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Shiretoko Rausu Whale & Bird Watching Cruise w/ Animal Commentary by the Captain

Name: Shiretoko Rausu Whale & Bird Watching Cruise w/ Animal Commentary by the Captain
Brand: VELTRA
Price: 8800 USD
Availability: SoldOut
Rating: 4.5 (13 reviews)

4.50· 13 reviews

Highlights

Discover a new side of Shiretoko
Get up close with sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, and shearwaters!
Guided by two experienced captains who know the sea of Shiretoko Rausu inside out!

What to expect

Shiretoko Nature Cruise
■Unforgettable Adventure with Sea Experts
Embark on a natural exploration journey beyond sightseeing. Discover the unique charm of the Shiretoko Peninsula from the Rausu side, with views of Kunashir Island and insights into local fishing and life.

■ Experienced Crew
Guided by a seasoned captain and a fully licensed team, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

☆☆ Captain Introduction ☆☆
Masato Hasegawa

● Role/Experience
Captain of the EverGreen
● Biography
Born in 1961 in Rausu into a family of fishermen spanning three generations.
After graduating from high school in Kushiro, he followed in his family's footsteps and entered the fishing industry.
At 24, he became the captain of the "Choei Maru," managing fishing operations in Rausu.
He fished for walleye pollock in Rausu during winter and squid off the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture from spring to autumn.
In 2002, he left the family fishing business, which had continued for four generations, to pursue a career in Shiretoko tourism.

What's included

Experience fee
Life jacket (mandatory during navigation; children's sizes available)
Cruise fee

About this experience

Starting at: 09:00, 13:00
Group size: Maximum travelers: 20

■Duration: About 2.5 hours

Schedule

Gather at the Shiretoko Nature Cruise Office
Receprion
Complete boarding procedures at the Shiretoko Nature Cruise Office. Please finish the procedures at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure.
Move to the Evergreen Boarding Area at Rausu Port, Set Sail
It's about a 5-minute walk from the ticket office to the Evergreen boarding area at Rausu Fishing Port.
Lecture
After departure, staff will provide a briefing on safety and how to spot wildlife.
Cruising Tour Begins
Join the staff in searching for whales and birds during the cruise. When animals are spotted, announcements will be made via microphone and onboard speakers. Staff will also provide information on the animals' behavior and characteristics.
Watch sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, and shearwaters up close!
Witness sperm whales, dolphins, orcas, and shearwaters against the Shiretoko mountains and Kunashir Island. Experience a unique wildlife cruise in Rausu!
End of Cruising Tour

Location and Directions

Check-in
Shiretoko Nature Cruises
27-1, Honcho, Rausu-cho Menashi-gun, Hokkaido
【By Bus】
Nearest stops:
- Akan Bus "Rausu Honcho"
- Shari Bus terminal "Rausu Office"
*For the latest information, please check the Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association website.

【By Car】
- About 1.5 hours from Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport
- About 3 hours from Memanbetsu Airport
- About 3.5 hours from Kushiro Airport
The Shiretoko Nature Cruise ticket office is located behind the roadside station "Shiretoko Rausu" along Route 335. You can also access it by descending the stairs next to the roadside station.

*Note: The Shiretoko Crossing Road (Route 334) connecting Rausu Town and Utoro in Shari Town is closed during winter. The closure typically lasts from November to the end of April, but even after reopening, there may be time restrictions until the end of May. If coming from Utoro, please check road conditions in advance.
Parking information
The office parking space or the spacious parking area near the boarding location will be available after completing the boarding procedures.
Check-out
Rausu Fishing Port - Tour boat boarding area
1-7 Fujimi-cho, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido

Operated by

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation until your booking is confirmed.

Reviews

4.50

13 reviews

Guest photos 13

It's understandable since it's a wild animal, but I'm disappointed that I couldn't see the sperm whale.

