Marine Discovery Tours
Marine Discovery Tours offers interactive, narrated ocean and bay cruises with naturalist guides from docks along the historic Bay Front District in Newport. The cruises allow you to drive the boat, pull crab pots, and explore ocean life including gray whales, harbor seals, sea lions, sea slugs and other marine life. Editor's Tip: The best way to cap your 2-hour adventure aboard Marine Discovery Tours is to chow down on some fresh and simple sea food from Mo's on the old bayfront; they are an Oregon icon and a "must-eat" stop with a knack for producing clam chowder to die for!
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4.7 (7 members)
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Trustiness: 59%
4.0 (1 member)
Best Whale Watching Cruise & Bar Crossing (March - October) on the Oregon Coast
I love going on any kind of boat, but, the Discovery, that sails from Marine Discovery Tours on Newport's Bay front is the best! The day I went was overcast & we were all told that the captain would take great care with our safety and comfort (seasick), so we might not go on the ocean. I didn't care as long as I had fun and got to see and do stuff! I walked down a ramp and stepped right into the warm cabin with the other folks cruising that day. After some safety / lifejacket talk, we eased out onto the Yaquina Bay.
Between Captain Don & Steven, the naturalist (who is from New Zealand & picked moving to the Oregon Coast for it's beauty!) I heard great stories...from life in the harbor; fishing boats & their catch; the Coast Guard's role, by sea & air, to bridge & lighthouse history. While they chatted, we all wandered around taking pictures, drinking free coffee and volunteering for some fun activities - setting & pulling pots full of Dungeness crab on board (our captain fished the Bering Sea like the guys on Deadliest Catch); towing plankton nets behind the boat with a microscope projector to see them (crab larvae look like something from Predator!) and invitations to the wheelhouse where anyone could take a turn driving the boat!
Then, we idled toward the bar crossing & Capt Don took it out of gear, reporting the sea conditions were favorable. Once he got a thumbs up that we were all stabilized - one powerful surge of the engines and we were gliding along on the Pacific side. What A Thrill! Within 5 minutes of leaving port, Steven pointed out the first "blow" and we watched four 46' gray whales roll past us on their northward migration. Everyone, from babies to the boat crew, Wa-Hooed each time we saw one surface.
As we headed peacefully back into port, I was a little discouraged that none of my whale shots were very good, until Steven told me that the sightings would continue, steadily, with even better ocean conditions. BIG NEWS! I didn't know this, but, the last of the 19,000 gray whales in the migration, stop & settle during the summer & fall months right in front of Newport, So, I made a reservation for August, when I hope to get that "desksaver" shot!
As for the whole experience - it's my new favorite boat company on the coast! Everyone was so friendly, from the lady that sold me my ticket to the very professional, but very nice, captain & naturalist.
PS I'm going to stay at Anchor Pier Lodge, upstairs in their waterfront building. Think I'll pick the mermaid room, read a good book in the spa tub; go eat dinner at Mo's & come home to a flickering fireplace under a cozy duvet. Like the tides along the coast...I'll be back! Can't wait!
Keywords: Scenic, Any time of the day, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, Amusement Park / Zoo / Aquarium, City or part of the city, Everyone, With a group, Summer (June - August), With kids, Local culture, As a senior citizen, Exciting, As a couple, Beach / River / Lake, Easy to reach, US$ 26 - US$ 50, Fall (September - November), Spring (March - May), Other things to see
Trustiness: 77%
Themed guestrooms
We were able to see several of the rooms when we were here. They are all unique. One is perfect for mom & dad and a small child with a bed built in the bay window. One room has a very cool surfboard for the bath ncounter. All very special, all very well done. I love the ones overlooking the water. Open your door and smell the ocean!
Keywords: Non-smoking rooms, Romantic, Just you alone / As a single, Historic, Hotel, Close to the airport / seaport, US$ 101 - US$ 250, Upscale, Scenic View, Everyone, With a group, Good for vacation, With kids, As a senior citizen, As a couple, As a gay or lesbian
Trustiness: 49%
Check out Marine Discovery Tours!!!
Be sure to check out Marine Discovery Tours on Newport's Historic Bayfront. They do awesome two hour sea life cruises! They also have lodging right there on the bayfront with balconies over the water. They serve free coffee and have a cool little gift shop. You can't miss this place!!
Keywords: Midday, Less than 3 hours, In the city, Boat Tour, Everyone, Summer (June - August), US$ 26 - US$ 50
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