Name: Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour
Brand: Amami Tours
SKU: whale-watching
Rating: 4.84 (162 reviews)

Must-see! Winter Only☆
Attractions of Whale Watching on Amami Oshima Island

Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour

On Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture, you can enjoy whale watching exclusively during the winter months. Humpback whales typicallyFrom around late December through MarchAfter traveling to the waters off Amami, the tourJanuary - MarchIt will be held on .

During the previous season (2025–2026), whales were first sighted on December 16, and the number of tour participants reached a record high of approximately 9,950.

At Amami Tours, too, whale watching was the most popular booking for January 2026 (No. 17), about 30 percent of the tours in February were whale-watching tours. It’s the most popular tour in Amami during the winter.

Recommended for

◆For those planning a trip to Amami Oshima this winter
◆For those who want to compare and choose a whale-watching tour
◆For those looking for tours suitable for families with children and seniors
◆For those who want to try whale swimming

In this article, we’ll introduce the appeal of whale watching on Amami Oshima and recommend tours based on location, time, and age group.

⬇︎☆Whale Watching ☆⬇︎

Compare Whale-Watching Tours on Amami Oshima

We've compared the whale-watching tours currently listed by area, time, and age.

plan	Area and Time	point
No. 17	Northern Region—about 3 hours	Ages 10 and up / No. 1 in January registrations
No. 16	Northern Region—Approx. 7 hours	Ages 10 and up / Lunch included
No. 194	Northern Region—about 4 hours	Ages 0 and up / Photos allowed / Private bookings accepted
No. 70	Southern Region—about 3 hours	Ages 10 and up / Restroom on board
No. 88	Southern Region—about 3 hours	Ages 0 and up / Restrooms on board
No. 89	Southern Region—Approx. 6 hours	Ages 0 and up / Restrooms on board
No. 198	Nase—about 3.5 hours	Ages 12 and up / View from the second-floor seats
No. 199	Nase—about 8 hours	Includes a trial dive and transportation
No. 200 No. 201	Nase—about 3 hours	Ages 10 and up / Morning and Afternoon

*Estimated departure ports: In the northern region, Ushuku Fishing Port and Ashitoku Fishing Port; in the southern region, Koniya Port; and in Naze, Kominato Fishing Port. These may change depending on wind and sea conditions on the day of the trip.
*A diving certification is required for the "Swim with Whales" program (No. 14interpoint (interword separation)No. 202）。

How to Choose a Tour

◆ I want to participate in the northern area near the airport → No. 17interpoint (interword separation)No. 194
◆I’d like to participate with a young child (ages 0 and up) → No. 194interpoint (interword separation)No. 88
◆Worried about the restroom on the boat? → No. 70interpoint (interword separation)No. 88
◆I want to take my time and explore it over the course of a day → No. 16interpoint (interword separation)No. 89
◆Staying in Naze → No. 198interpoint (interword separation)No. 200

If you're worried about getting seasick, it's a good idea to take motion sickness medication beforehand. Choose a plan that includes a restroom on the boat (No. 70interpoint (interword separation)No. 88We also recommend choosing (such as these).

Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour Attractions

One of the best whale watching spots in Japan
The high probability of seeing whales is what makes it so appealing!

whale watching

Many of the whale-watching tours offered on Amami Oshima advertise encounter rates of 90–95% or higher on their plan pages, andOne of Japan's premier whale-watching spotsIt is.

Since we're dealing with nature, we can't guarantee that you'll see them, but our guides will use their experience to help you spot the whales.

Keep an eye on the breaching!
Get up close and personal with the largest animal on earth, the whale!

whale watching

Whales are said to be the largest animal species on earth, and seeing them up close is a spectacular sight.

They would squirt and jump, which is called breaching,Dynamic movementis one of the attractions, so don't be distracted by the action of the whales!

Professional guides provide thorough support in the search for whales!

whale watching

During the trip, the guide will give you detailed explanations on how to look for whales and their detailed ecology.

Finding whales in the vast ocean also requires the experience and tips of a local guide. Predicting the whales' appearance points, which change daily.The whale's breath-hold "blow" and jump "breach" are landmarks.Search for whales.

Guides who know Amami's ocean well will guide you, so you will have a fairly high chance of spotting whales!

