©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Dolphin Watching Reservation Center (Amakusa City, Kumamoto)

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Dolphin Watching Reservation Center (Amakusa City, Kumamoto)

Magical dolphin encounters in the Amakusa glittering seas.

3.41 7

Last update :
Supervised by :  Dolphin Watching Reservation Center

A dolphin-watching tour set in the waters of Amakusa Itsuwa, home to around 150 wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Boat launches from the port in just about 15 minutes to reach the open sea where dolphins can be find gliding by. The playful, wild dolphins often leap beside the boat or swim alongside in a truly warm and unforgettable sight that shines a light on our ties between humans and nature. See the miraculous glittery blue seas of Amakusa as a true dolphin paradise.

Between dolphin encounters, there’s endless coastal scenery just waiting to catch your ey from the boat. The area is iconically beautiful, partly designated as part of Unzen-Amakusa National Park, with panoramic views of the Shimabara Peninsula and the surrounding seascape.

Tours depart at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., each lasting about 60 minutes.
Note: Sailings may be canceled in bad weather, and schedules can vary by season. Please check by phone or visit the official website before your visit.

Highlights

  • An activity where you can observe Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in the waters of Amakusa Itsuwa.
  • A heartwarming and moving experience as you encounter dolphins swimming gracefully offshore.
  • Another highlight is the opportunity to enjoy the scenic coastal views from the boat.

Photos

  • Wild dolphins leaping right beside the boat

    Wild dolphins leaping right beside the boat

  • Powerful sight of dolphins swimming in groups

    Powerful sight of dolphins swimming in groups

  • Safety ensured with required life jacket use

    Safety ensured with required life jacket use

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Can I board without a reservation?
A

Yes, you can.

Q

Do tours operate in the rain?
A

Yes, tours operate even in rainy weather. However, please bring your own raincoat.

Reviews

7

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
    See More

    On this trip to Amakusa in Kumamoto, the main event I was looking forward to most was heading out to sea for a beautiful encounter with wild dolphins. The Amakusa area is a very famous dolphin-watching destination in Japan. We were lucky to have great weather that day, with calm seas as we headed out on the sightseeing boat.

    After the boat arrived at a spot where dolphins often appear, the crew thoughtfully turned off the engine so everyone could wait in peace and quiet. Before long, a large group of lively dolphins really did surround the boat, jumping and playing. Seeing them so close was incredibly exciting, and I managed to capture several precious photos. This up-close experience with nature was both moving and unforgettable. It is definitely a soothing activity you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting Amakusa.

  • 謝美芳
    See More

    Amakusa Dolphin Center (天草イルカセンター)
    Under a blue sky and over a clear blue sea, we set sail with a mix of excitement and nervousness, riding the wind and waves in search of adorable dolphins swimming freely.
    Full of anticipation, we eagerly looked around. Before long, enthusiastic cheers rang out—pods of dolphins had already appeared before our eyes! Their streamlined bodies surfaced, revealing lively, graceful dorsal fins amid splashing water.
    The healthy marine environment and thriving ecosystem have created this breathtaking scenery, allowing wild dolphins to live freely here. This dolphin-watching trip in Amakusa not only let us enjoy the beauty of nature but also left us with countless surprises and deeply moving moments. It was undoubtedly one of the most treasured pages of our trip to Amakusa!
    〜“Join Meisheng, Enjoy Life”〜

  • KEIKO
    See More

    The activity I was looking forward to most was dolphin watching, and after experiencing it, I really thought it was worth it! Not long after heading out by boat, we saw several groups of dolphins. They would occasionally leap out of the water and swim alongside the boat, much closer than I expected. Seeing them in person was incredibly exciting—the impact is something photos and videos just can't capture. The captain was also very experienced and would slow down so everyone could take their time watching. The boat didn't keep chasing the dolphins, which made me feel that they really respected the dolphins' natural habitat.

  • Wen
    See More

    There’s a realistic dolphin statue by the entrance with the day’s date on it, so you can take a one-of-a-kind souvenir photo.
    We were lucky to have great weather. The waves were calm, and the boat ride out was very smooth. The clear seawater sparkled like crystal in the sunlight. There are 200 to 300 wild bottlenose dolphins living here, and the captain expertly guided us to them, so there was hardly any worry about missing out.
    Seeing so many dolphins swimming and jumping up close with my own eyes was incredibly exciting and moving! Watching their graceful movements underwater and hearing the vivid, real sound of their blows made it more than just a chance to see cute animals. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our planet and the importance of cherishing it.

  • 安安
    See More

    The spots arranged by Ming Sheng Kyushu Tours were really unique, not the kind of places regular tourists usually visit. There was a very high chance of seeing dolphins, and watching them swim alongside the boat was so exciting that even the adults felt like kids again.

See more reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
イルカウォッチング受付予約センター
Postal Code
863-2331
Address
(along National Route 324) 2463 Hikizaka, Itsuwamachioniike, Amakusa City, Kumamoto
Telephone
0969-32-1771
Closed
Irregular holidays
※Operation may be suspended due to bad weather.
Hours
Cruise Times: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Fee (including cooperation charge): Adults 3,000yen / Elementary school students 2,000yen / Children 1,000yen
Access
About a 2-minute walk from Matsubara bus stop (Kyushu Sanko Bus)
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa