Can I enjoy whale watching in December on Amami Oshima Island? Sighting Rates and the Season Explained
Table of Contents
- 1 Whale watching in Amami in December Tips to enjoy
- 2 Whale encounter rate and the best season to see whales in Amami-Oshima
- 3 Whale watching tours on Amami Oshima Island Guide
- 4 Basic Guide to Whale Swimming in Amami
- 5 A guide to what to wear and what not to lose in Amami in December
- 6 Amami Oshima Whale Watching Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 7 summary
Whale watching in Amami in December
Tips for having fun
Amami Oshima Island in December is a little warmer than Honshu,humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)This is the season when the
It is still early in the season, but there is a good chance of meeting people if you choose the right time of day and the right tour.
especiallythis morningis a time when the seas are calm and blow is easy to find.
You can enjoy the unique Amami Sea in December and the excitement of searching for whales.
◆To know the difference between sighting rate and best season
◆To compare whale watching tours in Amami
◆Those who want to know about advance preparations such as what to wear, what to bring, and what to be careful of.
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Whale encounter rate and the best season to see whales in Amami-Oshima
Humpback whales appear around Amami Oshima Island,Usually from January to AprilAround.
In early years, they begin to be seen from December and stay near the island for a while to breed and raise their young, so the encounter rate during the season is relatively high, making it one of the most popular whale-watching spots in Japan.
The peak is from January to March, with December being the early "is it coming soon" period.
Although it varies from year to year, sightings begin to increase after the middle of the year.
Click here for whale watching tours held on Amami Oshima Island
When to see whales in Amami in December
Although whales are scarce in the first half of December on Amami Oshima Island, the number of migrating whales increases from the middle of the month, and the encounter rate begins to rise.
Especially in the morning when the sea is calm, it is easy to find blow,morning flightis popular.
Sighting points change from year to year, though,Around Setouchi TownThe species has been observed in many offshore areas of Amami-Oshima Island, including the waters of
Tour companies adjust their routes based on the latest sighting information, so even beginners can participate with confidence.
When is the best time to see them? Whale Season
The best season to see whales in Amami is from January to March.
The whales stay around Amami for a long time for breeding and raising their young, so the encounter rate with whales is high day after day.
The sight of father and calf whales swimming slowly andbreachingThe most powerful behavior, such as tail slapping, can be seen in this area.
The attraction of visiting in December is that it is less crowded and you can enjoy the serenity of being at sea.
Since there are not too many boats as there are during the peak season, it is a rather pleasant time for those who want to calmly view the ocean.
Easy to understand the period when whales can be seen in Amami
The rough flow of the whale-watching period on Amami Oshima is as follows.
◆January to March: "peak season" when encounter rates are extremely high.
◆April: Population begins to decline and the season comes to an end.
If you are planning to travel during December, it is important to check the latest information from tour operators.
Knowing the most recent sightings will allow you to adjust your expectations appropriately and help you choose the time of day for the flight you are attending.
Whale watching tours on Amami Oshima Island
guide
Amami Oshima Island offers a variety of tours that can be enjoyed by beginners as well as serious enthusiasts.
Tours leaving from Nase Port are easy to access, and tours in Setouchi Town are often close to the point, making it a smooth ride to look for whales.
Some days in December still have room for reservations, but since the number of tourists increases toward the end of the year, it is best to check the schedule early.
↓Check out Amami Oshima Whale Watching Tour
Recommended tour points to choose from in Amami
When choosing a whale-watching tour, the following points will help you avoid mistakes.
◆The amount of knowledge of the guides and the clarity of their explanations
◆Boat size and comfort
◆re-embarkation systemPresence or absence of
In December, the population is not yet stable, especially inWhat to do if not seenIt is a good idea to check the "I feel secure.
Check out other activities besides whale watching on Amami Oshima!
Check out the most popular whale experiences by word of mouth.
Word of mouth is a very useful source of information in selecting tours.
For example...
◆"The boat was very comfortable with little rocking."
◆"I was able to enjoy myself with my children."
suchRealistic ImpressionsIt is easy to visualize the specific atmosphere of the tour from the
In particular, many Amami tours are operated by local guides, who are highly regarded for their thorough knowledge of the local sea.
Easy explanation of why tours with pick-up and drop-off are convenient
Because Amami Oshima has a large sightseeing area, there is a distance to the port depending on where you stay.
In such cases, we are thankful forPick-up and Drop-off ToursThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
It is easy to participate without a car, and especially during the year-end and New Year holidays, when cabs are hard to find, a shuttle service is a big advantage.
Basic Guide to Whale Swimming in Amami
A whale swim is a special experience in which you enter the ocean to observe whales.
It is also practiced in Amami, but safety control is more important than regular whale watching and is conducted under strict rules.
In order to balance consideration for nature and the safety of participants, we have developed a detailedguidelineis set.
↓ Take a peek at the attractions and fun of whale swimming↓.
Summary of Whale Swim timing and rules for participation
The main time of year for whale swims is from January to March, when whale populations are stable.
Some tour companies do not hold tours in December because the population is still low.
Participation requirements include the ability to swim, experience using a mask and fins, and the ability to follow the guide's instructions.
Contact with whales is prohibited,maintain a distanceThe rules stipulate that
Safety points to know before swimming with whales
Humpback whales are gentle but huge, more than 10 meters long.
It is important to maintain an appropriate distance while observing the whale's movements, as getting too close can lead to a contact accident.
In addition, the winter sea takes away more body heat than one might imagine.
Wetsuits are required, and if you don't like the coldhooded vestand boat coats should be added.
A guide to what to wear and what not to lose in Amami in December
Although it is warm during the daytime in Amami in December, when you go out to sea, the temperature drops dramatically due to the wind.
Since whale-watching involves spending a lot of time on the boat, it is comfortable to wear clothing that is one layer warmer than on land.
Comfortable clothing based on December temperature and water temperature
In December, the temperature in Amami is generally around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is about 22 to 23 degrees Celsius.
However, due to the wind, the temperature at sea is higher than on land.Quite low.You can feel it.
Therefore, we recommend the following tips for what to wear in Amami in December.
◆warm innerwear
◆Pants that are easy to move in
◆Slip resistant sneakers
If you are worried about seasickness, take an anti-sickness medicine beforehand.
A list of things to bring, even if it's your first time
Here is a list of useful items to bring on a whale watching trip.
◆Towel
◆sunscreen
◆anti-drunkenness
◆Binoculars
◆Cameras
◆Drinks
◆Waterproof bag
Waterproof bags are especially useful since the environment is prone to getting luggage wet.
Remember to take sun protection as the sun can be very strong.
Amami Oshima Whale Watching
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Although it varies from year to year, encounter rates tend to increase after mid-December, and there are more chances to see them on tours. The best way to get the latest information on sightings is to check the latest sighting reports.
For those who get easily intoxicated, it is recommended to take anti-sickness medicine before boarding, sit in a well-ventilated area on board, and look at the horizon in the distance. The morning flight is recommended as the seas are relatively calm.
For safety reasons, swimming ability, experience using a snorkel, and the ability to follow the guide's instructions are required. It is important to have an attitude of not forcing yourself to get too close, and those who are not comfortable with their physical condition are safer on a watching tour.
summary
December is the season to enjoy the beginning of whale watching on Amami Oshima.
Although not as frequently encountered as the peak,Less congestionIt is a great way to enjoy the quiet sea.
If you are prepared for tours and clothing, you will be much closer to a whale encounter unique to December.
When planning your trip, be sure to check the latest sightings to fully enjoy Amami in winter.
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