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in Hokkaido, Japan
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In winter, the sea of Shiretoko is completely covered with drift ice.
Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles are indispensable in winter in Shiretoko. You have a high probability of seeing them (approximately 90%).
The drift ice brings not only birds but also many other creatures, including seals who may make an appearance.
Among all places named Shiretoko, Rausu is the only place where fishing boats go out in the middle of winter!! You can see not only drift ice and eagles, but also fishing scenes.
The sea of Shiretoko is a precious place where animals and birds gather from all over the world to spend the winter.
Let's go see this animal paradise on the comfortable cruiser "Evergreen".
The captain, a former fisherman, will also introduce the lives of the people who live in Rausu, including a close-up look at the impressive pollock fishing boats.
Please enjoy a truly experiential tour of Shiretoko, not just a sightseeing boat.
See the wildlife of Shiretoko
Enjoy the beauty of Shiretoko
Drift Ice and Bird Watching in Shiretoko
- Location
Shiretoko Rausu
- Available Period
Late-January ~ Early March
- Duration
1~2.5 hours
- Fee
Tour Highlights
- Drift ice cruise unique to the seas of Shiretoko and Rausu
- Two 2.5 hour cruises available in the morning!
- One-hour course starting in the afternoon
- Experience the great outdoors without having to go far out to sea!
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Sunrise Cruise: This course is 2.5 hours long, and the departure time changes depending on the season. The departure time will be determined the day before.
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Early Morning Cruise: This course is 2.5 hours long and departs at 8:30
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Afternoon Cruise: This course is 1 hour long and departs at 13:00
Meeting Location
Shiretoko Nature Cruise Office
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time. After receiving your ticket, board the ship at Rausu Port.
Meeting Address
〒086-1833 Hokkaido, Menashi District, Rausu, Honcho, 27−1
Access to Meeting Location
[Access by car]
- ~1 hour 30 minutes from Nemuro Nakashiri Airport
- ~3 hours from Memanbetsu Airport
- ~3 hours 30 minutes from Kushiro Airport
Please note that the Shiretoko Crossing Road (National Route 334) that connects Rausu and Utoro is closed during the winter.
What to Bring & Wear
- Cold weather gear
- Snow wear tops and bottoms, light down jacket, or similar wear
- Cold weather gloves are a must.
- Waterproof trekking shoes, boots, or snow boots with thick socks.
- Knit hat
Overview
- Available Period
-
Late-January ~ Early March
- Duration
AM Cruises: 2.5 hours
PM Cruise: 1 hour
- Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time to receive your tickets and transfer to the boat terminal.
- Fee
[AM Cruises]
- Adult(13+ years): 9,800yen
- Child: 4,900yen
- Photographer: 13,050yen
[PM Cruise]
- Adult(13+ years): 5,450yen
- Child: 2,750yen
- What's Included
- Cruise
- Insurance
- Payment
Prepayment by credit card
- English Level
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1= can't speak English at all / 5= native speaker
Notes
- Unlike larger ships, cruisers are susceptible to the effects of waves and will sway. Please be careful when moving around the ship.
- Please note that you are responsible for any damage to your belongings such as cameras caused by wave spray, damage caused by the swaying of the ship, or loss in the sea.
- The course may be changed or canceled depending on the weather and sea conditions.
- Encounters with wildlife are not 100% guaranteed.
- Departure times and duration may vary slightly depending on sea conditions.
- Please note that you may be asked to board an affiliated ship operated by another company. (Tour content/price will not change.)
Cancellation / Changes
Cancellation is free, but please contact us in advance if you need to cancel your reservation.
- Location
Shiretoko Rausu
- Available Period
Late-January ~ Early March
- Duration
1~2.5 hours
- Fee
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5 (1)
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The long-awaited white-tailed and steller's sea eagles
On February 3rd, I experienced the drift ice & bird watching - casual 1-hour course by myself. This time, I wasn't able to take pictures of Steller's sea eagles with the drift ice in the background, but the scene of them catching the fish I threw was amazing. I was so engrossed that I kept clicking the shutter. It was a really fun time. I think if the bait fish was a little bigger, I could have taken even more impressive photos. The captain's talk was also interesting and fun. Thank you very much. I want to go again. (This review has been machine translated into English)
The long-awaited white-tailed and steller's sea eagles