Whale Watching Worldwide

Nevertheless, the industry is undoubtedly strong and mature in Oregon, with many of the same operators
still taking trips as they were in 1998. The industry is made up largely of fishing charter boats that undertake
whale watching trips in peak season on demand. Despite the presence of whales year round, a majority of
operators responded that they focus predominantly on the warmer months from May to October which
includes the prime summer holiday season from end of May Memorial Day to early September Labor Day.
Unlike California, there are few larger whale watch operations, with the majority of vessels averaging a
capacity of up to 30 passengers.
Approximately 11 operators run boat‐based tours along the entire Oregon coast in over 35 vessels. One
operator runs air‐based charter flights to see the whales. The main locations remain consistent with 1998,
being predominantly Newport (Yaquina Bay) and Depoe Bay. Smaller operations run out of Brookings,
Charleston and Garibaldi.
Main species: Large cetaceans:
gray whale, humpback whale
Small cetaceans:
harbour porpoise
Tourists:
International 8%
Domestic 92% (North American)
Types of tours: Boat‐based and land‐based
Average ticket price: $30
Estimated employment
55
numbers:
Main whale watch season: Year round, with November and early
December being low months
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and particularly Morris Grover, Bruce Mate of Oregon State
University, operator and researcher at Oregon State University, Carrie Newell, and seven other operators.
222