whale tour oregon coast

Sea Life Cruise

Our welcoming staff and crew offer a true Oregon adventure for visitors from far and near. Join our seasoned captains and a team of friendly naturalist guides, as we provide a fun and exciting 2-hour sea life cruise that focuses on Oregon wildlife aboard the deluxe 65ft DISCOVERY.

Depending on the time of year, we look for gray whales, harbor porpoise, seals, sea lions, pelicans, bald eagles, and an abundance of marine birds. Enjoy the incredible scenery of our bay, river, and coastline featuring the largest fishing fleet on the Oregon Coast, our historic bridge, two lighthouses, and fun activities for all ages!

Fun activities for all ages

Incredible sea life encounters, friendly & knowledgeable guides.

Group Tours

Marine Discovery Tours, proud members of the National Tour Association, the leading organization of professional tours in North America, offers group tours with many advantages for the tour operator. Contact us for scheduling information.

Tour groups love our "stretch limo" vessel with a heated cabin, seating for all, and complimentary coffee and tea! We're happy to offer exclusive charters for Special Events from reunions to Celebrations of Life/Ashes at Sea - take over the Discovery as your own!

Easy, flexible scheduling

Tour operator discounts, customized tour opportunities, bus parking & curbside drop-off, wheelchair access ramp.

School Groups

The DISCOVERY, staffed by enthusiastic marine educators, delivers powerful, hands-on student tours and experiences. Share aquatic habitats with your students from the best possible vantage – a 65′ floating classroom! The boat comfortably handles group sizes up to 49 with easy access loading and inside seating for all. Experience the estuary or ocean using the latest in navigation and research technology; including interactive labs, video microscopy, and on-board computer, rain or shine.

We welcome pre-K – 12th grade student sailors.

Accommodates different grade levels

Meets oregon common curriculum goals, can be adapted for students with special needs.

Marine Discovery Tours

(541) 265-6200.

 345 SW Bay Boulevard Newport, OR 97365 Email: [email protected]

Also at Anchor Pier on Newport's Bayfront...

Hatfield Visitor Center

• Gift Certificates
• Group Tickets
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Crustaceans
• Erosion Tank
• California Sea Lion
• Gray Whale Calf Skeleton
• Harbor Porpoise
• Northern Elephant Seal
• Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
• Sperm Whale Calf
• Newport Line
• Regional Class Research Vessel
• Science for Sustainable Fisheries
• The Sandbox
• Tidepool Touch Tanks
• Tsunami Wave Tank
• Exhibit Proposal Form
• Exploring Our Coast
• Build a Habitat
• Animal Adaptations
• Speedy Science
• Squid Dissection
• Rocky Intertidal Ecology
• Estuary Investigations
• Plankton Lab
• ROV Design Challenge
• Day Camp FAQs
• Teamwork for Marine Work
• Competitions & Workshops
• Keep Learning
• Become a Volunteer
• Make a Gift

Whale Watching

Special whale events March 26-29

Jump into Whale Watching

An estimated 25,000 Gray whales swim past Oregon’s coastline each spring, looking for colder water in Alaska. Many whales will be traveling with their calves, who were born earlier this year in the whales’ winter hideout off the coast of Mexico. Watch this footage of a whale breaching in the waters just off Depoe Bay. A breach is when a whale launches as much as three-fourths of its body out of the water in a spectacular show of power and grace. Get up-to-date information on the latest whale migrations at Oregon Whale Watch .

Whale Activities @ the vc

Sounds of the sea: march 26-29 at 11 a.m. daily.

Join us for this insightful and interactive presentation on how researchers use hydrophones and bioacoustics to identify unique sounds of the sea. The audience will have a chance to test their ability to identify underwater sounds during an interactive “sounds of the sea” game. This activity is family-friendly and fun for all ages.

Assemble a Whale: March 26-29 at 1 and 3 p.m.

This activity focuses on assembling the skeleton of a 16-foot-long Cuvier’s beaked whale. Participants will learn about the differences and similarities between toothed and baleen whales using real whale teeth, baleen and other biofacts.

Whale Watch Week Color and Learn Sheets (pdf)

These are not your average coloring sheets. Learn about lunge feeding, gray whale migration routes, and the differences between toothed and baleen whales.

Where To watch for Whales

best time to see whales

Gray whales are the most commonly sighted whales on the Oregon coast. Their seasonal migration patterns bring more than 20,000 of them passed the coast each year.

• Winter: Mid-December - mid-January the whales travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico.
• Spring: Late March as the gray whales travel north to Alaska. Whales are northbound through May.
• Year-round: About 200 Gray whales remain in Oregon’s coastal waters every year. In the summer and fall, it is possible to see them feeding closer to shore. The central coast is a hot-spot for whales from May through October.

Whale Spotting Tips

There are four things to be on the lookout for when whale watching, according to Oregon Parks Department .

Gray whales usually surface every 20 seconds as they swim but will often stay under for 3 to 5 minutes when they are eating. If they have been down for 5 minutes, they usually blow 5 times when they surface to replenish their oxygen supply. The blow, or spout, shoots nearly 12 feet high and expels 400 liters of air in a single blast. The whales take a few breaths at the surface then dive again. If they are frightened, they can stay down for 30 minutes, hiding on the bottom or traveling great distances.

The ultimate in whale sightings is a breach. This is when a whale launches itself out of the water in a spectacular show of power and grace. Scientists aren’t sure why whales breach. Possibly they do it to remove parasites, communicate with each other, or maybe it’s just for fun. Gray whales aren’t known for breaching nearly as often as Humpback whales, but young Gray whales seem to be the most common breachers along the Oregon Coast.

Whales are intelligent and curious and are often seen “spyhopping,” or lifting their heads above the surface of the water. They like to rise out of the water to get a better sense of their surroundings. During the summer, Gray whales have been known to spyhop regularly, especially when local tour boats are near. Perhaps this means the whales enjoy watching us as much as we enjoy watching them?

A deep dive, also known as sounding or fluking, happens when a whale lifts its tail flukes out of the water. This helps propel the whale downward at a steep angle to the bottom, where they feed on zooplankton and amphipods. After the flukes disappear under the water, the turbulence of the dive will cause a circle of smooth water, known as a fluke-print.

What to look for when whale watching

This video from Oregon State Parks and Recreation shows a spring day of whale watching in Depoe Bay. Can you spot the four whales in this short video? Weather plays a huge factor in whale watching success, so keep an eye on the forecast, and good luck!

What types of whales can you see off the Oregon coast

After Gray whales, Humpback whales are the second most common whale on the coast. The best time to spot them in August and September. April to June you may also see Orcas, also known as killer whales. The Oregon coast also has Minke whales, Blue whales, Sperm whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Dall's porpoise, Harbor porpoise. You find interesting facts about all of them at the ODFW.

Contact Info

Oregon Sea Grant Oregon State University 1600 SW Western Blvd Suite 350 Corvallis OR 97333 Corvallis Office: 541-737-2714 Visitor Center: 541-867-0100, #2 E-mail

• Gift Certificates
• Memorial Services
• Whale Sightings
• Whale Tales
• Credentials

Join us to see whales and other wildlife along the beautiful Oregon coast

Whale's Tail Charters

Whale Watching Tours Depoe Bay Oregon

Want a once in a lifetime experience? Hop aboard one of our zodiac whale watching boats. We strive to provide you with an experience that is not to be missed along with some lasting memories for the whole family.

We at  Whale’s Tail Charters have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Being honest and caring, the safety of our customers is the priority. We offer whale watching, scenic tours and personal charters to fit all your needs.

This is a great way to enjoy the natural wonders and spectacular wildlife that live off the shores of the Oregon coast. We hope you can join us for an exciting tour to see these incredible whales in their natural habitat.

Whale’s Tail Charters offers a fun and exciting way to explore the beautiful Oregon coast! Our low to the water boats are comfortable, quiet, and highly maneuverable, offering an incredible perspective of whales and marine wildlife.

With a maximum of six passengers on each boat, this tour is a more personalized experience. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of these amazing whales and the beauty of the Oregon coast.

We provide our passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer service, first class vessel, the highest possible safety standards and added value from an on the water education of whales and marine life. We have been inspected and approved by the state of Oregon and have all the latest safety equipment.   Credentials

We operate two zodiacs RHIB (Ridged Hull Inflatable Boats). We take 2-6 people so there is no overcrowding. No diesel fumes to smell, we have 360° viewing, it is quiet, roomy, and faster than the larger boats, so you get to spend more time around the whales.

Zodiac inflatable boats are the safest and most stable boats in the world today. With all the new construction methods, technology and the new designs allowing necessary safety systems to be in place.

Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now the standard for the military and other agencies because of their speed, maneuverability, and safe stable ride.

Gray Whales

A small percentage of gray whales feed off the coast of Depoe Bay between May and October. One of their primary food sources are mysid shrimp. Mysids are found near the ocean bottom and around kelp beds. The gray whale does not usually feed during its migration or winter calving periods.

Generally, gray whales are slow swimmers. Averaging three to five mph during migration and have a rhythmic breathing pattern. Normally they will make three to five short shallow dives of less than a minute each and then a long deep dive.

When a gray whale lifts its tail flukes out of the water it is going on a deep dive. This action is called sounding or fluking. It helps propel the whale downward to the bottom where they feed on small crustaceans. After the flukes disappear under the water the turbulence of the dive will cause a circle of smooth water known as a fluke print.

The Ultimate Whale Sighting

The ultimate in whale sightings is a breach. This occurs when a whale launches as much as ¾ of its body out of the water. Scientists are not sure why whales breach. They speculate that they do it to remove parasites, communicate with each other, or just do it for fun.

Gray whales can reach a length of about 40 to 50 feet, and weight between 50,000 and 80,000 pounds. They can live up to 40-70 years. Most of the older grays have scars and tooth rake marks from encounters with Orca Whales (Killer of Whales) .

Depoe Bay's Resident Gray Whales

Some gray whales do not continue to Alaskan waters but stay off the coast of Oregon between June and October. These part-time resident gray whales number about 200. Approximately 60 whales are sighted repeatedly off the central coast and have been photographed and identified. Of these, 40 hang out between Lincoln City and Newport.

For whales to be known as residents, they must stay around a certain area for at least two days, exhibit feeding behavior, and return year after year. This distinguishes them from migrating whales which stop on their migration and feed then move on their way.

Along the coast of Depoe Bay our resident gray whales begin showing up in June. Some arrive in early summer, leave, and then return in late summer or early fall. The resident whales leave in mid-October and return to the breeding lagoons of Baja California to rejoin the remainder of the population.

Resident gray whales remain around Depoe Bay for a period of days to months. These whales are also known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group . Gray whales move about and feed off the Oregon coast during the summer and fall months. They are still migratory animals, but this group makes a shorter migration route if they find adequate food sources.

New study finds Resident Gray Whales Move Around Quite A Bit

Best Time to See Oregon Whales

What is the best time of the year to see whales? Folks seem to think that the best time is during the annual migrations. Contrary to that popular belief, the best time to see whales here in Depoe Bay is June through September. This is when our resident whales have returned and taken up residence. As summer approaches we see more of our  resident gray whales   arrive.

During the spring migration is when the whales move closer to shore and stop to feed. The best times of day are mornings before the wind starts to blow. During the afternoon it can get windy, which tends to blow the spouts down making it hard for people to see them. The most popular trip is the 1 ½ hour at 10:00am or 12:00pm. This is when the ocean is usually calmer and a more enjoyable ride.

From mid-March to the end of May we have gray whales migrating  from Mexico to Alaska. These whales are usually about 1-3 miles offshore and mothers and calves are right next to shore.

From June through September we have our resident gray whales. This is the best time to see whales in Oregon. They are right next to shore feeding (within 1/2 mile) and stay off Depoe Bay for months at a time. These whales do not make the trip to Alaska and make the Oregon coast their feeding area.

Barnacles and Whale Lice

Barnacles and whale lice are a fact of life for gray whales; there are hundreds of pounds of barnacles on gray whales. These barnacles attach themselves to gray whales in the lagoons when they are born. Barnacles stay on gray whales for as long as they are alive.

Barnacles depigment the skin when they attach themselves to the whale. When the barnacles die and fall off, they leave a small round white circle or ring. Barnacle scars create a unique pattern on each whale which can help in identifying the gray whale.

Gray whales also have whale lice which are not true parasites. They feed on the skin and damaged tissue which is beneficial to whale. Whale lice gather around open wounds or scars of the whale. Lice can spread from mother whales to their calves during birth and nursing.

Whale lice are orange colored patches around the barnacles and in crevices of the whale’s body. To get rid of the whale lice, whales rub themselves along the sea bottom or breach. Gray whales feed on bottom sediments and scrape off barnacles and whale lice as they feed.

Breaching Behavior Of Gray Whales

One of the most awesome sights that often happen during our tours is that of a gray whale breaching. This is where 1/2 to 3/4 of the body length comes up out of the water. When a whale is going to breach, they will swim rapidly under water and then suddenly raise its head and body up and out of the water. It will usually land on its side or back with a tremendous splash. Usually a gray whale will breach several times in a row.

There have been some studies that say calves breach more than adults which suggest that it may be more for play than anything. Other theories range from a way to knock off parasites such as barnacles. Some other reasons for whales breaching could be a form of courtship or a way to emphasize a visual signal. But the truth is no one knows why they do this.

Spy-Hopping

Another whale behavior that gets people excited is spy-hopping. This is where the whales head sticks straight up out of the water. One theory on spy-hopping goes against the conventional wisdom that it is to see what is happening. Some suggests that it is to help the whales hear better. It has been observed that during spy hop behavior the eyes do not always come above the surface of the water. During migration it may be to hear the surf since their route usually follows the coastline.

When spy-hopping, the whale rises and holds position partially out of the water exposing its entire rostrum (head region). Spy-hopping is controlled and slow and can last for minutes at a time. Typically, the whale’s eyes will be slightly above or below the surface of the water.

Lob-Tailing

Lob-tailing is when a whale lifts its flukes out of the water and brings them down onto the surface to make a loud slap. Like breaching, lob-tailing is common among humpback and gray whales. It is less common but still occasionally occurs among other large whales.

Large whales tend to lob-tail by positioning themselves vertically downwards, then slapping the surface by bending the tail. The sound of a lob-tail can be heard underwater several hundred yards. This has led to speculation among scientists that lob-tailing is a form of non-vocal communication.

Reservations are recommended to maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer. When you book online, we ask that you give us a call a day or two before your trip to check on ocean conditions. If we determine that it is too rough for our customers, you can get a full refund or reschedule for another day. The number one priority is the safety of our passengers.

Related Topics

• Oregon Whale Watching Tours

Gray Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Twice a year, 20,000 whales pass by oregon’s coast on their migratory route in december and march. read on for elevated vantage points perfect for oregon coast whale watching., best oregon coast places for whale watching.

Cape Lookout State Park – Whale Watching Spot

Cape Lookout State Park, Whiskey Creek Road, Tillamook, OR, USA

Part of the Three Capes Scenic Loop, Cape Lookout is home to a trail that follows the headland for more than two miles with plenty of viewpoints along the way.

Ecola State Park – Whale Watching Spot

Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, OR, USA

A popular spot for its scenic coastal views with and without whales. Ecola’s entrance road from Cannon Beach winds through a lush Sitka spruce forest before leading to a parking area with access to a picnic area on a grassy bluff and trails to the beach and cliffside viewpoints.

Neahkahnie Mountain – Whale Watching Spot

Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon, USA

Stop at the historical marker along Highway 101 towards Manzanita. The multiple highway turnouts are lined with low rockwork walls. Hikers can climb the nearby Neahkahnie Mountain trails for even higher views.

Meet Whale Watching Experts – Whale Watching Spot

“Whale Watching Spoken Here” is put on by Oregon State Parks every migratory season. During the peak week of migration, volunteers are here helping visitors sight whales off the headlands. See all the volunteer-staffed locations!

FAQs: Whale Watching Oregon Coast

As the weather cools every winter, more than 20,000 Gray whales migrate south to the warmer waters off of Baja Mexico. In the spring, they will migrate back up north to Alaska, passing along the Oregon coastline again to the delight of whale watchers. If timed right and the skies are clear, getting a glance at whales passing by can be a breathtaking experience. Approximately 30 whales migrate along the Oregon coast every hour during peak southbound migrations, and about six pass by each hour during the northbound migration. Although Gray whales are generally about five miles off of the shore, they can be identified from afar by their spouts as they rise to the surface. Since these spouts shoot up around 12-feet high, they are easy to identify on a clear day and can be viewed even closer with the use of binoculars. If you’re lucky, you may even see a Gray whale launch out of the water to perform a breach!

Read on for elevated vantage points perfect for Oregon coast whale watching.

You should be able to see whales all along the North Coast during migrations, but there are three key destinations to be aware of that are staffed by volunteers during Whale Watch Weeks in late December and late March. This includes Fort Stevens State Park, Ecola State Park, and the Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker off of Highway 101. Especially from Neahkahnie Mountain (one of the highest points on the Oregon coast), visitors have expansive views of the ocean which makes it an excellent vantage point for spotting Gray whales as they migrate. But even from grassy dunes by the beach or from beachfront balconies, you should be able to find whales if you are looking for them during their travels. Even during non-migration seasons in the summer and fall, approximately 200 whales reside in the waters off of the Oregon coast to feed.

Is there whale watching on the Oregon coast?

Yes! The Oregon coast is a premiere destination for whale watching, with an abundance of Gray whales traveling up and down the coastline every year.

When is whale watching season on the Oregon coast?

Whale watching is best during key migration times for Gray whales. You can catch them heading south along the Oregon coast from mid-December to mid-January. The same whales can be seen returning along the Oregon coast in late March until June as they make their way north.

What to wear whale watching at the Oregon coast?

If you are whale watching on the North Coast during the winter months, bring plenty of warm clothes and rain gear to keep you comfortable as you view whales passing by from the shores. Weather in the spring is generally more pleasant but unpredictable, so bring layers to account for sun, wind, and rain.

Where to go whale watching on the Oregon coast?

While the entire Oregon coast has many whale watching destinations to choose from, there are a few key spots on the North Coast. This includes Fort Stevens State Park in Astoria, Ecola State Park between Seaside and Cannon Beach, and the Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker off of Highway 101. Cape Lookout State Park also offers impressive viewpoints that can be great for catching a glimpse of the whales.

Privacy Overview

Whale Watching

Whales in Oregon!

People come from all over the world to learn about the gray whales that travel along the Oregon coast each year. Whales are visible from Oregon’s shores all year long although some months are better than others.

In the  Winter  we watch nearly 20,000 gray whales from mid-December through mid-January as they travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico.

Spring  watching begins in late March as the gray whales travel north on their way towards Alaska. The first surge swims by around the end of March and we watch the north-bound whales all the way until June.

Summer & Fall  bring whales that feed along our coast from June to mid-November. We typically don’t see hundreds of whales during this time but we consistently see between 5 and 15 whales every day!

courtesy of OregonStateParks

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Whale Watching

Back to Travel Stories

Whale watching is a year-round activity on the Oregon Coast with gray whales by far the most commonly seen. Whale watching is not difficult, but a few tips make it easier. Any location with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, and morning light with the sun at your back is best. First locate whale spouts with your naked eye; then focus more closely with binoculars. For an even closer view, try whale watching from a charter boat. And some people prefer the view from above—from an airplane or helicopter. Both charter boats and air services are available (and listed below). And, of course, calmer days are best, whether by land, sea, or air.

Gray Whale Migration

Gray whales migrate South from their feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas around Alaska from mid-December through January. They are heading to their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico, where warm-water lagoons become nurseries for expectant mothers. Then from late March to June the whales migrate North back to Alaska. On each trip, approximately 18,000 gray whales pass close to the Oregon Coast.

On the trip down, these giant mammals head South on a direct course, move quickly, and mostly stay about 5 miles offshore. At their peak, about 30 whales pass by each hour. Coming back, the whales travel much more leisurely and stay closer to shore—within a half mile is not unusual. The non-breeding males and females lead the way back with some early birds starting in late February. They may even pass stragglers still heading south. The northward migration continues at a slower pace and mothers with young don’t usually appear until May.

Resident Gray Whales in Summer

Some gray whales do not continue on to Alaskan waters but stay off the coast of Oregon between June and November. These part-time residents number about 200. About 60 whales are seen repeatedly off the central coast and have been photographed and identified. Of these, about 40 hang out between Lincoln City and Newport each year because that seems to be what the food supply will support.

Whale Watching Spoken Here Program

Each year peak migration times coincide with people’s vacation times. The Whale Watching Spoken Here program takes advantage of this coincidence with two weeks of assisted whale watching: one is the week between Christmas and New Year’s and the other is during the last week in March. During each whale-watch week hundreds of volunteers man 26 sites along the coast from Ilwaco, Washington to Crescent City, California.

New Summer Whale Watch Week

Since 2004, a third Whale Watching Spoken Here week has been added, and it’s scheduled during the last week of August through the first Monday in September. The summer whale watch locations are those along the central coast and focus on the part-time resident whales.

How to Become a Whale Watch Volunteer

To be a volunteer in winter, spring, or summer, you don’t have to be a whale expert, but you do have to attend one weekend of training. Volunteers come from all walks of life: from high school students to retirees, from coastal residents to inland city dwellers. The common denominator is an interest in whales—especially gray whales. As a volunteer you’ll learn a great deal about these fascinating leviathons, meet interesting people, and share what you’ve learned with visitors. It’s exciting to be the one to point and shout, “Over there!” and see the look of wonder that appears when someone sees their very first whale. For further information or a registration form for the training weekend, contact Dave Newton, Whale Watch Volunteer Coordinator, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 198 NE 123rd Street, Newport, OR 97365, 541-765-3407; fax 541-765-3402; [email protected]; www.whalespoken.org .

Preregistration is required because of limited space. You may register for training and/or sign up for whale watch week by mail, e-mail, phone, fax, or dropping in to visit at the Whale Watching Center on Highway 101at the south end of the bridge in Depoe Bay.

