About 18,000 Gray whales will pass by the Oregon Coast over the span of four weeks, from mid-December to mid-January. Much like Oregonian snowbirds, the Gray whales are heading south to Baja. The impetus? Pregnant whales lead the charge south from Alaska, where they will give birth in Baja after a one-year pregnancy. Most whales come within one to five miles of Oregon’s beaches, so you may be able to spot them from shore. If not, you can join a whale tour vessel to get a closer look.

YAQUINA BAY CHARTERS

Newport | yaquinabaycharters.com

MARINE DISCOVERY TOURS

Newport | marinediscovery.com

DOCKSIDE CHARTERS

Depoe Bay | docksidedepoebay.com

TRADEWINDS CHARTERS

Depoe Bay | tradewindscharters.com

BETTY KAY CHARTERS

Charleston | bettykaycharters.com

ECOTOURS OF OREGON

Portland | ecotours-of-oregon.com