Posted Date: 2021/08/13

CHUCK

I was worried about the impact of the typhoon, but despite some waves, the boat set sail safely. Before long, the Risso's dolphin showed up. However, they didn't swim alongside the boat or jump out of the water (apparently, they are not the type of dolphins that perform such flashy displays); they only briefly showed their upper bodies while swimming through the water. It was quite difficult to take photos due to the boat rocking and their fast swimming. After a while, the Risso's dolphins disap… I was worried about the impact of the typhoon, but despite some waves, the boat set sail safely. Before long, the Risso's dolphin showed up. However, they didn't swim alongside the boat or jump out of the water (apparently, they are not the type of dolphins that perform such flashy displays); they only briefly showed their upper bodies while swimming through the water. It was quite difficult to take photos due to the boat rocking and their fast swimming. After a while, the Risso's dolphins disappeared, and I occasionally felt the size and proximity of Kunashir Island, which appeared hazy in the distance, while standing in the boat with no seat until we returned to port. I'm really disappointed that I couldn't see the sperm whale I was hoping for. 台風の影響が心配でしたが、波はややあるものの船は無事出航。間もなくイシイルカが姿を見せてくれました。といっても船と一緒に泳いでくれるとか、水面からジャンプするということはなく（そんな派手なパフォーマンスをするイルカではないそうです）、海水を切って泳ぐ際、上半身を一瞬見せるだけです。船が揺れるのと、泳ぎが速いので写真を撮るのも至難の業です。しばらくするとイシイルカの姿もなくなり、霞がかかって見える国後島の大きさと近さを時折感じながら、座る席もなく帰港まで船内に立ち尽すのみでした。期待していたマッコ… 台風の影響が心配でしたが、波はややあるものの船は無事出航。間もなくイシイルカが姿を見せてくれました。といっても船と一緒に泳いでくれるとか、水面からジャンプするということはなく（そんな派手なパフォーマンスをするイルカではないそうです）、海水を切って泳ぐ際、上半身を一瞬見せるだけです。船が揺れるのと、泳ぎが速いので写真を撮るのも至難の業です。しばらくするとイシイルカの姿もなくなり、霞がかかって見える国後島の大きさと近さを時折感じながら、座る席もなく帰港まで船内に立ち尽すのみでした。期待していたマッコウクジラが見れなくて本当に残念です。

Machine translated from Japanese

I could see the whale from a distance, but...

Posted Date: 2023/08/24

yrk

I traveled from Abashiri, but on the Rausu side, it was foggy and rainy, and even though it was summer, it was very cold on the boat. It was quite difficult to encounter whales. I could see splashes in the distance. I would have been happy if I could have seen them a bit closer. For a beginner photographer, capturing whales and dolphins was challenging. The crew members were very polite!網走から向かいましたが、羅臼側は霧と雨で夏なのに、船上ではとっても寒かったです。
なかなかクジラに出逢うのも難しかったですね。遠くの方で飛沫を上げてるのが見えました。もう少し近くで見えたら嬉しかったなぁ。
カメラ初心者にはクジラ、イルカの撮影は難しかったです。
船員の皆さんはとても丁寧でした！

Machine translated from Japanese

I could see Kunashir Island. Be careful of seasickness.

Posted Date: 2020/09/23

大仏君

**What I Liked:**
- It was a large, new ship!
- Although I couldn't see the whale's body clearly, I was able to see its back and watch it spouting water near the surface several times. I also saw a pod of dolphins.
- Actually, what I was most looking forward to was seeing Kunashiri Island in the Northern Territories, so it was very moving to be able to see the long silhouette of the island even though it was cloudy.
- The staff kindly encouraged those suffering from seasickness to move to the back o… **What I Liked:**
- It was a large, new ship!
- Although I couldn't see the whale's body clearly, I was able to see its back and watch it spouting water near the surface several times. I also saw a pod of dolphins.
- Actually, what I was most looking forward to was seeing Kunashiri Island in the Northern Territories, so it was very moving to be able to see the long silhouette of the island even though it was cloudy.
- The staff kindly encouraged those suffering from seasickness to move to the back of the first floor where there was less motion, and they provided tissues, plastic bags, and wet wipes.

