The Gray Whale makes the longest known migration of any mammal, traveling up to 14,000 miles round-trip between Arctic feeding grounds and warm Mexican lagoon breeding areas. It is a bottom feeder that rolls on its side to suction amphipods from seafloor sediments, leaving distinctive feeding pits visible from shore during low tide in Alaska. Gray whales were called 'devil fish' by whalers because females protecting calves would attack whaling boats.
Best time to see a Gray Whale
The best time to see a Gray Whale is January–May, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,905 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Gray Whale? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Gray Whale sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Gray Whale?
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