Seeing the might and majesty of whales first-hand is a truly extraordinary experience. Whale watching is a rare opportunity to see one of nature’s most astounding creatures up close in their natural habitat, and the magic and excitement of an encounter is hard to put into words.
The Pacific Coast of the US is one of the ideal places in the world to see whales. The West Coast is renowned for its superb marine life, and it is right on the migration route of a number of whale species who travel every year from their northern feeding grounds to the warmer southern waters to give birth.
If you’re cruising around the Pacific Coast, you will find unparalleled opportunities to meet these gentle giants, as well as stunning coastal scenery and charming towns and cities. From boat tours to land-based vantage points, here’s your guide to the best whale-watching spots along the West Coast.
Monterey Bay, California
Monterey Bay is located in the perfect spot, far enough south to guarantee great weather and warm waters year-round, but far enough north to provide plenty of food for whales as well. It is considered one of the best spots on the West Coast to see whales, largely due to a deep underwater canyon that attracts a huge variety of marine life for whales to feed on.
What to Expect
From December to April, you will see the migration of the gray whales from Alaska to Mexico, while for the rest of the year, there are plenty of humpbacks to be found feeding in the bay. In the warm summer months, you might even see a blue whale, the largest animal on the planet.
How to Experience It
There are plenty of companies that provide whale-watching boat tours, most of which depart from Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also often get a great view from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, particularly during the gray whale migration.
San Juan Islands, Washington
At the other end of the Pacific Coast, the San Juan Islands in Washington state are incredible for whale watching, particularly if you are interested in seeing orcas.
Killer whales can be seen hunting for food in the waters surrounding the islands all year round, making it a great place for an unusual sighting.
What to Expect
The Southern Resident orca pods are common visitors to the islands during the summer from April to September. You can also see humpback whales and gray whales during the spring and fall seasons.
How to Experience It
Head to Friday Harbor for boat tours to get in amongst the orca pods, or drive out to Lime Kiln Point State Park, known as ‘Whale Watch Park’, which is one of the best land-based whale-watching locations in the world!
Depoe Bay, Oregon
This charming little town on the Oregon coast is a great base for a whale-watching expedition, as it boasts a resident pod of gray whales that is often seen just offshore.
What to Expect
From March through December, the local gray whale pod can be seen feeding in the shallow waters close to the shore. During the migratory season, you can also sometimes see blue and humpback whales.
How to Experience It
The Whale Watching Center is managed by the Oregon State Parks and provides binoculars free of charge for visitors, as well as expert staff to help spot whales from the shoreline.
From the Pacific Northwest to the sunny shores of California, the West Coast of the US is a haven for whale-watching enthusiasts. Seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so pack your bags and head west for an incredible wildlife encounter!