"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
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We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
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Click on the pictures below to learn more.
Step into an extraordinary, hands-on learning adventure with our community-focused marine education programs. Our passion for the diverse and fragile Salish Sea ecosystem fuels our commitment to offering enriching experiences that ignite a sense of wonder and stewardship for this remarkable environment.
By participating in our adult programs, you'll delve into a variety of topics essential to marine conservation, such as water quality, biodiversity, and the fascinating lives of whales.
As a vital aspect of our mission, adult program tuition helps support our student initiatives. By embarking on this journey with us, you not only deepen your understanding of the Salish Sea but also contribute to fostering a more sustainable future for this precious ecosystem.
Join us in our mission to protect and restore the Salish Sea, one experiential lesson at a time.
SALISH SEA NATURALIST COURSES
WILDLIFE AND BIRDING EXPERIENCES
Wildlife and Puffin Photography Tours
Join us for an exclusive small-group (4–6 guests), four-hour photography expedition on the Salish Sea—exploring Smith Island for Tufted Puffins or venturing more broadly in search of diverse marine wildlife in their natural habitat.​ —private charters also offered for a truly personalized experience.
Wildlife Discovery Ecotours
The Koinonia offers a comfortable, spacious platform for up to 32 passengers. Our Wildlife Discovery Tours provide meaningful, personalized time with our knowledgeable crew, who share captivating stories and science about the Salish Sea’s remarkable wildlife—and practical ways you can help protect them.
ISLAND EXPERIENCES
Eagle Cliff Hike on Cypress Island
Experience sweeping views of the San Juan Islands from the top of Cypress Island! Open for only half of the year, Eagle Cliff trail is teeming with life of all kinds. Salish Sea School Naturalists will lead you through this 2.6 mile hike. Taking our time, we'll explore the plant life, animal life, and natural history of this storied place!
Geology and Intertidal on Sucia
From fossils to sea urchins and fascinating history, this small-group tour of Sucia Island State Park has it all! Located just beyond the Canadian Gulf Islands, Sucia Island is home to a variety of intertidal creatures and tide pools containing 55-million-year-old fossils.
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Puffin Photography & Research
Join an immersive research expedition for curious birders and wildlife enthusiasts! Together, we’ll study puffin burrow use, observe feeding behavior, and collect data for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Photographers and birders of all levels are welcome—your observations and images will directly support puffin conservation and deepen our understanding of these remarkable seabirds.
Eagle Cliff Hike
Experience sweeping views of the San Juan Islands from the top of Cypress Island! Open for only half of the year, Eagle Cliff trail is teeming with life of all kinds. Salish Sea School Naturalists will lead you through this 2.6 mile hike. Taking our time, we'll explore the plant life, animal life, and natural history of this storied place! *Note that though we will be hiking slowly, this trail has 730ft of elevation gain, please reach out with any accessibility concerns in advance of booking!*
Collect eDNA samples with Pacific Mammal Research
Embark on a unique and enlightening adventure with the Salish Sea School, as we welcome scientist Cindy Elliser from Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) aboard our vessel. This extraordinary opportunity allows you to witness firsthand the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, crucial for studying the harbor porpoises that inhabit the Salish Sea.
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Don't miss this rare chance to engage with a leading expert in the field and contribute to the vital work of understanding and protecting the captivating marine life that calls the Salish Sea home.
More Opportunities
Marbled Murrelet Surveys
Experience sweeping views of the San Juan Islands from the top of Cypress Island! Open for only half of the year, Eagle Cliff trail is teeming with life of all kinds. Salish Sea School Naturalists will lead you through this 2.6 mile hike. Taking our time, we'll explore the plant life, animal life, and natural history of this storied place!
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Blue Mind Wellness Retreats offer transformative experiences that promote physical health, nurture mental and emotional well-being, and inspire lifelong conservationists. Through ongoing community adventures, participants connect with others who share their passion for nature and a commitment to shared values.
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Whether finding calm by the water, serenity in the forest, or freedom in the wilderness, these retreats help reduce stress, boost creativity, and foster peace. Mindful practices are seamlessly integrated, empowering participants to carry these benefits into their daily lives.
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The retreats invite individuals to slow down, step away from the chaos of modern life, and discover clarity, joy, and healing in the embrace of nature and the support of a like-minded community.