Whale Swim
Humpback Whales
From January to April each year, many humpback whales come to the waters around Okinawa Island and the Kerama Islands to breed and raise their young. They swim approximately 6,000 km from the Bering Strait, just downstream from the Arctic Ocean, to reach Okinawa.
The adult humpback whales measure 13 to 15 meters in length and weigh 25 to 30 tons, while even the calves reach a size of 5 to 6 meters. The dynamic presence of these whales up close is beyond imagination, and the joy of observing them underwater is indescribable. Let’s experience the grandeur of the natural world and the affection of these whales together.
How to observe
In whale swimming, you wear a mask, snorkel, and fins to observe the whales from the surface of the water. Unlike dolphin swimming, you cannot dive or chase after the whales. To minimize stress on the whales, we ask that you observe them quietly and respectfully.
Participation Requirements
・C-card holders for diving or skin diving and freediving.
・Those who are able to smoothly put on and take off the equipment.
・Able to swim back to the boat and exit independently, even with waves or currents.
・Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
・Participants aged 60 or older are required to provide a doctor's certificate.
Please check the medical questionnaire in the link below. If you have answered YES to any of items 3, 5, or 10 on the first page, or any of the items on the second page, please bring a document with a doctor's diagnosis and signature on the third page on the day of diving.
→ Medical Questionnaire（PDF）
Important Notes
・If a mother whale with a calf is feeling particularly nervous, or if the whale finishes a breath and starts to swim long distances underwater, the captain and guide will assess whether it is appropriate to attempt the swim, based on the individual whale's behavior.
・For safety reasons, please refrain from wearing long fins, as participants will exit to the boat while wearing fins.
・Winter in Okinawa can bring strong northern winds, which often result in rough sea conditions. It is recommended to take anti-motion sickness medication beforehand.
・Since this is an activity involving nature, refunds will not be provided in the unlikely event that no whales are encountered.
・Failure to follow the instructions of the captain or guide may result in being asked to disembark.
Fee
| Whale Swim Tour | ¥22,000（tax included） |
| Rental Wetsuits | ¥1,100（tax included） |
| Rental Mask & Snorkel | ¥1,100（tax included） |
| Rental Boots & Fins | ¥1,100（tax included） |