Sink your teeth into Whale Watch Week

A killer whale skull at the Hatfield Marine Science Center

Winter whale migration season is underway along the Oregon Coast, offering shoreline viewing opportunities as gray whales travel south toward breeding lagoons in Baja California, Mexico. The winter migration is one of the best times of year to spot whales from land, with peak sightings occurring from mid-December through mid-January.

Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week from Saturday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 31, with trained volunteers stationed at designated viewpoints to help visitors locate whales and learn about migration patterns and whale behavior.

Popular winter viewing locations include Depoe Bay, Cape Foulweather, Yaquina Head, Cape Perpetua, Cape Meares, Neahkahnie Mountain. Depoe Bay is especially well-known for consistent sightings and year-round whale activity.

Approximately 20,000 gray whales pass the Oregon coast during their annual southbound journey. Many whales travel five miles offshore, though their tall spouts remain visible from elevated headlands and coastal viewpoints. Calm winter mornings often provide the clearest conditions for spotting blows before wind and whitecaps increase later in the day.

For more information about winter whale watching and Whale Watch Week, go to oregonstateparks.org.

• Dive deeper into whale biology and migration through interactive games, short films and hands-on activities at Newport’s Hatfield Marine Science Center this Friday, Dec. 26, through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Members of the American Cetacean Society will be onsite daily with an information table and activities, while the Visitor Center will host a whale-themed craft station featuring headbands and games. A daily whale talk will be held in the auditorium at 1 pm, with presentations shared by staff and guest speakers.

Expanded holiday hours are in effect for this special celebration. The Visitor Center will be open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission is $5 for guests aged 5 and older.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive. For more information, go to seagrant.oregonstate.edu/visitor-center.