As we head into spring, we also enter the prime time of year for Oregon Coast whale watching. Whale watching on the Oregon coast is a mesmerizing experience. Not only do you get to see these majestic animals frolic and play as they migrate along the coast, but you get to do it with rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views as your backdrop. The best time for Oregon Coast whale watching starts around late March and extends through May, when hundreds of Grey Whales migrate back to their northern territory.
During these peak migration periods, hundreds of whales pass close to shore, making places like Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint or Coquille Point prime locations to watch them. If you visit in summer, you might spot resident gray whales that linger off the coast, along with the occasional humpback or even an orca hunting in the waters near Bandon. You can often spot these marine mammals from shore, but there are also plenty of whale watching tours on the Oregon Coast. And, of course, whale watching is just one of the many ways to enjoy your time on the coast.
The dramatic rock formations around Bandon, like the famous Face Rock, make for incredible backdrops for beachcombing. Golf enthusiasts will find world-class courses at Bandon Dunes and other nearby courses, while food lovers can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, local state parks give you ample opportunity to stretch your legs on trails, while the beautiful Coquille River offers a paddler’s paradise. And, of course, no visit to Bandon is complete without exploring the charming Old Town, where local shops and galleries showcase the best of coastal craftsmanship.
You may plan your trip around the chance for Oregon Coast whale watching, but you’ll stay for the relaxing charms of the Southern Oregon Coast. If you want a comfortable and welcoming place to stay, the Inn at Face Rock is one of the best Bandon, Oregon hotels. Our affordable hotel offers a quiet retreat with modern amenities and easy access to the beach. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly morning of whale watching or unwinding after an afternoon of sightseeing, we provide the perfect home base for experiencing the magic of the southern Oregon Coast. Book your stay with us today!
When to Plan Oregon Coast Whale Watching Trips
Oregon Coast whale watching is a year-round adventure, but the best time to see these incredible marine mammals depends on what you’re hoping to witness. The peak migration seasons for gray whales are the biggest draw, with thousands of these giants making their way along the coast each year. The migration actually starts in the winter, from mid-December to mid-January, as they head south from the Arctic to the warm waters of Baja California. They return each spring, though, starting in late March and lasting through May.
Though you can never go wrong with a visit to the Oregon Coast, especially when whales are involved, the spring season is the best time to enjoy Oregon Coast whale watching. During these months, Oregon’s Whale Watch Week events bring volunteers to prime viewpoints, helping visitors spot the spouts, tails, and occasional breaches of passing whales. If you miss whale watch week along the Oregon Coast, don’t fret – there are still plenty of exceptional opportunities to spot these gentle giants.
Summer and fall aren’t part of the peak migration season, but they still offer fantastic whale-watching opportunities. Resident gray whales linger off the coast from June through October, feeding in the shallow waters and occasionally surfacing near the shore. Humpback whales also make appearances in late summer and early fall, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a pod of orcas hunting along the coastline. The variety of sightings makes Oregon Coast whale watching a dynamic experience, changing with the seasons and offering something new each time you visit.
Planning your trip around whale-watching opportunities adds an extra layer of excitement to any Oregon Coast getaway. Watching a massive whale breach against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and crashing waves is a moment you won’t forget. There are plenty of fantastic viewing spots along the coast, including Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint near our Bandon Hotel. But there are also several opportunities to get out on the water with local whale watching tours. Whether standing on a cliffside with binoculars or spotting a spout from a charter boat, seeing these incredible creatures in the wild is well worth the trip.
The Best Whale Watching Tours Near Bandon, Oregon
You can certainly stand on dry ground and enjoy various shore-based Oregon Coast whale watching opportunities. However, we recommend booking a whale watching tour if you want to get an up-close look at these incredible marine mammals. Taking one of these guided tours gives you a front-row seat to the action. Many tours operate seasonally, aligning with the peak migration periods of gray whales in winter and spring, but some offer summer excursions to spot resident whales, humpbacks, and even orcas year-round.
Whether you prefer a small-group zodiac boat experience or a more leisurely ride on a larger vessel, local tour operators provide expert guides who know the best locations to find whales. These tours often include insights into the area’s marine ecosystem, giving you a deeper appreciation for the wildlife along the rugged coastline. For example, we’re about to head into the prime pupping season on the coast – a time of year when baby harbor seals can be spotted carefully tucked away on local rocks and beaches while their moms hunt offshore. They’re adorable – but be sure to keep a safe distance for the pup’s sake – and your own!
If you’re interested in taking whale-watching tours on the Southern Oregon Coast, we recommend heading south toward Port Orford, where you’ll find South Coast Tours. They offer a broad range of adventures, including guided kayak tours, downhill mountain biking, scenic boat rides, and captivating wildlife viewing – including whale watching boat tours. On this trip, you’ll visit the Redfish Rocks Marine Research Reserve, a marine habitat that supports a wide diversity of fish, invertebrates, and seaweeds.
These rich feeding grounds offer the perfect opportunity to spot marine wildlife, including grey whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and a myriad of seabirds, both migratory and local. Beyond just being a fantastic opportunity to explore offshore coastal habitats, these small-group whale watching tours allow for a more personal experience on the water. Talk about an unforgettable way to experience the incredible Oregon Coast.
We’d love to share one of Oregon’s most prized adventures this spring or summer with you. Book a stay at one of the best Bandon, Oregon hotels today!
