What to Know About Newport Oregon Whale Watching

 

There are tons of activities you can do in Newport, you’ll never run out of fun and games! From beautiful tourist attractions to delicious eats, memorable fishing excursions to walks by the shore, what’s not to love? One particular activity you can’t miss is Newport Oregon whale watching, an experience you won’t forget.

But you’re probably wondering – How can you go whale watching? When? What will you expect? We answer those questions below so you can plan ahead and focus on having an amazing time.

What to Know About Newport Oregon Whale Watching

Whale watching on the Oregon Coast happens all year long, with the sightings peaking depending on the whale migrations. For example, thousands of gray whales would migrate north to Alaska from December to January and late March to June. That makes it an excellent time to schedule a whale-watching session.

To be more precise, during the winter season, there are about 20,000 gray whales from mid-December to mid-January as they are traveling south to the warm lagoons in Baja Mexico. Spring watching will begin in late March, as gray whales will travel north, going to Alaska, with the calves in tow. The first surge would swim by end of March, with north-bound whales still around until June.

You’ll also get to see resident whales come summer and fall, as they head close to shore for feeding on June to mid-November. You’ll want to head over to Depoe Bay this time of year as this is a hotspot where whales search for food. Some people are lucky to see 5 to 15 whales a day!

Besides gray whales, you can also see orcas, dolphins, porpoises, humpback whales, and even blue whales. If you’re aiming to see orca whales, we recommend going from May to September, though do note that they usually stay for a few weeks and there are only 30 reports of orca sightings yearly. If you’re aiming for humpback whales, go between September to January, as these are the second most common whale species.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation would host biannual Whale Watching Weeks as well, where volunteers are stationed at over 20 sites along the coast throughout peak migration times. They are there to answer questions and provide information to make whale-watching experiences even better. Watch out for events like these to get the most out of your trip.

In general, you’ll want to go to Newport Oregon whale watching from early summer to mid-autumn for great weather and a chance to see over 200 gray whales cruising the coast.

 

Where to Go Newport Oregon Whale Watching

If you’re looking for areas along the coast, we highly recommend heading out in the morning, at a time the sun isn’t directly hitting your face. Here are a few notable spots:

• Cape Perpetua State Scenic Area
• Sea Lion Caves
• Yaquina Head
• Depoe Bay
• Don Davis Kiosk
• Beverly Beach State Park

Not only are these places perfect for whale watching, but these places also have a lot of fun things to do and wonderful views to take in. Newport even has a Whale Watching Center that’s open for day use all year long. This is located in Depoe Bay, where you can spot and see whales, among other marine life. The center has binoculars for you to use, along with displays to learn more about whales, marine life, and swimming patterns.

If you can’t head to these areas, don’t worry! Any area along the Oregon Coast will give you whale sighting opportunities, with spouts being common sightings from the shoreline. As such, we recommend bringing binoculars for a closer look.

You may even book a hotel or other forms of accommodation with views of the waters where you can pack binoculars and go whale watching from there. Many hotels and resorts boast spectacular views where you can go whale watching.

For an even better experience, we recommend booking a charter in Newport. Charters can provide whale sighting tours, or you can go on fishing charters for a chance to see whales while catching fish. You’ll have an even closer look at the marine life as you’re in the waters, enjoying the sun and peace.

When you’re trying to spot a whale, the best way to do so is to first scan your horizon with the naked eye for any spouts. The spouts can reach up to 12 feet tall. After spying for one, zero in on that active area using binoculars and you’ll most likely get to see whales!

Joining Whale Watching Tours

If you’re planning to join a charter or whale watching tour, remember that every vessel is specifically designed for comfort and whale watching. Most tours would have indoor and outdoor seating, snack bars, lavatories, and an observation deck.

You’ll be out on the open waters and under the sun, so we recommend bringing sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, and an extra set of clothes to prepare for any weather. Wear light-colored clothes and shoes with good traction. And of course, bring a camera and your binoculars to get a closer look at the whales, birds, other animals, and the fantastic scenery. You’ll see so much more than just whales that will make the experience worth it.

Wrapping It Up

Whether it’s your first or enth time in the area, it’s always worth setting aside the time to go Newport Oregon whale watching. There are numerous opportunities to watch the majestic beasts from a nautical cruise, fishing charter, or shoreline. As long as you know when to go and join reputable tours, you’ll be able to see the whales with your loved ones!

Don’t wait any longer and book a whale watching tour now! And while you’re at it, why not also head on to a fishing excursion with fishing charters to take you out to the deep blue sea and catch fish? Contact us now for bookings.