"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.
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An Immersive Journey into the World of Salish Sea Orcas, Puffins, and Beyond
Explore with Fellow Salish Sea Naturalists Passionate about Orcas and Beyond!
This is a dynamic naturalist program designed for those passionate about all of the local marine life. During this immersive course you will explore the interconnected world of orcas, tufted puffins, kelp forests, plankton, salmon hatcheries, and marine birds. ​
This experiential learning series includes boat excursions to find whales and wildlife in the Salish Sea. You will visit at least three islands, granting you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse and interconnected marine life within the vibrant ecosystems of the Salish Sea.
One island visit will be to the Orcas Island Glenwood Springs Hatchery, the other islands could be James, Matia, Sucia, Jones, Vendovi, or Cypress Island. ​​
We purposefully curate a small, in-person, community learning experience. There are no virtual enrollment options for this course.
All lessons and boat trips will launch from Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.​ Choose your seasonality we have both a Spring and Summer session!
Throughout the series, you will:
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Dive into the diverse topics such as Salish Sea orcas and other cetaceans, marine birds with a focus on puffins, kelp and island flora, salmon and other fish of the Salish Sea, and plankton.
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Explore interconnections between Salish Sea populations and discover ways you can make a positive impact.
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Embark on four guided boat field trips (launching from Anacortes) to observe other incredible marine life firsthand and perhaps drop a hydrophone in if the setting is right. We plan to stop by a local island on every boat trip, but sometimes the wildlife decide our plan!
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Connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships within a passionate community of enthusiasts through our unique Discord channel.
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Join us for this incredible opportunity to deepen your appreciation for these majestic creatures and contribute to their preservation in the Salish Sea and beyond.
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$1,659 per participant - enroll below!
Enrollment opens October 24 and closes December 24, 2025
Pick your season - each session offers the same magical experiences.
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Spring Session Schedule:
March 22, 2026 1PM-4PM (Plankton Exploration)
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Boat trips:
April 19, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
May 3, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
May 17, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
June 14, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
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Summer Session Schedule:
June 28, 2026 1PM-4PM (Plankton Exploration)
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Boat Trips:
August 9, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
August 30, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
September 13, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
September 27, 2026 - 1PM-5PM
Photo by Kelsey Scott
FAQs:
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1. Who is this course for?
Our course is tailored for individuals aged 18 and above who are eager to:
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Deepen their understanding of the remarkable orcas, puffins, island, and Salish Sea ecosystem.
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Encounter awe-inspiring creatures and other fascinating marine wildlife alongside a close-knit group of fellow enthusiasts, sharing unforgettable memories and experiences.
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Cultivate meaningful, lifelong connections within a community of like-minded Salish Sea-lovers from across the region.
2. Do I need prior knowledge of orcas or the Salish Sea?
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Not at all! Our course is specifically designed to cater to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. We will tailor the learning experience to address your group's unique questions and interests. This personalized approach ensures a dynamic and engaging journey for everyone involved, regardless of their prior knowledge.
3. Where do the boat excursions depart from?
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Our Discovery Center at Skyline Marina in Anacortes, WA.
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4. Do you offer a payment plan?
We offer a four-part payment plan. The first, non-refundable payment is due at the time of enrollment. The remaining three payments will be billed in equal installments throughout the course. To set up a plan, please email info@thesalishseaschool.org.
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5. Please note that participants must weigh 250 lbs or less to attend.
6. Cancellation policy: Cancellation prior to 90 days prior to class start results in a full refund less cc processing fees and non-refundable deposit. No refund when cancellation is within 90 days before class starts.
Just another absolutely magical day of learning and beauty with a great group of people! Sam and Elizabeth are very knowledgable! We went to look at the salmon, but ended up with a bonus hike, orca watching and seabird sightings! Fantastic!
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Having the boat available for four of our five classes was incredible!! I have to say that Elizabeth's knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter was such a gift. She truly is a treasure! And Sam is a fabulous boat captain with a wealth of knowledge also. What an incredible team they make!! I feel so thankful to have had the class experience I did...great learning, great leaders, great weather, great sightings and so much more!"