Whales Galore Along the Shore - Oregon Coast Definitely Has the Most...Right Now

Published 07/29/26 at 9:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – Depoe Bay has certainly been living up to its name as the “whale watch capital of Oregon.” Indeed, much of the coastline is erupting with sightings lately – and it's downright dizzying. (Photo Seaside Aquarium: a humpback near Astoria in recent years)

The orcas are gone but other species are thrilling our species: leaving us slack-jawed from the shoreline with our ice cream cones in hand. Fin whales, humpbacks and blue whales are gallivanting around our waters. In sometimes big numbers, too.

The Facebook group Oregon Whale Sightings has been chalk full of accounts the last few days.

What's up with all the whale hubbub?

Group admin Julie Conrad said it's partially just more numbers of whales out there and more eyes on the water.

“I'm fairly certain the sudden increase in gray whale sightings is likely due to increased observation efforts, and greater awareness and use of our sighting network,” Conrad said. “I've really been trying to encourage people in less "popular" areas to report (basically everywhere outside of the central coast).”

Video: Captain Al Vanderford on the Miss Raven with Yaquina Bay Charters. 7/27/2026, 4:39pm, about 14 miles offshore from Newport.

Then there's just the aspect of lovely weather: calm conditions make it easier to see them. Summer can also create more food sources for them closer to shore.

Humpbacks have simply been increasing their visits in recent years and decades. This time of year or a bit later, they often show up on the north coast and feed on the runs of baitfish in the region.

“My guess is some of those go a bit further north into Oregon,” Conrad said. “It's likely that this isn't something new, but that more people are reporting them.”

Then there's the sightings of blue whales – always good for a thrill or two.

“Blue whales feed almost exclusively on krill, and considering they stayed in the same area, they probably found a good food source,” Conrad said. “I'm not certain on the total number seen. I do anticipate more. Last summer, southern Oregon saw dozens of blue whales. They were really far offshore, and initially difficult to ID. People kept reporting dozens of super tall spouts, so I figured they were probably blue whales.”

A bit of luck hit when Conrad and her group got video from a fisherman confirming the sightings.

It's likely your chances of seeing them right now are quite good, considering all the conditions and activity. It's not guaranteed, by any means, but now is probably a good time to head out to the coast and look. Whale watch tours out of the south coast and central coast often get good sighting numbers, though Conrad insists she does better just sticking to shore while searching.

Either way, here's a roundup of sightings from her group:

2026-07-28 - Depoe Bay

11:38am from Nate Wilson - Six gray whales between Boiler Bay and the Depoe Bay seawall.

7:00am - Two blue whales visible from Spanish Head, NW angle.

10:30am - A fin whale moving north about five miles off Depoe Bay.

Julie Conrad reports blue whales, fin whales, humpbacks, and several gray whales offshore between Newport and Lincoln County.

2026-07-27 - Newport area

3:17pm Captain Alan Vanderford reports a single humpback about 24 miles offshore.

4:39 pm - Four to five humpbacks feeding about 14 miles offshore.

2026-07-27 - Yachats

7:36 pm Two large spouts at Yachats, 4th St., species and direction unknown.

Additional spouts at Patterson State Park near Waldport, and again on the return to Yachats.

2026-07-27 - Depoe Bay

Evening: Gray whales feeding close to the Depoe Bay seawall, including a mom and calf believed to be Morisa and Nebula, plus two additional gray whales.

Morning - A large whale swimming in front of Pirates Cove; still 2–3 grays present.

12:26pm from chat - Many whales at the Depoe Bay seawall, likely gray whales.

2026-07-27 - Rockaway Beach
Kari Lunn reports two gray whales heading south from Rockaway.

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