Whale Watching
See Gray whales year-round and Orca near Otter Rock and Depoe Bay
Year-round resident Gray whales feed in the kelp beds near Otter Rock, and migratory whales pass close to shore—especially in fall, December-January, and March-April. Depoe Bay, just 8 minutes north, bills itself as the "Whale Watching Capital of the World" and offers excellent whale-watching tours. Orca are also occasionally spotted in the area.
Best Times to See Whales
🐋 Winter Migration (Dec-Jan)
Around 20,000 Gray whales migrate south from Alaska to Baja California. Peak viewing in late December.
🌸 Spring Migration (Mar-Apr)
Whales return north with their calves, often swimming closer to shore. Great for spotting mothers and babies.
☀️ Summer Residents (Jun-Oct)
A group of ~200 resident Gray whales stays in Oregon waters year-round, feeding in the kelp beds near Otter Rock.
🦑 Orca Sightings
Transient Orca pods occasionally pass through, especially during spring and fall months.
Where to Watch
- Depoe Bay Seawall — Walk along the seawall in town for excellent shore-based viewing
- Whale Watching Center — State park with trained volunteers and viewing scopes
- Cape Foulweather — 500 feet above sea level with panoramic views
- Devil's Punchbowl — Watch for spouts from the overlook near our house
Whale Watching Tours
For the best experience, book a whale watching charter out of Depoe Bay. The small harbor and close-in whale activity make it one of the best spots on the West Coast.
Stay Near the Whales
Our beach house is perfectly located between Depoe Bay and Newport—ideal for whale watching adventures.
Book Your StayMore to explore: Yaquina Head Lighthouse · Storm Watching
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