Humpback Whale Watching Grounds Winter
A heartwarming conservation center offering close encounters with sea turtles, from feeding to witnessing releases. Support marine life protection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Year-round conservation efforts
Humpback Whale Watching Grounds Winter
Best Time
Year-round conservation efforts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A heartwarming conservation center offering close encounters with sea turtles, from feeding to witnessing releases. Support marine life protection.
"A heartwarming spot where you can feel the love for the ocean and nature."
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are attentive and make efforts to speak English, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. :raisedhandwithfingerssplayed:
💰 Support Conservation
Purchase goods from the souvenir corner to directly support ongoing sea turtle conservation activities. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feeding the Sea Turtles
Main enclosure
Get up close and personal with adult and baby sea turtles, hand-feeding them in a memorable experience.
Baby Sea Turtle Encounters
Nursery area
Witness the adorable sight of baby sea turtles swimming and growing, a truly precious and heartwarming moment.
Turtle Release Events
Designated release area
Participate in the emotional release of baby turtles back into the ocean, a truly invaluable and unforgettable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Conservation Focus
Getting There & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are attentive and make efforts to speak English, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. :raisedhandwithfingerssplayed:
💰 Support Conservation
Purchase goods from the souvenir corner to directly support ongoing sea turtle conservation activities. :gift:
🚗 Transportation Needed
The center is a bit far from the main area; plan for bus or car travel. :bus:
📍 Entrance Can Be Tricky
Look carefully for the sign; the entrance can be easy to miss. :mag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are attentive and make efforts to speak English, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. :raisedhandwithfingerssplayed:
💰 Support Conservation
Purchase goods from the souvenir corner to directly support ongoing sea turtle conservation activities. :gift:
🚗 Transportation Needed
The center is a bit far from the main area; plan for bus or car travel. :bus:
📍 Entrance Can Be Tricky
Look carefully for the sign; the entrance can be easy to miss. :mag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the conservation center for its intimate sea turtle encounters, especially the adorable baby turtles and the opportunity to feed them. The friendly, English-speaking staff and the free entry are significant positives, though the facility's older appearance is noted. Some express reservations about the island's historical turtle consumption practices.
"Amazing to see the sea turtles so close, especially the little ones.
It’s a pretty old looking a bit dilapidated place, so nothing like an aquarium or such. At least you can feed the adult and even the baby turtles.
The explanation why it’s ok to eat the sea turtles only on Ogasawara was only partially convincing. Citing long tradition and not taking away from people what they are used to, when the island is only populated for not too long and the meat is mostly fed to tourists and the local population consists largely of people from the Japanese mainland.
Well, worth a look, especially if you couldn’t spot any turtles snorkeling or diving."
J K
"Brilliant conservation centre. Lovely staff who made great efforts to speak English. Amazing that it’s free and they only charge to feed or release the turtles. Thank you!"
Soph Dyer
"❤️❤️"
Emman Dimapalitan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located a bit from the main Omura area. You'll likely need to take a bus or drive. There is a parking lot available if you're arriving by car. Some visitors have used electric bicycles as well. Be mindful of the signage as the entrance can be a little hard to spot.
Yes, public buses are a viable option to reach the vicinity of the center. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance for the most convenient travel.
Buses are the primary public transport option. Renting an electric bicycle is also a popular choice for exploring the island and reaching the center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The center itself is free to enter and explore. Charges typically apply only for specific activities like feeding the turtles or participating in release events.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check locally or online for the most up-to-date information. Some exhibits might be closed on certain days.
While not always explicitly stated, it's a good idea to inquire about booking for feeding sessions, especially during peak times, to ensure availability.
Yes, release events for baby sea turtles are sometimes held. Participating in these can be a truly invaluable experience, but availability depends on the season and conservation needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see adult and baby sea turtles up close, feed them, and learn about conservation efforts. There are also exhibits detailing island history and biology.
Yes, feeding the adult and baby turtles is a popular activity. They are accustomed to people and will often approach, expecting food.
Absolutely! The center is a safe and heartwarming place for children, offering them a chance to connect with nature and learn about marine life.
The primary focus is on the conservation of sea turtles, including caring for them, raising baby turtles, and facilitating their release back into the ocean.
The center features exhibits on island history and biology, though some visitors note they can be a bit dated. The main draw remains the direct interaction with the sea turtles.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Capturing the adorable baby turtles and the feeding interactions makes for great memories.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals.
The most photogenic moments are during feeding times and when observing the baby sea turtles. The release events also offer very touching photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The staff's welcoming nature and efforts to accommodate English speakers make it easy for families to navigate and enjoy their visit. It's a heartwarming and educational outing that instills a love for marine life and conservation. Consider checking for any scheduled turtle release events, which can be an incredibly memorable and inspiring experience for the whole family.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Participating in a turtle release is a profound experience that highlights the importance of these conservation programs. It's a chance to witness the tangible results of dedicated work and to feel a personal connection to the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
Beyond observation, the center offers interactive experiences that deepen the connection with the turtles. You can actively participate in feeding sessions, where the turtles, accustomed to human presence, will approach you eagerly. For those fortunate enough to be there during a release event, the experience of gently placing a baby turtle into the ocean is profoundly moving and unforgettable.
Supporting these conservation efforts is easy through the souvenir corner. Purchasing items here directly contributes to the ongoing care and protection of the sea turtles, allowing visitors to take a piece of their experience home while making a tangible difference.
Navigating Your Visit
Upon arrival, keep an eye out for the entrance sign, as some visitors have noted it can be subtle and easy to miss. The facility itself, while described as a bit older and perhaps not as modern as a typical aquarium, offers a genuine and impactful experience. The staff are a highlight, known for their friendliness and their efforts to communicate in English, making the visit smooth and enjoyable for international travelers.
While the core attraction is the direct interaction with the sea turtles, the center also houses exhibits on island history and biology. Though these might be considered less of a draw compared to the turtles themselves, they add a layer of context to your visit. The overall atmosphere is one of warmth and a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit