Ocean Ecotour Guide - Muroto
Muroto
A coastal town located 78 kilometres to the east of Kochi City on the south-east edge of Kochi Prefecture. It sits on a triangular shaped peninsular which protrudes sharply out into the Pacific Ocean. The steep mountains in the area seem almost ready to fall into the sea, with the rough ocean halting their descent.
Muroto is know as the origin of Tosa-style whale hunting, and was once a prospering whale hunting town. Now it has the phrase "The Whales Home Town - Muroto" as it's motto and is the seat of much history and culture concerning whales. It is first town in Kochi Prefecture to introduce whale watching.
Whales regularly pass through the ocean off Muroto on their way south for breeding,
and on their way back north to the feeding grounds, which means that Muroto is an
area where you are likely to sports whales all year round.
The most popular whale here is the Sperm Whale, which has a mysterious, enigmatic image. Pilot Whales and Sei Whales are also known to visit here.
The Whale Watching Area in Muroto
The main habitat of Sperm Whales is deep, open ocean, which makes Muroto an ideal place for them to live. The ocean off Cape Muroto is over 1000 metres deep, even quite close to shore, which makes it an excellent place to go 'Sperm Whale Watching'.
The Whales of Muroto
A Sperm Whale
The most commonly sighted whale off Cape Muroto is the Sperm Whale. From spring to the beginning of summer, it is possible to see Right Whales,Humpback Whales and during the summer months, Bryde's Whale sightings are very common.
Throughout the year during fine weather, Bottlenose Dolphins are regularly spotted here as well.
Ocean Ecotour - Muroto
last update:july 1, 1996/(C)Kochi Pref.