Spring and summer along the Oregon Coast is the perfect time to view a wide variety of wildlife, from harbor seals to Roosevelt Elk. But the great whale migration is one of the most popular wildlife displays to greet the coastline of Depoe Bay. From mid-March to about the end of May, you will see roughly 20,000 gray whales migrate from the warm waters of Mexico back up to Alaska.
But what do we really know about the gray whales that come to greet us here twice a year? Read below for some fun facts about these fascinating animals:
- From northwest Alaska to the Baja Peninsula and back again, gray whales migrate over 12,000 miles, making this one of the longest migrations of any animal.
- Traveling day and night and moving at an average speed of 5 mph the entire migration takes about 2-3 months.
- An adult gray whale can grow up to 49 ft. long and can weigh up to 35 tons – with females generally larger than the males.
- Gray whales are 1 of 14 different baleen whale species. Baleen whales do not have teeth but rather they are equipped with 100s of baleen plates and keratin bristles. Like humans, whales cannot drink salt water, so the bristles help to catch their food and then filter out the salt water.
- Gray whales are only found in the Pacific Ocean, with the Eastern North Pacific home to the largest group.
- Due to their unique feeding habits, gray whales spend most of their time close to the coastline, making them the perfect whale to watch!
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- Nearing extinction in the 1950s, the population has rebounded to just over 20,000. In 1994 the gray whale was removed from the endangered species list thanks to the protection from several local and international organizations.
- Why migrate to the lagoons of the Baja Peninsula? The lagoons are safe from the Orca whales, the gray whales’ only natural predator. The warm water also helps keep the calves stay warm until they gain their blubber.
- An adult gray whale can stay submerged up to 20-30 minutes.
- During the first year of life, a baby gray whale can consume as much as 300 gallons of milk per day.
Stay at Whale Cove Inn
Get the best seats in the house for whale watching in Depoe Bay with a stay at Whale Cove Inn. Guests of Whale Cove Inn will enjoy the perfect viewing spot from the privacy of their own suite and balcony. For your convenience, each suite is equipped with a pair of binoculars, making it easier to spot the whales from your room or our common viewing areas on the property!