**What Was Disappointing:**
- On the day of the trip, the waves were high and the ship rocked quite a bit. Despite taking motion sickness medication, my child got seasick and was down within an hour. I had to accompany them to care for them. This varies from person to person and isn't an issue with the tour company.
The ship we were on was relatively large, so the rocking might not have been too bad compared to smaller vessels.

However, when you do get seasick, it becomes difficult to get off the ship, turning the time into a painful experience, so I think it's best for those who are prone to seasickness to take proper precautions. ❮良かった所❯
・大きい新しい船だった!
・クジラの胴体ははっきり見えませんでしたが、背中と、海面近くで潮を吹いているのを何度も見られました。イルカの群れも見ました。
・実は私が一番期待していたのは、北方領土の国後島を見ることでしたので、曇っていながら長い島陰を見ることができ、感慨深かったです。
・船酔いで苦しんでいる方に、スタッフの方々が揺れの少ない一階後方へ移動するよう声かけして下さり、ティッシュやビニール袋、ウエットティッシュなどを提供して下さったこと。

❮残念だったこと❯
・当日は波が高くかなり船が揺れ… ❮良かった所❯
・大きい新しい船だった!
・クジラの胴体ははっきり見えませんでしたが、背中と、海面近くで潮を吹いているのを何度も見られました。イルカの群れも見ました。
・実は私が一番期待していたのは、北方領土の国後島を見ることでしたので、曇っていながら長い島陰を見ることができ、感慨深かったです。
・船酔いで苦しんでいる方に、スタッフの方々が揺れの少ない一階後方へ移動するよう声かけして下さり、ティッシュやビニール袋、ウエットティッシュなどを提供して下さったこと。

❮残念だったこと❯
・当日は波が高くかなり船が揺れ、酔い止めを飲んでいたにもかかわらず、子どもが船酔いで一時間もしないうちにダウン。親も途中から看病に付き添いました。これは個人差があり、ツアー会社の問題ではありませんね。
今回乗った船は大きめの船だったので、まだ揺れはましな方だったのでは？

でも、船酔いになると、降りるに降りられず、辛いだけの時間になってしまうので、弱い方はしっかり対策されるのが良いと思います。

Machine translated from Japanese

Reply from Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Thank you very much for participating despite the high waves the other day. We also appreciate your kind words about our staff. Since some guests may experience seasickness depending on the sea conditions, we will continue to strive to provide guidance that allows everyone to enjoy their experience. We look forward to your next boarding!先日は波が高い中、ご参加頂き誠にありがとうございました。スタッフへのお褒めのお言葉もありがとうございます。海の状況によっては船酔いされる方もいらっしゃいますので、今後も引き続き、皆様に楽しんで頂けるような案内を心掛けて対応してまいります。またのご乗船をお待ちしております！

Machine translated from Japanese

Tsunami warning

Posted Date: 2025/07/30

圭様

It was a slightly chilly day, but we set sail as planned. However, a tsunami warning was issued, and I thought it might be canceled. Following the captain's instructions that it was safer offshore, we continued the cruise. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to witness the scene of a whale spouting and diving. The captain's various explanations were eye-opening, making for a fun two and a half hours!少し肌寒い日でしたが、予定通り出港、しかし直ぐに津波警報が出され、中止かと思いましたが、沖合いの方が安全との船長指示に従い、クルーズ続行ですね～幸いにクジラの潮吹きから潜水のシーンが目撃出来て、ラッキーでした～
船長の色んな説明が目から鱗、楽しい2時間半でした～

Machine translated from Japanese

I had given up, but I was able to see dolphins, whales, and orcas!