The best schedule for you♪
Let's take the time to observe the whales as they are!

whale watching

On Amami-Oshima Island, each tour operator coordinates the order of observation with each other as they approach the whales, so you can enjoy whale watching slowly without startling the whales.

You will definitely be excited to see whales in the flesh! Expressing emotions with their entire huge bodiesThe powerful sight of whalesand observe them closely and up close.

From small children to seniors
Families and couples are welcome to join the tour!

whale watching

Whale watching tours includeFrom small children to the elderlyThis tour is open to a wide range of participants. Tours are available for children as young as 0 years old (No. 88interpoint (interword separation)No. 194(etc.) are also available.

Not only children but also adults will feel so excited that they will scream when they spot a whale.

Anyone can enjoy it, and every time the whales take action, a loud cheer erupts from the boat.

When is the Amami Oshima whale watching season?

whale watching

Humpback whales feed in the cold northern waters during the summer and migrate to the warm waters off Amami Oshima in the winter to give birth and raise their calves. They typically begin to appear in the waters off Amami around late December each year, andJanuary through March is the peak seasonIt is.

Since they come to the sea of Amami Oshima to raise their children,Parent and child whaleYou may be able to see the

whale watching

Last season (2025–2026), the first sighting occurred on December 16, and the number of tour participants reached a record high of approximately 9,950. It is not uncommon to see several whales during a single tour.

Many people plan their trips to Amami Oshima around this time of year to see humpback whales.

According to Amami Tours' reservation data, the closer it gets to the tour date, the more likely it is that tours will be fully booked and we won't be able to accommodate you. If you plan to participate between January and March,Approximately one month agoIt's a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

In addition, the winter sea can get rough due to north winds on some days, which may prevent the boat from setting sail and result in the tour being canceled. According to Amami Tours’ reservation data, the cancellations in February 2026 were concentrated on a few days when the sea was rough.Booked for the first half of my stayIf you do this, it will be easier to participate on another day even if the event is canceled.

Recommendation★Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour

Half a day] Even on the day you arrive at Amami Oshima...
Whale Watching Tour

Recommendation★Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour

This 3-hour tour can easily fit into your schedule.

Since we are dealing with nature, we cannot guarantee that we will see whales 100% of the time, but the guides will do their best to use their experience to find whales for us.

↓ Amami Oshimanorthern partHolding ↓↓

Amami northern area/January to March only☆/Half day】More than 95% encounter rate! Let's go see humpback whales! ＜Whale watching tour (No.17)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours8,800 yen

↓ Amami Oshimasouthern partHolding ↓↓

1 day] Plenty of time to see whales and increase the probability of encountering whales.
Enjoy the winter charm of Amami Oshima!

Recommendation★Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour

A one-day course is better than a half-day course, as you have a better chance of encountering whales and seeing their unusual movements!

Please take the time to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery of Amami Oshima, which you would not normally be able to see.

↓ Amami Oshimanorthern partHolding ↓↓

Whale watching tour (No.16)開始時間9:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours17,600 yen

↓ Amami Oshimasouthern partHolding ↓↓

A dreamy moment to swim with whales!
Whale Swim Tour with Diving

Recommendation★Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour

divingCIf you have a card, you can enter the water for snorkeling andYou can swim with the whales.Tours are also available. You may be able to see large, graceful whales!

You can hear the breathing sounds of whales and their cute cries, a rare experience.

↓ Click here for recommended whale-swimming tours ↓

Experience Whale Swimming on Amami Oshima! Discover the breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring underwater world that everyone—from beginners to advanced swimmers—can enjoy

[Amami Oshima / Winter Only / 1 Day] Whale Swimming & Watching ★ A Moving Encounter with Whales While Snorkeling 《C Card Required》 (No. 14)開始時間9:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours28,500 yen

Amami Oshima Whale Watching FAQ

Q. What is the difference between the two?When can I enjoy whale watching?

The tour isJanuary - MarchIt will be held on (depending on the plan, some events start on January 15).
Whales typically begin to appear around late December each year, though the timing varies from year to year.

Q. What are the chances of seeing whales in Amami?

Encounter Rate on the Plan Page90–951 TP3T or moreThere are many tours that do this (e.g.,No. 17(951 TP3T or higher).
Since we're dealing with nature, there may be times when you can't see it depending on the weather or sea conditions.

