If you’ve ever visited Depoe Bay, you know that if you hang out long enough at the Whale Watching Center, you’ll see some gray whales. Sometimes they come in close; other times you’ll only see the spouts out on the horizon.

If you want to see them up-close, you’ll want to hop aboard one of the many charter vessels that take folks out amongst these gentle giants. You have several companies to choose from, but one of our favorites is Whale Research EcoExcursions:

If whale-watching is your wish, there's no better place on the Oregon coast than Depoe Bay.
Jaimie Tisdel-Brown/Google
While you can certainly spot whales from the Whale Watching Center, to see them up close, you'll want to visit the World's Smallest Navigable Harbor, where you'll find Whale Research EcoExcursions.
First, you'll watch an informative video that will show you what kinds of whale behavior to look for. Then, hop aboard one of the vessels and head out to sea with marine biologist Carrie Newell or one of her marine naturalist captains.
Dream267315/Tripadvisor
The boats used by this charter company were previously used as Navy Seal vessels or Coast Guard vessels. Because they sit so low in the water, you'll be even closer to the whales and less likely to experience sea sickness.
Whale Research Eco Excursions/Facebook
Depoe Bay is well-known as the Whale Watching Capitol of the World, and you can spot gray whales here year-round. In fact, on this tour, you're likely to see whales up close - very, very close.
Whale Research Eco Excursions/Facebook

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The resident whales here are familiar with the vessels, and will often hang out very near the boats.
MichelleBBrew/Tripadvisor
Though the captains try to give the whales plenty of room (especially when they're accompanied by calves), these gentle giants are often determined to say hello.
tdh42/Tripadvisor
Watch the whales surface, roll, and spout before they dive down into the depths again to feed. The experienced captains know where to look for the whales, and during your 1.5-hour tour you may spot more than one!
Capt_Stephan/Tripadvisor
During your tour, you'll also see plenty of other ocean wildlife! Keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, and all kinds of seabirds.
Alicia T/Tripadvisor
Tours cost just $45 for adults and $35 for kids ages 2-12 years old.

Visit Whale Research EcoExcursion’s website for more details and to book your trip. You might also want to check out its Facebook page to see more great whale photos!

If you visit the Oregon coast during the whale migration (mid-December to mid-January, and again from late March to early June), you’ll see even more whales! During each season, Oregon celebrates Whale Watching Week, and you can learn more about it here.

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234 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, USA