Can You See Whales on Miyako Island? A Comprehensive Guide to Whale Watching

Can you see whales on Miyako Island?

I’m sure there are many people who would like to see whales on Miyako Island.

To get straight to the point, on Miyako Island,Whale watching is not available.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

In this article, we’ll explain in detail the reasons why, the marine life you can encounter on Miyako Island, and the best areas for whale watching.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Miyako Island.

Whale watching on Miyako Island
Reasons Why It Can't Be Done

The waters around Miyako Island are,Whale Migration RoutesThe reality is that it is difficult to observe because it is out of range.

Click here for recommended tours in Miyako Island ▼

[Miyako Island / Approx. 2 hours] Same-day reservations accepted! Amazing sighting rate♪ Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour Beginners Welcome☆ (No. 934)開始時間8:30-10:00 / 10:30-12:00
13:30-15:00 / 15:30-17:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,900 yen →6,900yen

[Miyakojima / 1 Day] If you're not sure what to do, this is the one! SUP/Canoeing & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour at a Scenic Beach ★ Photo sessions and transportation arrangements available upon request (No. 909)開始時間6:00-12:00 / 9:30-15:30 / 13:30-19:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours15,800 yen →13,500yen

[Miyakojima / Half-Day] Same-Day Reservations Accepted! Explore the Mysterious "Pumpkin Cave"! Caving & Sea Kayaking Tour ★ Free Photos & Transportation Available Upon Request (No. 931)開始時間9:30-11:30 / 13:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 2 hours12,000 yen →9,800yen

Whale Migration Routes and the Location of Miyako Island

From winter through spring, humpback whales migrate north from the waters off the Philippines to the areas around Okinawa Island and Amami Oshima to breed.

Miyako Island is located slightly off this migration route.As a result, whales rarely stop by.

Another reason is that the water depth and ocean current conditions differ from those around the main island, making it difficult to create an environment that whales prefer.

Click here for recommended winter tours on Miyako Island ▼

[Miyakojima / 1 Day] No. 1 Best Seller! The Ultimate Miyakojima Adventure (SUP × Snorkeling × Caving × Canoeing) ★ Photo Service & Transportation Available (No. 911)開始時間8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 7 hours25,600 yen →19,800yen

[Miyako Island/Evening] Your Chance to See the Leonid Meteor Shower! A Natural Planetarium! Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour♪ Same-Day Reservations Accepted! Recommended for Families with Children and Group Trips (No. 916)開始時間20:00-21:30所要時間Approximately 1 hr. 30 min.5,900 yen →4,900yen

Miyako Island / Hirara Port / 4 hours] Convenient access near the city center! Half-day Fishing Tour for Beginners★Introduction to Izakaya Izakaya available (No.965)開始時間9:00-13:00 / 13:30-17:30所要時間Approx. 4 hours11,000 yen →10,000yen

Why There Are Few Whale Sightings Off the Coast of Miyako Island

In fact, reports of whale sightings in the waters off Miyako Island have beenVery few...and there are no regular tours.

For this reason, you’ll rarely find whale-watching tours departing from Miyako Island.

If you're serious about seeing whales, I recommend checking out a different area.

If you want to see whales
We recommend Okinawa Main Island and the Amami Islands

For those who want to get a good look at the whales,Okinawa Main Island and Amami Oshimatours are recommended.

Click here for whale-watching tours on Okinawa Main Island

Click here for whale-watching tours on Amami Oshima

On the main island of Okinawa (Onna Village and Kerama Islands)
Whale-Watching Tour

Onna Village on the main island of Okinawa and the area around the Kerama Islands are popular spots located along the migration route of humpback whales.

Every yearFrom late December through around AprilThe season runs through [date], and many tour companies operate boats during this time.

Another great thing about it is how easy it is to participate on a day trip from Naha or Onna Village.

Click here for whale-watching tours on Okinawa Main Island

Whale-Watching Tours on Amami Oshima

The waters around Amami Oshima are also known for the large number of humpback whales that visit there.

especiallyJanuary through MarchThis area is known for its high sighting rate, and one of its main attractions is the opportunity to observe whales at leisure in calm waters.

You might even get to see them spouting water and jumping from the boat—it’s sure to be a thrilling experience!

