Shimanami Kaido Area Dolphin Swim Experience in Ehime, Japan

Overview

Get up close and personal with dolphins at this dolphin park near the popular Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Located on Hakata Island in the Seto Inland Sea, this unique and educational program is an excellent activity for adults and children alike.

Highlights

Key Information

Description

Dolphin Farm Shimanami opened in 2016 on Hakata Island on the Shimanami Kaido. Exciting attractions include watching dolphins close up and swimming and playing with dolphins as well. In this unique activity, you will have the chance to swim and interact with dolphins at one of Japan's few dolphin farms in Hakata Island, Ehime. The experience takes place directly on the beach, as the designated area of the farm includes part of the seashore. Conveniently located near the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, this activity is an ideal rest stop for cyclists in Setouchi area. You can also reach the dolphin farm by getting off at Hakatajima bus stop on the direct bus route from Fukuyama or Hiroshima to Imabari City. A qualified instructor will share on dolphin ecology and characteristics, and teach you how to snorkel with the marine mammals. You will then change into a wetsuit, enter the designated area, and interact with the friendly dolphins. You can touch the dolphins and watch them swim and play underwater, as well as play and swim together with the dolphins. The highlight of the activity will be holding a dolphin's fin and letting it take you around the beach pool. This activity is offered as a 60-minute experience (20-minute lesson and 40-minute swim) in summer (March 15–October 31) and as a 30-minute experience (10-minute lesson and 20-minute swim) in winter (November 1 to March 14). However, as you're advised to arrive 30 minutes early to change clothes and prepare, the actual time at the venue will be longer.