(Photo courtesy of photoAC)
It’s not just tourists or athletes who come to Okinawa to warm up during the winter months. The subtropical region is also where humpback whales vacation away from the rough cold waters off Russia and Alaska.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the humpback whales head to Okinawa in late December through early April to mate and to rear calves.
While the game of love is on and male whales compete for females’ attention, this is a good time for tourists to take a boat tour and catch a glimpse of their dynamic breaching. You may even be able to spot a baby whale cruising with its mother.
Whale-watching tours are offered by MCCS Tour+, Kadena ITT, and Kadena Marina.
The waters in the area can get pretty choppy in the winter time, so don’t forget to take motion sickness medication if you plan to hop on a boat. Whale watching is a seasonal spectacle that is worth the trip.
Let’s embark on an ocean adventure!
WHALE WATCHING TOURS
MCCS Okinawa Tours+
Dates: Feb. 2, 22, 23
Hours: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fees: $58 for adults, $45 for children (ages 3 – 11).
*Children aged 2 and under are not allowed on the tour.
*This tour scheduled to continue in March for three days. Dates are yet to be decided.
For more info, contact MCCS Tours plus at (Tel: 098-971-3502, Email: tours@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org)
check out their website and Facebook page.
Kadena ITT
Dates: Jan. 25 – March 30 (weekends)
Hours: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fees: $50 for ages 13 and over, $35 for ages 4 and 12
*Ages 3 and under are not allowed to participate due to safety concerns
To sign up, contact Kadena ITT at (DSN 966-7333 or 036-868-2226)
Whale watching Tour by Kadena Marina
Dates: Jan. 18 - March 30 (weekends)
Hours: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fees: $30 for ages 4 – 12, $60 for ages 13 and up
Limited to SOFA ID card holders
*Ages 3 and below are not allowed to participate
*Sign up at Kadena Marina (Tel: 036 868 2228, Email: Kadena.marina@kadenafss.com)
