Charter a boat or look from shore and get a close up view of the gray whales living in the area. A pod of gray whales makes the area its home from March through December. You can catch them at the new Whale Watching Center or at one of the many shore observation spots, see the VIDEO. Join us with Ooh's and Aah's aboard the one and two-hour whale watching trips. You'll be sighting whales in no time. Dubbed as the "Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast", Depoe Bay has whale watching almost year around. Check out the current sightings and report.
During the winter months of December through February and the spring months of March through May, our vessels head offshore west from the harbor to find the migrating pods of Gray Whales. In winter the whales are heading south from Alaskan waters, their summer feeding grounds, to the shallow warm water lagoons off northern Mexico. In the Spring they are heading north back to Alaska. The Grays pass Depoe Bay in large numbers much like a long train throughout the migration period. With sightings on 98 percent of our cruises you'll hear, "Thar she blows" all around the boat. While aboard you'll hear facts and stories about the whales narrated over the ships P.A. system by the knowledgeable Captains. They are always happy to answer questions and explore the ocean wonders with you. The experienced captains bring the vessels close to the pods for excellent sightings - often including large spouts, whale backs, and deep dives with excellent whale tail showings. If you're one of the lucky ones you'll see a breach, where the whales heave up to three quarters of their 45 foot 40 ton bodies clear out of the water. Absolutely spectacular! Whale watching during summer and fall off Depoe Bay is also spectacular. Some of the Gray Whales do not migrate all the way north to Alaska and spend from late June through October right here off Depoe Bay. Often less than one-half mile from shore, these resident whales, as we call them, provide excellent sightings. They spend much of their time feeding off Depoe Bay's reef areas, which is why they are in so close. The whale watch boats often just sit still while the whales feed, showing their whole bodies just under the surface right next to the boats. You'll hear the captains call them by their names. That's how friendly they are with the resident gray whales. Enjoy walking about on the large vessels for whale watching excellence on the Oregon coast. The boats are made for comfort, with restrooms on board, heated cabins and no life vests have to be worn. You get GREAT views on your one hour of fun and excitement on a personal scenic tour of the beautiful Oregon Coast. See whales, seals, and other unique sea life up close. Safe, fun, and unforgettable! Also, if one hour is not enough time, for the whale and marine life enthusiast, one and a half or two-hour excursions, depending on time of year, are also available. The Captains will take you on an extra special hunt for whales, birds, and mysteries of the deep aboard these boats. These longer trips are sure to satisfy your sense of adventure, and are great fun! Whale Watching Charter Companies: Tradewinds Charters, (541) 765-2345 or (800) 445-8730 Dockside Charters, (541) 765-2545 or (800) 733-8915 Reel Nauti Charters, (541) 921-1628 Helicopter Tour Flights, (541) 867-4140 Whale Research Excursions (541) 912-6734 Eagle Fishing Charters (Pacific City) (877) 892-3679 |