[About Our Whale Swim Tour]

At our team, one of the most important things we value when conducting whale swim tours is that we do not adopt the mindset of “We must show the whales to everyone, no matter what!”

Of course, we aim to provide a “memorable experience” to all our customers, and we are fully committed to making that happen.

However, what exactly is the “memorable experience” that you are seeking?
Seeing whales swimming underwater is certainly a moving experience.

But witnessing whales being chased by boats, surrounded by vessels, and pursued by humans—only to flee in distress—is that truly the kind of experience that moves you?
We are not focused on achieving a 100% success rate for whale swims.

Instead, our goal is to “observe the natural behavior of whales.”

With this in mind, we are committed to offering genuine, heartfelt experiences in the coming season as well.

We believe that minimizing unnecessary stress on whales, limiting the number of entries, and reducing the number of participants is key to a sustainable whale swim tour.

Ultimately, we trust that this approach will also lead to a higher success rate for swims.

Therefore… If you are someone who insists on seeing whales at any cost, demands to see multiple whales with several entries, or is seeking that perfect shot, then unfortunately, our tour may not be the best fit for you, and we kindly suggest considering other operators.

Some frequently asked questions we receive include

 How many whales will we see?
 Which month is the best for whale sightings?
 What is the success rate?

While we understand your concerns, as they are certainly important, our answer as guides remains the same: “We don’t know. It depends entirely on the whales we encounter on the day.”

Humpback whales usually come here from December to April.

Our tours run only during the prime season,when the chances of encounters are highest.

There are always good opportunities,but this is a nature tour,nothing can be guaranteed.

For those who think, “It would be wonderful to quietly observe whales if we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to do so in their natural environment.”

For those who believe, “It would be great if we could observe whales in a way that doesn’t negatively impact their natural behavior.

” For those who feel, “If I could observe the natural behavior of whales and have a genuinely moving experience, that would make me happy.”
If this resonates with you, then we believe our tours are a good fit, and you will likely have a fulfilling experience with us.

Our style involves carefully observing the whales before any swim attempt, ensuring that we enter the water at the optimal moment.

Even when swimming is possible, we will stop the swim before the whales show signs of discomfort.

We are especially cautious with mother and calf pairs, considering that the mother whale’s strength is often depleted after giving birth and that sufficient nursing time is essential for the calf.
As such, we exercise extra caution in deciding whether to enter the water, and if we do, we limit the number of swims to a maximum of three.

We also limit the number of participants to a maximum of 8 people.

In some cases, we may divide participants into smaller groups for entry.

Our captains, guides, and crew take pride in their skills in approaching whales, showcasing them, reading their behavior, and coordinating with each other and with other boats.

Of course, we are always striving to improve our skills.

There may be days when we don’t see whales, but based on our experience and track record, we are confident that we can provide successful whale-watching opportunities when possible.

We will continue to challenge ourselves whenever there is a chance to see whales, so please make sure you are fully prepared for the rough seas of winter.

For other basic information, guidelines, and policies about our tours, please refer to the Whale Swim page.

Please ensure that you read all the details before making a reservation.

Whale Swim Tour Pre-Notice

For our whale swim tour, we have established unique guidelines to minimize stress on the whales and ensure safety management.

Please review the following information before participating.

Swim Procedures and Precautions:
When entering the water, we may limit the number of participants to minimize stress on the whales and ensure safety.

The entry order will be determined by the guide based on the customer’s skill level and sea conditions, so please follow their instructions for preparation.

Observation is limited to snorkeling from the surface, and free diving is prohibited.

Trying to swim quickly to get closer to the whales causes stress and may cause them to flee.

Therefore, swimming is generally prohibited except during entry and exit.

If excessive stress is caused to the whales even once, it may prevent further swim attempts, so please be cautious.

We may also strongly remind you not to swim during the tour, and we appreciate your understanding.

If a participant cannot follow the swim rules, we may decide to refrain from allowing them to enter the water to avoid inconvenience to other customers.

In the event that you are unable to swim or see the whales, no refunds or discounts will be provided.

We will make every effort to provide a good experience.

However, please understand that this is a whale-centered tour.

We will not force entry or approach whales in a way that causes excessive stress to them.

Whale observation underwater is only possible when all conditions align, and we aim to minimize stress on the whales while enjoying the tour, rather than seeing the whales as our primary mission.

During the tour, our staff will always be on the lookout for whales.

While waiting on the boat until the whales are found, your personal physical condition and safety management are your
responsibility.

Calm days are rare during the season, and most tours take place with waves and wind.

If you lack confidence in your swimming ability, stamina, or suffer from seasickness, please take the necessary precautions or undergo training.

If necessary, please inform us of any concerns at the time of booking.

If we determine that your snorkeling skills do not meet the minimum safety standards based on the sea conditions or entry situation, we may deny entry.

Notice of Risk and Consent

In addition to the usual risks of snorkeling, whale swims carry the possibility of injury or damage caused by unexpected whale movements, as well as the risks associated with drift-style entry and exit.

I understand the risks of injury or damage associated with whale swims, and I participate with full awareness of these risks.

I also agree not to hold Diver’s Guide Guma and its staff liable for any injuries or damages that may occur for any reason.

By signing up for this tour, I agree that I have read and understood the above content.

If the participant is a minor, a legal guardian must also read this content and sign the designated form.

Reservation Instructions