Posted Date: 2021/07/01

TAC

Unfortunately, it was a foggy and cloudy day, and even when we got close to the border with Russia, nothing appeared! I thought today might be a bust. For about an hour after departure, I dozed off inside the boat. Just as we were about to turn back, a boat that had left earlier spotted a whale, and on the way there, we also saw dolphins. We were super lucky to see both whales before they dove down! They say once they dive, they won't come back up for 40 minutes. After that, a staff member on th… Unfortunately, it was a foggy and cloudy day, and even when we got close to the border with Russia, nothing appeared! I thought today might be a bust. For about an hour after departure, I dozed off inside the boat. Just as we were about to turn back, a boat that had left earlier spotted a whale, and on the way there, we also saw dolphins. We were super lucky to see both whales before they dove down! They say once they dive, they won't come back up for 40 minutes. After that, a staff member on the upper deck spotted a pod of orcas two miles away! In the end, we were able to see dolphins, whales, and orcas, including a mother and her calf. I'm so grateful to the captain and all the staff. All the staff were young women and very cheerful! あいにくの霧と曇りの日で、ロシアとの国境の近くまで行っても何も現れず！で今日は駄目かなと思いました。
出港から約一時間は船内でウトウトしていました。
戻ろうとした時に先に出港した船がクジラを発見、その場に向かう途中イルカも見えました。
クジラは2頭で潜ってしまう前に2頭とも見ることができ、超ラッキー！！
一度潜ってしまったら40分は上がってこないそうです。
その後上部甲板で見張っていたスタッフが2マイル先にシャチの群れを発見！
最後にシャチの群れ、親子もいました。
何んとイルカ、クジラ、シャチの全てを見ることがで… あいにくの霧と曇りの日で、ロシアとの国境の近くまで行っても何も現れず！で今日は駄目かなと思いました。
出港から約一時間は船内でウトウトしていました。
戻ろうとした時に先に出港した船がクジラを発見、その場に向かう途中イルカも見えました。
クジラは2頭で潜ってしまう前に2頭とも見ることができ、超ラッキー！！
一度潜ってしまったら40分は上がってこないそうです。
その後上部甲板で見張っていたスタッフが2マイル先にシャチの群れを発見！
最後にシャチの群れ、親子もいました。
何んとイルカ、クジラ、シャチの全てを見ることができ、船長とスタッフの皆様に感謝です。
スタッフは全員若い女性で明るかったです(^^♪

Machine translated from Japanese

I was able to see a sperm whale and a false killer whale!

Posted Date: 2021/09/28

3939lv3v

From a distance, I was able to see the spouts and diving scenes of two sperm whales, and I spotted a pod of dolphins about three to four times! The captain and crew kindly provided directions and locations, and due to the strong waves, they also alerted us to the water splashes and guided us inside the boat, allowing for good observation.

I participated in a tour in late September, but it was quite cold, possibly due to the weather not being very good, so I recommend bringing a down jacket or sim… From a distance, I was able to see the spouts and diving scenes of two sperm whales, and I spotted a pod of dolphins about three to four times! The captain and crew kindly provided directions and locations, and due to the strong waves, they also alerted us to the water splashes and guided us inside the boat, allowing for good observation.

I participated in a tour in late September, but it was quite cold, possibly due to the weather not being very good, so I recommend bringing a down jacket or similar. I brought binoculars, but since the whales kept surfacing and diving, I found it difficult to focus, so I felt it was okay not to have them.

I definitely want to visit during the summer season to see orcas! 遠目ではありましたが、2匹のマッコウクジラの潮吹きや水中に潜るシーン、3〜4回ほどイシイルカの群れを見ることができました！船長さんや船員さんが丁寧に方向や位置を教えてくださったり、波が強かったため水飛沫の注意喚起や船内へのご案内等行ってくださり、よく観察することができました。
9月下旬のツアー参加でしたが、お天気もあまり良くなったからか寒かったためダウンなどもっていくことをおすすめします。双眼鏡は持参しましたが、海面に出てきたり、海に潜ったり等繰り返すため、焦点を定めるのが難しかったので無くても大丈夫… 遠目ではありましたが、2匹のマッコウクジラの潮吹きや水中に潜るシーン、3〜4回ほどイシイルカの群れを見ることができました！船長さんや船員さんが丁寧に方向や位置を教えてくださったり、波が強かったため水飛沫の注意喚起や船内へのご案内等行ってくださり、よく観察することができました。
9月下旬のツアー参加でしたが、お天気もあまり良くなったからか寒かったためダウンなどもっていくことをおすすめします。双眼鏡は持参しましたが、海面に出てきたり、海に潜ったり等繰り返すため、焦点を定めるのが難しかったので無くても大丈夫だと感じました。
ぜひ夏のシーズンに訪れてシャチも見てみたいと感じました！

Machine translated from Japanese

I was able to see orca whales.

