“It is not down on any map; true places never are.” ~ from Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
While it’s possible to catch a glimpse of gray whales year-round on the Central Oregon Coast, two times of the year feature the most activity for these sea giants: Their Winter migration to the warm waters of Mexico and their Spring migration northward to Alaska. March 22-30, 2025 is Spring Whale Watch Week — our guide below will help you get out and experience the wonder of seeing these majestic ocean dwellers up close (or from a respectable, land-based distance!)
During their annual Spring migration from mid-March to the end of May, whales move closer to shore and stop to feed. These whales (nearly 20,000 annually) are often 1-3 miles offshore with mothers and calves right next to shore.
For an up close and unforgettable whale of an adventure, there are few better opportunities than a chartered whale watching trip! The Whale’s Tail, Dockside Charters, Tradewinds Charters all offer intimate tours that showcase the marine life of the Oregon Coast in an immersive way unlike anything else.
There are also many spots along the Central Oregon Coast where it’s possible to spot these giants from land with the naked eye or aided by binoculars:
- Whale Watching Center (Depoe Bay)
- Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint (Depoe Bay)
- Devil’s Punchbowl (Newport)
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (Newport)
- Seal Rock State Recreation Site (Seal Rock)
- Yachats State Recreation Area (Yachats)
- Cape Perpetua (Yachats)
- Heceta Head Lighthouse (Florence)
When you’re out whale spotting, here are key signs to look for (courtesy of OSU):
- The Blow: Gray whales usually surface every 20 seconds as they swim but will often stay under for 3 to 5 minutes when they are eating. If they have been down for 5 minutes, they usually blow 5 times when they surface to replenish their oxygen supply. The blow, or spout, shoots nearly 12 feet high and expels 400 liters of air in a single blast. The whales take a few breaths at the surface then dive again. If they are frightened, they can stay down for up to 30 minutes, hiding on the bottom or traveling great distances.
- The Breach: The ultimate in whale sightings is a breach. This is when a whale launches itself out of the water in a spectacular show of power and grace. Scientists aren’t sure why whales breach. Possibly they do it to remove parasites, communicate with each other, or maybe it’s just for fun! Gray whales aren’t known for breaching nearly as often as humpback whales, but young gray whales seem to be the most common breachers along the Oregon Coast.
- The Spyhop: Whales are intelligent and curious and are often seen “spyhopping,” or lifting their heads above the surface of the water. They like to rise out of the water to get a better sense of their surroundings. During the summer, gray whales have been known to spyhop regularly, especially when local tour boats are near. Perhaps this means the whales enjoy watching us as much as we enjoy watching them?
- The Dive: A deep dive, also known as sounding or fluking, happens when a whale lifts its tail flukes out of the water. This helps propel the whale downward at a steep angle to the bottom, where they feed on zooplankton and amphipods. After the flukes disappear under the water, the turbulence of the dive will cause a circle of smooth water, known as a flukeprint.
Don’t miss the chance to witness one of nature’s most incredible migrations this Spring Whale Watch Week. Whether you’re spotting whales from a scenic overlook or learning from local experts, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Book your stay with Sweet Homes and make the most of this unforgettable coastal adventure!