Whale Watching Along the Oregon Coast

Whale watching along the Oregon coast can be a very memorable and exciting experience. I have been visiting the Oregon Coast for over 20 years and, only once, have I been lucky enough to witness such an event. Not that I never tried. I scouted the ocean every time we went with binoculars, patients, and a camera. On nice days, I would set out a lawn chair and on rainy days, I would just sit in the vehicle patiently waiting to see movements in the ocean or water sprays. But I never saw the whales I so desperately sought until that day in September.

That September trip to the Oregon coast would prove to be the most unforgettable, majestic, experience of my life. Finally, I was an eyewitness to the wonderment of the whale's migrating journey. Those whales will forever be etched into my memory. This moment, was breathtakingly, spectacular as their gigantic bodies came to the surface and water sprays came from their blowholes. I was in awe of these ancient enormous mammals of the sea. Here they were just below me along the cliff lined rim.

I think now, it was pure inexperience that prevented me from really seeing these big majestic creatures of the sea. All the brochures said to look for sprays of water or the whale breeching from the ocean in order to spot the migrating pods. Now that I have actually seen them, I know what to look for. I think the volunteers are so supportive at the Whale Watching stations. They too want you to experience the amazement.

Whale migration along the Oregon coast is peak, March through October. But winter migration is occurring and many pods take up residency along the entire Oregon Coast. December 26^th - January 2^nd, 2007. There will be 28 sites along the Oregon Coast to support the Whale Watching experience for visitors. These sites will have volunteer guides to help spot migrating whales. To find out when the next whale watching week is please visit www.whalespoken.org or call 541-765-3304 for more information

The coastal town of Depoe Bay has a sea wall protecting it from the ocean. You can use binoculars here to whale watch or there is the Whale Watching Center with lots of information about whales. Located on the upper floor of the Whale Watching Center is a spectator viewing area. They have a gray whale on display and they also have a gift shop for souvenirs. This too is a fantastic place for whale watching and the store clerks give updates on where the whales have been spotted.

Boiler Bay is off of Oregon's Hwy 101 and is one of the best locations for whale watching. Many gray whales are spotted here. The pod of three, I witnessed were along Oregon's Hwy 101 just out of Depoe Bay in Whale Cove. Whale Cove is close to Cape Foul Weather and Otter Crest Loop.

Otter Crest Loop at Cape Foul Weather has a Lookout Observatory & Gift shop that offers whale watching year round. You are 500 ft up from the ocean and it is a great viewing site for whale watching. If you would like more information please call: 541-765-2270 or you may visit their website: http://www.lookoutgift.com

Further down the coast close to Florence Oregon is Strawberry Hill State Park. Strawberry Hill is known for it popularity amongst the whales. It is said to have 400 to 600 resident gray whales.

Want to be closer than land? Then, experience an ocean excursion with a charter vessel for whale watching. Newport offers some great charter boat companies that will get you up close and personal to the migrating whales.

Anchor Pier - Marine Discovery Tours, 345 SW Bay Boulevard, Newport, Oregon
Please Call: 800-903-2628 or 541-265-6200 Winter hours 10:00 am - 4:00 pmSummer hours 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. You can also visit there website: http://www.marinediscovery.com/

I personally experienced the Marine Discovery Tours. They were awesome and the tour was very informative, not only about whales, but other creatures big and small that live in the ocean. It was just a remarkable experience and a lot of fun. I highly recommend them.

This is only one of the few charter services that offer reasonable rates. They have a variety of scheduled trips for whale watching. So if you're planning a trip to the Oregon Coast during the holiday break, I highly recommend this whale watching experience along the Oregon Coast.