Great Whale Watching With Oregon Coast Fishing Charters

Great whale watching off the Oregon Coast is a year-long popular activity that draws thousands of visitors every year. It’s a great activity for families, groups, couples, or even solo travelers. These majestic animals make for a fabulous sight that will be a highlight of your trip. So how can you do it? You may be able to catch sight of the whales from any spot in the ocean, but hiring a fishing charter makes it much easier.

If this is your first time going whale watching or hiring a fishing charter, this is everything you need to know. We provide information on whale watching seasons, where to go, and the easiest ways to do it.

Whale Watching On the Oregon Coast

The Pacific waters off the Oregon Coast are famous for being a spotting ground for whales. Gray whales are the most common type of whale you’ll see, but the waters are home to approximately 80 different species. If you’re farther out on a boat, for example, you might catch sight of a humpback whale. And if you’re particularly lucky, you might even spot a blue whale – the biggest known animal on earth.

What you see on your trip will largely depend on the time of the year that you visit. This is because whales have migration schedules that bring them to different parts of the ocean.

But even if you miss out on these migration periods, you can still go whale watching. Oregon is extremely fortunate to have a number of “resident” whales as they are known to locals. These whales live almost permanently off the Oregon Coast and can be seen year-round.

When’s the Best Time to Go?

To make sure you’ll be able to go whale watching, you should plan your trip with whale migration cycles in mind.

There are two migration seasons for whales in Oregon. The first is in the spring, typically between March and June. This happens as gray whales travel north towards Alaska. They can be spotted off the Oregon Coast and make for spectacular watching.

Later in the winter, the second migration season starts for whales. From December to January, you’ll be able to see hordes of whales traveling southward towards warmer waters. This is the perfect time to see many whales at once, as they do the migration together.

Between those seasons, you may be able to catch whales off the Oregon Coast shores. Our resident whales in our waters typically come closer to the shore during the summer and fall.

This means that though there are peaks for whale watching, any time year-round is a good time to visit. The Whale Watching Center is a great place to learn more about whale watching in Oregon.

Advantages of Hiring a Fishing Charter

If you’re coming to Oregon to watch whales, we recommend that you hire a reputable Oregon fishing charter. While fishing charters are typically hired for fishing trips on the Columbia River or off the Oregon Coast, many also offer whale watching services.

You will typically be able to see gray whales up close on a hired boat, but there are also other advantages. The first is that you will be able to watch whales in comfort. No need to crowd up on a beach trying to get a look. Instead, you’ll be on your hired boat with your family and friends enjoying the day together.

You will also have a hired local guide with you on your boat. You will have someone to help guide you through the day and choose the best spots for whale watching. Have any questions about whales? Your local guide can help you out.

Besides whales, you’ll also get to enjoy seeing local birds, wildlife, seals, or even sea lions! With boats, you can get closer to the wildlife than you are typically able to do. It’s a must-do activity if you’re in Oregon, so why not do it in comfort and in style?

Other Oregon Attractions and Activities

Besides whale watching, there are so many other things to do while in Oregon. If you enjoy being out on the water, why not go on a dedicated fishing trip? There is an incredible variety of fish both off the Oregon Coast and on the Columbia River. You can hire a fishing charter for a specific location or go fishing for a particular fish like salmon or halibut. You can learn more about fishing in Oregon from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Besides fishing, you can also spend your day visiting museums and other attractions. The Oregon Coast Museum is a great place to visit for families and solo visitors alike. Besides that, you can get a taste of what’s in our Oregon waters by visiting local seafood restaurants.