Chatan: Okinawa Whale Watching Cruise

The Chatan: Okinawa Whale Watching Cruise is a captivating 3-hour adventure that takes travelers on a quest to spot the majestic humpback whales in the warm waters of Okinawa. Led by an experienced captain, the tour features an audio guide in multiple languages, immersing guests in the whales’ fascinating behaviors. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, those who embark on this journey can look forward to an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature. What awaits those who join this excursion?

Key Points

• 3-hour whale watching tour from Chatan Hamakawa port in Okinawa, Japan with a veteran captain and audio guidance in multiple languages.
• Whale sightings not guaranteed, but up to 1 hour of observation if spotted, with boat amenities like WiFi and earphones.
• Meeting point at Chatan Hamagawa Fishing Pier, with staff assistance for check-in, life jacket provision, and boarding.
• Tour includes boat fare, insurance, and whale watching fee, but additional facility usage fees apply.
• Recommended gear includes windbreaker, sunglasses, hat, and motion sickness prevention, with large bags and alcohol prohibited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The whale watching tour in Okinawa offers a 3-hour activity departing from the Chatan Hamakawa port.

The tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. A "pay later" option is available.

Whale spotting isn’t guaranteed, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

The tour provides an audio guide in 8 languages, and participants can spend up to 1 hour observing the whales once spotted.

The meeting point is the Chatan Hamagawa Fishing Pier, with staff located near the car park.

Activity Description

During the 3-hour whale watching cruise, participants can spot humpback whales in Okinawa’s warm waters.

Led by a veteran captain, the tour provides audio guidance in 8 languages through smartphones. Once whales are spotted, guests can observe them for up to 1 hour.

The boat offers amenities like WiFi and earphones. Participants should dress appropriately with windbreakers, sunglasses, and sun protection.

Large bags and alcohol are prohibited. While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, many past guests have reported seeing mother and baby whales, though some experienced motion sickness which was alleviated by the attentive staff.

What to Expect

When guests arrive at the Chatan Hamagawa Fishing Pier, they’ll find the tour staff located near the car park ready to assist them.

They’ll be able to check in, get their life jackets, and board the boat.

Once on the water, they’ll learn from the veteran captain and use the available audio guidance in multiple languages to spot humpback whales.

The tour allows up to an hour of whale observation, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

After the cruise, guests will pay the on-site facility fee before disembarking.

The tour give you an immersive whale watching experience in Okinawa’s warm waters.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the boat fare, insurance, whale watching tour fee, and a life jacket.

An English/Japanese speaking guide will be on board to provide commentary and assistance.

The only additional fees are the 200 JPY per adult and 100 JPY per child (under 12) facility usage fee, payable on-site.

Amenities like WiFi and earphones are available.

However, guests aren’t allowed to bring large luggage, bags, alcohol, or drugs.

Pregnant women are also prohibited from participating, and no refunds will be issued if entry is denied on the day of the tour.

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Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point for the Okinawa Whale Watching Cruise is the Chatan Hamagawa Fishing Pier.

Staff will be located near the car park to assist guests.

Participants should arrive at the meeting point with the following:

• Windbreaker
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Luggage, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

Pregnant women are prohibited, and no refunds will be issued if they’re denied entry on the day of the tour.

The tour includes a life jacket, and amenities like WiFi and earphones are available.

Recommended Gear and Attire

Opting for the right gear and attire can enhance the whale watching experience. The tour operator suggests bringing a windbreaker, sunglasses, and a hat to shield against the elements. A towel and sunscreen are also recommended to protect against the sun’s rays. For motion sickness prevention, participants should consider packing medication or wristbands. Lastly, rain gear is advisable in case of inclement weather. To make packing easy, below is a table of the recommended items:

Gear/Attire	Reason
Windbreaker	Protect against wind and chill
Sunglasses	Reduce glare on the water
Hat	Shield face and neck from sun
Towel	Dry off after splashing water
Sunscreen	Prevent sunburn
Rain gear	Stay dry in case of rain
Motion sickness prevention	Minimize discomfort

Restrictions and Policies

Though pregnant women are prohibited from participating, the tour operator offers a straightforward cancellation policy – customers can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Certain items are also not allowed on the tour, including:

• Luggage
• Large bags
• Alcohol
• Drugs

Plus, the tour has a strict no-refund policy for passengers denied boarding on the day of the tour.

Guests should also be prepared with the appropriate gear, such as a windbreaker, sunglasses, hat, and motion sickness prevention.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided generally positive feedback about their experiences on the Okinawa whale watching tour. Many participants reported sighting humpback whales, including mother-calf pairs.

They appreciated the knowledgeable captain’s guidance and the availability of audio tours in multiple languages. However, some customers experienced motion sickness, though they noted the staff’s assistance was helpful.

Things To Know

What Are the Chances of Seeing Whales During the Tour?

Whale spotting is not guaranteed, as the overview clearly states. However, this tour offers the opportunity to potentially see humpback whales in the warm waters, though the actual sighting chances may vary based on factors beyond the tour’s control.

Is Photography Allowed on the Boat?

Yes, photography is allowed on the boat. The tour information states that amenities include WiFi and earphones, which suggests passengers can use their smartphones and cameras to capture photos of the whales they spot during the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks. The tour provides amenities like WiFi and earphones, but outside food and beverages are prohibited on the boat. Snacks and drinks may be available for purchase during the cruise.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may be suitable for young children, as it includes a life jacket and English/Japanese speaking guide. However, the 3-hour duration and potential for motion sickness should be considered. Pregnant women are prohibited, so parental discretion is advised.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, guests will receive a full refund. The operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for weather-related issues.

Sum Up

The Chatan: Okinawa Whale Watching Cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Equipped with modern amenities and led by experienced guides, the tour provides an immersive and educational experience for nature enthusiasts. Though sightings aren’t guaranteed, the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close makes this a memorable outing for visitors to Okinawa.

You can check availability for your dates here: