Whale watching on the West Coast offers an unforgettable experience filled with awe and wonder. The Pacific Ocean’s vastness is home to magnificent whales, providing a spectacular show of nature’s beauty. From the colossal blue whale to the playful orca, these majestic animals of the sea captivate with their size, grace and intelligence.

Whales to Watch For

Depending on your location and the time of year, here are some of the magnificent whales you might see on your whale watching adventure.

Grey Whale

These gentle giants have a mottled gray body with white patches, often covered in barnacles, giving them a rugged appearance. They are known for their long migration between the Arctic and Mexico.

Blue Whale

The largest animal on Earth, blue whales can reach lengths of up to 100 feet. They have a long, slender body with mottled blue-gray coloration and a small dorsal fin.

Humpback Whale

Famous for their acrobatic breaches and soulful songs, humpback whales are a favorite among whale watchers. They are identifiable by their long pectoral fins and the distinctive hump in front of their dorsal fin.

MINKE WHALE

The smallest of the baleen whales, minke whales are sleek and fast. They have a pointed head and a white band on their flippers.

Orca

Orcas are not true whales but belong to the dolphin family and are known to be highly social and intelligent. They are often seen in pods, hunting and playing together.

TOP WEST COAST WHALE WATCHING DESTINATIONS

CALIFORNIA

Monterey Bay:

A haven for marine life, Monterey Bay offers exceptional whale watching experiences throughout the year. During the peak season from April to December, visitors can marvel at the majestic humpback whales breaching in the bay. This is also the prime time to spot blue whales. The bay offers breathtaking views of migrating gray whales from late winter to early spring. Be sure to keep an eye out for orcas during this period, as they are known to hunt migrating whales.

Point Reyes National Seashore:

Located just north of San Francisco, Point Reyes is ideal for spotting gray whales during the winter and spring. The Lighthouse Visitor Center offers spectacular views, and the surrounding trails provide additional vantage points for whale watching.

OREGON

Depoe Bay:

Dubbed the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” Depoe Bay certainly lives up to its name. Head to the Whale Watching Center to watch nearly 20,000 gray whales migrating between Baja Mexico and the Arctic. The center’s staff is always happy to share their knowledge, tips and binoculars.

Cape Perpetua:

At 800 feet above sea level, the cape offers the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. This vantage point allows you to scan over 30 miles out to sea, making it a prime location for spotting whales migrating along the coastline.

WASHINGTON

San Juan Islands:

Home to two orca species, these islands are a prime spot for whale watching, especially in the summer months. The Southern Resident orca pods feed on salmon and are commonly seen from April through October. Bigg’s killer whales, which prey on other mammals, can be spotted year-round. Beyond orcas, keep your eyes peeled for gray, minke and humpback whales.

For the best land-based orca viewing experience in the world, head to Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west coast of San Juan Island.

Olympic Peninsula:

The Olympic Peninsula has 15 viewing spots along the Pacific Ocean, northern Olympic Peninsula coast and Hood Canal. Neah Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca offer frequent sightings of transient and resident orcas. Humpback and gray whales can also be seen occasionally.

Whale Watching Tips

• Scan from left to right, slowly, and then back again, keeping an eye out for anything that breaks the surface of the water.

• If what you are watching stays on the surface and in the same spot, chances are it’s a piece of driftwood.

• Look for spouting — these plumes of water are from whales exhaling on the surface.

• In addition to whales, keep an eye out for other wildlife including elephant seals, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.

• Bring binoculars for an even better experience.

• Always respect all wildlife and their habitats.