Oregon Beach Vacations welcomes you to Oregon Spring Whale Watching Week starting March 23rd, 2004. During this week, visitors can view majestic gray whales as they make their annual northern migration to Alaska.
Make a splash with your family and book your whale watching vacation rental now!
Here are some tips to help you prepare for Whale Watching Week Spring 2024:
What is whale watching week?
Whale Watching Week is a biannual event organized by Oregon Parks and Recreation, typically taking place in the winter and spring. During these weeks, volunteers and park rangers are stationed at various coastal viewpoints to help visitors spot migrating gray whales as they travel along the Pacific Coast. Visit Oregon State Parks’ whale-watching website for more information.
Researchers estimate that 15,000 gray whales now live in the northeastern Pacific area. About 20 whales per hour migrate past Depoe Bay during the peak northbound migration. Throughout February and March, the first whales to leave the lagoons are males and females. Nursing mothers with their newborns are the last to depart when their calves are ready to make the journey, which is usually from late March to May.
During the migration gray whales travel about 3-6 miles per hour and cover approximately 100 miles a day. It takes them an average of 50 to 60 days to travel back up to Alaska.
How do you spot a whale?
The best way to spot a whale is to scan the horizon with the naked eye for spouts, which can reach up to 12 feet! Once you’ve spotted one, focus in on the active area with binoculars.
What’s the best place for whale watching on the Oregon coast?
Oregon’s central coast is known as having some of the best spots to see whales, but these majestic mammals can appear anywhere along the coast. Oregon State Parks has a map of 17 whale-watching locations stretching from Astoria in the north down to Harris Beach State Park in the south. Popular locations include Cape Kiwanda, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Perpetua, Depoe Bay, and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay is a popular whale-spotting destination due to its prime location, large viewing deck and informed staff. Binoculars and informative displays are available for visitors.
Keep in mind, some of the best whale watching in Depoe Bay takes place June through October. Some gray whales don’t continue north to Alaska, but rather stay off the coast to feed during the summer months. Approximately 200 resident whales remain in Oregon’s coastal waters during summer and fall.
Prefer to get up close and personal?
There are several charter companies along the coast that offer whale watching excursions. Depot Bay’s Whale’s Tail Charters and Tradewinds Charters have several charters to choose from and will welcome you aboard with a friendly and knowledgeable crew.
Ready to Book Your Spring Getaway to Depoe Bay?
Oregon Beach Vacations has an impressive collection of Depoe Bay vacation rentals that will be the perfect home base for enjoying Whale Watching Week. We have homes to suit all sizes and budgets from cozy beach bungalows to luxurious oceanfront homes.
Oregon Beach Vacations has an impressive collection of Depoe Bay vacation rentals that will be the perfect home base for enjoying Whale Watching Week. We have homes to suit all sizes and budgets from cozy beach bungalows to luxurious oceanfront homes. Many of our homes have hot tubs – perfect for warming up after a whale watching charter and ocean views where you can give your spout spotting skills a try. Many of our homes also allow pets – so the whole family can have a whale of a time! Book SOON for best availability!
