Gray whales swim by moving their large powerful tail flukes in an up and down motion and may span up to10 feet across, the tail flukes often have scars, scratches or bite marks from orca whale attacks. The normal cruising speed for a gray whale is between 2 to 6 mph but they can show burst of speed up to 10 to 12 mph if threatened by predators. Gray whales will surface and breathe two or three times at 10-20 second intervals before submerging for three to five minutes. When a gray whale goes on a deep dive the whale will usually show its tail flukes or arch its back where you would see its knuckles. Gray whales have no dorsal (back) fins. Instead, they have a low hump and a series of six to twelve knuckles or bumps. The gray whale can stay under water for at about 30 minutes and reappear 1/2 mile or more away unless they are feeding in the area. When whales go below the surface of the water it will leave an oval patch of calm water called a fluke print, this is caused from upwelling from the whale’s tail fluke.
When a gray whale goes on a dive it is usually less than 100 feet mainly because the food that the whale eats is in shallower waters. The gray whale has two blowholes that are oval shaped and during a dive, the valves around the whale’s blowhole close to keep water out. Upon surfacing the gray whales spout is about 10 feet high and, if there is no wind can be seen as a heart shape when observed directly in front or from behind. In a single blow about 100 gallons of air can be expelled, if they exhale slowly the blow is hardly visible.
Visit our website at: www.whalestaildepoebay.com
Whales Tail @ (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Dr.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone:541-765-2545
Toll Free:1-800-733-8915
Monday, December 5, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
About Humpback Whales
Humpback whales migrate up to 16,000 miles each year and feed mainly in the summer in polar waters and migrate to tropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter. During the winter, humpbacks fast and live off their fat reserves; their diet consists of krill and small fish. Humpback whales like all baleen whales are seasonal feeders that feed on crustaceans, plankton, and small fish. A humpback whale will eat about 5,000 pounds of plankton, krill and small fish every day during the feeding season, one feeding technique they use is called bubble net fishing. This is where a group of humpback whales swim rapidly in circles around a school of fish and blow air through their blowholes. The bubbles form a barrier that helps to confine the school of fish within an area, and then one or more whales will swim upwards and through the bubble net with their mouth’s wide open and gulp thousands of fish.
Humpback whales breathe air at the surface of the water through two blowholes located near the top of the head. Their blow is a double stream of spray that rises 10-13 feet above the surface of the water. The tail flukes of a humpback whale, which are lifted high in the dive sequence, have wavy rear edges. The deeply-notched flukes (tail) are between 10- 12 feet wide, an adult usually ranges between 39-52 feet long and weighs approximately 36 tons, and these whales can live between 50-70 years.
The pectoral fins are up to one-third of a humpback whales body length and have rough edges; these are the largest flippers of any whale. They also have about 15-35 throat grooves, these grooves allow the throat to expand when they are filter feeding. Female whales breed every 2-3 years and their gestation period is eleven months, the calves are about 14 feet long when born and are nursed by their mothers for their first six months and then go through another period of nursing and independent feeding for another six months. Both males and females reach sexual maturity around the age of five, full maturity is around 15 years, females are slightly larger than males.
Both male and female humpback whales vocalize, however only males produce the long, loud, complex songs for which this whale is famous for. Each song consists of sounds in a low register that vary in amplitude and frequency, and typically lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. Humpbacks may sing continuously for more than 24 hours. Cetaceans have no vocal cords, so whales generate their song by forcing air through their massive nasal cavities.
Scientists are unsure of the purpose of the whale song. Only males sing, suggesting that one purpose is to attract females. However, many of the whales observed to approach a singer are other males, and results in conflict. Singing may therefore be a challenge to other males. Some scientists say that the song may serve an echo locative function. During the feeding season, humpbacks make altogether different vocalizations for herding fish into their bubble nets.
Humpback whales have also been found to make a range of other social sounds to communicate such as “grunts”, “groans”, “snorts” and “barks”.
Labels:
Humpback Whales
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sleeping Whale's
Gray whale observations by scientists searching for clues on gray whale sleep studied a rescued gray whale. For nine days they made continuous video-recordings and observations. They collected data on the whale’s behaviors, here’s what they found:
The gray whale rested in two ways:
(1) by hanging just below the surface with its blowhole above water and
(2) by lying on the bottom of the pool.
In both cases, the whale’s breathing slowed, its fins and tail moved slowly until it was fully resting, then the whale only moved to take breaths of air.
When the whale rested on the bottom of the pool, it rose to the surface every few minutes and breathed.
At different times, the whale slept with both eyes open, both eyes shut, and just one eye open (indicating that only half its brain was active).
The whale was more likely to be active during the day and resting or sleeping at night.
During sleep, the whale’s body sometimes jerked and twitched, in humans and other mammals, these movements indicate a deeper state of sleep and dreaming.
Young gray whale calfs actually rest, eat and sleep while their mother swims, towing them along in her slipstream, this is called echelon swimming. At these times, the mother will sleep on the move, in fact, she cannot stop swimming for the first several weeks of a newborn’s life. If she does for any length of time the calf will begin to sink, this is because the calf is not born with enough body fat or blubber to float easily.
Whales Tail @ (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Dr.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Gray Whales,
Whale Watching,
Whale Watching Tours,
Whales
Friday, July 1, 2011
Oregon Whale Watching Tours
The Whales Tail operates out of Dockside Charters which is located on the east side of the bay in the center of the harbor next to the Coast Guard Station. We have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise, that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Be honest and caring, making safety, comfort and satisfaction of our customer’s our first priority. We offer whale watching, scenic tours, to personal charters to fit all your needs. We have built our business on satisfied, repeat customers, give us a try and you’ll see why.
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative.
The Whales Tail is a 26′ zodiac style boat that carries up to 6 people. It was the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon coast, the Whales Tail was designed specifically to give passengers the utmost in sightseeing and whale watching experiences. The Whales Tail has a smaller seating capacity and is a quieter ride than the larger boats, and they ride just a few feet above the ocean’s surface. If there are whales in the vicinity, the Whales Tail can get you near them. Here you can enjoy the simplicity and intimacy of the Whale’s Tail. It’s quiet, roomy and faster than the larger boats so you get to spend more time around the whales. We have all the latest safety features and have been inspected by the State of Oregon.
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories. This trip is a little more personal where we can take the time to talk and get to know our customers, find out what they like or would like to see, you can’t beat a ride on the Whales Tail.
About Us
I have been involved in the maritime industry for 40 years and recently retired from Oregon State University Research Ship “Wecoma” which included scientific research of whales to sampling the bottom of the ocean to name a few. We were the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon Coast. We have been inspected and have all the latest safety equipment. I hope you will join us on a exciting whale watching excursion aboard the “Whales Tail”.
The Whales Tail is a 26′ zodiac style boat that carries up to 6 people. It was designed specifically to give passengers the utmost in sightseeing and whale watching experiences. This is a very unique experience that puts you “up close and personal” for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales. Here you can enjoy the incredible scenery of the Oregon Coast, transit the worlds smallest navigable channel, and enjoy watching gray whales, humpback whales, orca whales, seals, sea lions, and other marine life. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you and your family a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories.
The Whales Tail operates out of Dockside Charters which is located on the east side of the Bay in the center of the harbor next to the Coast Guard Station. We have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise, that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Be honest and caring, making safety, comfort and satisfaction of our customer’s our first priority. Whether you’re heading out on one of our whale watching trips or just got back from a trip, you are always welcome to stop by to relax and say hi, the coffee is always on, and free. We have built our business on satisfied, repeat customers, give us a try and you’ll see why.
For more information on whales and our whale watching trips visit: http://www.whalestaildepoebay.com
Whales Tail @ (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Dr.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
GPS Coordinates: Lat. 44°48.552 N, Long. 124°03.564 W
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Oregon Coast Excursions
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative.
The Whales Tail is a 26′ zodiac style boat that carries up to 6 people. It was the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon coast, the Whales Tail was designed specifically to give passengers the utmost in sightseeing and whale watching experiences. The Whales Tail has a smaller seating capacity and is a quieter ride than the larger boats, and they ride just a few feet above the ocean’s surface. If there are whales in the vicinity, the Whales Tail can get you near them. Here you can enjoy the simplicity and intimacy of the Whale’s Tail. It’s quiet, roomy and faster than the larger boats so you get to spend more time around the whales. We have all the latest safety features and have been inspected.
Visit our website at: http://www.whalestaildepoebay.com
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Oregon Whale Watching
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
There are approximately 18,000 gray whales in the winter and spring migrations and a group of 200-400 whales that feed along the Oregon and Washington coast during fall and summer. In the spring, March through June most of these gray whales make the journey from their breeding lagoons in Baja California to the Arctic feeding grounds. On this northbound migration, small numbers of gray whales fall out of the migration group and stop at various locations along the Oregon coast, one of these places is Depoe Bay, these whales are called resident whales.
