Ride a small Zodiac with a naturalist captain for close views of gray whales and local marine life off Depoe Bay
Discover what we've curated for you
90 Minutes
Up to 6 people
Whale tour, Lifejackets, Museum
Board a 6-passenger Zodiac and head onto the Pacific to search for gray whales and local marine life with a naturalist captain. Watch a short educational film before departure to help you spot behaviors and learn about the resident whales of Depoe Bay.
Children must be 5 years or older due to seating restrictions. Ocean conditions are usually better earlier in the day, and trips may be canceled if conditions are unsafe.
Please arrive early to allow time for parking. The Depoe Bay Bridge preservation project during spring and summer may affect parking near the museum.
There is no storage on the boat, so anything you bring (including backpacks) must stay on your lap or in your hands during the trip.
Change or cancel up to 24 hours before check-in or start. Cancellations less than 24 hours are charged in full. If the trip is canceled due to unsafe ocean conditions, you can reschedule or receive a refund.
A: Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to ensure an on-time start.
A: Yes, all participants must read and sign a waiver before arriving for the tour.
A: We recommend bringing a jacket or rain gear, hat, sunglasses, gloves, and a camera. Please note that there is no onboard storage, so all items must be kept with you.
234 U.S. 101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in.
Carrie and her crew run an exceptional operation that guests consistently rave about. The small zodiac boats create an intimate, thrilling experience that puts you right at water level with gray whales. Captains like Joe, Andrew, and Elijah earn high praise for their knowledge, humor, and skilled navigation. Most visitors see multiple whales, plus sea lions and harbor seals, and the lucky ones witness tail flukes or have whales approach the boat. The pre-trip video and museum add educational depth, and Carrie herself often greets guests afterward, sharing her genuine passion for marine research. Be prepared for a bouncy ride, especially if conditions are choppy. Several reviewers mention the water can get rough with significant swells, which has led to seasickness for some passengers. The zodiac experience is exhilarating but demands a certain comfort level with water and movement. Also know that boats legally must stay 100+ feet from whales, so while sightings are plentiful, they're not always up-close encounters unless the whales approach you. Gray whales are more subtle than other species, typically showing spouts and curved backs rather than dramatic breaches. If you can handle the motion and have realistic expectations about whale behavior, this comes highly recommended.
I had an amazing time whale watching with my family of 4 adults. From beginning to end the excursion was informative and exhilarating!! I’d definitely recommend the boat captain Andrew, he took us out on the Krazy Koda 6 passenger boat. He really tried to get us as close as possible, while being respectful of the whales. He also provided waterproof blankets. It was much appreciated considering the chilly weather.
Elaine _
April 13, 2026
I had an amazing time whale watching with my family of 4 adults. From beginning to end the excursion was informative and exhilarating!! I’d definitely recommend the boat captain Andrew, he took us out on the Krazy Koda 6 passenger boat. He really tried to get us as close as possible, while being respectful of the whales. He also provided waterproof blankets. It was much appreciated considering the chilly weather.
Elaine _
April 13, 2026