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An Otaru guide made by Otaru Geihinkan, a seaside inn in Otaru
A person kneeling on a SUP board and paddling at sea
  1. Otaru Travel Guide
  2. SUP & Snorkeling in Otaru

SUP & Snorkeling in Otaru

Instead of just viewing Otaru’s sea from a boat, why not take a stroll across the water on a SUP?
SUP has drawn a lot of attention in recent years as a water activity that originated in Hawaii.

A SUP board is a little larger than a surfboard, so even beginners can feel at ease.
Come and experience the sense of oneness with nature and the exhilaration for yourself.

There is a money-saving tip at the end, too!

There Is More to Enjoying the Sea in Otaru Than the Blue Cave Cruise

When people think of sea activities in Otaru, many probably picture the Blue Cave cruise. Seeing the coastline and the cave from a boat is a popular experience that lets you easily enjoy the charm of Otaru’s sea.

Recently, a different way to enjoy the sea has been getting attention: SUP and snorkeling. With SUP, you stand on a board and use a paddle to move across the water under your own power. Snorkeling then lets you observe the underwater scenery from just beneath the surface.

We also introduce the Otaru Blue Cave cruise in another article, so please read it if you are interested.
Otaru Blue Cave: Cruises to a Popular Scenic Spot

For SUP in Otaru, Try Hokkaido Elite Club

In Otaru, you can try SUP and snorkeling at Shioya as well.

Hokkaido Elite Club’s “Ocean SUP & Snorkeling” is a small-group guided activity on the sea near Otaru. The course takes about 2 hours.

It starts with a safety briefing and basic SUP practice. After checking how to stand on the board and use the paddle in shallow water, you head out to sea with an experienced, qualified guide. You paddle along the coastline toward a quiet snorkeling spot.

Once you reach the spot, you get off the SUP board and enjoy snorkeling. On days with good sea conditions, you can take your time observing fish and the underwater scenery in clear water. After snorkeling, you climb back onto the SUP and return to the starting point.

It is easy for beginners to join, and the full set of equipment, a guide, insurance, and photos are included, making it a great way to create a special memory of your trip to Otaru.

Hokkaido Elite Club
  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • Times: 10:00–12:00 / 14:00–16:00
  • Capacity: up to 5 people
  • Ages: 12–70
  • Rates
    Adults (ages 18–70): 10,000 yen (tax included)
    Children (ages 12–17): 8,000 yen (tax included)
  • Included: SUP board, paddle, snorkeling gear, wetsuit, life jacket, guide, safety briefing, photos, insurance

Prices and tour details may change. Before booking, please check the Hokkaido Elite Club official website for the latest information.
Tours may also be canceled or changed depending on the weather and sea conditions.

5% Off Coupon

Visitors to this page can use a coupon for 5% off.
Enter the coupon code “GEIHINKAN” when booking to get 5% off.

When booking, please check the official website for the coupon’s terms and whether it applies.

Things to Do Here

A Stroll on the Water by SUP

Stand on the board and use the paddle to enjoy the coastal scenery.

Snorkeling

Observe the underwater scenery from close to the surface.