Q. What should I wear for whale watching?

The average temperature from January to March, when whale watching can be enjoyed, is around 15°C. It often feels chilly on the water, so be sure to wear a windproofwindbreakerand ... anddown jacketand so on should be worn.

You will need to take adequate protection against the cold. It is also best to choose shoes with flat soles and materials that do not allow water to pass through.

Q. What should I bring on a whale watching trip?

Required
Camera
Anti-sickness medicine (taken 30 minutes before boarding)
Towel
Drinks

[Claire] It's handy to have.
Binoculars
Raincoat, change of clothes (because of the possibility of getting wet from rain or splashing water)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses

Q. Does the whale watching tour include transportation?

Many tours require you to meet at the port. There are packages that include transportation from the Naze and Tatsugo Town areas (No. 199) are also available, so please check the individual plan pages for details.

Q. Are events ever canceled due to weather?

On some days, the winter sea can get rough due to north winds, and depending on sea conditions, the trip may be canceled. To ensure you can participate on another day if the trip is canceled, we recommend making a reservation for one of the earlier days of your stay.

Q. By when should I make a reservation?

Since this is a popular winter-only tour, it tends to fill up quickly from January through March, and reservations become harder to secure the closer you get to the date. It’s best to make your reservation about one month in advance to be on the safe side.

Q. Where can I see whales on Amami Oshima Island?

We offer tours in the northern and southern parts of Amami Oshima, as well as in Naze.We set sail from ports such as Usuki Fishing Port, Ashitoku Fishing Port, Koniya Port, and Kominato Fishing Port, choosing the best port based on the day’s sea conditions.

New experiences on Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour

Amami Oshima Island/Winter Cruise] Whale Watching Tour to see father and daughter whales, and be impressed by the singing whales!

Descendants of humpback whales / 40s Posted on 2026-03

We took the tour in mid-March. The captain was very focused on finding the whales, using a special machine to check their calls. Once we found the blows of the whales, we tracked them by boat and were able to see 5-6 whales. Moreover, the whales came close to the ship and came out right next to the ship, waving their tail fins and going back and forth under the ship many times. I was very happy. The captain even called it a "god experience. My 4-year-old son cried and wanted to go home, but my 7-year-old son stood at the bow of the boat and stared at the whales. It was an unforgettable memory for our family. After we arrived on land, we were happy to receive a video of the whales in the water taken by GoPro with Airdro! (It says "photo data" but it was video only. It is better to take a picture of each. I didn't get to take many pictures because my second son was too lazy, but I'll upload the ones my husband took). ) Also, since it is a smaller ship, it was very bumpy, so if you are even a little nervous, I recommend taking anti-sickness medicine! But unlike a cruise ship, we were able to feel the power of the whales up close because we were so close to the ocean. I would like to participate in the whale watch again next time. Thank you very much!

Whale watching tour (No.16)

User_wopf / 50s Posted on 2026-03

We first boarded a boat from the harbor and set off into the vast ocean. After a while, the guide spotted a whale and we were very impressed by its size and powerful blow. We had a delicious lunch and spent the whole day relaxing and enjoying the Amami Sea.

Amami Oshima Island/Winter Cruise] Whale Watching Tour to see father and daughter whales, and be impressed by the singing whales!

User_oskw / 30s Posted on 2026-03

The blue ocean was picture-perfect no matter where you took pictures, and the whale jumps were truly breathtaking! I was able to capture the moment of great power with my camera and got the best looking photos!

Amami Oshima Island/Winter Cruise] Whale Watching Tour to see father and daughter whales, and be impressed by the singing whales!

User_xxpv / 50s Posted on 2026-03

I joined the tour alone, but the staff was friendly and talked to me, and I was able to enjoy the tour without any worries. I was able to see a father and calf whale up close, and it was the best memory of my trip alone.

Amami Oshima Island/Winter Cruise] Whale Watching Tour to see father and daughter whales, and be impressed by the singing whales!

User_fdcz / 50s Posted on 2026-03

The graceful sight of father and calf whales simply washed over me. I was deeply soothed by the singing whales echoing in the sea...it was truly a dream come true.

Amami/Nase/January-March only] Experience Diving & Whale Watching☆Let's enjoy popular activities in a day♪《Pickup and drop-off available in Nase and Ryugo Town》（No.199）.

User_bdap / 20s Posted on 2026-03

The diving and the whales were really great! I will definitely use it again!