We wrapped up our series of researcher-led trips with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching!

This week we wrapped up our series of researcher-led trips with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching! For five trips this month, Monika was a guest guide with Captain Sara, offering a unique perspective to passengers on the intersections between whale research, community science, and ecotourism. People got to learn more about OBI and research projects happening in the region, have conversations on any orca-related topic of their choice, and know that a portion of the proceeds from each ticket was directly supporting the ongoing work of the Orca Behavior Institute.

We saw orcas on every single trip and welcomed visitors from across Washington, across the US, and even from around the world with guests from Europe and Asia participating! On our final trip last Wednesday we saw 11 Bigg's killer whales including the T36s with T137A Jack who passed right off the Anacortes ferry terminal, Washington Park, and the Burrows Island lighthouse in beautiful evening light.

This was a pilot project this summer, and while we think it was a success, we would love to hear from you! Did you join us on one of these trips in July? If so, what did you think? Did you miss out, but would love the opportunity to join in on something like this in the future? If so, let us know in the comments!