As a Whale Watch Volunteer

Whether you sign up for a couple days or a week, it’s your responsibility to arrive early at your whale watching site to help set up, be on duty from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then help pull siting information together and put everything away. Usually two (or more) volunteers are at each site, and usually the more experienced one is in charge of putting up the Whale Watching Spoken Here sign and bringing the literature about gray whales and the program. You’ll find that visitors stop no matter what the weather.

Feeding and Diving Whale Facts

You’ll learn that gray whales are baleen whales. This means when feeding for small crustaceans on the ocean floor, the whales roll on their sides and scoop up water and sediments. They then force the water and sediments out through the fringed baleen plates that hang from either side of their upper jaw where teeth would otherwise be. You’ll learn that gray whales have double spouts just like all baleen whales. That the blow is not a fountain of water, but of mist that condenses immediately as warm moist air is exhaled under high pressure from their lungs. And that gray whales have a rhythmic breathing pattern during migration—three to five short, shallow dives of 15 to 30 seconds each followed by a long, deep dive of three to six minutes. When you see flukes, it usually signals a deep dive.

Spy Hopping and Breaching Behavior

The two whale behaviors that get people excited are spy hopping—where the head sticks straight up out of the water—and breaching—where 1/2 to 3/4 of the body length comes up out of the water and falls on its side or back causing a tremendous splash.

Bruce Mate’s theory on spy hopping goes against the conventional wisdom that it’s to see what is happening. Mate suggests that it’s to help the whales hear better; he has observed that during spy hop behavior the eyes do not always come above the surface of the water. During migration, it may be to hear the surf since their route follows the coastline.

As far as breaching goes, Mate says, “They don’t seem to injure themselves. Once one starts, others follow—like humans yawning.” He goes on to say that no one knows why they do it; theories range from a way to knock off external parasites, such as barnacles, to a form of communication . . . or just for the fun of it.

Where to Spot Whales

From north to south, these are the 26 Whale Watching Spoken Here sites. With or without a volunteer to assist, these are the best locations along the coast to spot whales.

• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco, Washington
• Ecola State Park
• Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker Turnout on Highway 101
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Lookout State Park – 2.5 mile hike to site at tip of Cape
• Cape Kiwanda
• Inn at Spanish Head Lobby on 10th floor
• Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
• The Whale Watching Center/Depoe Bay Sea Wall
• Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Foulweather
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
• Don Davis City Park
• Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center
• Cook’s Chasm Turnout
• Sea Lion Caves Turnout – large Highway 101 turnout south of tunnel
• Umpqua Lighthouse, near Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Shore Acres State Park
• Face Rock Wayside State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Blanco Lighthouse, near Cape Blanco State Park
• Battle Rock Wayfinding Point, Port Orford
• Cape Sebastian
• Cape Ferrelo
• Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, Oregon
• 9th Street Beach, Crescent City, California

Whale Watching by Sea and Air

More than one of these charter businesses—both boats and planes—stressed that whale watching is better in the spring through fall when the weather is more pleasant and the seas and skies less rough. Charterboats:

• Linda Sue III Charters & Troller, Rockaway Beach, 503-355-3419
• D&D Charters (spring through fall), Garibaldi, 800-900-HOOK (4665)
• Tradewinds Charters, Depoe Bay, 800-445-8730
• Dockside Charters, also have Zodiacs, Depoe Bay, 800-733-8915
• Marine Discovery Tours (spring through fall), 65-foot Discovery, Newport 800-903-BOAT (2628)
• Bayfront Charters, Newport, 800-828-8777
• Sea Gull Charters, Newport, 800-865-7441
• Newport Tradewinds, Newport, 800-676-7819
• Newport Marina Store and Charters, South Beach, 541-867-4470
• Betty Kay Charters, Charleston, 800-752-6303
• Tidewind Sportfishing, Brookings, 800-799-0337

Scenic & Whale-Watch Flights:

Most flights carry from one to three passengers. Rates vary and reservations are recommended but not always required. Please call for more information. All flights are dependent upon the weather.

• Tillamook Air Tours, one to four passengers, 503-842-1942
• Florence Aviation, one passenger, Florence 541-997-8069
• Crosswind Air Tours, two or three passengers (minimum two), Florence 541-997-8069
• Coos Aviation, one to three passengers, North Bend 541-756-5181
• Frank’s Flight Service, one to three passengers, Bandon 541-347-2022

in Beach Activities , How-to , Outdoor Activities , Seasons , Wildlife

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The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Oregon

It’s well-known among Oregonians that there’s no lack of things to see and do on the Oregon Coast. Besides hiking and camping, whale watching is one of the most popular activities in this region. Catching sight of a gray whale emerging from the choppy Pacific waters is a moment you won’t soon forget. There are plenty of opportunities to spot these beautiful giants of the sea, especially during the two annual migration seasons which bring them right by Oregon.

How and Where to Go Whale Watching in Oregon

Stretching about 360 miles total from the mouth of the Columbia River in the north to the California border in the south, the Oregon Coast is one of the state’s premier tourist destinations. In fact, the Oregon Tourist Board has designated it one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, along with other such great destinations as Crater Lake National Park and Mount Hood .

Commonly Seen Whales Species in Oregon

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife , the waters along the Oregon Coast are home to ten of the approximately 80 species of whales, porpoises and dolphins in the world. Among those are some of the most iconic and mightiest animals on Earth.

Lucky visitors might spot humpback whales near the horizon. These magnificent animals usually migrate five to fifteen miles off the coast and are best seen on boat trips.

Rarely, you might catch a mighty blue whale, known to favor colder waters and most often seen in pods closer to Canada. The most endangered of the great whales, these enormous mammals are the biggest animals that ever lived.

Other marine mammals that you can see while whale watching in Oregon include minke whales, harbor porpoises and even orcas. In fact, a pod of orcas (also known as killer whales) typically patrols the waters off Depoe Bay and Newport around mid-April, which is when they hunt baby gray whales.

And this brings us to by far the most common of the Oregon whales—the gray whales. Growing up to 50 feet in length, this species of baleen whale is the most “coastal” whale in Oregon. When they migrate along the Oregon Coast, they’re usually no further than a few miles from the mainland. In addition to that, you can see gray whales in Oregon throughout the entire year.

Gray Whale Migration Seasons

During the two annual gray whale migration seasons, up to 20,000 whales pass by the coast, close enough to the shore to be visible from the mainland. It’s easily one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Oregon.

Moreover, each year there are about 200 to 400 “resident” gray whales in Oregon. Falling out of the northward spring migration and sticking along the Oregon Coast in summer and fall, this group of whales offers reliable, year-round whale watching in Oregon. As such, you can spot gray whales in Oregon at any time of the year.

There are two peak gray whale migration seasons to know for the best whale watching in Oregon—from March through May and from mid-December through mid-January.

Spring Migration

The spring migration season is when the gray whales migrate from their Baja Mexico breeding lagoons to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. Pregnant females and nursing mothers with young calves are the last ones to depart , leaving only when they’re sure their children are strong enough for the journey. Those young families arrive in Oregon around mid-April, which, as mentioned above, is also when you might see orcas hunting off the Oregon Coast.

A couple of hundred whales leave the group and stay just off the Oregon Coast through summer and fall. They will join the southward migration again in winter.

The Dyrt PRO ensures easy trip planning and helps you deal with last-minute cancellations. With the upgraded version of The Dyrt app, you can access campgrounds, maps, and photos for offline use during outdoor adventures.

