Sea-Tac's ECO Tour

Our boat, "Dancing Whale", is about 42 feet long and custom built for cetacean encounters. We have been operating for over 10 years, and maintain a consistent policy of taking a small group of passengers out for close encounters with our marine friends.

We have seen at least 18 different species of cetaceans over the past ten years.

Our goal is not only to take you to swim with dolphins and watch whales, but also to help you understand more about them and their environment.

Our experienced and helpful guides who have been observing them for years are more than happy to explain what you see and also answer your questions.

Since our encounters are with wild animals, we are not able to guarantee cooperation from the animals or the weather. However, our success rate for encountering dolphins and whales for past years is consistently more than 90%.

Our boat will take you out to blue ocean looking for dolphins.

When we find a party of dolphins, we carefully get closer and see what they are up to. When they're in a social mood, we quietly enter the water, and this is when the fun starts. They are some of most friendly marine mammals you'll ever come across.

They will come, check you out and play with you! No two encounters are ever the same.

The crew will also get into the water with you to keep an eye on the dolphins and you.

Humpback whale watching tours are available between January and April. The whales are very large and exhibit many interesting behaviors. They stick their heads out of water to see what's going on, slap their tails, pec fins and so on. You will also be able to see the 30-ton whales jumping out of water if you are lucky.

The whales come to Ogasawara to mate, breed and nurse newborn calves. They are also famous for singing. Mature males sing songs, which are believed to be "love songs" for mating. On our whale watching cruises, you will be able to listen to whale songs through our hydrophones.

Between September and October, we go out a bit further in search of sperm whales. These large toothed whales hang out to feed in deep water from 10 to 20 kilometers offshore. On the way to the sites, we occasionally see other species such as pygmy killer whales, false killer whales, pan-tropical spotted dolphins and more.

During our full day tours, our captain will also take you to shallow water for snorkeling among rich corals and fish life. On days when Ogasawara Maru departs, we also run half-day morning tours.

What to bring
Lunch
Beverages (hot drinks provided on board for lunch and tea-breaks)
Sunblock
Camera/ film
Sunglasses
Hat

If you wish to swim
Swimsuit
Mask, snorkel and fins (please let us know in advance if you need to rent equipment)
Towel

For winter season
Warm jacket

While other guests take a break on board, you can also try scuba diving

Our Introductory Diving experience is even easier than snorkeling, so anyone can do it, even without a diving certification. Our skilled instructors will gently dive down with you and show around. All equipment is provided.

If it's your first time in the open ocean, we can also take you to a secured, quiet beach upon your arrival for snorkeling lesson. All you need is a swimming suit and towel. We can provide everything else.

We start with learning how to use the snorkel gear before entering the water, then swim around in shallow water and take a safely rest on the surface. You feel comfortable while seeing beautiful fish and coral. When you are confident in swimming an instructor take you to a deeper water. We practice snorkeling and skin-diving there.

This tour is also enjoyable for those of you who has snorkeled before. After the tour, you may be able to go deeper and stay longer under the water. We will also show you how to swim with dolphins better.

Snorkeling lesson is available in the afternoon of days Ogasawaramaru arrives in Chichijima.