Whale Watching Tour 2026

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・Price
・Schedule
・Meeting point
・Note
・Tour Highlights
・Booking

Whale watching season has arrived in Okinawa once again! Island Message’s proud 57-passenger “Isami” cruiser not only offers great views, but also features separate bathrooms for men and women, a dry room with sofas for protection from the wind and rain, and more, making it a safe and comfortable cruise for women and children. The cruise will depart from Chatan, one of the few ports in the central Okinawa main island, for three months from January 1 to March 31, 2026. By limiting the maximum capacity from 57 to 30 people, we aim to reduce crowding and stress on board, providing a comfortable and easy-to-observe whale watching tour. Our experienced captain and crew will guide you with safety and courtesy as their motto. We look forward to your participation.

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NOTE : Winter seas in Okinawa can be rough, so participation with very young children is not highly recommended.

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※The departure time is a guideline. We may leave early as soon as we get together, so please make sure to come at the meeting time.

※Due to the speed at which whales can be found, the time of return to the port depends on the trip.

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📍Hamagawa Fishing Port
Address: 4 Minato, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0114, Japan

Parking: Free

Entrance

Around the parking

Reception at car

※Please do not go upstairs to the building in the port.

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■Other Details & Important Notes

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The humpback whales observed on our whale watching tours measure between 13 to 15 meters in length and weigh approximately 25 to 30 tons, making them the seventh-largest species of whale. In the summer, they inhabit the cold northern seas (specifically, the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska), but from around December, they migrate south to the warm, calm waters of Okinawa for mating, giving birth, and raising their young. The peak period for sightings near the main island of Okinawa is from January to March. Around early April, they embark on their journey back to the northern seas in search of abundant food, with their newborn calves in tow.

On the tour, you can enjoy dynamic behaviors such as mother and calf pairs swimming peacefully, and occasionally, a huge body breaching out of the water. While spectacular action is not always guaranteed, the majestic presence of these wild animals living in nature is guaranteed to be a moving and unforgettable experience.

The largest cruiser in the prefecture, the “Yukai,” has a capacity of 57 people and is the largest in the prefecture at 70 feet (approximately 21 meters). It 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 that can seat more than 10 people, allowing you to avoid the wind and waves while traveling. There are also two flush toilets, the same as those used in homes, separated for men and women, so you can participate in long tours with peace of mind.

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For the first time this season, we will be limiting the tour to 30 people, down from a maximum capacity of 57! Our prices are a little higher than other companies, but with fewer people, you can enjoy a more comfortable experience both while traveling and observing. If you have had past experiences where you were worried about things like “there are too many people and it’s hard to see the whales😣” or “there’s no space to sit😥,” we hope you’ll join us!

This is one of the few whale watching boats that departs from the port of Chatan Town, located in the central part of the main island, and is easily accessible from the northern part and Onna Village area. The area around the port is centered around American Village, where stylish cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops line the streets, creating a lovely townscape where you can enjoy a resort atmosphere just by walking around. Be sure to enjoy some sightseeing after your whale watching trip.

If we are unable to sight any whales during the following period, we will offer a refund or a free reboarding.
Refund Guarantee Period: February 1st – March 15th
Free Reboarding Period: March 16th – March 30th

However, we will not be able to offer this service in the following cases.
Please note that whales are wild animals and visibility may vary.

1. A whale sighting is considered successful even if only a blowing whale is seen.
2. If multiple people spot a whale, it is considered a sighting even if some people are unable to see it.
3. No refunds will be given if you are unable to sight a whale due to seasickness or other personal illness.

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■Understanding the Calendar Symbols

〇：Availability

△：Request Booking (We will contact you within 24 hours
regarding confirmation after receiving your application.)

×：Full / Not Available for Booking

■Please be sure to confirm before booking

• Please select your desired date and departure time from the calendar below and send us your request. We will contact you via email within 24hours to let you know if we can accept the reservation. If you do not receive a reply, your booking is not yet confirmed, so please contact us at Whatsapp +81 80 6494 3326

• The tour will be canceled if we determine that it cannot be held safely due to marine conditions or weather.

• The tour generally operates with a minimum of 10 participants. If the minimum number is not met, we may consult with you about transferring to a different departure time.

• We will contact you regarding the operational status (cancellation/confirmation) by the evening of the day before the tour.
Please also be aware that the boat may be changed due to the number of participants or maintenance issues. (This status of availability is subject to change regardless of the 〇 or △ shown on the booking calendar.)