Whale watching along Oregon’s Coast is one of the most popular activities. 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. The gray whale’s seasonal migration can be seen from some of Oregon’s most rugged coastline throughout the spring and winter whale watching seasons. While any vantage point along the coast is a great spot for whale watching, here are a few of our favorite places to see whales on the Central Oregon Coast.
Depoe Bay
Named the “whale watching capital of Oregon,” Depoe Bay is one of the best places to see whales on the Central Oregon Coast. Part of what makes Depoe Bay a hot spot for spotting whales is our resident pod whales that hang around our coastline throughout the year. So, 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.
In the spring, 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 for safety reasons, so chances of spotting them are great!
In the summer, from May through the end of August 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. 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, so a boat charter is a great way to spot them.
While the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center is temporarily closed, the viewing deck is still open. Grab your binoculars and enjoy the spacious deck to spot the passing whales. There are benches there as well for extended viewing times.
Whale Watching Charters
One of the best ways to enjoy whale watching along the Central Oregon Coast is to get out on the water with a chartered boat tour. In Depoe Bay, there are several tour companies to choose from in the area, Dockside Charters, Whale’s Tale Charters, Whale Research EcoExcursions, and Tradewinds Charters.
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a large bowl naturally carved into the rock and created by the collapse of two sea caves, and over time, shaped by the wind and waves. This natural landmark is a popular attraction due to the impressive force of the waves that crash into the bowl, filling it up at high tide. The area’s viewpoint is also popular for spotting migrating whales.
Cape Perpetua
Roughly an hour south of Depoe Bay lies Cape Perpetua. What makes this spot ideal for whale watching is the overlook is the highest point you can drive to on the Oregon Coast. Plus, on a clear day, you can see 30+ miles out to sea from the Cape Perpetua headland, making your chances of spotting a whale very good!
A few other places to see whales on the Central Oregon Coast
- Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
- Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Foulweather
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Whale Cove Inn
Of course, one of the best places to see whales on the Central Oregon Coast is from your suite at the Whale Cove Inn. Guests of our boutique hotel enjoy front-row seats to whale watching 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 room. And to make sure you get the best out of your experience, be sure to read our whale watching tips!
