Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Okinawa’s winter wilderness with my Winter Wildlife Tour of Okinawa—a seven-day adventure crafted for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. This experience places you in prime locations to capture breathtaking images of the island’s most iconic migratory species as they pass through its diverse landscapes. The highlight of the tour is an awe-inspiring three-day encounter with Humpback Whales, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to both photograph and swim alongside these gentle giants. Beyond the open waters, you’ll also focus your lens on highly sought-after winter visitors like the Grey-faced Buzzard, the critically endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, and Japanese Sparrowhawk, all while exploring the wetlands, coastlines, and forests they inhabit.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. As night falls, you’ll trek into the jungles of Okinawa, searching for the island’s unique endemic wildlife, offering a glimpse into its rich biodiversity beyond the seasonal arrivals. From misty coastal mornings to thrilling nocturnal encounters, every moment of the Winter Wildlife Tour is designed to immerse you in the island’s natural wonders.

So let's take a closer look at the target species for our Winter Wildlife Tour.

Humpback Whales

Without a doubt one of the most iconic of all Ocean species the Humpback Whales are present in the warmer waters of Okinawa between the end of December through the end of March. They come here to birth and mate. Once the calves are then strong enough and able to feed for themselves they then head North to the colder waters of Eastern Russia and Alaska where they will feed on the bountiful supply of krill, small shrimp like plankton.

Kicking off our winter wildlife tour your first three days will are designed to bring you face to face with playful Humpback Whale calves in the waters of Okinawa, this is just one of the awesome focal experiences offered in the winter wildlife tour. Given they are birthed here in Okinawa the whale calves are incredibly curious and inquisitive about everything around them, swimmers included. It's normally the case that Mom can be seen stationary at a depth of some 6m below the surface while the calf, who needs to breathe more frequently than its parent, journeys to and from the surface. During these trips the calves can be extremely curious, and seem to enjoy hamming it up for the cameras. These are however still twenty foot long animals weighing in at a few tonnes so ethical guidelines for interacting with them are in place. These very basic guidelines have been put in place with as much respect to the wildlife as possible.

As we are also chartering our own boat for this experience we will not be governed by the needs of people outside of our party. Another aspect of this specific activity is that we only offer small group tours, maximum six pax and myself, so the boat will be more than ideal for our equipment needs. Most of the regular tourist boats have certain hours of operation so we time our excursions to a point where we may encounter some other boats some of the time but to also ensure that we will also have some time on our own with no other boats in the vicinity. This to give you, my clients, the best possible experience with these amazing and totally sentient beings.

Beyond your experience with Humpback Whales in Okinawa the focus of the Winter Wildlife Tour will be largely avian fare. Given that part of the winter wildlife tour also takes place in the northern jungles of the island also permits the potential to encounter some of the more iconic reptiles and amphibians that Okinawa is famed for.

Birdwatching in Okinawa offers a rare opportunity to witness both winter migrants and endemic treasures in a single outing. Each year, the island becomes a vital refuge for species like the Black-faced Spoonbill, a globally endangered wader, and the Grey-faced Buzzard, which soars through Okinawa’s skies on its southward migration. Birders can also catch sight of the agile Japanese Sparrowhawk, a seasonal visitor, and the Osprey, a skilled fisher patrolling the island’s coastal waters.

Beyond winter migrants, our winter wildlife tour also seeks to introduce you to two of Okinawa’s most elusive endemic species: the Okinawa Rail, a flightless forest-dweller known for its distinctive calls, and the Ryukyu Robin, a vibrant songbird hidden within the island’s lush subtropical woodlands. Whether scanning the wetlands for spoonbills or trekking forest trails in search of endemics, this experience showcases Okinawa’s rich avian diversity.

The Black-faced Spoonbill

Black-faced Spoonbill's at a favored spot in Naha.