Winter Migration

As early as October, as the northern sea ice slowly creeps southward, the first gray whales begin migrating back south from the Arctic Sea. They start arriving in Oregon in December. The peak of the winter migration typically happens between Christmas and New Year’s Day, when about 30 whales migrate past the coast each hour.

While the total number of gray whales in Oregon is the same during both migration seasons, the winter season sees a far denser concentration of the animals simply because it’s much shorter. All animals pass by Oregon in the timespan of about a month in winter. The spring migration season, on the other hand, lasts up to four months.

Oregon “Whale Watch Weeks”

Coincidentally and conveniently, the peak gray whale migration seasons coincide with many people’s vacation times—the winter holidays and spring break. This is why Oregon State Parks has a “Whale Watch Week” program called Whale Watch Spoken Here .

During the two annual “Whale Watch Weeks” (respectively the week between Christmas and New Year’s and a week in late-March), hundreds of volunteer observers take up their positions at two dozen outlooks and vantage points all along the coast. Those two weeks consistently take place during the very peak of both gray whale migration seasons. If you want to go whale watching in Oregon, this is the time to do it.

Best Places for Whale Watching in Oregon

The top destination for whale watching in Oregon is Depoe Bay , effectively Oregon’s whale watching capital. Home to the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center and the world’s smallest navigable harbor, this coastal town is where many of the resident gray whales hang out in summer and fall, feeding on the abundance of mysid shrimp.

• Dockside Charters
• Tradewinds Charters
• Whale Research Eco Excursions
• Whale’s Tail Charters

In addition to Depoe Bay—your best bet for Oregon whale watching excursions—there are many other excellent place to see whales in Oregon, spread along the entire coast from Northern to Southern Oregon . Below is a north-to-south overview of some of the state parks’ “Whale Watch Spoken Here” locations, outlining the other best places for whale watching in Oregon.

• Ecola State Park
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Lookout State Park
• Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
• Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Foulweather
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Yaquina Head
• Cape Perpetua
• Sea Lion Caves
• Umpqua Lighthouse
• Cape Blanco Lighthouse
• Battle Rock Wayfinding Point
• Cape Ferrelo
• Harris Beach State Park

You can find the full list of best whale watching locations in Oregon on the Visit The Oregon Coast website.

4 Recommended Campgrounds for Oregon Whale Watching

The best places on the Oregon Coast for a week(end) of whale watching are the coastal state parks. All campgrounds below lie either at or near a Whale Watch Week location.

1. Cape Lookout State Park  in Tillamook, OR

Image from The Dyrt camper Haley W.

One of the premier locations for whale watching on the Northern Oregon Coast, Cape Lookout State Park occupies a sand spit on the Pacific and offers great ocean views. Hikers can explore more than eight miles of hiking trails nearby. Families with children, on the other hand, will enjoy the three-mile sand beach is easily accessible as well. The beach acts as a great vantage point to scour the ocean surface for spouts.

“Cape Lookout is right on the coast and has something for just about everyone. There’s an amphitheater, showers, backpacking sites, cabins, yurts, summer interpretive programs, covered group areas, a great beach and a roughly 6-mile round-trip hike that puts you 2 miles out and 400 feet over the Pacific Ocean. I stood amazed at the views and, staying quiet, noticed migrating whales. The beach is windy, wild and unpretentious.” — The Dyrt camper Bjorn S.

2. Beverly Beach State Park  in Newport, OR

Image from The Dyrt camper  Zannie P.

The Beverly Beach State Park Campground lies mere steps from the beach, which stretches from the Otter Rock headlands to Yaquina Head, which is a superb spot for whale watching. This is a large, popular and family-friendly campground with tons of sites. There are 128 tent sites, 76 electrical sites with water, 53 full-hook-up sites and 21 yurts.

“This campground is one of our favorite State Parks! We stayed Memorial Day weekend and had a blast. Located close to the Newport Aquarium, Yaquina Head, and the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay there are plenty of things to do and see! The beach access was very nice and easy to navigate with small kids (no dune climbing here).” — The Dyrt camper Kelli B.

3. Cape Blanco State Park  in Port Orford, OR

Image from The Dyrt camper Meghan O.

With great coastal hiking, cycling, horseback riding and kayaking, Cape Blanco State Park is the Oregon coast’s outdoor activity hub. Glorious ocean views abound around the park, while the campground is set in a lush old-growth forest. There are 52 first come, first served electrical sites with water.

Although it can be quite windy, the sites stand out from other campgrounds’ because of their privacy. Horse corrals are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabins can be reserved in advance.

“Cape Blanco State Park is the hidden treasure of the Oregon Coast – maybe of all of Oregon. Each site is secluded with lovely hedges. The hikes through the forests are like taking a walk through a Tolkien novel with hanging moss, giant trees, ferns, mushrooms and meandering trails.” — The Dyrt camper Debbie B.

4. Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, OR

Image from The Dyrt camper Chanel C.

One of the coast’s most scenic state parks, Harris Beach State Park is a fantastic basecamp for whale watching in Oregon. Home to Bird Island—Oregon’s largest island and a National Wildlife Sanctuary—as well as several imposing sea stacks, it offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Gray whales are the stars of the show, but harbor seals, California sea lions and a plethora of sea birds never fail to entertain visitors either.

“This campground has many Full hookup sites with plenty of tent sites too. All RV sites are paved with gravel around the picnic table and fire ring. Each loop has its own restrooms and showers which were well kept and very clean… There is an amphitheater with bench seating that ranger talks are hosted pretty much nightly. We attended one and had a great time watching a moving and learning about the local whales that frequent the coastline there.” –The Dyrt camper Kelli B.

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Bram Reusen

Born and raised in Belgium, Bram Reusen is now based in Portland, Oregon. An avid hiker and camper, he’s traveled all over Australia, Europe and the USA in search of the world’s most beautiful and remarkable national parks. When he’s not out wandering in forests, over mountains or along coasts, you can find him in front of his laptop writing about his adventures and editing photos. You might also spot him in a local craft brewery sipping a beer or two.

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Whale Watching in Newport Oregon: The Best Place to Whale Watch

Whale watching in Newport is a one-of-a-kind experience. From standing at the top of the lighthouse looking out to see to dining while whale watching. There are so many amazing places to whale watch in this great city!

With its sheltered and easy access to the open ocean, Newport is one of the best places on the coast for spotting whales. 

You can easily make a day or weekend trip out of it. 

And with so much to see and do in Newport, you will not be disappointed. 

Best Time of Year to go Whale Watching in Newport

Oregon’s Newport is one of the best place to whale watch on the Oregon Coast.

The town is in Lincoln County and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Whale watching is a popular activity here, as whales can often migrate close to the shore. 

Several tour companies offer whale watching trips and deep-sea fishing adventures. There are also several spots along the coast to view whales from land.

The best time of the year to whale watch in Newport is between June and September.

In early summer the Oregon Coast's resident gray whale population starts to come back and can be seen all summer long.

However, whales can often be seen throughout the year.

If you are lucky enough to spot these whales you might see a whale spout in the water. This is the most common spotting. However, if you are extremely lucky you may see them breach. Breaching is when they jump out of the water.

The Best Place To Go Whale Watching in Newport on Land

There are several great spots to whale watch in Newport, Oregon. 

Some of the best places to see whales while on land include:

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area : 

Also known to locals as just Yaquina Head is a headland on the Oregon Coast home to diverse plant and animal life and various geological features.

It is located on the north end of Newport and offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. 

The area includes a variety of habitats, such as tide pools, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and grassy meadows. 

These habitats are home to many different plants and animals, including seabirds, seals, and sea lions. 

