Do you want 2027 to be your year of the whale? This class focuses on a different Salish Sea whale species each season, offering three virtual sessions and one field trip for each: gray whales in the winter, orcas in the spring, minke whales in the summer, and humpback whales in the fall.
This experience doesn't involve any data wrangling, reading of scientific papers, or student presentations. Instead it focuses on giving you a deeper appreciation of whales with light optional reading between each session. Spaced throughout the year to be timed with the peak season for each species, this is a slower-paced class that will keep you connected to whales throughout the whole calendar year.
During the class sessions you will learn about the natural history of each species, hear from expert researchers, and discuss key conservation topics. Each season will culminate with a boat trip focused on seeing that species in the wild.
• 12 two-hour virtual Zoom sessions with OBI staff and guest experts
• 4 boat-based field trips to search for each species of whale
• Access to a private Discord server to connect with instructors and build community with other participants
• Commemorative class T-shirt
Virtual sessions are held on Zoom at 6:30-8:30 PST on the following Wednesdays in 2027:
Gray whales
Feb 10
Feb 24
Mar 10
Boat trip from Edmonds Saturday Mar 20
Orcas
Mar 24
Apr 7
Apr 21
Boat trip from Friday Harbor Sunday May 2
Minke whales
Jun 16
Jun 30
Jul 14
Boat trip from Anacortes on Saturday Jul 17
Humpback whales
Sep 1
Sep 15
Sep 29
Boat trip from Friday Harbor on Saturday Oct 2
No previous knowledge is necessary! All we ask is that you bring your attention and willingness to learn.
Student Testimonials for other Whale U classes:
"If you found yourself to be a “Free Willy” kid or someone who hoped to be in the Marine Biology field but life took you another way, this might be the experience for you! The well designed, organized class is a way to dip your toe back into fulfilling your dreams! The content is exciting to learn and taught by patient, intelligent individuals! I would honestly do it again!"
"Monika and her team from OBI are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. No matter the level of experience you come into the class with, whether you are just learning that there are several ecotypes of orca or if you already know each individual whale by name, you will learn so much! Before the beginning of this class, I wasn't sure if I was qualified enough to participate. But by the end, I found that the world of killer whale research is full of people who are so passionate, kind, and immensely supportive of each other no matter where you are in your journey to get closer to the whales."
From Past Students
How long are the boat trips and where will they depart from?
March 20th: 2.5-3 hour trip departing from Edmonds, WA
May 2nd: 4 hour trip departing from Friday Harbor, WA
July 17th: 3 hour trip departing from Anacortes, WA
October 2nd: 6-8 hour trip departing from Friday Harbor, WA
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes, each session will be recorded for later viewing in case you can't attend live or want to review any of the material.
Will there be homework or projects related to this class?
Some virtual sessions will be paired with suggested reading to supplement discussion topics. There is no class presentation component for this class.
Is there a virtual-only version of this class?
No; because the in-person field trips are a key component to this experience, there is no virtual-only option available.
Do you offer a payment plan and how do I sign up?
There is an option to split the class into three equal payments of $514.50. This includes an additional 2.9% fee per payment to cover transaction fees. The first payment will process when you sign up, with the second and third payments occurring two and four months after that date, respectively. You can visit our payment plan page HERE (when available)
What is your cancelation policy?
Cancel by December 31 to receive a full refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No cancellations after January 1.