Swimming with Whales in Okinawa, Japan (+ 3 other ways to see them!)
There are four ways you can experience humpback whales in Okinawa, Japan during their seasonal migration: you can observe them from shore, go on a whale watching tour, swim with whales, and listen to their songs while scuba diving. I’ll break these down for you and tell you about my experience. I’ll also discuss the ethics of whale watching from a larger perspective so that you can become more informed travelers.
If you feel called, please join me in donating to The Marine Conservation Institute: https://marine-conservation.org/
Our other Okinawa Videos:
– 4 Day Okinawa Itinerary: https://youtu.be/9s7LScEDLOA
– WWII Sites and how to visit: https://youtu.be/9x6WBMbnews
– Thrift / Vintage Shopping Guide: https://youtu.be/IddV9gMerL0
– 1 Day in Yomitan Itinerary: https://youtu.be/yfpNQlk6kMc
– 5 Snorkeling Spots: https://youtu.be/wZB3m8EkbWQ
– 4 Days Ishigaki Island Itinerary: https://youtu.be/EXUv4K3Iz7I
– 4 Days in Miyakojima: https://youtu.be/niF8Y2cvTdM
– Okinawa Most Sacred Sites: https://youtu.be/ICa2H6OXSrY
Affiliate Links:
– Hotels in Nanjo: https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=900050392&aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Where we’d stay in American Village: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hilton-okinawa-chatan-resort.en.html?aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Ryukyu Springs Onsen Hotel near the airport: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/ryukyu-onsen-senagajima.en.html?aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Hotels in Southern Okinawa: https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=900050392&aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Hotels in Naha: https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=-237896&aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Nice hotel in Naha near the Main Street: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hoterukorekuteibu-na-ba-shi.en.html?aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Where we’ve stayed in Naha (it was cheap and close to everything): https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hoterurantanana-ba-guo-ji-tong-ri.en.html?aid=2163227&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
– Get 30 Days Free of Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/vfdgx7/
– Our Patreon Page: https://patreon.com/WillandAlexTravel?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
Resources:
– The Marine Conservation Institute: https://marine-conservation.org/
– Cerulean Blue Whale Tours: https://www.cerulean-blue.co.jp/en/whalewatching/48175
– Zamami Village Whale Watching Association https://zwwa.okinawa/english/
– Research paper on the impact of whale watching and swim with whale tourism in Okinawa: https://archive.iwc.int/pages/download.php?ref=20070&ext=pdf&alternative=6341&noattach=true&k=
– Ethical whale watching guidelines (Canada): https://princeofwhales.com/ethical-whale-watching-in-canada/
– Humpback Whale Migration Information: http://www.keramaislands.asia/nature/whales/range-and-migration-humpbacks