Rausu Whale & Eagle Watching Cruise
羅臼 ホエールウォッチング・流氷クルーズ
The Nemuro Strait has deep waters and abundant fish. In summer, boats head out to see orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins. In winter, you can get close to white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles on drifting sea ice.
Rausu faces the Nemuro Strait, where the water depth increases rapidly and food is plentiful, making it one of Japan's best places for whale watching. From late April to October, you can see dolphins and minke whales from a boat. From May to July, orca pods are common, and from July to September, sperm whales can be seen. From February to early March, during the drift ice season, boats sail through the floating ice to get close to Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles perched on the ice. It is a paradise for photographers. The trip takes about 2–2.5 hours. You must book in advance with a local boat company, and trips are canceled in bad weather. The pier is at Rausu Port, and Kunashir Island can be seen across the strait.
Opening hours
Approx. late Apr–Oct and Feb–Mar (depends on operator)
Nearby sights
- Rausu Kunashiri Observatory
- Kuma no Yu Hot Spring
- Mount Rausu
- Shiretoko Pass
- Lake Rausu
- Iwaobetsu Onsen
- Kamuiwakka Hot Falls
- Shiretoko Five Lakes