Oregon Coast fun.
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Whale Watching History:In 1953 Whale Watching was developed and soon expanded into a commercial activity along the southern California coastline in 1955. Today, some 40 countries participate in Whale Watching which has contributed to the changes in public awareness of cetaceans, environmental education and cetacean research. . All the large whale species, many dolphins, porpoises, sea lions and a variety of seals can be sited regularly from various viewpoints, eating establishments, parks or scheduled tours. |
| 1970 brought Whale Watching of the Gray Whale's migration off the Oregon and California Coastlines. Shore-based whale watching from headlands along the Oregon Coast highway begins as far north a Astoria and winds its way south through various ports, viewpoints and overlooks far beyond the Oregon-California border. | 
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Migration:Whale Watching is a favorite past-time on the Oregon Coast. Gray whales can be seen on the southbound migration from November to December or on the northbound from February to April. From the Bering Sea, a 6,000 mile journey to the warm waters of the Baja's where mating and calving occurs. A return 6,000 mile trip begins at a slower pace and closer to shore due to the new offspring. |
Spotting the Herd:As air-breathing sea mammals, whales rise to the surface routinely to breathe. At the surface, they exhale with great force through blowholes located on their head. The whale's warm breathe pushes the water upwards in a 6 to 10 foot plume. This is known has "spouting" and is what can be seen for great distances. The whale dives back into the water exposing the back portion of their grand body with a rolling motion.Requirements for Whale Watching would be warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars, cameras, and good viewpoint of the ocean. Some of the more popular locations are: Astoria, Garibaldi,.Cape Foulweather, Depoe Bay, Newport, Seal Rock, Winchester Bay, Charleston, Cape Arago, and Port Orford. It is also possible to participate in formal tours on the ocean at many of these locations. The cost will range between $7 and $20 with a duration of 1 to 3 hours. | |
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