Otaru Blue Cave Cruise

Otaru has a mysterious “Blue Cave” that can only be reached by sea.
It is a scenic spot where the sunlight makes the cave glow a deep, magical blue.

It is a popular spot that stands alongside Otaru Canal, Otaru Sakaimachi Street and Mt. Tengu.

Blue Cave Season

You can visit Otaru’s Blue Cave only from April to October.
July and August, the summer holiday season, are especially crowded.

In 2026, boats do not enter the cave and instead cruise around the outside of it.

Comparing Blue Cave Cruises

More than 10 companies in Otaru run cruises to the Blue Cave.
Because the fares and services are similar, many people have trouble deciding which cruise company to choose.

Fares are 5,000–6,000 yen. Cruises departing from the Otaru Canal area take 80 minutes, and those departing from Shioya or Shukutsu take 60 minutes.

There are three points to compare: seasickness, cancellation rate and access.

Less seasickness when departing from Shioya

Most cruise companies are based around the Otaru Canal, but some also depart from Shioya, where the Blue Cave is.

Shioya is about 8 km from the JR Otaru Station area, in the direction of Yoichi.
The Blue Cave is 13 km from the Otaru Canal and 2 km from Shioya.

Shioya is closer to the Blue Cave than the Otaru Canal is, so cruises from Shioya travel at a relatively gentle pace and there is less to worry about with seasickness. They are also slower than cruises departing from the Otaru Canal, which makes them well suited to enjoying the scenery and taking photos.

If you get seasick, it can affect the rest of your itinerary, so this is an important point when comparing.

Fewer cancellations when departing from Shioya

Departures from Shioya are also less affected by wind than those from the Otaru Canal, so the chance of cancellation is lower.

Harder to reach than the Otaru Canal area

Shioya takes about 15 minutes to reach by rental car or other vehicle.
By bus it takes 15 minutes and costs 250 yen, and a taxi costs about 2,500 yen one way.

Cruises departing from the Otaru Canal area, where sightseeing spots and hotels are concentrated, are easy to reach.
Cruises from Shioya are harder to reach than those departing from the Otaru Canal area.

Recommended: SALT VALLEY 408, departing from Shioya

Considering seasickness and the cancellation rate, we recommend departing from Shioya.
Among them, we recommend SALT VALLEY 408, which uses boats made by Boston Whaler, a company highly regarded worldwide for boats that do not sink even when cut in two.
Because it is based in Shioya, home of the Blue Cave, it knows the local sea inside out.

Boat and Rafting Boat

SALT VALLEY also differs from other Blue Cave cruise companies in that you can choose between a pleasure boat and the kind of rafting boat used for river rafting.
The scenery, the feel of the ride and how wet you get differ between the boat and the rafting boat.

As with other cruises, besides the Blue Cave itself you can enjoy other well-known spots such as Tsurukake Rock and Mado Rock.

Features of SALT VALLEY 408

• Floating in the Sea
  On some days from mid-July to mid-August when sea conditions are good, only rafting boat passengers can get into the sea and float around in their life jackets.

• Pets are welcome!
  Pets can come along if you book a private charter of the cruising boat.

• Small children are welcome!
  Children aged 2 and under may board the cruising boat only, accompanied by a guardian (free).