Free Activities at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (沖縄美ら海水族館) is located in the Ocean Expo Park (海洋博公園).
There are plenty of free activities scattered on this vast site so
you can visit many times without getting board.

We are going to introduce 5 free activities that you can enjoy even on a hectic travel schedule.

1. The Oki-Chan theater inspiring dolphin show!

From the Dolphin Lagoon there are excellent views of Ie-jima island
and admission is free for the daily dolphin show.
The show is held in a 980-seat grandstand that is covered so you can enjoy the show even if it is raining.

This show was started with and still features the 40-year veteran dolphin Oki-Chan.
Also popular is the killer whale-Gon-Chan!
 
The seats fill up quickly so get there as soon as possible to reserve seats.
Then enjoy the show of the big jumps of the dolphins.
The Dolphin show lasts about 20 minutes and starts at 11:00, 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, and 5:30.*
* April ~ September performances


The dolphins perform daily a variety of tricks. However according to the dolphin trainer “It Is commonplace for the dolphins at some point to just quit performing the tricks”
 
The trainer says he is learning as much as he can about the dolphins and their behavior so that he can keep them motivated to perform.

During the interview the dolphins came to the window with a curious face.
It turned into a look that seems to be showing love for the trainer.
 
The Aquarium is the only place in Japan to see both “rough-toothed and bottlenose dolphins.
 
Please come to see these various kinds of dolphins perform!

2. You can learn more about dolphins at the “Dolphin Lagoon!”

Next to the Oki-Chan theater is the “Dolphin Lagoon”. Here you can learn about the characteristics and abilities of the dolphins.
 
You can see the cute faces of the dolphins up-close at the “Dolphin observation pool.”
There are Dolphin observation talks at 10:00, * 11:30, 1:30, and 3:00.
* The 10:00 talk could be either at the Okichan theater or at the Dolphin Lagoon.

No reservations are required, but there is a limited time for the “Dolphin feeding experience.” You can feed the dolphins from the deck of the “Dolphin Lagoon”
for a fee of 500 yen. Feeding times are from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 1:00 to 4: 00.
 
* Due to reasons of the health of the dolphins they may close down the feeding experience earlier.
* Small children need to be accompanied by parents to the dolphin lagoon.

3. Rare turtles are bred in the sea turtle pool!

Of the world’s 8 species of sea turtle, 5 species are bred in the sea turtle pool!
 
It is a popular place to view sea turtles. Even experienced divers come here for a close look.
The pools turtle spawning area produce many sea turtles that are released during the summer months.

4. The mother and child Manatee are a very popular attraction!

The Manatee was the inspiration for the mermaid legend.
The aquarium currently has four manatees, two sets of mothers and daughters.
Most of the time they seem to be just relaxing, taking a nap. But they become pretty active during their feeding time as they really enjoy their meal of fresh lettuce.

5. “Emerald Beach” is equipped with free showers and lockers.

Emerald Beach is just a 7-minute walk from the “Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.”
The color of the crystal clear waters, coral, and sand beaches are beautiful
and admission to “Emerald Beach” is free of charge.

The swimming period is April-October. The beach is equipped with free showers and lockers.
The safety and comfort of the beach are excellent!
 
They also offer rental sun umbrellas and lounge chairs (charges apply)
that are available 4/1 ~ 9/30 from 8:30a.m. to 7:00p.m., and 10/1 ~ 10/31 from 8:30a.m. to 5:30p.m.

“Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium” is located in Honbu town.
It is a place that sheds light on the mystery of the abundant nature of the sea.
Come and experience the world of the coral, fish, dolphins and whale sharks! It is a place where you can look at, touch, swim and enjoy the many attractions from the sea.