GARINKO GO Ⅲ Icebreaker Ticket
- Take a ride on the newly built drift ice ice crusher GARINKO GO III and enjoy the majesty of the frozen landscape.
- Only here can you experience the scene of the drift ice being crunched and the icebreaker moving forward heroically.
- If you are lucky, you can see the creatures that come with the drifting ice, such as the drifting ice angel Crione, and the white-tailed sea eagles, Steller's sea eagles and seals that are natural monuments.
Similar adventures in Okhotsk Subprefecture
What to expect
As drift ice is a natural phenomenon, the viewing time is difficult to predict and cannot be guaranteed, but it is usually more common from late January to early March. Viewing drift ice may be affected by weather or shore conditions, so please understand this in advance. [Important Notice] Even infants aged 0-5 who do not need to pay a boarding fee will be counted towards the number of passengers, so please be sure to notify us in advance if you are traveling with infants. If you do not notify us in advance, you may not be able to board due to being fully booked, and our company will not be held responsible. Thank you for your understanding.
[GARINKO GO Ⅲ Icebreaker] The two large propellers at the bow of the ship rumble forward through the drift ice, providing a thrilling cruise experience. Even on board, you can feel the sound and vibration of the ice being broken, and the crushed ice floats up from the side of the hull. One of its appeals is the ability to observe the drift ice up close. This is a representative sight of winter in Hokkaido, experience the mysterious drift ice spectacle! Feel the grandeur of the drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk, the northernmost part of Japan, and you may even encounter white-tailed eagles, Steller’s sea eagles, and adorable seals resting. You can take a cruise to admire the sunset sinking into the mountains from the sea. The red glow reflects on the sky, the ocean, and the drift ice zone, bringing a leisurely and wonderful experience. The twilight hour is not to be missed! The beautiful scenery of that day and time may only be seen once. *Please note that you may not be able to see the sunset in bad weather.
This ship can accommodate 235 passengers. The drift ice viewing room at the rear of the ship can accommodate 42 people, the passenger room on the bridge deck can accommodate 59 people, and the passenger room on the upper deck offers 134 seats, allowing more passengers to enter the magnificent world of drift ice. The first-floor guest room has sofa-type seats, and because it is close to the sea surface, you can observe the drift ice from a closer distance. Compared to the second and third floors, there is less shaking here, and there are tables. There are also separate men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor. The second-floor guest room has a barrier-free design, and the seats are spacious, making it easy for wheelchair users to pass through. The restrooms also provide barrier-free facilities. In addition, there is an in-ship store on the second floor selling various souvenirs, where you can pick up travel souvenirs (winter only). The third-floor guest room has seats facing the windows, allowing you to sit back and easily enjoy the drift ice, which is one of its main features.
Good to know
- [Important Notice] Even infants aged 0-5 years who do not require a boarding fee will be counted towards the passenger capacity. Therefore, please be sure to notify us in advance if you are traveling with infants. Please note that if you do not notify us in advance, you may not be able to board due to full capacity, and our company will not be held responsible. Thank you for your understanding.
- Boarding Procedure [Ticket Exchange] (Starts 1 hour before departure and ends 30 minutes before departure.) At the ticket counter, reservations will be verified based on the representative's name. All reserved passengers must complete this procedure when exchanging tickets. After completing the procedure, passengers will be issued a boarding pass with a QR code.
- [Boarding] (Boarding is scheduled to begin 15 minutes before departure.) Please prepare your boarding pass with the QR code and line up to board. When boarding, please touch the QR code to the terminal at the gate and proceed. (All reserved passengers are also required to bring the QR code.)
- Since drift ice is a natural phenomenon, viewing times are difficult to predict and cannot be guaranteed, but it is usually more common from late January to early March. Drift ice viewing may be affected by weather or landing conditions, so please be aware of this in advance.
- Please note that you may not be able to see the sunset in bad weather.
- Customers with Japanese nationality do not need to provide a passport. As an alternative, please provide the address information of all participants, including the prefecture, city, ward, town, or village.
- We kindly ask that guests make their own way to the facility. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
- The emergency contact information is only for contact before departure; on the day of departure, please contact the tour guide directly.
Reviews
Whether or not you can see drift ice really depends on your luck. We arrived a day early and found that all the flights said it wasn't possible to see any. Luckily, when we departed on the 0845 flight on the morning of February 21st, the cruise company spotted a small amount of drift ice in the distance, so we were very lucky to see some. But be prepared, even if the drift ice has reached the shore, you may not be able to see it every day.
If you have enough time, you must come here to experience it. You can also watch the sunset at 16:30, which is really beautiful with the drift ice.
Went on February 18, 2026, unfortunately the weather wasn't good, when I got there only crushed ice remained, after getting off the boat they gave out discount coupons for the next ride.
The icebreaking voyage experience is very exciting. The facilities on the icebreaker are comfortable, the staff are friendly, and the service facilities in the visitor center and waiting room are convenient. It is worth recommending to experience it!
The weather was good, the boat was nice, there was no ice, so no ice-breaking, and the location was a bit remote. Overall, it was very good. Nothing else to add.
I was informed 3 days ago that there were not enough passengers on the 4pm flight and I needed to change to an earlier flight. I was informed 1 day ago that the sailing schedule was canceled due to bad weather. The travel company said it would contact klook for a refund, but klook did not contact me proactively.
The icebreaker sailed out and circled around, but unfortunately, there was no drift ice.
I didn't see any drift ice, but it was all due to the weather, so I can't blame anyone. The staff was very enthusiastic and were happy to take photos with the guests.
Unfortunately, no drift ice! Drove for an hour on the Garinko-go in the open sea and received a 1000 yen discount coupon upon disembarking (valid until March of next year). Makes me want to go again, Nashi!
It's not breaking the ice, it's just passing through the broken ice. I drove for several hours to see it for 15 minutes. It's not worth it.
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