The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) is one of the world’s rarest waterbirds, with an estimated global population of fewer than 5,000 individuals. This striking wader, easily recognized by its distinctive black facial skin and spatula-shaped bill, embarks on an annual migration from its breeding grounds in the coastal wetlands of the Korean Peninsula and northeastern China to wintering sites across East and Southeast Asia. Okinawa serves as a crucial stopover and wintering habitat for these endangered birds, with small flocks arriving in the island’s estuaries and tidal flats between October and March. Preferring shallow coastal wetlands and mudflats, they forage by sweeping their specialized bills through the water in search of small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. Conservation efforts across its migratory range, including habitat protection in Okinawa, play a key role in safeguarding this species from the ongoing threats of habitat loss and environmental pollution.

Our search for these winter visitors center around the unlikely backdrop of the metropolitan outskirts of Okinawa's main city, Naha. Just south of the main airport is one particular favorite spot for these impressive birds. This is where our search for them begins. From there we will then take in a number of additional locations they have favored in the past. Beyond the Spoonbills we will also see Egrets, Grey Heron, and numerous other species that share these same environments with them.

Given the scarcity of this species please understand that there are no massive flocks to encounter. Their few numbers that opt for Okinawa as their resting spot are dispersed between a number of locations. In my search over the years for imagery of this species at the most I have seen is a gathering of around 10 individuals in one location. This is a sad reflection on the fragile reality of their perilous conservation status.

The Japanese Sparrowhawk

Next on our winter wildlife tour target list are three bird of prey species that winter in Okinawa. We will be heading to a lesser frenetic area of the island, far from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan setting preferred by the Black-faced Spoonbill's, in order to encounter them.

First up we have the sleek Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis). This is a small but formidable raptor that arrives in Okinawa during its southward migration each autumn. Breeding in the temperate forests of Japan, Korea, and parts of northeastern China, these agile hunters embark on their seasonal journey to escape the harsh winter conditions of their northern breeding grounds. As temperatures drop and prey becomes scarce, they move toward warmer climates, with some individuals overwintering in Okinawa, while others continue further south to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. During migration, they are often seen soaring over the island’s forests and coastal areas, taking advantage of thermals to conserve energy. Once settled in Okinawa, they hunt small birds and insects, displaying impressive aerial agility as they navigate the subtropical woodlands. Their seasonal presence highlights the island’s role as a critical stopover for raptors moving along the East Asian flyway.

The sleek yet deadly agile Japanese Sparrowhawk fixes its gaze on a potential target.

The Grey Faced Buzzard

The Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus) is a medium-sized raptor that arrives in Okinawa each autumn as part of its long-distance migration across East Asia. Breeding in Japan, Korea, and parts of northeastern China, these hawks, for pretty much the same reasons as the above mentioned Japanese Sparrowhawks, migrate southward in large numbers to escape the freezing winters of their breeding grounds that makes survival challenging. Okinawa serves as both a stopover site and a wintering destination for some individuals, while others continue their journey to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

During migration, these buzzards can often be seen gliding effortlessly on thermal currents, passing over the island’s coastal cliffs and forests. Once settled, they favor open grasslands and agricultural fields, where they hunt small mammals, reptiles, and large insects. Their arrival each year marks a seasonal spectacle, drawing birdwatchers eager to witness the impressive passage of raptors through Okinawa’s skies.

A young Grey Faced Buzzard with one of its favored prey items, a Ryukyu Tree Lizard.

The Osprey

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a masterful fish-hunting raptor, arrives in Okinawa during the cooler months as part of its migratory cycle across East Asia. While some Ospreys remain year-round residents, particularly in the Ryukyu Islands, many individuals migrate from breeding grounds in Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia to escape the harsh winter conditions and dwindling fish supplies in northern waters.

These seasonal visitors take advantage of Okinawa’s mild climate and abundant coastal fisheries, where they can be seen hovering over shallow bays, rivers, and dams before plunging feet-first to snatch fish with their sharp talons. Their striking black-and-white plumage and distinctive hunting behavior make them a prominent sight along Okinawa’s coastlines, adding to the island’s rich raptor diversity. Their call is a shrill and piercing "Keeeeee" which they can be heard making as they ride thermals above their hunting grounds. As winter fades and temperatures rise, migrating Ospreys begin their return journey northward, marking the ebb and flow of seasonal movement along the East Asian flyway.

