〜The Largest Whirlpools in the World〜
The Naruto Whirlpools are large and powerful whirlpools that can be found on the sea near the Ohnaruto Bridge, and can measure up to about 20m in diameter in Spring and Autumn during the high tides.
◆How Whirlpools are Formed
There are time periods where high and low tides occur simultaneously in the Naruto Strait, which then create the large whirlpools as a result of the difference in sea levels. Chances of seeing the whirlpools increase particularly a few days before and after the new and full moons when there is a great difference between the high and low tides. The Naruto Whirlpools is one of the three biggest whirlpools in the world along with the Strait of Messina in Italy and Seymour Narrows in Canada, with the speed of the currents there reaching a maximum of about 20 km/h. This tidal speed is what creates the largest whirlpools in the world.
◆Admire the Whirlpools Up Close on a Cruise!
If you wish to witness the whirlpools in their full majesty, it is recommended that you join a cruise to admire them from up close. Cruise boats depart from both Awajishima and from Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture. Choose the cruise that you wish to join by selecting your preferred style, such as the size of the boat, based on your travel plans. Please refer to the timetable posted in the websites of cruise companies which indicate the time periods where whirlpools can be seen best on the day before you board the cruise (advance reservations required for small underwater sightseeing boat but not the large boats).
