Whale Watching Tour 2026

Top

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

The whale watching season has arrived in Okinawa again! Island Message’s57-passenger “Isami-go” cruiser boasts excellent visibility, separate male/female flush toilets, and a dry room with sofas to shelter from wind and rain, making it safe and comfortable for women and children. This is one of the few tours departing from Chatan in Central Okinawa Main Island, operating for three months from January 1,2026, to March 31, 2026. In January and February, two trips (morning/afternoon) will operate. In March, the peak season, the capacity will be limited to 30 people (out of 57) for the morning trip only (afternoons available upon request) for a more relaxed viewing experience. Our captain and crew, highly experienced in whale watching, will guide you through the winter waters of Okinawa with safety and courtesy as their motto. We look forward to your participation

・・・

Top

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

・・・

Top

※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.

・・・

Top

📍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.

・・・

Top

■Other Details & Important Notes

・・・

Top

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.

One of the largest cruisers in the prefecture(70ft/21m). Features spacious observation areas on 1st/2nd decks and two separate flush toilets.

First floor

Second floor

Dry room

Conveniently located near the “American Village,”
allowing for easy access and post-tour sightseeing.

・・・

Capacity is limited to 30 people in March for a more relaxed experience. Better chances of seeing mother/calf pairs and “Heat Runs.”

In the event that no whale is sighted during the specified periods below, we offer a refund or arrangements for a free re-boarding.

• Refund Guarantee Period: February 1 to March 15

• Free Re-boarding Offer Period: March 16 to March 30

※ Note: A sighting of only a “blow” (spout of water) counts as a successful
observation, and the guarantee does not apply if observation was missed due
to personal illness (e.g., seasickness).

・・・

Top

■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.)