Presents Star Marine Co. Ltd.
Availableonly from
Jun.-Aug.!
A thrilling experience akin to a treasure hunt. Create unforgettable memories at sea this summer.
The bountiful Uchiura Bay, aka Funka Bay, near Muroran,
attracts dolphins caring for their young.
Explore the open seas in search of wild dolphins.
Witness them swimming alongside the boat or forming large schools
—if luck is on your side! Come and enjoy a memorable experience.
Funka Bay's
Dolphins
Did you know that Funka Bay is home to many large sea creatures? The boundless sky and ocean set the stage. Come summer, the lively dolphins turn Funka Bay into an entertaining theater.
Other than dolphins, you may also come across whales, orcas, and northern fur seals.
- Pacific White-sided
Dolphin
They migrate in large groups, traversing between northern and southern waters during the transitions between summer and winter. They arrive in Funka Bay in spring and stay until autumn, feeding and raising their young.
This bay serves as the Pacific White-sided Dolphins' breeding and parenting ground, with mothers and calves visible from June onwards.
| Classification | Mammalia, Cetacea, Odontoceti, Delphinidae |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Near Japan, North Pacific |
| Weight | 75-90 kg |
| Length | 1.5-2.2 m |
| Encounter Period | Early summer to early autumn |
- Dall's Porpoise
Exceptionally lively dolphins, boasting the fastest swimming speed of their kind. They usually form pods of 3 to 5 individuals.
They often create unmistakable V-shaped splashes when they swim, making them easy to spot from a distance.
| Classification | Mammalia, Cetacea, Odontoceti, Phocoenidae |
|---|---|
| Distribution | North Pacific region |
| Weight | 130-200 kg |
| Length | 2.1-2.3 m |
| Encounter Period | Mainly in spring and autumn |
- Harbor Porpoise
This is a smaller dolphin with a short, round face. Due to their grayish color and cautious nature, they are called "mouse dolphins" in Japanese. The English name originates from their habitat near harbors and coastal areas. They visit and stay in Funka Bay from winter to spring.
| Classification | Mammalia, Cetacea, Odontoceti, Phocoenidae |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Only lives in temperate to subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. |
| Weight | 45-70 kg |
| Length | 1.4-1.7 m |
| Encounter Period | Winter to spring |
Dolphins start appearing off the coast of Muroran around mid-May, and sightings dwindle by September. Star Marine operates tours only when the chance of encountering dolphins is high, from June to August.
Fare and Operating Schedule
Fare
| Adults | ¥7,500 |
|---|---|
| Children (4-12 years old) | ¥3,000 |
| Infants (3 years old and under) | Free |
- *All prices include tax.
- *Please pay the fare at the boarding reception before boarding.
- *We accept cash, credit cards, and electronic payments.
- Credit cards
- Electronic payments
Operating Period
June to Mid-August
- The tour will end when the dolphins leave the bay.
The dolphin-watching season varies each year based on factors like seawater temperature and climate.
If all dolphins leave Muroran, Star Marine may end dolphin-watching tours even before mid-August.
We appreciate your understanding.
Operating Schedule
Usually twice a day (Duration: About 150 minutes)
| Depart at 10:00 AM, Arrive at 12:30 AM |
| Depart at 2:00 PM, Arrive at 4:30 PM |
- *Minimum number of passengers: 5
Route MAP
Star Marine's Commitment
to Animal Protection
To ensure everyone gets to enjoy nature and wildlife in their natural state and to protect the natural environment and wildlife, Star Marine has established and adheres to the following rules. Kindly follow the staff's instructions and cooperate with safety procedures.
Voluntary Rulesfor Dolphin Watching
—Wildlife Protection Declaration—
please contact us here.