For whales to be known as residents, they must stay around a certain area for at least two days, exhibit feeding behavior, and return year after year. This distinguishes them from migrating whales which stop on their migration and feed then move on their way. Along the coast of Depoe Bay, our resident gray whales begin showing up in June. On any one day throughout the summer, numbers range from one to 20. Some arrive in early summer, leave, and then return in late summer or early fall.
Resident gray whales remain around Depoe Bay for a period of days to months, there is one whale “Scarback” (Pictured Above) who been around for at least 19 years. The last of the resident whales leave in October or November and return to the breeding lagoons of Baja California to rejoin the remainder of the population.
Visit our website at: http://www.whalestaildepoebay.com
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Oregon Whale Watching
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Whale Watching Tours in Oregon
Items to consider for your trip
Binoculars: Usually the whales are close enough to see without binoculars, looking through them is hard on a moving boat they restrict your view to a small area. Sometimes they come in handy if you enjoy watching other marine life such as birds.
Tennis Shoes: Remember you are on a moving vessel sometimes the decks get wet and slippery; tennis shoes will help give you better traction.
Warm Clothes: Be sure and bring a coat or sweatshirt or dress in layers, it can be cold even on nice sunny days especially if the wind starts to blow.
Sunscreen: On sunny days you can get sunburn even on a 1 hour trip, the sunlight has a tendency to bounce back up from the water’s surface and you can sunburn even on cloudy days.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses or a hat will help protect your eyes from glare off the water; sometimes the glare from the water will give you a headache.
Camera or Camcorder: Make sure your batteries are charged or bring spares; sometimes taking pictures of whales can be trying, a lot of times its pure luck.
Tips for the squeamish
Some people are a little nervous going out on the ocean, especially if it’s your first time, I always tell people not to worry just have a good time and enjoy the trip. Last year I only had one person get seasick. First off, unlike larger boats the “Whales Tail” sits flat on the water and has a low center of gravity, which means it does not don’t roll like the larger boats and you won’t get seasick. Sometimes the earlier in the day you go the smoother the ride will be, the wind can pick up in the afternoon and cause the ocean to get choppy.
There are medications you can take; check with your doctor what might work best for you, most medications should be taken a few hours prior to the trip. Once your trip begins it is too late to take anything. Sometimes these medications will make you tired, which means you want to take a nap after the trip instead of seeing some of the other sights or going out for lunch. I tell people to avoid fatty or fried foods, eat crackers or ginger snaps; this reduces stomach acid and can help prevent sea sickness. Keep hydrated by drinking water, ginger ale, or even sports drinks; avoid drinks that are high in sugars.
If you start to feel a little queasy take some nice deep breaths sometimes this is all that it takes. Look at the horizon, looking at something that is not moving helps your equilibrium. Remember we are whale watching, help the ole Captain out by looking for whales and other sea life; this will keep your mind occupied. The excitement of seeing these magnificent creatures will make you feel better.
About the Whales Tail
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative.
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories. This trip is a little more personal where we can take the time to talk and get to know our customers, find out what they like or would like to see, you can’t beat a ride on the Whales Tail.
Thank you for visiting our blog site, if you would like more information on whales and our whale watching tour visit: Oregon Whale Watching Tours
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Oregon Whale Watching
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Awesome Whale Watching Video
Visit our website at: http://www.whalestaildepoebay.com
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone:541-765-2545
Toll Free:1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Whale Watching
Friday, April 1, 2011
Whale Watching Comfort and Safety
Visit our web site at: Oregon Whale Watching
Inflatable boats are said to be the safest and most stable boats in the world today with all the new construction methods, technology and the new designs allowing necessary safety systems to be in place. Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now the standard for use by the Coast Guard, military and other agencies because of its speed, maneuverability, and safe stable ride. When you first think about it, you might wonder if an inflatable boat is as safe as a larger fiberglass or wood boat, the fact is inflatable boats are just as safe as larger boats. Inflatable boats are more buoyant because of the inflatable collar or tubes, these inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out over the entire boat.
A concern that some people have when they are considering an inflatable boat over a larger boat for whale watching is the stability of the inflatable. This is a common question of some people, the fact is inflatable boats are more stable than a larger boat. This is a great feature for people who might be a little bit nervous about going out on an inflatable boat. One indication that inflatable boats are safe is that they are preferred by the Coast Guard as offshore rescue vessels. The one reason the Coast Guard prefers these boats is because they are stable and handle better. Unlike larger boats, an inflatable boat sits flat on the water and has a low center of gravity, which means they don’t roll like the larger boats and you won’t get seasick.
