Whale Swim Procedures and Rules

Research worldwide has shown that whale swim tours can have some impact on whale ecosystems.

Our tours are conducted with the goal of minimizing the impact on whales while ensuring participant safety.

We have various rules in place to protect the whales and ensure the safety of our participants.

Please follow these rules carefully.

Anyone who fails to follow the rules will not be allowed to enter the water.

 

[Rules]

 

 Do not chase the whales.

 Free diving is prohibited.

 Observation of mother and calf whales is limited to three entries and must be completed within one hour.

 Cutting in front of other participants is prohibited.

 Do not extend cameras (GoPro) in front of you.(Shorty is no problem)

This tour called a *whale swim tour*,but we will not actually swimming. 

when in the water,just float on the surface and enjoy watching the whales. 

 

[How to swim]

Whales that do not change their behavior even when boats or people are nearby.

Most whales we encounter cannot be swim with.

We only swim with whales that are either completely still or swimming slowly in a fixed direction.

 

[Steps Before Entry]

When a whale is spotted, the staff will determine whether entry into the water is possible.

Once it’s decided that entry is allowed, participants should prepare immediately.

Gather at the back of the boat with all your gear ready.

The timing of the entry depends on the movement of the whales, so if you’re slow to prepare, you’ll be left behind.

The entry method is the sitting entry.

Jumping into the water is prohibited because it can startle the whales and cause them to flee.

Enter the water quietly.

When the guide gives the signal, enter calmly.

Face the direction of the whales and simply float on the surface without swimming.

Occasionally lift your head out of the water to check the guide’s position.

If you’re lucky, you might see the whales.

Even if the whales are far away, do not swim toward them.

If the whales don’t feel threatened, with each subsequent entry, you’ll likely be able to see them closer.

However, if they become alarmed, they will flee, and you won’t be able to see them.

Rarely, whales may charge at people.

If you’re floating and it looks like a collision with a whale is imminent, swim away to avoid it.

Colliding with a whale can cause serious injury.

Once the observation is over, the boat will come to pick up the participants.

Gather on the surface with the guide.

As the boat approaches, grab onto the rope along the side of the boat.

Pull yourself along the rope to reach the steps.

Quickly climb aboard the boat, keeping your fins on.

Be careful not to pinch your fingers in the steps as you climb.

If you have any questions, ask the guide.

Let’s enjoy the tour safely!

 

 

 

[Basic Tour Information]

 

“Regarding Departure Decisions Based on Sea Conditions”

The decision on whether to depart is generally made after checking the sea condition forecast released the evening before the tour.

If, two to three days before the tour, the probability of cancellation due to bad weather is high, we will contact you to inform you.

Since the sea is often rough during this season, in many cases, it is difficult to make a decision until just before the tour.

In the case of obvious rough seas, we will notify you early.

However, if there is any possibility of departing, we will wait until the forecast the evening before to make the final decision.

 

“For Guests Requesting Hotel Pickup”

We will inform you of the pickup time by 6 p.m. the day before the tour. If you have a LINE or WhatsApp account, please let us know in advance.

Without a quick means of communication, there is a risk that the pickup may not go smoothly and could be treated as a cancellation.
Please make sure to be on time for the pickup.

If you are more than 5 minutes late, it will be considered a cancellation, so please be careful.

 

“For Guests Meeting Directly at the Boat”

We will inform you of the meeting time for the next day by 6 p.m. the day before the tour. 

If you have a LINE or WhatsApp account, please let us know in advance.
Meeting location address: Naha North Marina (Address: 1-3-5, Inanse, Urasoe City, 901-2128)
Once you enter the marina, turn left and come all the way to the end.

Please be aware that arriving more than 10 minutes late from the meeting time will be considered a cancellation.

 

“Items to Bring for the Tour”

• Certification card (either scuba diving or freediving certification is required.)
• Lunch (There will be no opportunity to shop during the transfer, so please purchase in advance.)
• Drinks
• Change of clothes
• Passport
• If you have: equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)(Long fins are prohibited.must not exceed 60cm in length.)

“Provided Items”

• Towel
• Rental equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)(If you don’t have equipment,please let us know in advance)