Known as the ‘whale watching capital of Oregon,’ Depoe Bay is the place to be this winter. As the gray whales make their way south to the warm waters of Mexico, watch as they pass by our seaside community for this annual migration. It’s truly one of the best times to visit. So, grab your binoculars and use our guide below to winter whale watching in Depoe Bay.
Whale watching seasons
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. When whale watching in Depoe Bay, chances are good you’ll see whales year-round, but there are specific seasons that are the best times to see our whales.
From mid-March to about the end of May, you’ll see the gray whales migrating back towards Alaska from Mexico. The moms and calves tend to stay closer to shore, about one to three miles away to stay safe, so chances of spotting them are great!
From May through the end of the summer, you’ll see our resident whales who call the Oregon Coast home for months at a time. These whales tend to stick close to the shore for feeding and tour companies offer excursions daily during this season as well. This is a great time to visit as well with warmer temperatures on the waters.
During winter migration, we will see nearly 25,000 gray whales making their way back down the coast towards Mexico from the end of December to early February. These whales are a bit further out than they are in the spring and summer, so a boat charter is a great way to spot them.
Use our guide for helpful tips for whale watching in Depoe Bay.
Whale Watching Charters
One of the best ways to enjoy whale watching in Depoe Bay is to get out on the water with a chartered boat tour. There are several tour companies to choose from in the Depoe Bay area, Dockside Charters, Whale’s Tale Charters, Whale Research EcoExcursions, and Tradewinds Charters.
Where to see whales
Due to their unique feeding habits, gray whales spend most of their time close to the coastline, making them the perfect whale to watch! While in the winter, they tend to be a bit further out, you can still spot them with your eyes or binoculars, even from in town.
Really anywhere along our coastline in Depoe Bay is a great place for whale watching. Head to the Whale Watching Center (temporarily closed) where you can use their view deck to get some of the best views in town. Or simply take a walk along our seawall in town for ample viewing opportunities.
Bring binoculars
When you stay at the Whale Cove Inn, we provide binoculars in your suite so you can enjoy whale watching from the comfort of your room or private balcony, but you can also bring a pair if you’re exploring the parks and whale watching sites along the Oregon Coast.
Discover more fun facts about the great whale migration.
Stay at Whale Cove Inn
Of course, one of the best places for winter whale watching in Depoe Bay is from your suite at the Whale Cove Inn. Guests of our boutique hotel enjoy front-row seats to the show right from their room or private balcony and most anywhere on our hotel grounds. Stay warm as you cozy up on the couch or in bed and see if you can spot a passing whale or two from the comfort of your suite.
When you book your whale watching excursion be sure to also book your stay at Whale Cove Inn for the best whale watching experience in Depoe Bay!