The Whales Tail is a 26′ zodiac style boat that carries up to 6 people. It was the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon coast, the Whales Tail was designed specifically to give passengers the utmost in sightseeing and whale watching experiences. The Whales Tail has a smaller seating capacity and is a quieter ride than the larger boats, and they ride just a few feet above the ocean’s surface. If there are whales in the vicinity, the Whales Tail can get you near them. Here you can enjoy the simplicity and intimacy of the Whale’s Tail. It’s quiet, roomy and faster than the larger boats so you get to spend more time around the whales. We have all the latest safety features and have been inspected.
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories. This trip is a little more personal where we can take the time to talk and get to know our customers, find out what they like or would like to see, you can’t beat a ride on the Whales Tail.
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone:541-765-2545
Toll Free:1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Oregon Whale Watching
Monday, March 7, 2011
Oregon Whale Watching Excursions
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories.
The Whales Tail is a 26′ zodiac style boat that carries up to 6 people. It was the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon Coast, designed specifically to give passengers the utmost in sightseeing and whale watching experiences. We have all the latest safety features and have been inspected.
The Whales Tail operates out of Dockside Charters which is located on the east side of the bay in the center of the harbor next to the Coast Guard Station.
We have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise, that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Be honest and caring, making safety, comfort and satisfaction of our customer’s our first priority. Whether you’re heading out on one of our whale watching trips or just got back from a trip, you are always welcome to stop by to relax and say hi. We have built our business on satisfied, repeat customers, give us a try and you’ll see why.
Thank you for visiting our blog site, we hope to see you aboard the Whales Tail.
Visit our website at: Depoe Bay Whale Watching Tours
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Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Oregon Whale Watching
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Albatross
Although this doesn’t pertain to whales I thought I’d mention something about these magnificent creatures. These birds would always follow the ship when I worked on Oregon State University Research Ship “Wecoma”. If you have not seen an albatross they can be a spectacular site, they are master gliders with the wind. These birds have the longest wingspan of any bird, up to 11 feet.
The wandering albatross is the biggest of some two dozen different species. Albatrosses use their wingspans to ride the ocean winds and glide for hours without rest. They can also float on the sea’s surface, though this makes them vulnerable to predators.
These birds can live up to 50 years of age, they are rarely seen on land and gather only to breed, at which time they form large colonies on remote islands. Young albatrosses can fly within three to ten months, depending on the species, but then leave the land behind for five to ten years until they themselves reach sexual maturity.
Albatrosses drink salt water, as do some other sea birds and feed mainly on squid or fish, they are very familiar to mariners who go to sea because they sometimes follow ships looking for handouts. Albatrosses have a special place in maritime lore and superstition, being followed by an albatross is generally considered an omen of good luck.
The Whales Tail operates out of Dockside Charters which is located on the east side of the bay in the center of the harbor next to the Coast Guard Station. We have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise, that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Be honest and caring, making safety, comfort and satisfaction of our customer’s our first priority. We offer whale watching, scenic tours, to personal charters to fit all your needs. We have built our business on satisfied, repeat customers, give us a try and you’ll see why.
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative.
For more information on whales and our whale watching trips visit: Whale Watching on the Whales Tail
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
The wandering albatross is the biggest of some two dozen different species. Albatrosses use their wingspans to ride the ocean winds and glide for hours without rest. They can also float on the sea’s surface, though this makes them vulnerable to predators.
These birds can live up to 50 years of age, they are rarely seen on land and gather only to breed, at which time they form large colonies on remote islands. Young albatrosses can fly within three to ten months, depending on the species, but then leave the land behind for five to ten years until they themselves reach sexual maturity.
Albatrosses drink salt water, as do some other sea birds and feed mainly on squid or fish, they are very familiar to mariners who go to sea because they sometimes follow ships looking for handouts. Albatrosses have a special place in maritime lore and superstition, being followed by an albatross is generally considered an omen of good luck.
The Whales Tail operates out of Dockside Charters which is located on the east side of the bay in the center of the harbor next to the Coast Guard Station. We have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise, that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Be honest and caring, making safety, comfort and satisfaction of our customer’s our first priority. We offer whale watching, scenic tours, to personal charters to fit all your needs. We have built our business on satisfied, repeat customers, give us a try and you’ll see why.
