Sapporo: Icebreaker GARINKO GO III Cruise Ice and Snow Trip

Exploring the frozen landscapes of Hokkaido’s Sea of Okhotsk is an unforgettable experience. The Icebreaker GARINKO GO III Cruise in Sapporo offers a chance to witness the stunning drift ice formations up close. With roundtrip transportation, wildlife sightings, and an optional seafood lunch, this 12-hour adventure immerses you in the unique culture and natural beauty of this winter wonderland. But what can you expect to discover on this icy expedition?

Key Points

• Explore the frozen landscapes of Hokkaido’s Sea of Okhotsk on a 12-hour icebreaker cruise starting from £94.46 per person.
• Enjoy a seafood lunch, wildlife spotting, and shopping during the cruise’s various stops and activities.
• Board the state-of-the-art icebreaker GARINKO GO III for a 50-minute cruise through the stunning drift ice formations.
• The tour departs from Sapporo and includes roundtrip transportation, with multiple stops along the way.
• Passengers must present a passport or provide passport number, and the tour is led by Japanese-speaking staff with translation services available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview and Pricing

The Sapporo Icebreaker Cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the frozen landscapes of Hokkaido’s Sea of Okhotsk.

Priced from £94.46 per person, the 12-hour cruise includes roundtrip transportation, an icebreaker ship fee, and an optional seafood lunch.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The cruise departs from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sapporo, making several stops along the way, including the Ocean Exchange Center and a local seafood market.

Guests can spot wildlife like white-tailed eagles and seals during the journey.

Itinerary and Transportation Details

Starting from the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sapporo, the icebreaker cruise takes guests on an 80-minute bus journey to Sunagawa.

Along the way, there’s a 15-minute break at the Roadside Rest Area Kaori no Sato Takinoue.

Upon arrival, guests have 50 minutes of free time at the Ocean Exchange Center. An optional 50-minute visit to the drift icebreaker ship Garinko NO. 3 IMERU is available.

Next, the group visits Marukaiichi Suisan for a 1-hour seafood lunch.

The tour finishes with a 20-minute stop at Dezuka Fisheries Co., Ltd. for shopping, plus a few additional secret stops.

Highlights and Experiences

Guests can board the GARINKO GO III icebreaker to witness the stunning frozen landscapes of the Sea of Okhotsk.

This frozen wonderland is home to a variety of wildlife, including the majestic white-tailed eagles and playful seals.

Visitors have the opportunity to:

1. Admire the snow-covered scenery and drift ice formations.
2. Spot wildlife like eagles and seals in their natural habitat.
3. Indulge in a delectable seafood bowl featuring local delicacies such as crab, fish roe, and scallops.
4. Immerse themselves in Hokkaido’s unique culture and natural beauty.

Icebreaker GARINKO GO III Cruise

Although the Sapporo Icebreaker Cruise offers a variety of unique experiences, the highlight is undoubtedly the journey aboard the GARINKO GO III icebreaker. This state-of-the-art vessel allows guests to enjoy the breathtaking frozen landscapes of the Sea of Okhotsk. Passengers can witness the power of nature as the icebreaker effortlessly navigates through the drifting ice, providing unparalleled views of the region’s stunning scenery and wildlife, including white-tailed eagles and seals.

Feature	Description
Icebreaker	GARINKO GO III
Duration	50 minutes
Highlights	Frozen landscapes, wildlife viewing

The GARINKO GO III cruise is a must-do activity for anyone seeking to truly experience the wonders of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland.

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Snowy Scenery and Wildlife

As guests board the GARINKO GO III icebreaker, they’re treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Sea of Okhotsk’s snowy landscapes.

The cruise offers a unique opportunity to spot local wildlife, including:

1. White-tailed eagles soaring gracefully above the frozen waters.
2. Sleek seals basking on the drifting ice floes.
3. Flocks of seabirds navigating the icy terrain.
4. Other elusive creatures adapted to the harsh winter environment.

The pristine white scenery, punctuated by the icy blue hues of the sea, creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle that immerses visitors in Hokkaido’s untamed beauty.

Seafood and Local Delicacies

Visitors can opt to indulge in a luxurious seafood bowl featuring local Hokkaido delicacies during their cruise experience. The bowl includes an array of fresh seafood items like savory crab, briny fish roe, and sweet scallops.

This seafood extravaganza allows travelers to sample the bounty of the Sea of Okhotsk up close. After the icebreaker cruise, guests can also stop at Marukaiichi Suisan to purchase additional fresh seafood and local specialties to take home.

With these culinary highlights, the Sapporo icebreaker tour provides a well-rounded cultural and gastronomic adventure in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido’s Culture and Nature

Beyond the savory seafood delights, the Sapporo icebreaker cruise invites travelers to enjoy Hokkaido’s unique culture and natural wonders.

The excursion includes:

1. Witnessing the majestic beauty of the Sea of Okhotsk’s frozen landscapes.
2. Spotting wildlife like white-tailed eagles and seals in their natural habitat.
3. Exploring Hokkaido’s traditional fishing villages and interacting with the local community.
4. Discovering the region’s rich cultural heritage through historical landmarks and artisanal crafts.

This multi-sensory experience allows visitors to fully appreciate the charm and tranquility of Hokkaido’s pristine environment.

Important Information and Requirements

To board the icebreaker, passengers must present their passport or provide their passport number if unable to bring it.

The tour is led by Japanese-speaking staff only, though translation services are available.

Guests should note that drift ice viewing is typically possible from late January to early March, and visibility can be affected by weather conditions.

Plus, traffic congestion is common on weekends, so stop durations may change based on conditions.

Infants aged 0-2 years require payment and a seat, as no lap sitting or meals are provided for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal Option?

Unfortunately, the tour operator does not seem to offer vegetarian or halal meal options. The included seafood bowl lunch and any other meals during the tour are likely focused on traditional Japanese seafood dishes.

Is the Cruise Accessible for Guests With Mobility Issues?

The cruise may not be fully accessible for guests with mobility issues. While there are no specific details provided, the icebreaker ship and nature of the activities could present challenges. It’s best to inquire about accessibility accommodations before booking.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Cruise?

There’s no minimum age requirement, but infants 0-2 years must pay and have their own seat, as no lap-sitting or meals are provided for them. The cruise is suitable for all ages, though parental supervision is advised for young children.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Cruise Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the cruise is cancelled due to weather, customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The company offers flexible cancellation policies to accommodate unexpected changes in weather conditions.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Drinks on the Icebreaker?

Passengers can purchase additional snacks and drinks on the icebreaker. The tour includes the cruise fee, but any extra purchases made during the trip will be at the traveler’s own expense.

The Sum Up

The Icebreaker GARINKO GO III Cruise in Sapporo offers an unforgettable adventure through Hokkaido’s frozen landscapes. Travelers can expect stunning drift ice formations, chances to spot wildlife, and the opportunity to savor local seafood delicacies. This 12-hour experience provides a unique window into the natural beauty and cultural richness of Japan’s northernmost island during the winter season.

You can check availability for your dates here: