Escorted in Japanese: Churaumi Aquarium

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Churaumi Aquarium
Located in Ocean Expo Park, all the species housed here can be found thriving in the waters around Okinawa (even the water is pumped in from 984 feet offshore). Four floors contain 77 tanks including the the massive Kuroshio Tank, which contains almost two million gallons of water and a massive 26-foot- high and 72-foot-wide acrylic glass panel that offers views of 80 different species including yellow-fin tuna, whale sharks and manta rays. Also among the displays is the "Deep Sea" where you can observe deep sea creatures like flame snappers, black snoek, and luminescent shrimp that live 656 feet to 2,296 feet below the ocean surface. The "Sea of Coral" water tank is the world's first large scale exhibit of living coral and holds 800 colonies of coral. Outside, near the waterfront, are several large pools exhibiting manatees and dolphins that you can touch or watch them strut their stuff in a show.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Outside, the whale shark sculpture greets you at the aquarium's entrance and the "Coral Sea" and the "Tropical Fish" displays offer memorable shots. After passing the sculpture, you will encounter the Uminchu ("fisherman") Gate, where you can enjoy views of the ocean and Ie Island. Inside, using camera flash is allowed in most areas except for specific no-flash areas (such as the Ocean Planetarium).

LUNCH
All this wonder may have worked up an appetite so you can treat yourself to lunch (the aquarium features a number of restaurants).

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
As you make your way north to the Churaumi Aquarium, it's interesting to note that Okinawa was the center of the Ryukyu kingdom from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Special Notes:

-The facility is closed on the first Wednesday and Thursday in December.
-The dolphin show is held on 4 or 5 times everyday.
--Please note that when the ship is scheduled to depart from Okinawa at 3:00pm, guests will have 2 hours free time at the aquarium and the total duration would be 6.5 hours due to operational reasons.Please note that when the ship is scheduled to depart from Okinawa at 3:00pm, guests will have 2 hours free time at the aquarium and the total duration would be 6.5 hours due to operational reasons.