Our vantage point to seek out this species also allows for imaging of Greater Cormorants, Little and Great Egrets as well as Blue Heron and the fleeting Common Kingfisher. This is a diverse avian retreat on the island where anything can, and often does happen from one minute to the next. If you're lucky you may even see what I term as a 'food fight' between the Greater Cormorants as they hunt predominantly for Telapia fish. When one bird catches a fish, which normally take some juggling to swallow, it signals a free for all as in the no love lost world of Cormorants all within competing distance go about trying to snag the prize. Mayhem.

An Osprey rides the thermals above the dam where we will be heading to hopefully watch them as they hunt for and capture their prey.

Into the Green Beating Heart of Okinawa

At this point in the trip you'll be checking out of your Hotel accommodation in Southern Okinawa, our focus turns northwards, way northwards, to the green rolling hills of the 'Yambaru'. The Yambaru jungles of northern Okinawa are a vast expanse of subtropical rainforest, teeming with biodiversity and offering a rare glimpse into an untouched natural world. Home to endemic species, two of which are our next target encounters, namely the Okinawa Rail and the Ryukyu Robin, these dense forests provide a sanctuary for wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

Towering broadleaf trees, interwoven with vines and moss-covered trunks, create a serene and almost mystical atmosphere, broken only by the calls of birds and the rustling of unseen creatures. Beyond the forest, rugged shorelines of volcanic rock and hidden coves meet the turquoise waters of the Pacific, offering breathtaking contrasts between land and sea. Scattered among the hills and valleys, small villages maintain Okinawa’s traditional way of life, where farming, fishing, and deep cultural ties to nature endure. Yambaru is not just a destination—it is a journey into the wild heart of Okinawa, where time slows, and nature’s rhythm takes over.

The Okinawa Rail

The illusive Okinawa Rail, an endangered and flightless bird endemic to the jungled northern regions of Okinawa Island.

The Okinawa Rail (Gallirallus okinawae), or Yanbaru Kuina as it is locally known, is a rare, flightless bird found only in the dense forests of northern Okinawa. With its striking red beak and legs, this secretive species lives in the thick undergrowth of the Yambaru jungles, where it forages for insects, small amphibians, and fruit. Invariably all most people see of this amazing bird is a flash of black and red as it dashes across roads scared by approaching car noise. With the right guide however, that becomes a different story. Sadly, its survival is under constant threat, primarily from the mongoose, an invasive predator introduced to Okinawa in the 20th century to control venomous snakes.

Given the mongoose is active during the daylight hours while most reptiles are dormant and hide from the heat of the day forced the mongoose to focus its dietary attention away from the intended fare. Instead, the mongoose has devastated native wildlife, including the Okinawa Rail, by preying on its eggs and young. This scenario mirrors that experience in Fiji where again mongoose were introduced to tackle snake populations in the sugar cane fields but now also wreak havoc on local wildlife.

In addition to predation, habitat loss due to deforestation and road expansion has further fragmented its already limited range, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions. Conservation efforts, including controlled trapping of mongoose and habitat protection initiatives, have helped stabilize the population, but the Okinawa Rail remains endangered, a fragile symbol of the island’s unique biodiversity and the ongoing fight to preserve it.

The Ryukyu Robin

Our final target species for this trip may be the smallest, but it sure makes up for with its amazing calls. The Ryukyu Robin (Larvivora komadori) is a small, vibrant songbird endemic to the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, where it thrives in the dense, shaded undergrowth of the Yambaru jungles. With its striking contrast of a deep orange-red breast and dark plumage, this elusive bird is more often heard than seen, its melodious song echoing through the forest’s towering trees.

Preferring the cool, undisturbed depths of the jungle, the Ryukyu Robin forages on the forest floor for insects and small invertebrates, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. However, like many of Okinawa’s native species, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. Conservation efforts have been crucial in protecting its remaining habitat, ensuring that this rare and charismatic bird continues to sing in the heart of Okinawa’s ancient woodlands.

