March 12, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Spring break kicks off whale watching season, but the whale watching experience will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said they have canceled its 2021 spring Whale Watch Week program, traditionally held in late March. That means volunteers won’t be stationed at whale watching sites. In addition, the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay is closed. The release said visitors can enjoy this spring tradition on their own, while following statewide COVID-19 guidelines for safe travel and physical distancing.

OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said, “We urge visitors to explore parks close to their homes and to respect the communities they visit”. If parks are crowded, people should consider visiting another whale watching site, or returning later.

Most viewing sites managed by OPRD remain open, with reduced services in some locations due to limited resources. A map of whale watching sites is available at: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=things-to-do.whale-watching

The release said around 25,000 Gray whales will pass by Oregon’s shores from late March to June on their way to cool Alaskan waters. Many will be accompanied by their calves, born during the winter in the warm lagoons off the coast of Baja, Mexico.