Posted Date: 2022/07/12

ひつじ

Since it’s a natural experience, there was uncertainty about whether we would see anything, but fortunately, we were able to see orcas. They were quite close, and since they were in a pod, we could see several orcas swimming in a straight line. Additionally, we also saw dolphins and seabirds. Depending on the time and day, there may be differences, but I encourage anyone interested to participate. However, one point to note is that for those coming from Utoro, please make sure to dress warmly. T… Since it’s a natural experience, there was uncertainty about whether we would see anything, but fortunately, we were able to see orcas. They were quite close, and since they were in a pod, we could see several orcas swimming in a straight line. Additionally, we also saw dolphins and seabirds. Depending on the time and day, there may be differences, but I encourage anyone interested to participate. However, one point to note is that for those coming from Utoro, please make sure to dress warmly. The temperature can be significantly different over the sea, sometimes more than 10 degrees. It’s definitely better to be prepared. 自然のものなので、見れるかどうかというところではありましたが、
幸いなことに、シャチが見れました。
かなり近くで、しかも群れであったのでタ頭数のシャチたちが
横一列になって泳ぐ姿が見れました。
さらに、イルカに、海鳥たちも。
時間、日によって、違いはあるのかもしれませんが、
ぜひ興味のある方はご参加を。
ただ、1点注意が、ウトロの方から来られる方は
ぜひ、防寒対策を。
気温が、海の上ということはあるのでしょうが、10度以上違うことも。
ぜひ、対策されておいた方がいいですよ。

Machine translated from Japanese

I was able to see a whale.

Posted Date: 2023/10/03

えいみー

At the end of September, I went on a cruise on a day with not much whitecaps. Early on, we encountered many dolphins swimming, and during the approximately two-hour cruise, we saw three sperm whales. One of them was quite close to us. We also spotted a beaked whale swimming in the distance. I had a 0-year-old baby with me, but we participated using a baby carrier, and the baby slept the entire time during the cruise. There were two guides and one driver, making a total of three staff members, wh… At the end of September, I went on a cruise on a day with not much whitecaps. Early on, we encountered many dolphins swimming, and during the approximately two-hour cruise, we saw three sperm whales. One of them was quite close to us. We also spotted a beaked whale swimming in the distance. I had a 0-year-old baby with me, but we participated using a baby carrier, and the baby slept the entire time during the cruise. There were two guides and one driver, making a total of three staff members, which made us feel safe while on board. 9月末、あまり白波も少ない天気の日に乗りました。
序盤よりたくさんのイシイルカ達が泳いでいるところに遭遇し、その後約2時間程度のクルーズで3頭のマッコウクジラを見れました。そのうち一頭はかなり至近距離で見ることができました。
また、遠くにツチクジラが泳いでいるのも見えました。
0歳の子連れでしたが、抱っこ紐で参加し、クルーズ中はずっと寝ていました。
ガイドさんが2名、運転士さんが1名で計3名のスタッフがいることにより安心して乗船できました。

Machine translated from Japanese

I was able to see a lot of orcas.

Posted Date: 2024/06/16

ママと娘

I was able to see several groups of orcas. I was thrilled to be able to watch them swimming alongside us. Next time I participate, I will make sure to prepare thoroughly for the cold.シャチのグループを何組も見ることができました
ずっと並走してみられたり
嬉しかったです
次回参加できる時は寒さ対策を万全にしていきます

Machine translated from Japanese

It was fun.

