As its name indicates, Seaside, Oregon, sits right on the coast and provides a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean. Though that leaves the door open to plenty of activities, any trip to The Seashore Inn on the Beach should include an Oregon whale watching tour! Every year, thousands of visitors from around the world migrate to various Oregon beach hotels along the coast to get a closer look at migrating gray whales. To keep you in the loop on your upcoming visit, we’ve made a list of five tips to make your tour a success!
5 Whale-Thought-Out Tips
1. Be mindful of the time of year
Though it’s possible to see whales year-round during your Oregon whale watching tour, certain times of the year are better than others. Over 20,000 whales are present when they travel to the warm lagoons of Mexico between December and January, but the true peak season is between March and April where another 20,000 migrate north to Alaska to their feeding grounds. Even though you may have a chance to spot young calves with their mothers during the summer months, your odds are a lot better during their exodus of Oregon.
2. Check the weather
Before you create a list of things to do in Seaside, Oregon, check out the upcoming weather forecasts. Rainy and cloudy days will greatly diminish your chances of spotting a whale. Your best bet is when the weather is more cooperative and there are clear skies and calm seas where you may see dozens of whales in only an hour!
3. The earlier the better
The best time of day to catch a glimpse of one of these miraculous creatures is in the morning when the ocean and wind are calmer and the bright sun isn’t a factor with its glare. Make sure to get to bed early and set an alarm!
4. Bring the right gear
The last thing you want to be on your Oregon whale watching tour is unprepared. Though you may have everything else in place, if you don’t have the right equipment, you could be in for a long day. No matter the time of year, dressing in layers (waterproof, if possible) is never a bad idea, and if you seek a closer view or want to share your experience with others, binoculars and a camera can help you achieve that.
5. Be patient and have fun
Whales can be unpredictable at times, but don’t let that get you down. Every tour is different and as long as you keep your eyes on the horizon and are prepared for when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll give yourself a good chance to spot these enormous mammals. And remember, where else would you have the prospect of seeing a grey whale in its natural habitat?
A Whale of a Good Time at The Seashore Inn
Ideally, if you follow the tips we have provided, you will have an excellent experience in Seaside, Oregon. If you want to start planning your Oregon whale watching tour, call us at 503-738-6368 or contact us directly online. The whales are awaiting your arrival, and so are we!