"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.
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.
Click on the pictures below to learn more.
Puffin Disovery Ecotours
Journey into the heart of the Salish Sea to witness one of the Pacific Northwest’s most charismatic seabirds — the Tufted Puffin — in its natural habitat. Join our expert naturalists for an unforgettable marine adventure that blends wildlife encounters, hands-on research, and a mission that gives back.
Experience the thrill of spotting Tufted Puffins in their brilliant breeding plumage near Smith and Minor Islands, one of the last remaining breeding sites in Washington State. With a bit of luck, you may even glimpse a rare visitor — a Horned Puffin, occasionally seen mingling with the colony.
This ecotour welcomes birders of all experience levels — from curious beginners to seasoned experts. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping island views and may encounter an astounding variety of seabirds and marine life, including:
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Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, and Pigeon Guillemots
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Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin Ducks, and Bald Eagles
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Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Herons, and Marbled Murrelets
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Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, Red-necked Phalaropes, and many more
Photo above by Jerry Hammond
Science in Action
Each trip includes an opportunity to participate in brief eBird surveys from the boat — an essential part of monitoring seabird populations and supporting ongoing conservation.
You can help count puffins and seabirds (optional) or simply relax and take it all in.
All data collected contributes to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Tufted Puffin Recovery Plan, helping track population trends and inform restoration efforts.
In July, as pufflings hatch, we’ll also document puffins carrying fish to their nests — valuable data on the forage species these endangered birds rely on.
Photo by Eric Ellingson
Why book with us?
WE ARE A NONPROFIT: As a 501(c)(3), our mission is to spark curiosity and connect communities to the sea through adventure, research, and hands-on programs that inspire marine stewardship for all ages.
SUPPORT STUDENTS: Your ticket purchase helps to provide incredible experiences for students to explore the Salish Sea, many for the first time, through boat rides, kayaking, and tide pool adventures.
SUPPORT RESEARCH: Joining our trips means contributing to vital bird surveys and data collection for Tufted Puffins and seabirds which aids in conservation efforts.
PRE-TRIP EDUCATION: Enjoy an optional lesson on Washington’s Tufted Puffins and learn about the research we’ll conduct during your trip.
POST-TRIP MATERIALS: Receive a complete eBird list and trip report, contributing to citizen science and capturing lasting memories with photos.
Photo by Eric Ellingson
BOOK A TRIP TODAY!
This isn’t just a birdwatching trip — it’s an invitation to connect, to give back, and to be part of something bigger. Experience the sea. Support the future. Reserve your spot today and help protect Washington’s endangered Tufted Puffins.
Can't make any of the above dates?
Photo by Eric Ellingson.
All trips embark from Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington where we will board the comfortable 40-passenger Koinonia (pictured), chartered through our partnership with Paraclete Boat Charters.
We are immensely grateful for your participation and we’re thrilled to share the beauty and majesty of the Salish Sea’s birdlife with you!
What makes our trips special? A key part of our nonprofit's mission is offering these opportunities to underserved students, many of whom have never even touched the sand before. Trips like this make it possible for us to continue this important work! Here are some photos from our student programs that your support helps make possible!