Posted Date: 2024/08/10

ホームズ

It was hot every day, but it was very cool on the water, almost chilly.
We encountered a pod of orcas.
We were able to see orcas multiple times.
The crew always navigated and guided us from the passengers' perspective.
The weather was great, making it a perfect memory.暑い日々の毎日でしたが海上はとても涼しく、肌寒いぐらいでした
シャチの親子に遭遇
シャチを何度も観る事ができました
常に乗客目線で操縦して案内してもらえました
お天気も良くて最高の思い出になりました。

Machine translated from Japanese

I was able to see so many orcas up close!

Posted Date: 2025/05/31

ジャンセン

I didn't have high expectations, thinking I would be lucky to see orcas once or twice, but I was able to see so many orcas multiple times, and I was extremely satisfied. The captain maneuvered the boat to a great viewing position, and the guide informed us in advance about the points where the orcas would appear, allowing me to take many photos. I was truly moved!１～２回見られればラッキーなのかなとあまり期待していませんでしたが、何と沢山のシャチを何度も見ることができて、大変満足でした。船頭さんも見やすい位置に船を操ってくれ、ガイドさんもシャチが出て来るポイントを事前に教えてくれたので、写真も沢山取ることができました。本当に感激でした！

Machine translated from Japanese

VELTRA reservations are fast!

Posted Date: 2025/06/14

yukinojo

First, you go to the reception, and the payment has already been completed with a card, so there's no need to fill out any annoying address or phone number details. You just receive your ticket and can head straight to the port.

I have previously taken a ship from a certain company, but once you're out at sea, it's the same. However, the quality of the reception and the atmosphere here are better, so I've been using this service consistently.

I usually go to Rausu around June every year, and I've … First, you go to the reception, and the payment has already been completed with a card, so there's no need to fill out any annoying address or phone number details. You just receive your ticket and can head straight to the port.

I have previously taken a ship from a certain company, but once you're out at sea, it's the same. However, the quality of the reception and the atmosphere here are better, so I've been using this service consistently.

I usually go to Rausu around June every year, and I've been able to encounter orcas each time.

I will visit again next year, so thank you in advance. まず、受付に行って、精算はすでにカード決済で終わっていて、面倒な住所・電話番号の記入もなし。チケットを受け取るのみで終了、すぐに港に向かえます。

過去に某G社の船にも乗ったのですが、海に出てしまえば同じですが、受付の対応の良さ、雰囲気がこちらの方がよく、ずっとこちらを利用しています。

毎年だいたい６月に羅臼に行くのですが、毎年シャチに出会えています。

来年もまた伺いますのでよろしくお願いいたします。

Machine translated from Japanese

I saw it up close!

Posted Date: 2025/07/18

にゃおん

It was foggy, and I had low expectations of seeing anything, but a pod of orcas appeared out of the mist. Thanks to the crew's skills, we got really close, about 3 meters away from the orcas! They seemed accustomed to humans and appeared to be observing us and playing, so I didn't feel any fear. We also encountered a sperm whale, and I was deeply moved by its grandeur. It was a different kind of excitement compared to videos. I heard that there are days when you might not see anything at all, bu… It was foggy, and I had low expectations of seeing anything, but a pod of orcas appeared out of the mist. Thanks to the crew's skills, we got really close, about 3 meters away from the orcas! They seemed accustomed to humans and appeared to be observing us and playing, so I didn't feel any fear. We also encountered a sperm whale, and I was deeply moved by its grandeur. It was a different kind of excitement compared to videos. I heard that there are days when you might not see anything at all, but it seemed we were lucky to see so many orcas. 濃霧でしたが出航、こりゃ何も見られないかなと期待薄でしたが霧の中から鯱の群れが現れ、船員さんのテクニックによりすごく近くまで寄って下さり、3mくらいの距離てシャチを見られました！シャチの方も慣れているのか、人間を観察して遊んでいる感じで、恐怖心は感じませんでした。マッコウクジラにも出会えて、その雄大さに感動しきりでした。動画とかとは違う感動でした。全く出会え無い日も有るとの事でしたが、シャチがウジャウジャいる様子が見られ、ラッキーだったようです。

Machine translated from Japanese