Nature Watching Cruise off the Coast of Monbetsu | Dolphin, Whale, and Seabird Spotting Aboard the Garinko <Dates: May 3 (Sun), June 21 (Sun), July 19 (Sun), August 11 (Tue), September 20 (Sun) / Departs at 9:00 AM, 3 hours>
Nature Watching Cruise off the Coast of Monbetsu Hop aboard the Garinko and go in search of dolphins, whales, and seabirds! Set sail on the Garinko III IMERU into the Sea of Okhotsk off the coast of Monbetsu. This approximately 3-hour nature watching cruise takes you out to search for marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seabirds. Since these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed. However, the charm of this cruise lies in the experience itself—spending time together scanning the ocean through binoculars, wondering, “What’s that?” or “Was that a bird? Or a dolphin?” Every trip out on the ocean is different. Some days you’ll simply gaze peacefully at the calm sea, while on others seabirds may fly nearby, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales. Perfect for creating memories with your spouse, family, or friends. It’s also highly recommended for those who enjoy photography, birdwatching, and experiencing nature. We offer a limited number of free binocular rentals, so even first-timers can join in with ease. Animals You Might See Off the coast of Monbetsu, there have been past sightings of the following marine life: ・Dolphins: Risso’s dolphins, porpoises, etc. ・Whales: Minke whales, etc. *Since these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed. *The animals you may see vary depending on the weather, sea conditions, and time of year on the day of your trip. ______________________________________ The Appeal of This Cruise 1. Sail Out to the Okhotsk Sea Off the Coast of Monbetsu Aboard the Garinko III IMERU Set sail for the waters off Monbetsu aboard the Garinko III IMERU while enjoying ocean views you can’t see from land. The blue sea, the vast sky, and seabirds soaring overhead. Just being on board lets you experience a break from your daily routine. 2. The Excitement of Not Knowing What You’ll Encounter This cruise isn’t a typical sightseeing tour with predetermined exhibits. It’s a nature-watching cruise where everyone searches for marine life together while observing the sea on that particular day. “Will we see anything?” “What’s that over there?” The time spent exchanging such conversations is a unique pleasure of nature watching. 3. A 3-Hour Cruise for a Relaxed Experience The cruise lasts about 3 hours. It’s not too short and not too long—a cruise where you can thoroughly enjoy the ocean views and nature observation. Perfect for a leisurely outing for couples. Ideal for a nature experience with children. Also recommended for those who love photography and birdwatching. 4. Free Binoculars Available for Rent We offer free rental of binoculars, limited to 28 pairs. They’re handy for spotting seabirds or scanning the distant ocean surface. *Since quantities are limited, we recommend bringing your own binoculars if you need them. ________________________________________ Recommended for: ・Those interested in marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seabirds ・Those who enjoy birdwatching or photography ・Couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a slightly special outing ・Those who want to enjoy the Okhotsk Sea in a different way aboard the Garinko ・Those who want to experience the excitement of nature observation—where “the thrill lies in not knowing if you’ll see anything” ________________________________________ What to Bring & What to Wear It may feel colder out on the water than on land. Please bring warm clothing and a light jacket or sweater appropriate for the day’s temperature. Items You May Want to Bring ・Warm clothing, hats, gloves, etc. ・Drinks ・Camera ・Binoculars ・Motion sickness medication *There are no vending machines on board, so please bring your own drinks as needed. *If you’re concerned, please bring motion sickness medication. ________________________________________ Important Information ・Since these are wild animals, there is no guarantee that you will see dolphins, whales, seabirds, etc. ・No refunds will be issued even if whales or dolphins are not sighted. ・The tour may be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met or due to inclement weather. ・In the event of a cancellation, we will post a notice in the “Information” section of our website. ・Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. Please arrive with plenty of time to spare. ・Children are not permitted to board unaccompanied. A guardian must also make a reservation and board with them. ・Since the boat may need to maneuver when whales or dolphins are spotted, please consult with us in advance if you are a wheelchair user. ________________________________________ What you’ll encounter out at sea is a surprise to be enjoyed on the day of your trip. Why not hop aboard the Garinko and join us in exploring the natural wonders off the coast of Monbetsu? Please select your preferred date and make a reservation.
Adult (Age 13~)
JPY 5,000
Primary School Children
JPY 2,500
Infant
JPY 0
Days of Week
Sun,Tue
Duration
3h
Highlights
POINT
1
[An “Exploration” Experience on the Ocean] It’s not just about watching. This nature cruise lets you explore while keeping an eye out for dolphins and seabirds with binoculars in hand.
POINT
2
[It’s Fun Because You’re Dealing with Nature] “What will I encounter today?” It’s precisely because you’re dealing with nature that there’s that sense of wonder in the moment of discovery.
POINT
3
[Recommended for Photography and Nature Enthusiasts] Also recommended for those who own telephoto lenses or binoculars. You can enjoy observing and photographing dolphins and seabirds.
POINT
4
[A Special 3 Hours Off the Coast of Monbetsu] Why not set sail onto the vast Sea of Okhotsk and experience “marine nature observation” unlike anything you’d encounter in your daily life?
Outline
8:00 - 8:30
Ticket Counter for Boarding at Ocean Communication Hall (Garinko Station)
Boarding check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. As it may be crowded at the time of check-in, please arrive with ample time. On the day of your cruise, please go to the ticket counter and provide the name used for your reservation to receive your ticket.
9:00
Departure
Will we see them today or not? With excitement in our hearts, we set sail.
Conserving energy
About an hour after departure, the chances of encountering whales or dolphins increase. Until then, please enjoy birdwatching or relax inside the ship.
Exploration
If you spot a whale or dolphin, please inform a crew member.
12:00
Return
Checkin Times / Locations
8:00
Ocean Communication Hall (Garinko Station)
Postal Code 094-0031 1 Kaiyo Koen, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido
Checkout Times / Locations
Ocean Communication Hall (Garinko Station)
Postal Code 094-0031 1 Kaiyo Koen, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido
Plan Information
- Requirements
- Perseverance, grit, resilience, curiosity, and a spirit of exploration.
- Restrictions
- This is a 3-hour cruise. Please ensure that you are in good physical condition and health. If you are feeling unwell on the day of the cruise, please consult with us.
- Since sightings of whales and dolphins may require moving around, please consult with us in advance if you plan to board the boat in a wheelchair.
- What to Bring
- There are no vending machines on board, so please bring your own drinks if needed.
- Since it is colder at sea than on land, please dress appropriately for the day’s temperature. We recommend wearing a neck warmer, hat, and gloves. Please note that the ship is warm and comfortable.
- If you’re concerned, please bring your own motion sickness medication. Motion sickness medication is also available for purchase at the ticket counter.
- Additional Info
- The cruise may be canceled under the following circumstances. Please note and understand in advance.
- (1) If the minimum number of participants (40) is not met
- In the event of bad weather, the cruise may be canceled even at the last minute.
- In case of cancellation, we will not contact individuals. Instead, please check our website’s information section for updates.
- In the event that the minimum number of participants is not met or the cruise is canceled due to bad weather or other reasons, a refund will be provided.
- Boarding check-in is available from 1 hour before departure and closes 30 minutes prior to departure. Please arrive with plenty of time to spare.
- No refunds will be issued even if you do not see any whales or dolphins.
Cancellation Policies
- After confirmation 0%








