Join us for a whale watching cruise to see Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Orca or "Killer" Whales and more! Travel on either the 50' Betty Kay or the 47' Shamrock to witness the Gray Whale northward migration to the Gulf of Alaska in the spring.
Whales spotted include:
Whales spotted include:
- Humpback Whales: Humpbacks are known for their breaching, flipper slapping and lob tailing. The males hum complex songs underwater. They are grayish black on top and white underneath.
- Orca Whales: Orca or "Killer" Whales are black and white. They are great hunters, and a pod of orcas can kill a giant blue whale! They are only about 27-33 feet in length and weigh around 12,000 pounds.
- Gray Whales: Gray Whales are mottled gray with white, gray or orange barnacles on their backs. They have about 150-180 small baleen plates in their mouths that help them eat plankton and other microscopic organisms. You may spot their little calves near shore!
What Is Not Included?
- Food in not provided on the vessel, so please bring your own.
- Complimentary coffee and water will be available, but feel free to bring your own beverages (alcohol must be limited to 3 beers per person).
- Feel free to bring a small ice chest for your snacks and drinks.
- Rain gear is not provided.
Meeting Location
Boat Basin Rd. at Charleston Harbor (Coos Bay, OR)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- What have you been seeing recently?
- Our whale watching season begins in March of 2010. Please check back then for an updated whale report!
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
- Are sightings guaranteed?
- Sightings are not guaranteed, but we only go out during the months of whale migration and are therefore very likely to see whales!
- Which boat will I be on and how many people can go on it at once?
- You will most likely be going out on the Betty Kay. The Betty Kay is a 50' delta fiberglass vessel that can accommodate up to 40 guests for whale watching. We may also take out the Shamrock, a 47' youngquist wood vessel, if we have enough demand.
- Is there food served on the trip?
- No, as there will be no food served on board, we recommend you bring the food you like with you. Feel free to bring a small ice chest with you!
- Can I bring an ice chest for my food?
- Yes, you can bring a small ice chest for your food.
- Are there drinks served on the trip?
- There will be water and coffee served on board, but please bring any additional beverages you'd like with you. Note that alcohol must be limited to 3 beers per person (cans or bottles).
- Is there a galley?
- No, but we do have a comfortable cabin area and will provide water and coffee. We recommend you bring any additional water, soft drinks and food that you'd like with you.
- How far out will we go?
- We will go anywhere from 2 to 5 miles offshore depending where the sightings are!
- How long does it take to get onto the ocean from the dock?
- It takes about 10 minutes to cross the bar onto the ocean once you leave the dock.
- Can I take my dog on the trip?
- No, pets are not allowed on our whale watching trips.
- Will you watch my dog while I'm on the trip?
- We will check on your pet now and then if you leave your dog tied up on dry land. Or if you prefer, we can refer a pet sitter for you. If you're interested in a pet sitter, contact us after purchasing tickets.
- How should I dress?
- Please dress warmly, with comfortable shoes. A warm hat and gloves are also nice to bring along just in case.
- Can I smoke on the vessel?
- Yes, smoking is allowed on deck, but not in the cabin area. Illegal drugs are forbidden.
- Is there a bathroom/head on the vessel?
- Yes, there is a bathroom on the vessel.
- Do you operate year round?
- We operate March through October for our fishing trips and March and April for whale watching, but are looking to run year round. Please check back from time to time for new, updated schedules!
- Can I bring my infant or toddler?
- Yes, if they are properly supervised. Children ages 10 and under have a reduced ticket price. Children 3 and under can come on the trip for free.
- Do you have wheelchair access?
- Yes, our vessel Betty Kay has a swing gate onto the deck for wheelchair access from our ramp platform. The Shamrock does not have such a ramp - the passenger would have to be lifted onto the deck. Please "Contact FishBettyKay" if you would like to bring a passenger in a wheelchair so we can make the appropriate arrangements for you.
- What if I get seasick?
- It is best to stay out on deck and keep the fresh air around you. If you are particularly prone to seasickness, we advise taking preventative measures beforehand.
- What will I see out on the ocean?
- Besides whales migrating, you will also see sea birds, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, jellys, and bait balls. Because we're in a commercial port, you will see big ships, tug boats and other vessels leaving and returning to port as well!
- Do I have to sign a liability waiver?
- No.
- Are cameras allowed?
- Yes.
- Are video cameras allowed?
- Yes.
- Are binoculars allowed?
- Yes.
- Can I book a private charter?
- Yes, you can contact Betty Kay Charters directly to schedule a private charter by clicking on the "Contact FishBettyKay" link - let us know what you have in mind!
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- Yes, gift certificates are available for all of our trips. To request a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact FishBettyKay" link and let us know what you'd like. Someone will get back to you shortly!
Betty Kay Charters
Betty Kay Charters has been operating for over 30 years, and Capt. Bill Whitmer and Margery have owned and operated the business for 20 years now. Capt Bill brings over 35 years of west coast ocean fishing experience and Captain Kathi has 20 years of experience with Betty Kay Charters.
They are eager to see you not only have great catches of ocean fish, but also have a great experience fishing the mighty Pacific Ocean. The crew is very helpful and wants you to have a great time also!
They are eager to see you not only have great catches of ocean fish, but also have a great experience fishing the mighty Pacific Ocean. The crew is very helpful and wants you to have a great time also!