Both of these species can be found in the north eastern pocket of the island and it is there we focus on in our search for them. Given the lack of tourism infrastructure in this region we will be staying at a resort option some 30minutes drive south from our planned encounter locations. As with most avian species the optimum times of day to encounter them are at the crack of dawn and, especially for the Okinawa Rail, at dusk.

Small yet incredibly packaged. What the Ryukyu Robin lacks in size it certainly makes up for with chirpiness and aesthetic presentation.

Winter Wildlife Tour - A Walk on the Wild Side

Wrapping up your seven day winter wildlife tour we look to go out with as big a bang as that which started this amazing adventure. I'll be taking you into the dark jungles of northern Okinawa to see what stirs after dark. A night walk through the Yambaru jungles of northern Okinawa unveils a hidden world of nocturnal creatures, each adapted to thrive in the darkness. The air hums with the calls of forest cicadas and myriad species of frogs, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing soundscape. Among the dense foliage, the Okinawa Tree Frog clings to leaves, its bright green body blending seamlessly with its surroundings, while the Ryukyu Tip-nosed Frog, a species unique to the region, emerges from the leaf litter in search of insects. High in the canopy, the Ryukyu Flying Fox, a large fruit bat, glides between tree branches, feeding on figs and other native fruits. Occasionally, the soft rustling of leaves might bring you face to face with one of my favorite species of gecko, namely Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko. Its eyes reflecting red under the glare of lamps or camera flash gives it that definite 'Terminator-esque' appearance.

Deeper into the jungle, more elusive creatures appear. Anderson's Crocodile Newts emerge from damp recesses to forage amongst the leaf litter. Almost dinosaur looking they take a keen eye to spot given their incredible camouflage against the dark jungle floors. Slithering across the trail, the Hime Habu, one of three infamous and venomous Habu Pit Viper snake species that reside in Okinawa, hunts for small frogs and lizards. Sharp-eyed observers might even catch a glimpse of the 'Holy Grail' of amphibians to be found in these rolling green hills, Ishikawa's Frog, a rare, yet highly prized species for nature lovers and photographers alike. If you're really lucky you may also encounter this species in a blue morph.

A night walk through Yambaru is more than just an adventure—it’s a journey into the secret lives of Okinawa’s most mysterious and rarely seen wildlife. Below, just a few of my favored species, all of which could potentially be encountered during the timeframe of your tour here with me.

Intrigued? Reach out for more details.

The Winter Wildlife Tour is an intense seven day adventure designed to bring you face to face with some of the most iconic of all wildlife. It offers a rare opportunity to encounter an incredible diversity of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. From the wetlands of the south to the dense Yambaru jungles of the north, this journey is designed to bring guests face-to-face with Okinawa’s most elusive and fascinating wildlife. The adventure begins with migratory birdwatching, featuring the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, Grey-faced Buzzards, and the agile Japanese Sparrowhawks. As the tour ventures into the heart of the Yambaru forests, guests will search for endemic treasures like the Okinawa Rail, a flightless bird hidden deep within the jungle, and the striking Ryukyu Robin. As night falls, the rainforest transforms into a world of nocturnal wonders, offering glimpses of Ishikawa’s Frog, the Hime Habu snake, and the Ryukyu Scops Owl, all while surrounded by the symphony of the subtropical night.

Beyond the forests and wetlands, this journey also explores Okinawa’s coastal waters, where guests embark on a breathtaking expedition to witness the Humpback Whales that migrate through the island’s warm seas each winter. Three full days will be spent watching, photographing and swimming with these majestic giants as they breach and play, an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

Whether photographing rare birds, walking among ancient trees, or witnessing the grandeur of ocean wildlife, this tour is a deeply immersive experience designed for nature lovers, photographers, and conservation enthusiasts alike. Through expert-guided excursions and carefully curated wildlife encounters, participants will leave with a profound appreciation for Okinawa’s fragile ecosystems and the efforts being made to protect them.

Please reach out for more details via the Contact Page here on this website. I look forward to answering all and any questions you may have concerning this, or any other tours that I also offer.

Your guide, wildlife photographer and cameraman Mark Thorpe.