Where I Spent My Summer Volunteering
This summer brought me a pretty amazing new adventure: I became a volunteer at Whale Research EcoExcursions in Depoe Bay, Oregon!
After moving back to the Oregon Coast, I knew I wanted to get involved in my community and spend more time around the ocean and marine life. Volunteering here turned out to be an absolutely perfect fit.
Welcome to Whale Research EcoExcursions
Located in beautiful Depoe Bay, Whale Research EcoExcursions is all about getting people out on the water to experience Oregon’s incredible marine life while learning about the animals and the environment they call home.
And education is a BIG part of what they do.
Trips are captained by Marine Biologist Carrie Newell and their team of expert Marine Naturalist captains. The goal is to provide guests with a trip that is safe, comfortable, and—most importantly—educational.
Of course, seeing whales in their natural environment is pretty spectacular all by itself!
A Museum Full of Marine Life
The museum is filled with displays and exhibits that help visitors learn more about the incredible animals living along the Oregon Coast.
There are whales, seals, sea lions, birds, and plenty of other marine-life exhibits to explore. Some of the displays are definitely the kind that make you stop and take a closer look.
And then there are the ones that make you realize just how BIG some of these animals actually are. 😳🐋
The museum is a great introduction to the wildlife visitors might encounter once they head out onto the water.
Getting Out on the Water
One of the really unique things about Whale Research EcoExcursions is the boats.
Their ex-military/Navy SEAL Zodiac boats are designed with safety in mind while allowing guests to get out on the water and experience marine life up close.
And I can tell you from personal experience—being out there is pretty darn exciting!
There is something completely different about seeing a whale from a boat compared with seeing pictures or videos of one. When you’re sitting there on the Oregon Coast and a whale surfaces nearby, it suddenly becomes very real.
I was lucky enough to have some unforgettable experiences on the water this summer, including seeing gray whales and other Oregon Coast wildlife. 🐋🦭
My Summer as a Volunteer
I had SO much fun volunteering here.
I met some wonderful people, learned an incredible amount about the marine life around us, and got to spend time in a place that combines several things I love: the Oregon Coast, animals, learning, and meeting people.
It was also a great way to experience a different side of my new life back here in Oregon.
And I’ll Be Back!
My summer volunteering may be over for now, but this definitely isn’t goodbye.
I will be back to volunteer next summer! 🐋🌊
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again, getting back out on the water, and seeing what the next season brings.
If you’re visiting the Oregon Coast and find yourself in Depoe Bay, Whale Research EcoExcursions is definitely a place worth checking out if you’re interested in whales, marine life, and learning more about this amazing coastal ecosystem.
And if you want to see my little museum walkthrough and get a better look at where I spent my summer, be sure to check out the video!
Thanks for coming along with me and sharing one of the places that made my summer on the Oregon Coast so much fun.
And, as always…
Welcome to Lorrie’s World — Where Laughter Lives! 💜🐋
