THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Experience thrilling gray whale and sea lion sightings aboard the Black Pearl, navigating the protected Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve off Port Orford’s coast.
Experience thrilling gray whale and sea lion sightings aboard the Black Pearl, navigating the protected Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve off Port Orford’s coast.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by South Coast Tours · Gold Beach, Oregon
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; the boat is stable and seating is available throughout the trip.
Gray whales are most commonly sighted during their migration periods from December to April along the Oregon coast.
Yes, the boat and tour content are family-friendly, though children should be comfortable on watercraft.
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled for safety during severe weather; always check in advance.
Yes, the Black Pearl is equipped with restroom facilities for passenger convenience.
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed, but it’s best to keep waste packed out to protect the environment.
Dolley Dock is located at 300 Dock Rd, Port Orford; it’s easily accessible by car from the town center with parking available nearby.
Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve was established in 2010 as Oregon’s first state marine reserve to protect vital marine habitats and species.
The tour promotes awareness of marine conservation, encouraging visitors to respect wildlife and minimize impact on fragile ocean ecosystems.
South Coast Tours operates out of Brookings, Oregon, offering guided kayak and boat excursions along the southern Oregon coast. The company runs a range of trips including ocean kayak fishing tours in Port Orford and Brookings, wildlife viewing paddles on the Chetco River estuary and coastal kelp beds, a whales and wildlife boat tour from Dolley Dock in Port Orford, snorkeling combined with kayaking at Orford Heads and Nellies Cove, and convenient boat shuttles between Bullards Beach State Park Campground and Old Town Bandon. Trips feature Hobie kayaks for several ocean fishing and wildlife tours and include a boat-based option aboard the nearly unsinkable Black Pearl for Redfish Rocks and whale viewing. The Arches Territory inflatable paddle experience notes over 15 years of guiding in Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Tours target local species such as Blue and Black rockfish, Ling Cod, gray whales, sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, kingfishers, and a variety of seabirds, plus kelp and tidepool life. South Coast Tours serves families, anglers, hikers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts, with outings ranging from short estuary paddles to multi-hour fishing and snorkeling adventures. Departure points include Brookings and Port Orford, and specialized services include boat shuttles for Oregon Coast Trail hikers. Information provided in tour descriptions outlines durations, activities, and highlights for each trip. South Coast Tours offers coastal exploration options that connect visitors to the marine environment and local landmarks while showcasing southern Oregon’s natural diversity. Booking details, pricing, and seasonal availability are listed on their tour pages.
Book with South Coast Tours