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All Hokkaido > Programs > Whale, dolphin, orca, and bird watching- see the sea creatures of Rausu on an ocean cruise!
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Did you know that you can see many types of whales, dolphins, and seabirds in Rausu?
Orcas are very curious and will often come up to the boat on their own.
There is a high chance of seeing sperm whales in August and September.
The sight of tens of thousands of short-tailed shearwaters migrating from Tasmania is truly spectacular!
See the ocean on this comfortable cruiser
There is a high chance of seeing sperm whales in August and September.
The orcas come close to the boats
Pacific white-sided dolphin
A whale breaching the water
Wild sea birds
Let's hope to see an orca today!
A whale leaping from the water
Whale, dolphin, orca, and bird watching- see the sea creatures of Rausu on an ocean cruise!
- Location
Shiretoko Rausu
- Available Period
Late April~ Mid-October
- Duration
~2.5 hours
- Fee
- Note:
- Bookings are received as requests for your preferred date and time.
The guide will contact you to confirm whether your booking can be accommodated after reviewing the details. - Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if you are able to submit the booking form, the program may already be fully booked. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
Tour Highlights
- A cruise to search for the animals unique to the sea of Rausu
- You might see whales, killer whales, dolphins, and more up close!
- When you spot animals or seabirds, the staff will guide you too!
Whales and dolphins splashing up close, seabirds filling the ocean surface… this is the best part of nature watching in Rausu!
Did you know that you can see many kinds of dolphins and whales, as well as numerous seabirds, in Rausu? Join this 2-hour ocean cruise to see them!
Whales include sperm whales, beaked whales, and minke whales.
Dall’s porpoises are the main dolphins that migrate here. In early spring, you have a chance to encounter large schools of short-tailed shearwaters and killer whales! ! There is no place in Japan where you can encounter killer whales better than in Rausu.
In late summer you can see male sperm whales that are over 15 meters long, which is rare in Japan. The waters off the coast of Rausu are very deep near the shore, so it is also a place where you can encounter creatures close enough to be observed with the naked eye or binoculars from land.
Join this experienced crew to get close to the wildlife of Rausu! Plus, the Evergreen is not just a sightseeing boat! It also introduces the lives of the people who live in Rausu and gives an up-close look at the impressive pollock fishing boats. The captain, a former fisherman, will guide you dynamically through the majestic nature of Shiretoko and Rausu!
- Toddlers and infants are free of charge
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.
Reviews（18）
Overview
- Available Period
-
Late April~ Mid-October
- Duration
~2.5 hours
1) 9:00
2) 13:00Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time to receive your tickets and transfer to the boat terminal.
- Fee
Adults: 9,600yen
Children (ages 6-12): 4,800yen
- What's Included
- Cruise
- Insurance
- Payment
Prepayment by credit card
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.)
Reviews(18)
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I'm so touched!!!
Family I never thought I'd be able to see so many wild dolphins and whales! I was especially impressed by the number of whales we saw! I participated because I wanted to see them at least once in my life, but it was an experience that made me want to come back again and again! The guide was also very kind! I'll definitely go again! (This review has been machine translated) -
Although it was necessary to get soaked, we were able to see whales up close.
I went alone, but there were many other people there so it didn't bother me. During the 2.5 hour tour, I saw sperm whales three times and Dall's porpoises once. You can see them from inside the boat, but I wanted to get some good footage, so I took the lead and got soaked, but I was able to see the sperm whales up close, which became a great memory of my trip. I also liked that I could pay with LINE Pay. I was also glad that I was able to talk a lot with the staff. (This review has been machine translated)
- Location
Shiretoko Rausu
- Available Period
Late April~ Mid-October
- Duration
~2.5 hours
- Fee
- Note:
- Bookings are received as requests for your preferred date and time.
The guide will contact you to confirm whether your booking can be accommodated after reviewing the details. - Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if you are able to submit the booking form, the program may already be fully booked. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
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4.4 (18)
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Super lucky day
I participated in this trip alone, wanting to experience whale watching, which had been my dream. Although it was cloudy that day, the sea was calm and I could see the spouts clearly from afar. I was deeply moved to encounter so many different whales, including sperm whales, beaked whales, and a family of killer whales. The staff were very polite and the safety measures were thorough. I also liked the discount for Hokkaido residents. (This review has been machine translated) -
I'm so touched!!!
Family I never thought I'd be able to see so many wild dolphins and whales! I was especially impressed by the number of whales we saw! I participated because I wanted to see them at least once in my life, but it was an experience that made me want to come back again and again! The guide was also very kind! I'll definitely go again! (This review has been machine translated) -
Although it was necessary to get soaked, we were able to see whales up close.
I went alone, but there were many other people there so it didn't bother me. During the 2.5 hour tour, I saw sperm whales three times and Dall's porpoises once. You can see them from inside the boat, but I wanted to get some good footage, so I took the lead and got soaked, but I was able to see the sperm whales up close, which became a great memory of my trip. I also liked that I could pay with LINE Pay. I was also glad that I was able to talk a lot with the staff. (This review has been machine translated) -
Very satisfied!
We participated with the whole family! It was great to see Dall's porpoises and sperm whales! We had a lot of fun and the whole family was very satisfied! It would have been even better if we could have seen killer whales! Thank you to all the staff for being so kind! We had a great time and were safe! I would definitely like to go again if I have the opportunity! (This review has been machine translated) -
Moving Experience
Up until now, we had been unable to go on a cruise to Shiretoko and Abashiri four times in a row due to strong winds and bad weather, but we were finally able to go on one! None of us in the family had ever seen wild sea animals, and of course we saw dolphins, but at the end we also saw a sperm whale appear right in front of us, and we were so moved to see it dive. The staff on board were also very kind, and even though we were with our two and six year old children, they all seemed to enjoy their time. (This review has been machine translated) -
A long-awaited wish!