It is a great place to see whales throughout the year. 

Gray whales are the most common type of whale seen in the area, and they can often be spotted from the shore during their annual migration.

Humpback whales are also occasionally seen, and orcas have been known to hunt in the waters off Yaquina Head.

Visitors can often see whales from the cliffs or boats, and there are several whale-watching tour operators in the area.

Whales are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, and they play a vital role in the health of the ocean.

The Yaquina Head is one of the best places in Oregon to see these fantastic creatures in their natural habitat. 

Restaurants:  

Many restaurants have windows facing the ocean in Newport. 

In these restaurants, you can look out the windows and find some pretty impressive waves, birds, and, if you are lucky, whales. 

There is something special about dining while watching the ocean waves. 

It is a feeling of being away from it all. 

That is why many restaurants choose to have their windows facing the ocean so that diners can enjoy the view. 

I was recently at The Hill Buffet and Grill with my husband during dinner time. 

We happened to both look out at the ocean simultaneously and saw a pod of whales in the water spouting. 

We both were captivated as the whales breached and spouted. 

It was a special moment for both of us. 

You may not see this all of the time; however, if you look closely, you will see some beautiful waves and, if you are lucky, some spouting water which could be a whale. 

Parks 

Don and ann davis park.

If you look closely, you might also be able to see whales at the State Parks and Beaches located off Highway 101. 

One of my favorite places to watch the ocean and look for whales is across the street from The Newport Performing Arts Center at the  Don and Ann Davis Park . 

Here you can find a simple park with a fantastic parking area where you can sit right in your car and watch the ocean for as long as you would like.

I love sitting in my car on a rainy day and watching the ocean waves as they flow back and forth.

I have been lucky enough to see a whale spout twice here. 

The Don and Ann Davis Park have a gazebo and a memorial area. The monument area is worth walking into and offers shelter from the rain if you do not want to sit in your car and watch the waves. 

Beverly Beach State Park

Beverly Beach State Park is a beautiful oceanfront park located in Newport, Oregon. Situated on a scenic stretch of coastline, the park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy various activities at the park, including swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking.

The park also features a large day-use area with a playground, picnic tables, and barbeque pits.

Beverly Beach State Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Beverly Beach State Park is also an excellent place to see whales. 

Whales can be seen from the shoreline, or boats depart from the nearby marina.

Whether you are looking for a place to relax or an opportunity to see some of nature’s most majestic creatures, Beverly Beach State Park is sure to please.  

The Best Place to Whale Watch in the Water

Newport tradewinds deep sea fishing.

Newport Tradewinds, Deep Sea Fishing, offers an exciting opportunity to go whale watching. 

The company provides a comfortable and safe way to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

Newport Tradewinds offers a variety of whale watching packages, so there is sure to be an option perfect for you.

During your whale watching tour, you will have the chance to see various whales, including blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas. 

You will also have the opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures from the knowledgeable guides on board. 

The whale-watching trip goes 1.5 hours, and ages five and under are free. 

Whale watching is an unforgettable experience that you will never forget. 

This is not an affiliate link. I have just found that sometimes it can be hard to pull up information on them, and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you. 

Marine Discovery Tours

Marine Discovery Tours has put a lot of effort into ensuring every passenger has an enjoyable time on these 2-hour cruises. 

On the cruise, you have a chance to see gray whales, harbor porpoises, seals, sea lions, pelicans, bald eagles, and many marine birds. 

Suppose you are traveling with a large group of people, then you can group one of their group tours. It is a longer boat with a heated cabin, seats for everyone, and complimentary coffee and tea. 

This cruise is a bit more expensive than Newport Tradewinds Deep Sea Fishing and starts at $30.00.

However, this is still an unforgettable adventure that the family is sure to love.

Tips for Seeing Whales in Newport

When you go whale watching, you can expect to see some fantastic whales in their natural habitat. 

Some of the whales you may see include gray whales, humpback whales, and orcas.  

However, gray whales are more common than the other two varieties. 

When you visit Newport, make sure to dress warmly. 

The weather on the Oregon Coast can be unpredictable, and it can be cold and windy out on the water.

Make sure to bring a jacket, hat, and gloves. 

 When you take a whale watching tour, you can expect to see some fantastic whales in their natural habitat.

If you are going whale watching with a tour company, arrive early. 

The tour companies will usually allow you to board their boat about 30 minutes before the trip beings.

This will allow you to settle in and find an excellent spot to watch the whales. 

Whenever you look at the ocean, keep an eye out for a spout, you never know when one will appear. 

Using binoculars can also help you spot whales more easily. If you see a whale breaching the surface, you can use binoculars to get a closer look. 

Whales can often be seen migrating close to shore, so staying alert and keeping your eyes open is essential.

Scanning the horizon can help you spot whales more easily.

Look for swirls or splashes in the water, as these are often signs of a whale nearby.

Checkout Newport, Oregon for your Next Whale Watching Adventure 

If you are looking for a great place to whale watch on the Oregon Coast, Newport is worth checking out.

Several tour companies offer whale watching trips, and there are also several spots along the coast where you can view whales from land.

The best time of year to whale watch in Newport is between June and September. The Oregon Coasts resident gray whales are usually near enough to see from the coast.

So if you are lucky, you may even see a humpback whale or two.

Check out my blog post to learn all about whales .

Comment down below and tell us about your whale watching adventures.  

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Oregon Whale Watch

Winter 2023 and spring 2024 whale watch dates.

Winter 2023: Wednesday, December 27th through Sunday, December 31st.

Spring 2024: Saturday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 31st.

In 1978 Don Giles of the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport headed out to Yaquina Head Lighthouse with his binoculars and a great idea. Colleagues Bruce Mate and Denise Herzing were counting gray whales migrating past Yaquina Head. They confirmed what Don and others intuitively knew: Gray whale migrations along the Oregon coast peak during two special times of the year. The southbound migration happens during the winter holiday season, and the northbound has one of its two peaks near the end of March.

This knowledge motivated Don to create the Whale Watching Spoken Here® program. Since 1978, it has grown to become one of the most organized onshore whale watching programs in the United States.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department began organizing this program in the early 1980’s and has been the caretaker for the last 40 or so years. The original program name has been changed  to “Oregon Whale Watch” but the mission stays the same. We help tens of thousands of people visiting the Oregon Coast learn about gray whales and other cetaceans visible from the shore and most importantly, help people see them! 

Reasons for Success:

Location : Thanks to the 1967 Beach Bill, public access is protected along virtually the entire Oregon coastline. In addition, most of the whale watching locations are located in or near state parks.

Abundant whales : Researchers estimate that 18,000-plus gray whales now live in the eastern north Pacific area. About 30 whales per hour migrate past the Oregon coast during the peak southbound migration. By comparison, six per hour pass by on the northbound trip, but that return trip is spread over four months. Some 200-plus of these whales drop off the migration route and feed along the Oregon coast all summer.

Timing : The migrations peaks coincide nicely with times when many visitors are able to visit the coast. Since the main emphasis is on volunteers meeting and greeting visitors interested in whale watching, Don Giles and another colleague, Bev Lund, coined the phrase, “Whale Watching Spoken Here.”

Volunteers : We have had the joy to work with thousands of volunteers since the programs inception. Today we are thankful to have over 300 active volunteers that make this effort possible.

Daily Whale Total for Spring 2024 Oregon Whale Watch Event

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4 Best Things to do in Depoe Bay, Oregon

D epoe Bay, a small town located along a rugged rocky stretch of coastline off Highway 101 offers some of Oregon’s best whale watching, the world’s smallest navigable harbor and an obvious love of pirate lore. I loved my visit to this coastal town and here are my favorite things to do in Depoe Bay.