Click here for whale-watching tours on Amami Oshima

How to Get from Miyako Island to the Main Island and Amami

It takes about 45 minutes by plane from Miyako Island to Naha, and it’s common to travel to Amami Oshima via a connecting flight in Naha.

Since it's difficult to do this as a day trip, I recommend planning a trip that lasts about two days and one night.

If whale watching is the purpose of your trip,I've decided to take the plunge and plan a trip to the main island and AmamiWhy not give it a try?

Marine Life You Can Actually Encounter on Miyako Island

Although you can't see whales on Miyako Island,The sea has exceptional clarityThere are lots of fascinating creatures there.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Miyako Island.

sea turtle

The sea of Miyako Island isChance of Encountering Sea TurtlesIt is known for its high [...].

Seeing them swim gracefully through the crystal-clear “Miyako Blue” waters is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

If you join a snorkeling tour, even beginners have a good chance of seeing sea turtles.

Click here for our recommended sea turtle tours ▼

[Miyako Island / Approx. 2 hours] Same-day reservations accepted! Amazing sighting rate♪ Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour Beginners Welcome☆ (No. 934)開始時間8:30-10:00 / 10:30-12:00
13:30-15:00 / 15:30-17:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,900 yen →6,900yen

[Miyakojima / 1 Day] No. 1 Best Seller! The Ultimate Miyakojima Adventure (SUP × Snorkeling × Caving × Canoeing) ★ Photo Service & Transportation Available (No. 911)開始時間8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 7 hours25,600 yen →19,800yen

[Miyakojima / 1 Day] If you're not sure what to do, this is the one! SUP/Canoeing & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour at a Scenic Beach ★ Photo sessions and transportation arrangements available upon request (No. 909)開始時間6:00-12:00 / 9:30-15:30 / 13:30-19:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours15,800 yen →13,500yen

Click here for the ranking of sea turtle tours in Miyako Island

Tropical Fish and Coral Reef Creatures

The waters around Miyako Island are home to a variety of colorful tropical fish, and seeing them alongside the coral reefs is a highlight.

clownfish (Amphiprioninae spp., esp. the yellowtail butterflyfish, Chaetodon unimaculatus)You'll also come across many creatures that make for great photos.

Another great thing is that there are plenty of spots where you can have a great time even in shallow waters.

Click here for recommended tropical fish tours ▼

[Miyako Island / 3 Hours] Yaese Snorkeling Tour ☆ Swim among one of Japan’s largest coral reefs! 《Free underwater camera · Includes photo data》 (No. 968)開始時間: 8:00 / 9:00 / 11:30 / 12:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen

Miyakojima/Shimojijima/2.5 hours]Experience diving and snorkeling at a real natural aquarium☆Half-day Beach Diving & Snorkeling Course (No.865)開始時間8:50-11:30 / 13:20-16:00
Held from 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from November to March.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours16,500 yen

Miyakojima Island/Shimojijima Island/2.5 hours】Half-day Experience Slow Diving & Snorkeling Course One-on-one, so you feel safe and secure (No.864)開始時間8:50-11:30 / 13:20-16:00
Held from 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from November to March.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours16,500 yen

Dolphins You Might See If You're Lucky

Although not as frequently as whales, around Miyako Island,Dolphins are spottedThere are also times when

You might even come across them by chance during a boat tour, and if you're lucky, you might even get the chance to swim with wild dolphins.

Miyako Island's Scenic Beaches and Wildlife Viewing Spots
Top 3 Picks

Miyako Island hasA beach perfect for observing wildlifeare scattered throughout the area.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Miyako Island.

Yonaha Maehama Beach

The Best in the EastThis white-sand beach—also known as—features shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling.

If you're lucky, you might even see a sea turtle.

Tours held at Yonaha Maehama Beach—click here ▼

Miyakojima Island/30 min.] Easy photo plan within 30 min. at Maehama Beach! Same-day delivery for immediate sharing☆Early morning shooting OK〈Comes with +5-cut privilege by submitting a review〉（No.765)開始時間7:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 30 min.12,000 yen →7,200yen

Banana Boat & Big Marble Experience at Maehama Beach, the most beautiful beach in the East (No.801)開始時間Negotiable所要時間30 minutes to 1 hour7,500 yen

Miyako Island - Warning: Full! 3 kinds of marine sports experience☆Banana Boat, Big Marble, and Band Wagon（Cancellation free until 3 days before）(No.804)開始時間Determined by sea conditions and circumstances on the day of the event所要時間Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on the number of people)13,000 yen →11,000yen

Click here for popular activities at Yonaha Maehama Beach.

