Episode 56 - 2026 Whale Sightings Recap

After a busy few months on the water, Sara, Monika, and Jeff are finally back behind the microphones to catch up on the 2026 whale season. They compare this year’s sightings with previous seasons, discuss which Bigg’s killer whale families were seen more—or less—often, celebrate several new calves, and reflect on the continuing decline in summer visits from the Southern Residents.

A highlight of the season were a few unforgettable all-day trips into the western Strait of Juan de Fuca, where the group encountered extraordinary gatherings of hundreds of humpback whales. They share what it is like to be surrounded by blows in every direction and to witness these incredible events.

They also look ahead to upcoming research projects, Orca Behavior Institute's Whale University 2027 Year of the Whale program, and the February 2027 Silver Bank humpback expedition.

If you are enjoying listening to our podcast, please share this with your friends, follow/subscribe, and leave us feedback/reviews wherever you listen to podcasts!

And if you’d like to join Jeff and Sara on a whale watching tour in 2027, please check out to Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching to book! 

You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Please send feedback or questions to afterthebreachpodcast@gmail.com.

And remember, stay safe out there.

Links from this episode:

• Whale University Year of the Whale Class: https://www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org/whale-university-classes/year-of-the-whale
• All Day Humpback Tour video: https://youtu.be/mFhQRaxQMiA
• Maya's Legacy Whale Watching: https://sanjuanislandwhalewatch.com/

• For information about the February 27–March 6 Silver Bank trip, email afterthebreachpodcast@gmail.com