Shiretoko Sightseeing Cruises 知床観光船

Take a sightseeing boat to the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula to understand why the indigenous Ainu called this place the end of the world. With its steep cliffs and hidden waterfalls, much of the incredible coastline is inaccessible by road or foot. Bears rule the beaches, seals laze nearby, and dolphins, orcas and sperm whales swim in the pristine waters.

Shiretoko boat tours operate from two towns on opposing sides of the peninsula, Utoro on the north side (Okhotsk Sea) and Rausu on the south side (Nemuro Strait).

Utoro is a 90-minute drive from Nakashibetsu and Memanbetsu airports. Direct flights to these airports run to and from Tokyo and Sapporo. Alternatively, buses from Memanbetsu Airport to Utoro take two hours. For those arriving from Sapporo or Asahikawa, bus and train services are available, commonly routing through Kushiro or Abashiri .

Rausu is a 60-minute drive from Nakashibetsu Airport, while bus journeys take about 100 minutes.

Multiple companies offer a variety of cruises. Choose your boat, large or small. Prices start from 3,300 yen for a 90-minute trip. Sightseeing ship Aurora is a larger vessel with excellent viewing platforms.

The advantage of tours on smaller boats is that they can get closer to the shore. The Gojiraiwa company offers various tours starting from both Utoro and Rausu.