What other travelers are saying about Abashiri Cruise
Before heading here. It is recommended to make a booking on their website. The site is fully in Japanese and needs a translation.
There’s two kind of boat here. Small boat (2 hour) and Big boat (1 hour). The small boat may not run depending on the thickness of the ice. Price is 8000 Yen for small boat and 4500 Yen for big boat. This is adult price.
If you decide to call them, be prepared that they do not understand English!
All cash payment only.
Fantastic experience with super close view of the ice. The big boat has 3 different level to view. At the deck, middle and lower. I suggest splitting the time to view it differently.
Highly recommended experience during winter.
The best time to experience the Abashiri Cruise is from late January to early March when the drift ice is at its peak.
The Abashiri Cruise typically uses icebreaker ships such as the Aurora and Aurora II, designed to cut through thick ice and provide passengers with a safe and comfortable experience.
Yes, passengers often spot various wildlife, such as seals, sea eagles, and seabirds, which inhabit the drift ice region.
The cruise usually lasts about one hour, providing ample time to experience the drift ice and the surrounding scenery.
It is essential to dress warmly in layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and waterproof boots, as the temperatures on the Sea of Okhotsk can be extremely cold.
Great experience and a must do if you’re in Abashiri. The experience is usually 1 hour (30 minutes out to sea and 30 minutes back). You can see the drift ice only at certain times of the year Jan through to very early March. A call out is that there is no guarantee to see it so please keep that in mind. The boat itself is very warm indoors and you can leave your luggage in coin lockers or for 500 yen with staff in the office while you do the boat tour.
If you want to see more photos and tips, feel free to check out my Instagram → @6yearsinjapan
Adults: about 3,800-5,000 yen, children: about 1,900-2,500 yen. A little expensive, but very comfortable.
The large ship is stable and comfortable.
The interior is fully heated, and you can admire the drift ice through the glass, so you don't have to worry about the cold.
It is popular with families and older people.
If comfort and stability are important to you, then the ‘Aurora' is more suitable than the 'Garinko'.
I visited on February 27th on a sunny day and the drift ice was at its peak, with the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range as a stunning backdrop.
However, it was quite crowded and the ice breaking ship seemed old.
I recommend making a reservation in advance as people from all over the world, as well as Japan, flock to see the drift ice during its peak season.
While the ice breaking ship trip can get a bit boring after a while, I was still happy because I got to see the drift ice up close at its fullest.
Overall, this is a very touristy trip, but if you're interested in seeing the drift ice up close with the beautiful Shiretoko mountain range, it's definitely worth checking out.
Must experience this if you are around the area! However, since the drift ice can only be controlled by mother earth, make sure to check beforehand on their website to see if you can see the drift ice before you plan to visit. If there is no drift ice, it might not be worth it.
Also beware of sea sickness! Bring meds or at least be prepared for some big waves. There are bags you can use but I've seen people throw up.
