"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 & Marine Bird Discovery Ecotours
Come explore with us!
Journey into the heart of the Salish Sea in search of one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved seabirds—the Tufted Puffin. Join our experienced naturalists for an unforgettable adventure. This ecotour welcomes birders, photographers, families, and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Our intended destination is the waters surrounding Smith and Minor Islands, home to one of the last remaining Tufted Puffin breeding colonies in Washington State. As we search for puffins, you'll learn about ongoing monitoring, research, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting this endangered seabird. Depending on the season, you may observe puffins in their brilliant breeding plumage (May–late August) or their non-breeding plumage (late August–September). On rare occasions, a Horned Puffin may also make an appearance, offering an especially memorable sighting.
While Tufted Puffins are the focus of this excursion, sightings can never be guaranteed. Wildlife is wild, and every trip offers its own unique discoveries and experiences. For safety and comfort the captain may modify the route, leave at a different time, alter the destination, itinerary, duration, or activities of any excursion. If conditions do not allow safe access to Smith Island, the trip will continue as a marine bird and wildlife-focused ecotour in more protected waters. Refunds are not available due to itinerary changes, weather-related route adjustments, or the absence of Tufted Puffin sightings. Reach out with any questions or concerns to info@thesalishseaschool.org.
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!
You can become a Puffin Patron by selecting the Puffin Patron option at checkout. As a special thank-you for your additional support, you'll receive a custom Tufted Puffin plush, a signed thank-you card, and a beautiful wildlife photograph featuring one of our region's remarkable puffins. Your contribution helps make The Salish Sea School's marine education, research, and conservation programs possible.
Photo above by Jerry Hammond
BOOK A TRIP TODAY!
Our trips run from 4-7 PM unless otherwise stated | Depart from Skyline Marina, 2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA 98221
This isn’t just a birdwatching trip — it’s an invitation to learn, 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.
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
INVITATION TO THE END OF YEAR VIRTUAL PUFFIN SEMINAR
A special invitation to a year-end virtual seminar diving into the science, stories, and conservation of Washington’s endangered Tufted Puffins on Saturday, October 10, 2026 11AM-1PM. Enroll here.
WEATHER POLICY
All trips embark from Skyline Marina (2201 Skyline Way) in Anacortes, Washington where we will board the comfortable 40-passenger Koinonia (pictured).
Weather Policy:
While Tufted Puffin sightings are the goal, they are never guaranteed. Wildlife is wild, and every Salish Sea adventure is unique.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. Conditions on the water can change rapidly, and marine forecasts are not always accurate. Our captains continuously monitor current weather conditions, sea state, forecasts, and local observations to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
For the safety and comfort of our participants, the captain may alter the route, destination, itinerary, duration, or activities of any excursion due to wind, weather, sea state, wildlife considerations, or other conditions. If Smith Island is not safely accessible, the trip will continue as a wildlife excursion in more protected waters. Refunds will not be issued due to itinerary changes or the absence of Tufted Puffin sightings.
When possible, guests will be notified of a weather-related cancellation as early as possible. However, because conditions can change quickly, weather decisions may occasionally need to be made on the day of departure. Any operational decisions made by the captain are final.
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!
