Whale Watching Center

Perched on a seawall with expansive ocean views and a large viewing deck, the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay is the perfect spot to see whales.

Park staff and volunteers are ready to answer your questions and help you spot whales and other marine life.

The center is equipped with binoculars for visitors, and displays feature facts about whales and information on what swimming patterns you might see.

During the busiest weeks, thousands of gray whales migrate past on their way to and from the waters of Alaska and Mexico.

You can read more about the planned construction here . Check the construction advisories on this page for the latest updates.

In the winter we watch nearly 20,000 gray whales from mid-December through mid-January as they travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico.

Spring watching begins in late March as the gray whales travel north on their way towards Alaska, calves in tow.

The first surge swims by around the end of March, and we watch the north-bound whales all the way until June.

We consistently see between 5 and 15 whales every day! Learn more about whale watching at Oregon State Parks and o

We keep watch all year long; you never know what might swim by. We also see humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, and even blue whales.

Whale Watching Center Hours The Whale Watching Center and viewing area around the building will close for repairs during the summer of 2026.

The Whale Watching Center is open seasonally from March through December. During these months, the museum is open from noon to 4 p. m.

Summer and fall brings resident whales close to shore to feed from June to mid-November. Depoe Bay is a hot spot for whales looking for food this time of year.

Nearby parks such as Boiler Bay , Rocky Creek and Cape Foulweather also offer fantastic views for whale watching.

, Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours may change due to volunteer availability and weather conditions. When is the best time to see whales?

Purchased from the City of Depoe Bay March 4, 2008, for $97,522. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places March 7, 2012. The only state wayside constructed during the postwar period designed to serve the rapidly increasing ranks of the motoring public, while taking advantage of a unique scenic vista—the world’s smallest navigable harbor at Depoe Bay.