Tosa Bay Whale Watching: The Moving Encounter with Whales in the Kuroshio Sea

Tosa Bay Whale Watching: The Whale Paradise Nurtured by the Kuroshio Current

Tosa Bay off Kochi Prefecture is a world-class whale watching spot inhabited by diverse cetacean species including Bryde's whales, sperm whales, melon-headed whales, and dolphins — a rich sea where the warm current "Kuroshio" flows in. During the season from spring to autumn (April–October), day-trip whale watching tours on dedicated boats departing from Kochi city can be enjoyed.

Tour Contents

The 4–6 hour tour ventures to whale habitation areas offshore to search for whales and dolphins from the boat. The probability of observing Bryde's whales' blow, jumps, and flukes is high, with the encounter rate during the season said to be very high.

Characteristics of Bryde's Whales

Bryde's whales are medium-sized whales 10–12 meters in length. Tosa Bay is known as one of the world's leading Bryde's whale habitats, so academically valuable that researchers from around the world visit.

Combination with Cape Ashizuri and Kashiwajima

Kashiwajima in southwestern Kochi (Otsuki Town) is famous as a diving spot with highly transparent sea. Kochi sea experience courses combining whale watching are also popular.

Access

Whale watching tours depart from Kochi city, Sukumo City, and elsewhere. Reservation required, so advance registration is necessary.