I participated with my family and elementary and junior high school children. I was able to see whale watching, Dall's porpoises, and sperm whales! I was thrilled by their tails as they dived. The guide explained the location and timing of the spouts, which was fun. Next time, I would like to go on a boat during the season when killer whales can be seen. (This review has been machine translated) -
I saw a lot of killer whales!!
I came here on a solo trip because I really wanted to see wild killer whales! There were many people who came alone with their cameras like me! I booked for two days and was able to see a group of killer whales and Dall's porpoises on the afternoon flight on the first day! The next day the waves were high and the flight was cancelled, but safety was taken into consideration very much and I was able to travel with peace of mind! There were many female staff members who kindly let me know when the killer whales appeared on the surface of the sea ♡ I would like to come again! (This review has been machine translated) -
Killer whales are the best!!
It was my first time seeing a killer whale alone. I would have liked to see a group of them. (This review has been machine translated) -
Shiretoko Nature Cruise
My mother and I went on the cruise on June 23rd. We had made two reservations, but the high waves made it impossible... On the third trip, we finally got to see the killer whales, and it was so moving! The guide explained about the killer whales and Dall's porpoises in an easy-to-understand way, and it was so much fun! (This review has been machine translated) -
Shiretoko Nature Cruise
I participated with my husband. In the past, we had heard that if we participated in July we could see whales and dolphins, and that if we went a month earlier we would have a higher chance of seeing killer whales, so we decided to participate. We were blessed with good weather and were able to see the leaping dolphins. Unfortunately, the killer whales were in Kunashiri, so we couldn't see them with the naked eye. We were able to see the Shiretoko mountains and other sights from the boat, which was a fun time. (This review has been machine translated) -
Shiretoko Nature Cruise
Last time, the trip was cancelled due to high waves. Hoping for revenge, I tried again with my friends. Yes! I saw a killer whale for the first time! But next time, I want to see its face. (This review has been machine translated) -
I couldn't watch it!
I had booked a ride on the 1pm boat on May 24th, but was informed that the trip had been cancelled due to high waves. The weather was clear and the waves were calm, but the trip was cancelled. It had only been a month since the tourist boat sinking from the Utoro side, so I think it was a more careful decision than ever before, and it can't be helped. Since I'd come all the way to Shiretoko, I tried to get revenge by booking again for the 9am boat on the following day, the 25th. Although we departed at the scheduled time, unfortunately I was unable to see my intended killer whale. I had heard that there was a 99% chance of seeing one, but it seems that it was down to the remaining 1%. I suppose that this is inevitable, as we are dealing with nature. But it's still a shame... I hope that this information will be helpful, to show that "things like this do happen." (This review has been machine translated) -
An amazing cruise where you can encounter killer whales and whales!
What we hoped to see in Rausu was the "King of the Sea - the Killer Whale"! The boat couldn't go out all day the day before due to bad weather, and unfortunately it was raining in the morning, so we were nervous, but we set sail safely!! Before we knew it, we were able to encounter a group of killer whales, and enjoyed a close-up look at their impressive presence. We also encountered a huge fin whale, which seemed to be visiting Shiretoko for the first time in two years! Captain Hasegawa Yuki and the staff's stories were also amazing. The food at "Hirose" that we were introduced to for lunch was also delicious! (^_^)! (This review has been machine translated) -
I didn't see any killer whales though...!
We had heard that killer whales are only available in July, so we went on the cruise in August. We didn't see any killer whales, but we did see a lot of Dall's porpoises and rare black-footed albatrosses. We could see Kunashiri Island, and the cruise was long enough that my 7-year-old son was so comfortable he fell asleep. We went on the cruise as a family of four, and all four of us said, "We didn't see any killer whales, but it was fun! We want to come again!" (This review has been machine translated) -
cruise
I went with my family and the weather was great. However, they never showed up and we couldn't see anything. We got a half-price ticket on the way back, but it didn't feel like much because it's so easy to get there. But it wasn't so bad considering we were cruising on a nice day. From what I've heard, it's not often that you can see them up close like in the guide magazines, so I think this was good in its own way. (This review has been machine translated) -
August Whales
We went as a family of three. Since you find the whales by listening to their spouts, it depends on the weather, but this time the weather was clear and it was perfect for whale watching. We were able to get close to the whales early on and enjoy their company. Their tails when they dived into the sea at the end looked just like the photo in the title, and the staff's commentary was fun, so everyone was very satisfied. However, the weather forecast in Rausu is unreliable, so to be honest, it's just a matter of taking what happens on the day. (This review has been machine translated) -
Sperm whale
We chased the sperm whales, and the captain said, "We'll dive soon." Then we saw a big whale's tail. It was my first experience and I was really moved. Thank you for helping us search for whales for longer than scheduled and for the fun time we had. (This review has been machine translated) -
Sperm whale
On the morning flight on October 20th, we encountered a sperm whale. Thank you to Captain Hasegawa, Haru-san, and all the crew. The next day, my companion said, "That Hoang-Hoang bird from yesterday had a unique name," and since Haru-san was taking photos, we had misheard and thought he was a Laysan albatross (lol). (This review has been machine translated)
Super lucky day