Every year, thousands of gray whales make an incredible journey from their breeding grounds in Baja California to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. The Oregon coast provides a front-row seat to one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. Spring, with its milder weather and calmer seas, becomes the perfect time for these majestic marine mammals to grace the shores. During this northbound migration, mother whales and their calves travel closer to the shoreline, providing an excellent opportunity for whale-watching enthusiasts to observe them up close on the Central Oregon coast.
Whale Watch Week this year is Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 31, 2024. Oregon State Parks places volunteers at 17 whale-watching sites to help visitors see and learn about migrating and resident Gray whales. Some of the sites providing panoramic views of the ocean and ample opportunities to witness the whales include Heceta Head Lighthouse, Cape Perpetua, Yachats State Recreation Area, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, and the Depoe Bay Seawall.
Depoe Bay, often hailed as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” offers a variety of whale-watching tours and vantage points along its seawall. The Whale Watching Center has a large viewing deck and Park staff and volunteers are ready to answer your questions and help you spot whales and other marine life. The center is equipped with binoculars for visitors, and displays feature facts about whales and information on what swimming patterns you might see.
This spring, let Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways be your gateway to whale-watching adventures on the Central Oregon Coast. Immerse yourself in the drama of nature, embrace the elements, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us and discover the amazing beauty of the Oregon Coast.