Oregon Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast offers front row seats to witness the yearly migration of the grey whale.
Some 25,000 individual Gray Whales will be cruising the coastline from March to June, returning to cooler Alaskan waters after birthing their calves in the warm temperatures of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.
The more temperate spring months are also breeding season for Harbor Seals which inevitably draw a whale population we normally associate with Puget Sound, Washington, The Orcas.This past week they were spotted chasing seals offshore at Sport Haven Beach, Brookings.
Whale Watching can be observed as gray whales cruise along the Oregon coast en route to Alaska from Mexico. Spouting geyser-like blasts of spray can be seen from the towering coastal bluffs. The Oregon Coast offers front row seats for those wanting to witness the gray whales migration.
Located on U.S. 101 along the seawall in scenic Depoe Bay, the Whale Watching Center is but one place to locate and watch whales as they blow, dive, spy hop and breach. About 18,000 gray whales will pass by in about 4 weeks.
Whales are visible from Oregon’s shores year round. Even more during the winter and spring migrations. Oregon State Parks celebrates the migration twice per year during Whale Watch Weeks in late December and late March. The Whale Watching Spoken Here® program places volunteers at 17 whale watching sites, ready to help visitors see and learn about migrating and resident Gray whales. Use this map to help plan your next whale watching trip. These are some of the best places to spot gray whales during the winter and spring annual migrations.
Spring Whale Watching begins in March
Spring watching begins in late March as the gray whales travel north on their way towards Alaska. The first surge swims past Oregon around the end of March and north-bound whales can be seen all the way until June.
Summer and Fall bring Oregon’s resident Gray whales close to shore to feed. There are approximately 200 whales that remain in Oregon’s coastal waters during the summer migration. The central coast in particular is a hot-spot for whales from June to mid-November.
Oregon Independent Inns on the Oregon Coast can be home base for your trip to the Oregon Coast to witness this yearly migration.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
