Whale Watching in Oregon Coast

Whale Watching in Oregon Coast

Whale watching in the Oregon Coast is a popular activity that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Oregon Coast is home to several species of whales that migrate along the Pacific coast, including gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas. There are several ways to experience the thrill of whale watching in the Oregon Coast, and this guide will help you plan your trip to make the most of your experience.

Best Time to Go Whale Watching

The best time to go whale watching in the Oregon Coast is from December to January and March to May. During these months, thousands of gray whales migrate from their breeding grounds in Baja California to their feeding grounds in Alaska. These massive mammals can be seen from various points along the coast, and visitors can often spot them as they breach, spy-hop, and fluke their way through the waters.

Best Places to Go Whale Watching

Some of the best places to go whale watching in the Oregon Coast include Depoe Bay, Newport, and Cape Perpetua. Depoe Bay is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast” and offers several whale watching tours that take visitors on boats to view the whales up close. Newport also has several whale watching tours that provide an up-close and personal experience with the whales. Cape Perpetua, on the other hand, offers a unique vantage point for whale watching from the cliffs above the ocean.

Whale Watching Tours

There are several whale watching tours available along the Oregon Coast, offering visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. These tours are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the whales’ behaviors and habitats. Most tours provide binoculars and telescopes for a better view of the whales, and some even offer underwater microphones to listen to the whales’ songs.

Land-Based Whale Watching

For those who prefer to stay on land, several locations along the Oregon Coast offer excellent vantage points for whale watching. The Cape Blanco State Park, located near Port Orford, is a prime location for land-based whale watching. The park offers several viewpoints from which visitors can watch the whales migrate past the coastline.

Watching from Beaches

Several beaches along the Oregon Coast also offer excellent whale watching opportunities. Cannon Beach, for example, is a popular spot for whale watching as it offers a scenic view of Haystack Rock and a chance to spot the whales swimming by. The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport is another excellent spot for whale watching from the beach, as it offers panoramic views of the coastline.

Other Marine Life

Apart from the whales, the Oregon Coast is home to several other marine creatures, including sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins. Visitors can often spot these animals along with the whales during their whale watching tours.

In conclusion, whale watching is a must-do activity when visiting the Oregon Coast. With several whale watching tours available and several land-based vantage points, visitors can experience the thrill of watching these magnificent creatures up close. So, pack your binoculars and get ready for an unforgettable experience watching the whales of the Oregon Coast.

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center

119 SW Hwy 101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, United States

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, 2400 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365, United States

Ecola State Park

84318 Ecola State Park Rd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, United States

Cape Foulweather

Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, 4870 Oregon Coast Hwy, Otter Rock, OR 97369, United States

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint

3856 Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, United States

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

725 Summer St, Florence, OR 97439, United States