Sunayama Beach

A scenic beach marked by an arch-shaped rockand the sea is crystal clear.

It's also a popular spot for observing tropical fish.

Hora Izumi Beach

This is a unique beach where the pool and the ocean blend together, and the waves are calm, making it safe even for families with small children.

One of its appeals is that it's easy to spot fish even in shallow watersThat's right.

Things to Enjoy on Miyako Island Instead of Whales
Five recommended activities

Since we couldn't see any whales,Marine Activities Unique to Miyako IslandEnjoy the

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Miyako Island.

Snorkeling Tour

The Miyako Blue SeaClassic Activities You Can Enjoy CasuallyIt is.

There are frequent encounters with sea turtles and tropical fish, making it a popular choice among beginners.

Click here for recommended snorkeling tours on Miyako Island ▼

[Irabu Island / Approx. 2 hours] A Grand Adventure at the New Attraction “Sapphire Cave”☆ Snorkeling in the Sparkling Blue Cave & Cave Exploration Tour★ Free Photos & Transportation Arrangements Available (No. 832)開始時間9:30-11:30 / 13:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,900 yen →6,900yen

[Miyako Island / 3 Hours] Yaese Snorkeling Tour ☆ Swim among one of Japan’s largest coral reefs! 《Free underwater camera · Includes photo data》 (No. 968)開始時間: 8:00 / 9:00 / 11:30 / 12:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen

[Miyako Island/Irabu Island/1 Day] An Ultra-Rare Experience☆ Snorkeling at Sapphire Cave (”Blue Cave”), Pumpkin Limestone Cave Exploration, and Sea Kayaking Tour★ Free Photos & Transportation Included (No. 837)開始時間9:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours17,700 yen →15,000yen

The rankings for snorkeling tours on Miyako Island are
this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

Diving Tours

The area around Miyako Island isCave formations and drop-offsThere is an abundance of diverse diving spots, such as...

There are many tours that start with introductory dives, so they're great for beginners, too.

Click here for recommended diving tours in Miyako Island ▼

Miyakojima/Shimojijima/2.5 hours]Experience diving and snorkeling at a real natural aquarium☆Half-day Beach Diving & Snorkeling Course (No.865)開始時間8:50-11:30 / 13:20-16:00
Held from 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from November to March.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours16,500 yen

Miyako Island/2.5 hours] Over 10 years of experience as a guide! Beginners are welcome☆Beach Experience Diving Tour Recommended for those who get seasick... (No.843)開始時間9:30-12:00 / 13:00-15:30所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours12,000 yen

Miyakojima Island/Chartered/2 hours] Same-day reservation OK! Beginners are welcome to experience diving on the beach Cancellation free until 18:00 the day before (No.945)開始時間8:00-10:30 / 10:30-13:00 / 13:00-15:30所要時間Approx. 2 hours25,000 yen →21,000yen

Click here for Miyako Island Diving Tour Ranking

Parasailing Tour

Flying through the air with a parachute while being towed by a boat,Activities That Offer an Unbeatable Sense of ExhilarationIt is.

The view of the "Miyako Blue" sea from above can truly be described as nothing short of breathtaking.

Click here for recommended parasailing tours on Miyako Island ▼

Miyakojima Island/Sky Sports】Same-day reservation OK☆Parasailing Experience Tour Beginners are welcome! Let's enjoy the great view from the sky!開始時間8:45-10:15/ 10:15-11:45/ 11:45-13:15/ 13:15-14:45/ 14:45-16:15/ 16:05-17:35 (only from March to October)所要時間Approx. 1.5 hours12,100 yen

[Miyako Island / Approx. 1.5 hours] Spectacular 360° Parasailing Surrounded by the Ocean and Sky☆ Take in the breathtaking views of Miyako Island from 100 meters above ground 《Same-day reservations accepted · Open to participants ages 4 and up》 (No. 724)開始時間: 7:30 / 9:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:00 / 16:30 / 18:00所要時間Approx. 1.5 hours10,800 yen

The rankings for parasailing tours on Miyako Island are
this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

SUP

SUP, where you glide quietly across the Miyako Blue waters, is an activity that even beginners can easily try.

