Whale Watching

Depoe Bay, located about 10 miles south of Lincoln City, is known as the “whale watching capital of Oregon.” The food supply and location of Depoe Bay appears to attract a number of whale species including Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, Blue Whales, Fin Whales, and Sperm Whales. Some of these species migrate every March through December, and the seawall which runs through the main drag in town is a great place to view these magnificent creatures. 

Located on Highway 101, Depoe Bay has a whale watching center, shore observation decks, and charter boats that are available for trips for an up close view. The Depoe Bay Harbor is the smallest natural navigable harbor in the world. During squalls and turbulent seas, the areas distinctive geological features result in a phenomena called “Spouting Horn” where much like a whale, the sea itself spouts a massive spray of water into the air above main street. 

For movie enthusiasts, Depoe Bay was featured in the 1975 movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” starring Jack Nicolson and Danny Devito.