The waters around the Kerama Islands — designated Japan's 31st national park in 2014 — serve as a major breeding and calving ground for North Pacific humpback whales from January through March. Licensed whale-watching boats depart from Zamami Island's port and routinely encounter whales breaching, fin-slapping, and displaying with calves. The Kerama's exceptional water clarity (known as 'Kerama Blue') and the relative proximity of whales to port make sightings highly reliable. The islands are also renowned for coral reefs and sea turtles, making a multi-day stay highly rewarding.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Nature
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- January–March
- Region
- Okinawa
- Prefecture
- Okinawa
- City
- Zamami (Kerama Islands)
Highlights
- ◆Humpback whale breeding ground in Kerama National Park
- ◆High-frequency breaching, spy-hopping, and calf sightings
- ◆Kerama Blue — among the world's most transparent waters
- ◆Licensed operators with experienced marine naturalist guides
- ◆Combine with world-class snorkelling and sea-turtle encounters