From January to March each year, humpback whales arrive in the shallow, protected waters of the Kerama Straits to breed and nurse their young. Zamami Village operates an organised whale watching service from the port, with boats going out daily in season whenever whales have been located. Sightings are reliable — some years the whales can be seen from the port itself or even from the beach.
Whale watching tours typically last one to two hours and depart in the morning. The Zamami Village Whale Watching Association uses a radio network to share sighting locations between boats, and operates under a voluntary code of conduct developed with marine biologists to minimise disturbance to the animals. On a good day you may see breaching, tail slapping, or pairs of adults. Book at the association's booth near the port on arrival; booking ahead is advisable during peak whale-watching weekends in February.