Naha, Okinawa: Kerama Islands Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

The Kerama Islands Half-Day Whale Watching Tour in Naha, Okinawa, offers a chance to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Spanning four hours, the tour allows guests to observe the whales’ dynamic behaviors, from tail slaps to impressive jumps, all while enjoying the stunning marine environment. With knowledgeable guides and a spacious boat, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. But there’s more to discover about this unique opportunity to witness Okinawa’s incredible wildlife.

This experience made our article of Naha’s Best 20 Tours.

Key Points

• A 4-hour half-day tour offering the opportunity to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat around the Kerama Islands near Naha, Okinawa.
• Tour provides a spacious boat for observing the dynamic movements of whales, including tail slaps and jumps, for around 1 hour.
• Round-trip transportation from select hotels and locations in Naha is included, with pickup and drop-off at the same points.
• Full refund if no whales or dolphins are spotted during the tour in February and March, with a re-trial voucher for December and January.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 120 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Kerama Islands Half-Day Whale Watching Tour is an activity that takes place in Naha, Okinawa, lasting approximately 4 hours.

It costs from €34.81 per person and is likely to sell out, so availability should be checked for starting times.

The tour offers a live guide in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour provides an opportunity to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat as they breed and raise calves, as well as observe other marine life in the crystal-clear waters.

Experience Highlights

Participants can witness humpback whales in their natural habitat as they breed and raise calves.

They’ll observe whales and dolphins playing in crystal-clear waters from a spacious boat with enough room for all. The tour provides opportunities to encounter the dynamic movements of whales, including tail slaps and jumps.

Guests will spend approximately 1 hour observing these magnificent creatures. The experience highlights the beauty and wonder of the natural world, allowing participants to connect with Okinawa’s marine life in an up-close and unforgettable way.

Transportation and Logistics

Round-trip transportation from select hotels and locations in Naha is provided for the tour. Pickup instructions require guests to wait in the hotel lobby or designated area 10 minutes before the scheduled time, as drivers will only wait up to 5 minutes. After the tour, guests are dropped off at the same points as pickup.

Pickup Service	Pickup Instructions	Drop-off Point
Round-trip transportation from select hotels and locations in Naha	Wait in hotel lobby or designated area 10 minutes before scheduled time; drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes	Same as pickup points

Important Information

Guests should bring a jacket and motion sickness prevention medication, as the tour operates in an open-air boat.

Swimming and consuming alcoholic drinks are prohibited during the tour.

Children under 2 must be in a baby carrier, and the tour may be rescheduled if sea conditions are unsuitable for infants.

Guests will receive a full refund if no whales or dolphins are spotted in February and March, or a re-trial voucher for December and January.

With these guidelines in mind, travelers can prepare for a comfortable and worry-free whale watching experience in the Kerama Islands.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the Kerama Islands Whale Watching Tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 120 reviews.

Reviewers praised the tour’s organization, kind staff, and whale sightings. The guide rating is 4.7 out of 5, while the transportation rating is 4.4 out of 5.

Customers also felt the tour provided good value for money, rating it 4.6 out of 5. Recommendations include dressing warmly and taking seasickness medication, as the ocean conditions can be unpredictable.

Whale Watching in the Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands, located off the southern coast of Okinawa, offer a remarkable opportunity to witness the majestic presence of humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Visitors can expect to observe these captivating creatures as they engage in their seasonal breeding and calving activities, showcasing their dynamic movements, including:

• Tail slaps
• Breaching jumps
• Playful interactions with dolphins

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to observe the whales in their crystal-clear waters from the comfort of a spacious boat, guided by knowledgeable staff who share their expertise in multiple languages.

Exploring the Crystal-Clear Waters

The tour takes guests on a captivating journey through the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Kerama Islands.

Aboard a spacious boat, travelers marvel at the dynamic movements of whales and dolphins frolicking in the turquoise waters. The tour offers unparalleled opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, witnessing their tail slaps, jumps, and other behaviors up close.

The transparency of the waters allows for exceptional views of the underwater world, creating a mesmerizing experience.

With ample room for all participants, the tour ensures a comfortable and immersive whale-watching adventure amidst the stunning Kerama archipelago.

Encountering the Majestic Whales

As the tour boat sets sail, guests are captivated by the sight of majestic humpback whales breaching the surface.

The whales’ dynamic movements, including powerful tail slaps and graceful jumps, mesmerize the onlookers.

Throughout the tour, participants have the opportunity to observe whales and dolphins playing in the crystal-clear waters of the Kerama Islands.

The experience highlights include:

• Witnessing the whales in their natural breeding and calving grounds
• Enjoying the spacious boat with ample room for all guests
• Spending approximately 1 hour observing the whales during the tour

The Kerama Islands Half-Day Whale Watching Tour offers a chance to encounter these remarkable marine mammals up close in their stunning natural habitat.

Things To Know

What Is the Best Time of Year to Spot Whales?

The best time to spot whales is during the breeding season, which typically runs from February to March. This is when humpback whales are most active and visible in their natural habitat.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on the tour. The tour operator prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages and intoxication to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Do I Need to Be an Experienced Whale Watcher to Join?

No, you don’t need to be an experienced whale watcher to join this tour. The tour is suitable for all levels of experience, with a knowledgeable guide providing commentary to help you spot and observe the whales.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour duration is fixed at 4 hours and can’t be extended. The tour is designed to provide an optimal whale watching experience within this timeframe. Extending the duration isn’t offered as an option.

Can I Take Underwater Photos of the Whales?

No, underwater photography is not allowed on this tour. The tour operator prohibits swimming and instructs participants to observe the whales from the boat for safety reasons. Only above-water photography is permitted during the whale watching experience.

Sum Up

The Kerama Islands Half-Day Whale Watching Tour in Naha, Okinawa, offers a breathtaking opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and stunning marine scenery, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re captivated by the whales’ acrobatic displays or mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters, this whale-watching experience is a must-do for those visiting Okinawa.

You can check availability for your dates here: