With several different whale species visiting each year, Long Beach is an excellent place to go whale watching. Knowing the ideal time to go can increase your chances of seeing the species you are most intrigued by. We have what you need, whether you want to see graceful gray whales or acrobatic humpback whales. We'll go through the several whale species you can see in Long Beach and the ideal times to observe them in this guide. Following our advice, you can improve your chances of having a memorable whale-watching experience. (updated:mar23)
Whale Watching on the Washington Coast
Discover the Best Spots for Whale Watching on the Long Beach Pensinula
How can you whale-watch from land?
From the shore, with binoculars or telescopes, and patience. The Long Beach Peninsula offers a variety of great spots to go whale watching. Beards Hollow Viewpoint is an excellent place to start, offering a panoramic view of the ocean and a good vantage point for seeing whales. Another great spot is Bell's Viewpoint, which provides a sweeping view of the coastline and a prime location for spotting whales from a distance. For a unique whale-watching experience, head to the North Head Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the nearby cliffs. If you want to try your luck anywhere along the 28 miles of coastline on a clear day, you can see up to 13 miles offshore. For those who prefer to stay on the beach, Waikiki Beach is a popular spot for whale watching. And for those who want to learn more about whales, head to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center or Fort Canby, where you can take guided tours and learn about the area's fascinating history and marine life.
What whale species can you spot in Long Beach, WA?
Long Beach is one of the best places to see whales along the Washington coast, a well-known whale-watching attraction. Long Beach offers guests the fantastic opportunity to see a variety of whale species in their natural habitat through the activity of whale watching. Knowing the best time to visit will help you enhance your chances of seeing the species you are most interested in, as many species arrive each year. We'll walk you through the whale species you can see in Long Beach and the optimum times to watch them in our professional guide. Then, using our insider advice, you can increase your chances of having a memorable whale-watching experience.
Gray Whales from January to April The best time to go to Long Beach is between January and April if you want to see gray whales. You will have a great opportunity of viewing these magnificent animals during this period as they travel from the Arctic Circle to the Baja Peninsula. Gray whales have two blowholes, which produce a heart-shaped spray when the wind is calm, making them very fascinating to observe. These blows are visible from the coast.
Humpback whales can be seen from April through June. The greatest time to see humpback whales in Long Beach is from April to June. They are one of the most often seen whale species by whale watchers in the Long beach WA area. These whales are impressive in size and skill, and it's thrilling to watch them breach and jump out of the water. Although you can see humpback whales all year round, these months offer the best opportunities.
From May to September, Many Whale Species will have the chance to observe various whale species if you visit Long Beach in the summer. Among the species, you might see fin whales, sperm whales, blue whales, and orca whales. To enhance your chances of viewing these whales, you'll need to go on a whale-watching trip but bear in mind that many of them prefer to stay farther offshore.
Minke Whales from October to December can be observed in Long Beach between October and December, though they can be more challenging to identify. While you wait for a glimpse of these elusive creatures, dolphins and sea lions will keep you entertained during these months.