Oregon Gray Whales
There are approximately 18,000 gray whales in the winter and spring migrations and a group of 200-400 whales that feed along the Oregon and Washington coast during fall and summer. In the spring, March through June most of these gray whales make the journey from their breeding lagoons in Baja California to the Arctic feeding grounds. On this northbound migration, small numbers of gray whales fall out of the migration group and stop at various locations along the Oregon coast, one of these places is Depoe Bay; these whales are called resident whales.
For whales to be known as residents, they must stay around a certain area for at least two days, exhibit feeding behavior, and return year after year. This distinguishes them from migrating whales which stop on their migration and feed then move on their way. Along the coast of Depoe Bay, our resident gray whales begin showing up in June. On any one day throughout the summer, numbers range from 1 to 20. Some arrive in early summer, leave, and then return in late summer or early fall.
Resident gray whales remain around Depoe Bay for a period of days to months, there is one whale Scarback (Pictured Above) who has been around for over 30 years. The last of the resident whales leave in October or November and return to the breeding lagoons of Baja California to rejoin the remainder of the population.
About the Whales Tail
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative. If there are whales in the vicinity, the Whales Tail can get you near them.
Here you can enjoy the simplicity and intimacy of the Whale’s Tail; it’s quiet, roomy and faster than the larger boats so you get to spend more time around the whales. Unlike larger boats, an inflatable boat sits flat on the water and has a low center of gravity, which means they don’t roll like the larger boats, another feature is you won’t have to smell diesel fumes; hence, you won’t get seasick. We have all the latest safety features and have been inspected by the state of Oregon.
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories. This trip is a little more personal where we can take the time to talk and get to know our customers, you can’t beat a ride on the Whales Tail.
I have been involved in the maritime industry for over 40 years and recently retired from Oregon State University Research Ship “Wecoma” which included scientific research of whales to sampling the bottom of the ocean to name a few. We were the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon Coast. I hope you will join us on an exciting whale watching excursion aboard the Whales Tail.