Amami island, Kagoshima: Zato Whale Watching
Dive into Whale Adventures in Amami
Encounter majestic and mysterious whales in the beautiful waters of the Amami Islands, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Duration
4-night stay
Season
Jan. - Mar.
Location
Amami Island
Group Size
2 to 8 persons
Price per person
425,000 JPY 〜
(per person)
Type
Group
About
Join us for an extraordinary adventure in the stunning waters of Amami Oshima, where you can encounter the magnificent humpback whales, the second-largest creatures on Earth. Witnessing these majestic and mysterious wild whales is a rare and precious experience. Male humpback whales sing as part of their courtship rituals, and with a bit of luck, you might be able to hear their beautiful songs.
Amami Oshima also offers a rich cultural experience. Explore the island’s traditional folk songs, crafts, and the diverse plant and animal life that thrive here. The unique culture, nurtured alongside nature, adds another layer of wonder to your journey.
Our tours take place from January to March, during Japan’s winter. Despite the cold, the chance to meet these incredible wild whales in their natural habitat makes this tour an unforgettable adventure.
Tailored just for You
In the pristine waters of Amami Oshima, the conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year. We’ll guide you to the best spots for encountering the magnificent humpback whales, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience. With our chartered boat, you are guaranteed the chance to enter the water and get up close to these majestic creatures. Amami Oshima’s unique ecosystem and rapidly changing marine conditions make it essential to have a knowledgeable guide by your side.
Majestic Giants of the Sea
Amami Oshima offers the rare opportunity to swim alongside humpback whales, the second-largest creatures on Earth, with some over 10 meters in length. These gentle giants grace the island’s waters each winter, and witnessing their courtship rituals, including the enchanting songs of male whales, is a truly awe-inspiring experience. You may even encounter mother whales nurturing their calves, a rare and precious sight.
Cultural Richness
Amami Oshima is not just about marine life; it’s a hub of rich cultural experiences. From traditional folk songs to unique crafts, the island's culture, deeply connected to its natural surroundings, adds an extra layer of wonder to your journey.
Winter Exclusive
This exclusive tour is available from January to March, during the peak season for whale encounters. Although the water may be chilly, the chance to witness these majestic whales in their natural habitat is a rare and treasured experience that remains a hidden gem for many travelers.
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Scuba Diving C-Card Holders: Must have over 30 dives of experience.
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Snorkeling or Skin Diving C-Card Holders: Must have at least 15 boat dives and experience in areas where the seafloor is not visible.
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Advanced Snorkelers Approved by the Captain: (Does not include first-time passengers).
Life with Ai Ogasawara
・When is the most exciting time for you in your activities?
When I am sharing memorable moments with my guests, being moved and delighted with each other like children, and sometimes facing the fear of nature.
・What is your favorite moment/thing/place in your work?
Favorite place : A place where you can meet overwhelming nature, animals, and people of high purity, where your heart is instantly lightened.
Favorite moment : Being present at the moment of overcoming the barriers within me with the help of nature and my friends.
BIO
Born and raised in Tokyo, she suffered from depression as a teenager because of the consuming earth. She became a bar hostess in Roppongi, Tokyo, because she did not want to have to struggle with money again. After that, she stayed on the Big Island of Hawaii for an extended period of time and experienced for the first time a life in harmony with nature. She found the ideal world in which she wanted to live. After studying permaculture, she launched the "Chikyu no Gakko (School of the Earth)," a nature experience project to make people fall in love with themselves and the earth. She holds tours to swim with wild dolphins and whales, as well as spear fishing tour to experience "living" and "the cycle of life.
Meeting Location
