Oregon Coast Whale Watching
The Oregon Coast is prime whale-watching territory. You can see up to four species of whale along the coast. The most common species is the California Gray Whale. One awesome aspect of many whale species is their long annual migrations. The annual migration of Gray Whales can be witnessed from practically any spot along the Oregon coast. The whales migrate to and from their feeding grounds in Alaska's Bering and Chukchi Seas and their breeding and calving grounds in Baja California. However, some pods of gray whales are considered residents, and remain near the Oregon coast throughout the year. The best viewing times along the Oregon Coast are during the months of December and March.
If you are lucky you may spot any of these species during your whale watching excursions:
Gray Whale - Splotchy gray color with barnacles in skin and ridges along the back just in front of the tail.
Humpback Whale - Long white flippers, bumps on top of the head, very strong angle of the back when diving. Short dorsal fin.
Killer Whale or Orca - Tall dorsal fin, very distinct black and white pattern, often seen in groups.
Sperm Whale - Square-shaped head, blows at a 40-degree angle from front of head, often seen in groups, ridges along tail stalk. Wrinkled-looking skin.
Seals & Sea Lions
Sea lions, also called eared seals or fur seals, are members of the family Otariidae. Sea lions can rotate their flippers to move more easily on land, have external ear flaps, and may make a characteristic barking noise. True seals, members of the family Phocidae, are usually much smaller and silent, slide along the ground on their belly, and have no external ears. On the Oregon Islands, sea lions pup on the rocks, while seals pup in the water just off shore. Harbor seal pups will often beach themselves to rest.
Newport Oregon Whale Watching Trips
Dockside Charters (541) 765-2545
P.O. Box 1308, Depoe Bay, OR 97341
Tradewinds Charters (541) 765-2345
P.O. Box 123, Depoe Bay, OR 97341
Newport Marina & Charters (541) 867-4470
2212 OSU Drive, South Beach OR 97366
Newport Tradewinds (541) 265-2101
653 SW Bay Blvd, Newport OR 97365
Sea Gull Charters (541) 265-7441
343 SW Bay Blvd, Newport OR 97365
Coos Bay / North Bend / Charleston
Miss Linda Charters & Tours (541) 888-2128
Miss Linda is ready to give you a smooth ride on the high seas or in Coos Bay Harbor, she was a 76' steel fishing boat and has been converted to an even more beautiful pleasure craft, with salty character. We offer exclusive three-hour Coos Bay Harbor tours and ocean tours (this is the safest ocean entrance on the Oregon coast) with a very comfortable maximum of 12 passengers. Also available for private 1/2 or full day charter, wedding ceremony, as well as overnight charter. Overnight lodging - Two private state-rooms with two bunks are available from 5:00 pm to 8:00 am. Sleep like real crew members -- bring your own bedding.
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