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The Complete Guide to Whale Swimming on Amami Oshima | Seasons, Prices, What to Bring, and Safety Tips for Beginners

[Amami Oshima / Winter Only] Experience Even the Whales' Breathing☆ Whale Swim (Whale Watching & Snorkeling) 1-Day Tour★ Participation Requirements Apply

 

For Those Considering a Whale Swim
⚠️Winter onlyBecause it's a popular tour, reservations are usually made one month in advance,Sold-out shows are becoming the normPlease make your reservation as soon as possible before you end up saying, “I couldn’t get a reservation…😭”!

What is Whale Swim?

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Whale swims are a rare experience of direct underwater contact with whales. You can see humpback whales in front of you in the beautiful waters of Amami Oshima.

Whales are so large and move so gracefully that you may wonder if you can handle them for the first time. You may think so,Guides are available to assist you.Please be assured that we will do our best to help you.

The experience of swimming with them in the sea of Amami Oshima isUnforgettable memoriesThis is sure to be the case.

Whale Swim is recommended for
◆ those who are interested in whales
◆If you are interested in whale swim
On Amami Oshima IslandWant to create special memories with family and friends?
On Amami Oshima IslandLooking for a tour that even beginners can enjoy?

 

Seasons and Characteristics of Whale Swimming in Amami Oshima

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Amami OshimaWhale Swim Seasonis from mid-December to early May.

During this season, humpback whales come to the Amami Sea to give birth and raise their young. EspeciallyPeaks from January to MarchThis increases the chances of encountering many whales in the

Wetsuits are worn for this experience because of the low water temperature in Amami during the winter.

Whale Swimming Seasons and Characteristics
◆Season from mid-December to early May
◆The season when humpback whales give birth and raise their young
Beginners can join if the sea conditions are calm
◆January to March is the best time to encounter whales.
◆Cold water temperatures require appropriate wetsuits

 

Whale Swim Preparation and What to Bring

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Before participating in a whale swim, you must be well prepared.

If you're not prepared...Painful experiences in the fieldto do so.

Let's check together what to prepare!

 

Goods to protect against cold

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

In winter, the sea is cooler and the air colder.

You will wear a wetsuit, which may be fine during the whale swim, but afterwards, when you are wet and exposed to the wind, you will feel very cold.

windproof clothingand prepare a warmer and a hot drink!

 

anti-travel sickness (medicine)

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

The winter sea is often harsher than you might imagine.

The swell of the waves can be intense and the time to find the whale point on the boarding ship can be long.

Because even those who are confident that they will not get drunk often do,If you have any concerns at allIt is recommended that you prepare for sickness sickness medication as it is essential.

 

Whale Swim Notes and Rules

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Whale Swim has aSome rulesThere are

Be careful not to startle the whales and do not chase them.

In addition, certain requirements must be met, and beginners should practice with an experienced person beforehand. You must be prepared to enjoy yourself safely.

Whale Swim Notes and Rules
◆ Act in a way that does not startle the whales.
◆ diving and snorkeling experience required
◆Long fins are not allowed
◆No bare diving or chasing.
◆Advance reservations required due to limited number of participants
◆ Understand that tours may be cancelled depending on sea conditions

 

Amami Oshima Whale Swim Conditions of Participation

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Whale swims on Amami Oshima are a wonderful natural experience, but there are some requirements to participate.

It is important to check these requirements in advance, as age, health, and swimming skills will be taken into consideration to ensure safe enjoyment.

 

Participating age and health status

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

When participating in the Whale Swim,Generally age limitare available. Many tours require participants to be elementary school age or older.

In addition, regarding health conditions, the applicant may be required to be free of heart disease and respiratory problems.

It is important to check your physical condition in advance and consult with the tour company.

 

Follow the guide's instructions.

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

During the tour,It is essential to follow the guide's instructions.It is.

It is important to listen carefully to and understand the instructions on how to make contact with whales and safety measures.

By following your guide's instructions, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable whale swim.

 

Preparation for registration

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Reservations are required to sign up. During the popular seasonCapacity fills quickly.Therefore, be sure to make reservations early.

It is also a good idea to check your belongings and gather information about precautions to take in the ocean beforehand before participating.

 

Points to increase the chances of encountering whales

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

The rate of whale swim encounters depends on a variety of factors.

It is important to have accurate information on whales, as their migration patterns, weather, and ocean conditions can affect them.

Planning in advance with an experienced guide can increase your success rate.

 

Choose an experienced guide

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Experienced guides know the biology of whales and can select the best spots.

With their knowledge, you can expect to encounter more of them.

 

consider the time

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

The months of January through March are particularly good times to encounter whales in large numbers.