Throughout the year, annual events such as the Wooden Boat Show, an Indian Style Salmon Bake, a Fish and Chips Fundraiser and a Pirate Treasure Hunt demonstrate that Depoe Bay is definitely a fishing town. In fact, Depoe Bay was the filming location of the fishing trip sequence in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest .

Best Things to do in Depoe Bay for One Perfect Day

Depoe Bay is one of many gorgeous and scenic beach towns on the Oregon coast .

Just about 15 minutes from Newport , 45 minutes from Pacific City , and an hour from Tillamook ; Depoe Bay is on highway 101 and a perfect stop during a Southern Oregon Coast road trip or for a weekend away.

Lodging in Depoe Bay is void of any chains, offering everything from motels, hotels, bed, and breakfasts to vacation rentals. For a homey experience, Harbor Lights Inn is an ideal choice. Located, as you might guess–in the harbor–this immaculate inn offers charming rooms with views of the bay, the bridge, pacific ocean and part of downtown.

Breakfast at the Harbor Lights Inn

Owners Bob and Beni make their guests comfortable and go out of their way in the morning to serve a gourmet breakfast with choices like eggs Benedict, hash brown casserole, French toast topped with fresh strawberry compote and homemade whipped cream as well as oatmeal pancakes topped with sautéed apples.  

Explore the Town of Depoe Bay

Begin your day by exploring the town. Shopping is fun and although the main drag is only three blocks long you’ll find everything from gift shops with all things pirate to galleries featuring maritime collectibles and fine art as well as apparel shops and yummy saltwater taffy.

Cross the street and head to the sea wall that runs the length of this amazingly small downtown. During low tide sit on the wall and take in the beautiful ocean and distant sailboats. If it’s high tide, you may have to stand back from the wall a bit and watch for gushes of water up to 60 feet high. Known as a spouting horn, these spurts of water are created when waves run beneath the lava beds on the ocean floor and are thrust up and out.

Depoe Bay Whale Watching

No trip to Depoe Bay is complete without a whale spotting which is possible nearly all year round as gray whales make their home here 10 months out of the year. At certain times the whales feed so close to shore that it makes viewing quite easy.

If you are not able to spot a whale or want to hone your whale watching skills, make your way to the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center run by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. A “Whale Watching Spoken Here” program is offered at the center. Park rangers are available to answer questions and share information about whale spotting techniques.

To get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, take an afternoon whale watching trip with Dockside Charters . Offering both large boat excursions and zodiac trips, Dockside offers reasonable rates and fun guides. A one-and-a-half-hour boat excursion is only $20 for adults, $10 for children and free for kids under five.

Once aboard, you now have the distinction of knowing you are underway in the world’s smallest fishing harbor. Basalt cliffs that were formed millions of years ago and created Depoe Bay have provided a safe harbor for boats traveling the Oregon coastline for many years. It is the stone entrance less than 50 feet wide and just 100 feet long you are about to maneuver through that has caused many boat tragedies. Enjoy the beauty, but keep in mind the skill of your captain as he makes his way to the ocean.

Once out to sea, begin looking for whales. It’s a fun collaborative process with the captain upfront as well as the crew and visitors all keeping an eye out for these mammoth and beautiful creatures of the sea. If a whale is in view, someone will yell the location so all passengers have a chance to experience the phenomenon.

Whales tend to surface every 45 seconds as they swim, and will usually stay under three to five minutes while eating. On these trips, you may have the opportunity to see gray whales breaching, blowing and diving. We were lucky enough to find a pod traveling north and followed them for several miles watching for them to resurface every few minutes. It is an amazing site and totally exhilarating.

When the tour concludes, walk just a few paces to the Harbor Lights Inn. Head to the bar and order an Oregon Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio and make your way to the deck where you can relax and continue to enjoy the beautiful panorama.

Dinner at the The Spouting Horn 

When the dinner hour approaches head up the hill to downtown. The Spouting Horn restaurant, known for its homemade fries and pies, is a place full of history including a great pictorial display of the town. While the menu tends towards the ‘fried’ side there are some wonderful choices beyond the fish and chips, such as the crab casserole, grilled oysters and a crab and cheddar melt. Of course, don’t forget to ask what pie was freshly made for the day.

Finish your day in Depoe Bay with a nighttime stroll and a peaceful sleep at the Harbor Lights Inn. The whales, the ocean and the small coastal town of Depoe Bay have created this one perfect day.

Additional Depoe Bay Whale Watching Information:

Whale watching takes place almost year-round on the Oregon Coast. Whales can be seen in the winter from mid-December through January.

Spring watching begins in March with a peak in numbers the last week and finishes in June with mothers and babies being the last whales traveling north.

Summer brings whales that feed along our coast from July to mid-November. For more information visit www.whalespoken.org

Recommended Travel Resources

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads .
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

What & Where:

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center

Dockside Charters

Spouting Horn (110 SE Highway 101; 541-765-2261) Harbor Lights Inn (235 Bayview; 541-765-2322; www.theharborlightsinn.com/ )

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New Research Reveals Full Diversity of Killer Whales as Two Species Come into View on Pacific Coast

March 27, 2024

Long viewed as one worldwide species, killer whale diversity now merits more. Southern Resident Connections - Post 35

Scientists have resolved one of the outstanding questions about one of the world’s most recognizable creatures, identifying two well-known killer whales in the North Pacific Ocean as separate species.

Killer whales are one of the most widespread animals on Earth. They have long been considered one worldwide species known scientifically as Orcinus orca , with different forms in various regions known as “ecotypes.”

However, biologists have increasingly recognized the differences between resident and Bigg’s killer whales. Resident killer whales maintain tight-knit family pods and prey on salmon and other marine fish. Bigg’s killer whales roam in smaller groups, preying on other marine mammals such as seals and whales. (Killer whales actually belong to the dolphin family.) Bigg’s killer whales, sometimes called transients, are named for Canadian scientist Michael Bigg, the first to describe telltale differences between the two types.

He noted in the 1970s that the two animals did not mix with each other even when they occupied many of the same coastal waters. This is often a sign of different species.

The finding recognizes the accuracy of the listing of Southern Resident killer whales as a Distinct Population Segment warranting protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2005. At the time, NOAA described the distinct population segment as part of an unnamed subspecies of resident killer whales in the North Pacific.

Now a team of scientists from NOAA Fisheries and universities have assembled genetic, physical, and behavioral evidence. The data distinguish two of the killer whale ecotypes of the North Pacific Coast—residents and Bigg’s—as separate species.

“We started to ask this question 20 years ago, but we didn’t have much data, and we did not have the tools that we do now,” said Phil Morin, an evolutionary geneticist at NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center and lead author of the new paper . “Now we have more of both, and the weight of the evidence says these are different species.”

Genetic data from previous studies revealed that the two species likely diverged more than 300,000 years ago and come from opposite ends of the killer whale family tree. That makes them about as genetically different as any killer whale ecotypes around the globe. Subsequent studies of genomic data confirm that they have evolved as genetically and culturally distinct groups, which occupy different niches in the same Northwest marine ecosystem.

“They’re the most different killer whales in the world, and they live right next to each other and see each other all the time,” said Barbara Taylor, a former NOAA Fisheries marine mammal biologist who was part of the science panel that assessed the status of Southern Residents. “They just do not mix.”

