also be holding this tour in March, but please apply for the March-only plan. <Whale Species> The humpback whales seen on our whale watching tours measure 13-15 meters in length and weigh approximately 25-30 tons, making them the seventh largest species of whale. They inhabit the cold northern seas (Bering Strait) during the summer, but migrate south to Okinawa's warm, calm waters from around December to give birth and raise their young. The peak season for seeing them in the waters off Okinawa's main island is from January to March, and in early April they set off again for the northern seas with their newborn calves. On the tour, you can enjoy the sight of mother and calf humpback whales swimming leisurely, and occasionally breaching their huge bodies, as well as other dynamic behavior. While you won't necessarily see any intense action, you'll be impressed by the majestic sight of these wild animals living in the great outdoors! <Schedule> ①Morning cruise: Meet at 8:30 / Check-in at 8:50, Board at 9:00, Departure ~ Whale search ~ 10:00, Whale spotted / Observation begins at 11:00, Observation ends at 11:30-12:00, Return to port ②Afternoon cruise: Meet at 13:00 / Check-in at 13:20, Board at 13:30, Departure ~ Whale search ~ 14:30, Whale spotted / Observation begins at 15:30, Observation ends at 16:00-16:30, Return to port *As whales are wild animals, the timing of whale sightings varies from day to day. Please note that if whales are spotted late, the observation time may be shortened. The return time to port may also vary depending on when the whales are spotted. <Prices (tax included)> Adults (12 years and over) 8,000 yen Children (6-11 years old) 7,000 yen Preschool children (0-5 years old) 4,000 yen [Inquiries] Yukai Island Message Co., Ltd. TEL: 098-936-8292
Our company-owned large cruiser, the Yukai, is divided into three areas: the first floor, the second deck, and the front of the boat, allowing for spacious observation. There is also an interior area that can seat more than 10 people, allowing you to spend time away from the wind and waves, making it popular with families with small children. It is also equipped with two flush toilets, the same as those used in homes. *Please note that the boat may be changed depending on the number of people and maintenance requirements.
Only a few boats depart from the port of Chatan Town, located in central Okinawa Prefecture. This meeting point is easily accessible from northern resort areas, Ginowan City, Okinawa City, and Uruma City. After the tour, be sure to enjoy a meal or a stroll around American Village or the cafes and restaurants around the exotic Miyagi Coast!
If we are unable to spot any whales during the period below, we will provide a refund. Refund guarantee period: 2/1 - 2/28 However... *As they are wild animals, visibility may vary. Even if you only see a few blows (squirting), this will count as an observation and no refunds will be given. *If multiple people have spotted a whale, and some people are unable to see it, this will count as an observation and no refunds will be given. *If you are unable to sight a whale due to your own health condition, such as seasickness, no refunds will be given.
Select your preferred day
- Immediate booking OK!
- Reception closed
- Not accepted
- Request booking
About fees
Basic fee
Optional fee
※The list price includes tax.
※The above price is a basic fee.
※Fees may vary depending on schedule, please check the fee displayed after selecting the date.
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| Not included in price |
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| Display of the Specified Commercial Transactions Act | Display of the Specified Commercial Transactions Act |
| Reservation cancellation fee generation date | Cancellation fee will be charged from 1 days before the event date. |
| About cancellation | Please note that if you cancel after 2pm on the day before your reservation date, you will be charged 100% of the fee. |
| About event termination | Canceling may occur due to ocean conditions. In that case, you will not be charged a fee. |
Detailed information of this plan
| Required minimum number of participants | 10 Person(s) |
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| Possible number of bookings | 1~ |
| About duration |
2~3 hours
Time required and return time will change according to the timing when whales are found.
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| Operating period | 2025/12/20〜2027/2/28 We will be operating in March, but please make your reservation through the "March Limited Plan." |
| Assembly time | Morning flight 8:30 Afternoon flight 13:00 |
| Booking deadline | until 15:59 the day before |
| Changing room | Toilet | ||
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| Shower | Parking | ||
| Locker |
| Dress code - Must bring items | ・Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting wet. Please also bring your own cold and waterproof clothing. ・Comfortable shoes. High heels are not recommended for safety reasons. ・Drinks. The tour lasts a maximum of 3 hours. Drinks are not sold on board. ・If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking anti-sickness medication. |
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| About rental items | Life jacket |
| Matters require attention | ・For safety reasons, wearing a life jacket is mandatory. ・There are no participation criteria, but participants must be able to walk independently without assistance. ・Please apply with children of an age and number that parents can look after on their own. ・Pregnant women are not permitted to participate. ・The tour can be held even in rainy weather, but may be canceled if the ocean conditions are poor. ・As the return time to port is uncertain, we do not recommend participating on the day you are returning by plane. Please apply at your own discretion. ・If you cancel after 12 noon the day before for any reason, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged. ・As whales are wild animals, you may not be able to see them. |
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| Other notifications | If it is determined that the tour cannot be safely conducted due to ocean conditions or weather, the tour will be canceled. In such cases, we will contact you by the evening of the previous day, so please confirm. Also, since the tour is operated with a minimum of 10 people, if the number of people on the reserved tour cannot be increased, we may ask you to change to another tour. |
Plan attractions
Bleach If you're lucky, you might even see a whale breach!
blow When the weather is nice, you can see the tide clearly!
Sometimes so close! Sometimes you can see the action up close!
Children are welcome On days with good sea conditions, children can join in the fun.
humpback whale They migrate to the warm waters of Okinawa only during the winter.
Hamagawa fishing port The departure port has free parking within the port, and is conveniently located within walking distance of supermarkets and convenience stores.
Right next to American Village! The colorful and stylish tourist spot "American Village" is great for dining and shopping, and at night you can enjoy Disneyland-level illuminations all year round. It's less than a five-minute drive from the port, so be sure to stop by before or after whale watching!
1st floor seats The first floor seats have benches with backrests where you can relax. The transparent tent allows you to see the scenery outside, which is a special feature!
Cabin Room The interior of the ship, which can seat more than 10 people and is equipped with sofas, is popular with mothers with small children. You can also enjoy the view outside through the large windows.
bow We are proud of our wide bow with a step, which is not common among other cruisers. On calm days, sit in the special seat at the top and try to spot whales!
Second floor seats The second floor deck is also one of the largest! You can see the Okinawan ocean all the way to the horizon!
Access - Map
Okinawa Prefecture Nakagami-gun Chatanicho Port 4 Hamagawa Fishing Port
Yubinbango904-0114
Okinawa Prefecture Nakagami-gun Chatanicho Port 4 Hamagawa Fishing Port
From Naha Airport, head north on Route 58 for about 45 minutes. From the intersection of "Hamakawa", turn left and there is a free parking lot at the port.
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Activity Provider of this plan
Selling points regarding safety
25 years since its founding, operated without accident
| Insurance information | PADI Liability Insurance |
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| License and Qualifications | PADI Instructor / Diver / Small Vessel Class 1 Pilot |
| Member organizations and associations | PADI Japan |
| Number of staff | 5 people |
| Number of instructors | 4 people |
