"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.
Field trips that connect students to diverse marine life that relies on a healthy Salish Sea through shore- and boat-based programs.
SEA SCHOOL
Explore our exciting marine science and conservation programs for K-12th graders listed below.
Keep these important scheduling deadlines in mind:
January - March field trips: Deadline October 31 | April - June field trips: Deadline January 31
July - September field trips: Deadline March 31 | October - December field trips: Deadline June 30
​Late requests may be accommodated if space allows!
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Interested in an overnight program? We have a few different accommodation options!
Whether it's sleeping under the stars, or in comfortable cabins, we would love to help find the right fit for you and your group!
Toes to Tide
Explore the magic of the Salish Sea through beach play as students begin with a brief Watershed connection lesson, then head to the shore to discover and enjoy the beach.
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Location: Washington Park or Bowman Bay, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 30
Field trip length: 1.5-2 hours
Cost starting at: $560
Recommended for: Elementary afterschool clubs and groups.
Salmon Science Superstars
Explore the essential role of salmon in the Salish Sea as students engage in group salmon games, examine salmon anatomy, follow the salmon life cycle on an interactive hike, and design an ideal salmon habitat.
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Location: Washington Park, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 60
Field trip length: 3 hours
Cost starting at: $840
Recommended grade: K-5th
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Intertidal Investigators
Dive into the life of the creatures that depend on the intertidal zones as students investigate various intertidal species, learn about tides, use ID guides, and explore their connection to this unique marine ecosystem. This field trip is available only on low-tide days—please inquire for available dates.
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Location: Washington Park, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 30
Field trip length: 1.5 - 3 hours
Cost starting at: $560
Recommended grade: K-5th
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Watershed to Whales
Uncover the vital connection between the Salish Sea Watershed and the whales that call it home as students rotate through engaging stations focused on the magnificent baleen whales, the iconic orcas, as well as the pinnipeds and salmon that support this marine ecosystem. Optional pre-class watershed game visit available for additional fee.
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Location: Bowman Bay, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 100
Field trip length: 3-4 hours
Cost starting at: $1,090
Recommended grade: 6th-12th
Plankton Discovery
Explore the vital role of plankton in the food chain as students create their own plankton models and examine Salish Sea samples under microscopes. They also enjoy intertidal exploration and design unique plankton stamps. An optional pre-trip class visit by our staff can introduce plankton and provide microscope practice (additional fee).
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Location: Washington Park, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 40
Field trip length: 3-4 hours
Cost starting at: $1,090
Recommended grade: 6th-12th
Wildlife Discovery
Hop on an exciting boat adventure with Salish Sea Naturalists as students discover incredible wildlife, from playful pinnipeds, elegant puffins, to majestic whales, in the vibrant waters of the Salish Sea.
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Location: Skyline or Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 130
Field trip length: 2 hours (Elementary), 3-4 hours (Middle and High School)
Cost starting at: $3,200
Recommended grade: 4th - 12th
Island Explorers
Catch a water taxi to a local island, where students explore the island’s unique flora and fauna, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and embark on an exciting hike with breathtaking coastal landscapes.
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Location: Skyline Marina, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 60
Field trip length: 3-4 hours
Cost starting at: $2,100
Recommended grade: 4th - 12th
Scientists on the Sea
Discover their marine neighbors as students practice scientific observation and nature journaling aboard boats, documenting wildlife and learning about the ecosystems that thrive in the Salish Sea. Includes in-school lessons.
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Location: Skyline or Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Maximum class size: 200
Field trip length: 1-3 days of in-school lessons, 3-4 hours on the boat
Cost starting at: $4,000 (cost dependent on class days and boat capacity)
Recommended grade: 7th - 12th
Looking for a custom trip?
Interested in a specialized session for your class?
We offer year-long Research opportunities for the class, Kayaking, Community service projects, Team Building and Leadership Activities, and more.
We also can recommend local venues for overnight lodging!
Reach out with ideas or questions!
Nights by the Salish Sea: A Camp OR Cabin Experience for Schools
Let The Salish Sea School guide your students through a multiday Salish Sea adventure.
Our team provides daytime programming and one evening session designed to spark curiosity, strengthen connections within your school community, and deepen student relationships with the Salish Sea. (Sample agenda available upon request.)
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Your school staff will be responsible for cabin chaperoning and preparing/providing meals.
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Location: We partner with Rosario Marine Labs
Maximum class size: 50
Field trip length: 2-3 days (dependent on group desire)
Cost starting at: $10,000 (includes lodging for 60, camping would be less but you must provide all camping supplies)
Recommended grade: 4th - 12th
Questions?
Contact admin@thesalishseaschool.org with questions or if you have a different field trip topic/student program in mind.
We have scholarships available for schools in need.