Planning your tour to coincide with this period will increase your chances of seeing more whales.

 

Beginners can also feel at ease!
Attraction of Amami Oshima Whale Swim

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Whale Swim offers tours for those with no prior experience.

To be accompanied by a guide and to provide guidance in consideration of safety aspects,Even beginners can enjoy it!The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Also,Necessary instruments and equipment are also provided.This allows you to minimize your own preparation.

Through encounters with whales, a wonderful experience awaits you.

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Also, the main attraction of whale swims is the direct contact with the whales.

Their huge bodies, beautiful movements, and presence in the water are,A special experience that cannot be had on landIt is.

You will be able to see whales floating on the surface of the water up close and personal, and fully enjoy the moment of excitement.

 

Whale swim tours recommended on Amami Oshima Island

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Here are some whale swim activities you can experience on Amami Oshima Island.

Check out the features of each activity to find the perfect experience for you!

 

Beginners can also feel at ease!
Whale snorkeling tour

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

Half-day and full-day coursesWhale snorkeling tours with a choice of coursesIt is.

Experienced guides will accompany you and carefully teach you the basics of snorkeling, so there is no need to worry even if you are a complete beginner.

Please enjoy the precious experience of coming in contact with whales swimming gracefully in the beautiful ocean.

 

Reviews and Experiences of Whale Swimming on Amami Oshima

Hawaii Whale

Here are authentic reviews and firsthand accounts from guests who have actually swum with whales on Amami Oshima. They’re full of helpful insights for future participants, including any concerns they had before the trip and what the day was actually like.

Plan Overview
◆Price: Adults (junior high school students and older) 28,500 yen / Observation only 16,400 yen
◆Event Dates: January–March (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., approximately 6 hours)
◆Venue: Oshima Strait or the open ocean (Amami Oshima)
★★★★★ 5.0Month of posting: 2026/02
User_zixi. / 50s
I was so impressed by this tour last year that I came back to Amami again this year. After all, the experience of being in the same ocean as the whales is special no matter how many times you do it. Thank you again for your wonderful support.
★★★★★ 5.0Month of posting: 2026/02
User_kzwu. / 30s
It was like a dream come true to be able to swim with the whales! The photos and videos we took from the water were all very powerful and left us with great memories. Even though I was a snorkeling beginner, I was well supported and was able to take a lot of great pictures!
★★★★★ 5.0Month of posting: 2026/01
User_rdqr. / 30s
The winter-only Amami Whale Swim is one of the best things I've ever done! We started looking around for the point by boat in the morning, and the moment when we got closer to the whales with the excellent maneuvering of the staff was amazing! The sound of the whales crying underwater was also mysterious. The sound of the whale's cry underwater was also mysterious!
★★★★★ 5.0Month of posting: 2026/01
User_dqrt. / 50s
I was nervous when I was on the boat looking for the whales, but when they appeared right in front of me, I was so moved that I was shaking. I was shaken with excitement when they appeared in front of me. The whale parents and their children were so graceful, and I will treasure them forever!
★★★★★ 5.0Month of posting: 2025/12
User_ijna. / 20s
It had always been my dream to swim with whales. The moment I entered the cold ocean, a huge tail fin swam right past me… I’ll never forget the ripples in the water and that overwhelming sense of presence. Since the guide prioritized safety above all else, I was able to let myself go and relax, even while I was completely absorbed in the experience. It was a miraculous moment, like a miracle, in the quiet ocean.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Whale Swim

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

There are many questions about whale swims, especially for beginners, such as "How likely is it that I will see a whale?" and "How difficult is the experience?" and "How difficult is the experience?

Please check it out because the more you know in advance before participating, the better your whale swim experience will be.

Q. How often can I swim with whales?
From mid-January to mid-March, 60-80% of the whales seen will be able to swim.
Q. How many people can participate at one time?
The association's rule is up to 8 people. Any more than that will be entered in two teams.
Q. Can anyone participate if they have a C-card?
C-card holders are the standard for participation, but please do not join if you are not confident.
Q. I know it is cold at this time of year, but do you swim in a dry suit?
Please wear a wetsuit.
Q. Are there any refunds if I can't swim in the Whale Swim?
Please note that there will be no refunds in case you do not see the show.

 

summary

Introducing the recommended season, what to bring, and beginner OK tours for whale swims to enjoy on Amami Oshima Island!

A whale swim on Amami Oshima is a rare opportunity to experience something special.

Prepare in advance, understand the rules, and enjoy the dreamy moment of swimming with whales while feeling the wonderful natural environment.

Where your adventure begins, a whale swim on Amami Oshima Island is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

A.Kitano

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