The view of the ocean from a standing positionIt's sure to look great in photos.

Click here for recommended SUP tours on Miyako Island ▼

[Half-Day / Same-Day Reservations Accepted] Make Your SUP Debut in the Beautiful Seas of Miyako Island! A Scenic Beach SUP Tour Where You Can Enjoy the Crystal-Clear Waters as If You Were Walking on Land 《Free Photos & Transportation Available Upon Request》 (No. 932)開始時間6:00-7:30 / 8:30-10:00
10:30-12:00 / 13:30-15:00
15:30-17:00 / 17:30-19:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours8,900 yen →7,900yen

[Miyakojima] Same-Day Reservations Accepted! A Stunning Sunset SUP Tour Guaranteed to Look Great on Social Media ★ Beginners Welcome 《Free Photo Downloads》 (No. 936)開始時間17:30-19:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours8,900 yen →7,900yen

[Miyakojima / 1 Day] If you're not sure what to do, this is the one! SUP/Canoeing & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour at a Scenic Beach ★ Photo sessions and transportation arrangements available upon request (No. 909)開始時間6:00-12:00 / 9:30-15:30 / 13:30-19:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours15,800 yen →13,500yen

Click here for the Miyako Island SUP Tour Rankings

sea kayak

As I paddled my kayak across the calm sea,Observing Aquatic CreaturesCan be done.

It's also great that even people who aren't confident in their physical fitness can give it a try without any pressure.

Click here for recommended sea kayaking tours on Miyako Island ▼

[Half-Day / Same-Day Reservations Accepted] World-Class Water Clarity! Stunning Sea Kayaking Tour in Miyako Island’s Beautiful Seas 《Free Photos & Transportation Arrangements Available》 Recommended for Families with Children and Groups (No. 933)開始時間6:00-7:30 / 8:30-10:00
10:30-12:00 / 13:30-15:00
15:30-17:00 / 17:30-19:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours8,900 yen →7,900yen

[Miyako Island] Same-day reservations accepted! Enjoy world-class ocean waters☆ SUP and kayak tours at scenic beaches★ Free photos & transportation arrangements available (No. 917)開始時間6:00-7:30 / 8:30-10:00
10:30-12:00 / 13:30-15:00
15:30-17:00 / 17:30-19:00所要時間2 hrs.8,900 yen →7,900yen

[Miyako Island] Focus on Efficiency! Enjoy Two Activities in Half a Day☆ Choose Between SUP or Canoeing & Snorkeling Tour (Free Photos & Transportation Arrangements Available) (No. 935)開始時間8:30-11:30 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours14,000 yen →12,000yen

Click here for the rankings of sea kayaking tours on Miyako Island

Whale Watching on Miyako Island
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

summary

You can't go whale watching on Miyako Island, but,Sea Turtles and Tropical FishYou'll encounter fascinating marine creatures and more.

If you're really serious about seeing whales, you might want to consider a trip to Okinawa Main Island or Amami Oshima.

Click here▼ to read the article in conjunction with this one.

30 Recommended Activities on Miyako Island! We Also Introduce Classic and Popular Water Sports30 Miyako Island Activity Experiences! Introducing activities that can be booked on the same day Miyakojima is a resort island that boasts one of the clearest seas in Japan, and the clarity of the ocean is among the highest in the world. In addition to diving and snorkeling, Miyako Island offers various [...].

30 recommended sightseeing spots in Miyako Island! Popular and spectacular views and recommended model courses carefully selected by local staff.30 Handpicked Must-See Attractions on Miyako Island! Miyako Island, an outlying island of Okinawa Prefecture, is a popular resort destination surrounded by beautiful oceans and nature, and it’s bustling with tourists year-round. In this article, we’ll introduce the must-see attractions you absolutely can’t miss when visiting Miyako Island […]

The Complete Guide to Traveling Solo on Miyako Island | Introducing a 2-Night, 3-Day Sample Itinerary, Costs, and Tours for Solo Travelers  The Complete Guide to Traveling Solo on Miyako Island: Model Itineraries, Costs, and Tips from Local Staff—The crystal-clear “Miyako Blue” ocean and the island’s laid-back pace. Miyako Island is a paradise perfectly suited for solo travel. That said, “How many days do I need to see everything?” “What about […]