Recognizing New Species

The Taxonomy Committee of the Society of Marine Mammalogy will determine whether to recognize the new species in its official list of marine mammal species . The committee will likely determine whether to accept the new designations at its next annual review this summer.

The scientists proposed scientific names for the new species based on their earliest published descriptions in the 1800s. Neither will keep the ubiquitous worldwide moniker, orca . The team proposed to call resident killer whales Orcinus ater , a Latin reference to their dominant black coloring. Bigg’s killer whales would be called Orcinus rectipinnus , a combination of Latin words for erect wing, probably referring to their tall, sharp dorsal fin.

Both species names were originally published in 1869 by Edward Drinker Cope, a Pennsylvania scientist known more for unearthing dinosaurs than studying marine mammals. He was working from a manuscript that California whaling captain Charles Melville Scammon had sent to the Smithsonian Institution describing West Coast marine mammals, including the two killer whales. While Cope credited Scammon for the descriptions, Scammon took issue with Cope for editing and publishing Scammon’s work without telling him. (See accompanying story .)

The Smithsonian Institution had shared Scammon’s work with Cope, and a Smithsonian official later apologized to Scammon for what he called “Cope’s absurd blunder.”

Species Reflect Ecosystem

The contested question of whether Southern Residents were distinct enough to merit endangered species protections initially drove much of the research that helped differentiate the two species, said Eric Archer, who leads the Marine Mammal Genetics Program at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center and is a coauthor of the new research paper. The increasing processing power of computers has made it possible to examine killer whale DNA in ever finer detail. He said the findings not only validate protection for the animals themselves, but also help reveal different components of the marine ecosystems the whales depend on.

“As we better understand what makes these species special, we learn more about how they use the ecosystems they inhabit and what makes those environments special, too,” he said.

The new research synthesizes the earliest accounts of killer whales on the Pacific Coast with modern data on physical characteristics.

 The team also use aerial imaging (called photogrammetry ), and measurement and genetic testing of museum specimens at the Smithsonian and elsewhere. While the two species look similar to the untrained eye, the evidence demonstrates they are very different species. The two species use different ecological niches, such as specializing in different prey, said Kim Parsons, a geneticist at the NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle and coauthor of the new research.

Recent research with drones that collect precise aerial photos has helped differentiate Bigg’s killer whales as longer and larger. This might better equip them to go after large marine mammal prey. The smaller size of residents is likely better suited to deep dives after their salmon prey, said John Durban, an associate professor at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute. His killer whale drone research is done collaboratively with Holly Fearnbach, a researcher at SR³.

The different prey of the two species may also help explain their different trajectories. Southern Residents are listed as endangered in part because of the scarcity of their salmon prey. Bigg’s killer whales, by contrast, have multiplied while feeding on plentiful marine mammals, including California sea lions.

While killer whales represent some of the most efficient predators the world has ever seen, Durban said science is still unraveling the diversity among them. The identification of additional killer whale species is likely to follow. One leading candidate may be “Type D” killer whales identified in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

Other killer whales in Antarctic waters also look very different from the best-known black and white killer whales. This reflects a wider diversity within the species, said Durban, who has used drones to study killer whales around the world. “The more we learn,” he said, “the clearer it becomes to me that at least some of these types will be recognized as different species in due course.”

Southern Resident Connections

Southern Resident killer whales are icons of a vibrant but struggling marine ecosystem that is important to us all. Join us in exploring the ecological connections that tie this system together, and the ways we are protecting and working to recover the whales we all care so much about.

Read more entries

More Information

• New Research Reveals Two Species of Killer Whale
• How Scientists Chose Names for Newly Identified Killer Whale Species
• Two Species of Killer Whale Infographic
• Marine Mammal Genetics Research
• 2004 Status Review of Southern Resident Killer Whales
• Saving the Southern Resident Killer Whales
• Listing of Southern Resident Killer Whale Under the ESA
• Killer Whale Ecotypes Poster

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Right whale found dead off Virginia coast recently gave birth to calf, experts say

(TMX) -- A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was found dead off the coast of Virginia on Saturday, and her calf is missing, unlikely to survive without her, officials said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday confirmed the identity of the dead whale, female #1950, which was found floating approximately 50 miles offshore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The whale has been known to researchers since 1989, and gave birth to her sixth calf during the 2024 calving season.

NOAA Fisheries said the whale was towed to shore for a necropsy, which will be led by scientists at the University of North Carolina Wilmington alongside other organizations, to determine her cause of death. The carcass showed signs of shark scavenging.

According to NOAA Fisheries, female #1950 is the 40th mortality in the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event impacting North Atlantic right whales. the UME was declared in 2017, and includes 40 dead, 34 seriously injured, and 51 sublethally injured or ill whales. The agency said most were killed or injured by entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes in both U.S. and Canadian waters.

Female #1950 was first seen with her newborn calf on Jan. 11, 2024, by Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Georgia aerial survey team. The pair was last spotted on Feb. 16 off the coast of Florida.

The calf is considered a seriously injured dependent calf in the UME due to the death of its mother, NOAA Fisheries said.

The New England Aquarium on Tuesday said aerial search teams have been unable to locate the calf, and it “is not expected to survive without its mother.”

It is the fourth documented death of a North Atlantic right whale so far this year.

“The situation so far in 2024 for right whales highlights the fact that much more needs to be done to prevent the extinction of this species,” Amy Knowlton, senior scientist in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, who helped identify the whale, said in a statement. “It is frustrating that solutions that could address these threats are not being implemented more immediately.”

Female #1950 successfully birthed and reared five calves in prior seasons.

“If she can avoid the double threats of vessel strikes and entanglements, a female right whale can calve throughout her long life, producing ten or more calves. With the loss of Catalog #1950, her female lineage now rests with her three daughters, none of which have calved yet,” said Philip Hamilton, senior scientist in the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center.

Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. TMX contributed to this report

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Researchers see recovery in West Coast gray whale population 5 years after hundreds washed up ashore

April 1, 2024 / 12:59 PM PDT / AP

Five years after hundreds of gray whales washed up dead on beaches from Alaska to Mexico, federal researchers indicate the gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery.

The increase in population numbers comes after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association determined in November that the "unusual mortality event" that began in 2019 has ended.

"It's nice to be able to report some good news the last couple of years," Aimee Lang, a research biologist with NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center, told The Seattle Times.

The agency has estimated the total number of eastern north Pacific Gray whales to be between 17,400 to 21,300, an increase from an estimated 13,200 to 15,960 whales last year.

The population began to decline after numbering about 27,000 whales in 2016. The mortality event hits its peak between Dec. 17, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2020, the agency said. It involved 690 dead gray whales that washed ashore from Alaska to Mexico. Of those, 347 were in the U.S., 316 in Mexico and 27 in Canada.

In an average year, about 35 whales washed up dead in the U.S. Five years ago, those whales washed up on coastlines in California, Oregon, Washington state and Alaska.

Every year in late September, whales migrate 10,000 miles from feeding grounds in the Arctic to birth their calves along Mexico's Baja Peninsula.

NOAA researchers said the mortality event was due to ecosystem changes in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas off northern Alaska, which changed access to and quality of prey.

"These changes contributed to the poor nutritional condition observed in live whales in the wintering areas of Mexico and dead stranded gray whales in all three countries," NOAA said . "This malnutrition led to increased mortality during the whales' annual northward migration (from Mexico to Alaska) and decreased production of calves. This resulted in an overall decline in population abundance."

The eastern North Pacific gray whales were removed from the endangered species list in 1994, after recovering from the whaling era.

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