- This event has passed.
Whale swimming day trip ( 2spots left ) updated 21.2.24
February 27
$160
Event Duration
February 1, 2024, to February 28, 2024 Minimum number of participants: Two (maximum: 6) Feel free to contact us for alternative dates or if you have any preferences.
Whale swimming activities are for watching from the surface, so skin diving isn’t allowed. We shouldn’t chase or go away from the group to keep the whales calm. We try hard to give you an amazing experience while following these rules. Please read the Whale Swim Participation Guidelines before joining. Also, we can’t promise you’ll see whales every time. Sometimes, nature doesn’t cooperate, and we may not go into the sea at all. Thanks for understanding.Whale swim tour Time flame
| 7:40am | Meeting time at Migusuku port (Naha) |
| 8:30am | Departure time(as soon as ready) |
| 12:00pm | Lunch time * recommend having light snacks that allow you to enter the sea immediately upon discovering whales so that you can stop eating at any time. |
| 3:00-3:30pm | Returning to port |
Participation Requirements
Must hold one of the following certifications or equivalent
- Scuba diving open water license
- Free-diving license
- Skin Diver License
Whale Swim Participation Guidelines
(Please read carefully)
On Participation and Boarding:
-
- To avoid causing too much stress to the humpback whales, there will be a maximum of three approaches to whale parents and calves.
- Individuals without a scuba diving license cannot participate in this course.
- Participants must be able to independently put on and take off fins, mask, and snorkel.
- In case of sudden adverse weather conditions or injuries during the tour, the tour may be canceled, and the boat may return to port.
- Scuba diving with diving equipment is not allowed.
- The use of long fins is prohibited.
- A pre-departure safety briefing will be conducted by staff, so please pay close attention.
- On Whale Swim: Whale swimming involves observing the underwater behavior of whales from the surface using snorkeling gear.
- Chasing or diving towards the whales is strictly prohibited.
- Onboard and Post-Entry Safety Precautions:
- Be prepared for occasional boat movement.
- Put on fins and masks while sitting or holding on to a railing.
- After wearing them, either sit or hold onto a railing while waiting for the entry signal.
- Follow staff signals and enter the water promptly and quietly.
- After entry, move away from the boat promptly without going underneath it.
- Gather at the staff’s position after entry and do not proceed ahead of the staff.
- Be cautious not to drop cameras into the deep water, as retrieval may not be possible.
- Do not extend the GoPro stick.
- Avoid chasing whales that have swum past.
- Do not position yourself behind the whale; there is a possibility of being struck by the tail fin.
- Stay away from whales displaying surface agitation.
- If a whale comes close, slowly move away.
- If a whale surfaces for breathing, ensure not to position directly above it.
- Even if a whale comes within touching distance, refrain from touching it, as the barnacles on its body may cause injury.
- Based on experience, non-swimmers have a higher chance of calmly observing whales.
- Resist the temptation to swim; remaining afloat is best!
- If whales show interest, they may approach repeatedly.
- Board the boat if whales are no longer visible. While ascending, raise your face to the surface to check the boat’s position.
- Follow the guide in a single line while ascending.
- Boarding methods may vary based on sea conditions, so follow staff instructions.
- Be cautious not to drop your camera when grabbing ropes or ladders.
- Wait until the person in front confirms boarding before climbing the ladder.
- Secure your personal belongings upon boarding, and be ready for potential rapid re-entry into the water.
- Cooperation Requested from Everyone:
- Whales are wild animals, and encountering them is not guaranteed.
- Due to whale behavior and sea conditions, swimming may be abandoned, and the activity may switch to whale watching.
- The first step is to search for whales collectively.
- While staff members are actively searching, it may take several hours to locate them.
- Occasionally, a full day may pass without sighting whales.
- Even when whales are found, if swimming is deemed risky due to whale behavior or sea conditions, the activity may be abandoned.
Preparation before participation
When you have a moment, please fill out the online input form in advance.
Link in below
Online Medical form1. Medical form
2. Diver activity
3. Liability release
4. Continuing educationComplete the required fields on these pages, enter your email address at the end, and then confirm your email address by tapping ‘Confirm Email Address‘ or ‘電子メールアドレスを確認’ in the email you receive.
Payment methods
We will send the payment email three days before the event. Payment can be made via credit card, and there is no additional fee.
Cancellation
3 days before … 50%
The day before … 80%
Cancellation on the day… 100%
*None in case of poor sea conditions.The cancellation policy for the Whale Swim excursion is as follows: There is no charge for cancellations made up to 11 days prior to the event. However, a 100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations made within 10 days of the event.
Transportation
Our shop is locating Onna Village
If you could stay nearby our shop we can pick you up with free of charge.
If you have a car we can meet up at dive site.
Naha 8,000JPY each way
Ginowan 6000JPY
Chatan 4000JPY
Yomitan 3000JPY
Onna 2000
each way for one group