Okinawa: Iejima Offshore Whale Watching Experience
- Whale watching off the coast of Ie Island with only a few boats accompanying you, offering a clear, uncrowded view and a whale sighting rate as high as 98%
- The departure point is close to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and tours can depart with just 1 person
- Free whale explanation booklet and welcome drink included
- Free download of the day's activity photos as well as stunning photos of whales taken in the past
What to expect
Okinawa Winter Limited | Whale Watching Tour from Motobu & Near Ie Island
Every winter, wild humpback whales migrate from distant northern waters to Okinawa for breeding and raising their calves. This is the best annual season to admire magnificent humpback whales! In addition to the well-known Kerama Islands, the waters near Ie Island in northern Okinawa are also a premier whale-watching location!
This tour departs from Motobu Town in northern Okinawa, taking you to the waters near Ie Island where fewer tour boats gather to search for wild humpback whales. Because there are fewer whale-watching boats nearby, typically only 3 to 4 boats share the same pod of whales, allowing for a clearer viewing perspective and a chance to experience the breathtaking power and charm of nature.
Over 98% High Sighting Rate, Experienced Whale-Watching Team
Since whale-watching activities began in 2010, the team’s whale sighting rate has consistently remained above 98%, and even achieved a 100% sighting rate in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024!
Set sail with experienced captains and crew to track down humpback whales, and look forward to an unforgettable encounter with these ocean giants!
Experience the Breathtaking Charm of Humpback Whales Up Close
Humpback whales can grow up to 10 to 15 meters in length, weigh about 30 metric tons, and feature huge tail flukes and long pectoral fins.
During the whale-watching trip, you will have the chance to witness spectacular moments such as whales surfacing to breathe, waving their pectoral fins to slap the water's surface, gracefully lifting their tail flukes, and even breaching out of the water!
Because you are observing wild whales, the sights encountered on every voyage are different, making every whale-watching journey full of anticipation and surprises.
Close to Churaumi Aquarium, Easily Plan a Northern Day Trip
The whale-watching departure port is only about a 10 to 15-minute drive from Okinawa's popular attraction, the Churaumi Aquarium.
Morning and afternoon sessions are available, allowing travelers to choose freely according to their own itineraries. It is recommended to join the whale-watching activity in the morning and head to the Churaumi Aquarium in the afternoon, easily enjoying a fulfilling and wonderful trip to northern Okinawa.
Set sail together to explore the winter-limited ocean wonders of Okinawa and create unforgettable whale-watching memories!
Good to know
- Pregnant women and individuals who have been drinking alcohol are not permitted to participate in this tour. If discovered on-site, no refunds will be provided. Thank you for your understanding.
- Depending on whale sighting conditions on the day, the tour may return to port early if whales are spotted sooner than expected. Please be aware of this.
- This tour is approximately a 3-hour cruise, but depending on where the whales are found, the return time may be 1 hour earlier or later. We recommend allowing ample time for your schedule.
- For safety reasons, children or elderly participants may be denied participation if sea conditions are poor. Thank you for your understanding.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather and sea conditions, the tour may be canceled. You will be notified by email the day before or on the day of the tour. Please keep this in mind.
- If the rain does not affect the safe navigation of the vessel, the tour will proceed as scheduled, even on rainy days. If guests choose to cancel the tour themselves due to rain, cancellation fees will apply in accordance with our policy.
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