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative.
For more information on whales and our whale watching trips visit: Whale Watching on the Whales Tail
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone: 541-765-2545
Toll Free: 1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Oregon Whale Watching
Monday, February 7, 2011
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay, Oregon
Experience the excitement of seeing gray whales “up close and personal” and other wildlife on one of our whale watching trips aboard the Whales Tail. We depart from picturesque Depoe Bay, Oregon which is only minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This is a thrilling and exciting ride for people who enjoy being out on the ocean or first timers who just want to experience being out on the ocean and have an enjoyable ride, additionally our whale watching trips are fun and informative.
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon’s resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don’t be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories. This trip is a little more personal where we can take the time to talk and get to know our customers, you can’t beat a ride on the Whales Tail.
Visit our website at: www.whalestaildepoebay.com
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone:541-765-2545
Toll Free:1-800-733-8915
Labels:
Whale Watching
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay, Oregon
Visit our website at: http://www.whalestaildepoebay.com/
The Whales Tail operates out of Dockside Charters which is located on the east side of the Bay in the center of the harbor next to the Coast Guard Station. We have put our thoughts and ideas together, forming the premise, that ocean charters should be a more personal experience. Be honest and caring, making safety, comfort and satisfaction of our customer’s our first priority. Whether you're heading out on one of our whale watching trips or just got back from a trip, you are always welcome to stop by to relax and say hi, the coffee is always on, and free. We have built our business on satisfied, repeat customers, give us a try and you’ll see why.
The Whales Tail is a 26' zodiac style boat that carries up to 6 people. It was the first and original zodiac style whale watching boat on the Oregon Coast, designed specifically to give passengers the best sightseeing and whale watching experiences.
One of the features the Whales Tail offers is a unique vantage point that gives you 360° viewing for observing Oregon's resident gray whales as they feed along the coast of Depoe Bay. Don't be surprised if you notice the whales watching you as intently as you watch them. We try to provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed along with some great memories.
For more on whale watching visit: http://depoebaywhales.wordpress.com/
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone:541-765-2545
Toll Free:1-800-733-8915
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Gray Whales and How to Identify
For more on whale watching tours visit our website at http://www.whalestaildepoebay.com/
Gray whales appear gray with splotches of different colored abrasions, scars and barnacles on their heads and backs. The barnacles are most prevelant on the areas of the skin that are exposed to air when the gray whale breathes. The gray whale can carry over 400 pounds of barnacles and whale lice. These parasites create yellow and white patches on the whales skin.
Grays have a narrow jaw and there are 2-5 pleats on their throat to help their mouth to open and expand when they feed. Like other baleen whales, they also have 2 blow holes. Having 2 blowholes, instead of the usual 1 in most whales, allows the gray to have a varied blow. The gray will spout every 20-30 seconds and can be as high as 10-13 feet into the air. They can also produce spouts that are low and wide. Some people say their blows are heart shaped.
Grays do not have a dorsal fin, but instead a small hump with a series of knobs. They have large paddle shaped flippers and broad flukes that are 25% (one-fourth) of their total body length.
Gray whale baleen is very coarse, with 20 bristles per inch. In comparison, Sei whales have over 100 per inch. They have 300 plates of yellow-colored baleen hanging from their upper jaw.
Gray whales are medium sized as compared to other whales. Adult females are always larger than males. Full grown gray whales range from 36-50 feet (10-15m) long and weigh 16-45 tons.
How long do Gray Whales live?
The average life span is 40-50 years, with some reaching 70 years.
The only predators of gray whales are orcas (killer whales) and humans. The scarring on the gray's skin reflects the battles with the orcas. Some grays flee into shallow water while others have beached or stranded themselves to escape orcas pursuing them.
How do they communicate?
While not being know for a wide variety of sounds, the ones they make are fairly simple. Gray whale calls involve moans, rumbles and growls, with the most common being knocking sounds. These sounds range from 100 Hz to 2000 Hz, with the majority between 300 and 900 Hz. To the human ear, this is very low sounding. Low sounds travel much farther than higher pitched sounds, and allow the whale to communicate for distances over a mile or more. Gray whale sounds are much quieter than other baleen whales. Their most vocal time is during breeding season.
For more information on whale watching visit: http://depoebaywhales.wordpress.com/
Whales Tail (Dockside Charters)
270 Coast Guard Pl.
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
Phone:541-765-2545
Toll Free:1-800-733-8915
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