- Discover Amami’s Ocean:
Swimming with Sperm Whales - Kagoshima(Amami Islands) , Japan
- Make the Most of Amami’s Ocean and Seek Encounters with Sperm Whales!
- Price
- JPY 390,000
- Duration
- 6nights 7days
- Date
- 20th June, 2026
Tour Concept
Registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Amami Ōshima is home to a unique and thriving ecosystem. We will dedicate five full days to set out on a chartered boat to explore the waters of Amami to searching for Sperm whales. When conditions are favorable, we will have an opportunity to snorkel and observe these magnificent creatures up close. This tour is recommended for active travelers seeking the extraordinary experience of swimming with whales.
We stay overnight in southern part of Amami Oshima, a tranquil area far from the island’s busy center. Across the strait lies Kakeroma Island, adding to the sense of remoteness and exclusivity. Here, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere unique to outlying islands, where untouched nature and peaceful moments make your journey truly unforgettable.
Highlights
Make the Most of Amami’s Ocean and
Seek Encounters with Sperm Whales!
Using a chartered boat, we set out with a small group of up to eight participants to explore the waters of Amami in search of sperm whales. Each day’s voyage lasts about seven to eight hours. Because the tour is limited to a small number of guests, once whales are spotted everyone can enter the water at the same time, without the need to wait their turn. The program is designed to maximize the chances of experiencing the rare opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures.
Since Sperm Whales inhabit the open ocean, there may be days when sea conditions prevent us from reaching their habitat. On such occasions, we enjoy diving or snorkeling in bays and inlets where the boat can operate safely—an equally valuable chance to discover another side of Amami’s marine world. If even bay operations are not possible, we will flexibly adjust the itinerary, for example by guiding you on an excursion to nearby Kakeroma Island, ensuring that each day offers a rewarding experience.
**Since whale swims take place in the open ocean, participation is limited to certified divers. Please bring your diving license.
Itinerary
01
Amami airport / Setouchi town
We will meet at Amami Oshima airport at 14:00. We will head to Setouchi, southern part of Amami Oshima by shared vehicle. We will stay six consecutive nights at Setouchi town located in the southern part of Amami Oshima island. Each evening, we will dine at local Japanese pub (izakaya) or restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes featuring fresh local seafood.
02 - 06
Amami Oshima Island
Dedicated to exploring and enjoying the seas of Amami on a private boat for five-full days.
We will head offshore on a private boat in search of Sperm whales. When the ocean allows, there is an opportunity to enter the water and swim with Sperm whales. The cruise trip lasts up to 7–8 hours, though depending on sea conditions, we may return to port earlier.
Activities during these five days are subject to sea conditions. If offshore cruising is not possible but operations within calm bays or inlets are feasible, we will guide you to diving or snorkeling in accessible areas. Should diving or snorkeling also be difficult, guided sightseeing on the island will be offered instead.
07
Amami Oshima island
We will head to Amami airport by shared vehicle and the tour concludes at airport around 10:00am.
Price
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
From June 20th to June 26th , 2026 |
JPY 390,000 |
| Single room supplement | JPY 8,000 |
**Tour price listed is per person, based on sharing twin rooms. A single room supplement is required for a solo traveler.
**This tour requires a minimum number of five participants (maximum 8 participants). Please do Not purchase your flights until you receive confirmation that the minimum number of tour participants has been reached.
**This tour is conducted as a shared experience for both Japanese and international visitors.
Payment:
We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.Form of payment :
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)Inclusions:
6nights accommodation
Shared transfer between Amami Oshima airport and hotel.
Five-day Private Tour in Amami Oshima
English speaking tour leader throughout the tour.
5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Exclusive of:
International & domestic AirfaresMeals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry bills, luggage delivery service, daily drinking water etc
Rental gear fee such as snorkeling and diving equipment
Dietary Restriction
Please inform us at the time of booking. Kindly understand that some restaurants may not be able to fulfill all requests.Note
**Since swimming with whales take place in the open ocean, participation is limited to certified divers. Please bring your diving license.
**If ocean conditions are favorable, we plan to head offshore in search of sperm whales for five full days by private boat. However, depending on the sea conditions, it may not be possible to reach the areas where sperm whales are found. If the boat can operate within bays or inlets, we will guide you to diving or snorkeling in accessible areas.
Additional fees for tanks and diving gear will be charged during diving. Details will be explained on-site in advance according to the plan. Should diving or snorkeling also be difficult, we may instead offer guided sightseeing on the island. Please note that in such cases, no refunds of the travel fee will be provided. In addition, if you participate in diving, rental equipment and related items will incur additional charges.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
