Ride a rigid inflatable boat to Redfish Rocks and spot coastal wildlife
1.25 hrs
Boat tour, Wildlife viewing
Depart from Dolley Dock in Port Orford for a boat tour focused on Redfish Rocks Marine Research Reserve, local geology, and coastal wildlife. Ride aboard the Black Pearl, a rigid hull inflatable boat similar to Coast Guard rescue boats.
People with bad backs or who are prone to seasickness may not want to take this tour. Children under 2 are not recommended. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, and tips are appreciated.
48 hours notice for a full refund.
If you are prone to seasickness or have a bad back, you may not want to take this tour.
Dress warm and in layers. Bring a layer to keep mist off your clothes, like a rain jacket.
Yes. If you bring nice camera equipment, use a dry case or dry bag to help protect it from water.
300 Dock rd Port Orford, OR
South Coast Tours delivers consistently excellent kayaking and whale watching adventures along Oregon's stunning coastline, with guides like Mike, Dave, Brian, and Grant earning universal praise for their knowledge and enthusiasm. These aren't just boat rides or paddle trips—the guides share fascinating insights about local wildlife, marine ecosystems, and coastal history while ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable, even first-timers nervous about ocean kayaking. All necessary equipment (wetsuits, life jackets, booties) is provided and well-maintained, so you just show up ready for adventure. The wildlife encounters are genuinely special. Gray whales and even blue whales make regular appearances on boat tours, while kayakers get up close with harbor seals, sea stars, sea urchins, and countless bird species in places like Port Orford and the dramatic sea arches near Brookings. The guides excel at reading conditions and people, offering helpful paddling tips and taking the time for interesting breaks during longer routes. One reviewer wished the whale watching tour lasted longer than its current duration, but that's the only real critique in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive track record.
We had such a great experience! They were super flexible and accommodating. We were interested in taking pictures of puffins and they made sure we prioritized seeing them :) Our guide, Dave was also so friendly and knowledgeable.
Jennifer Fehring
May 7, 2026
We had such a great experience! They were super flexible and accommodating. We were interested in taking pictures of puffins and they made sure we prioritized seeing them :) Our guide, Dave was also so friendly and knowledgeable.
Jennifer Fehring
May 7, 2026