"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.
Wildlife &
Birding Photography Ecotours
These mission-driven journeys go beyond traditional birdwatching and whale watching, offering an intimate, small-group photography adventure on the Salish Sea.
Join a maximum of 6 participants for a four-hour photography ecotour focused on the incredible birds and wildlife that call these waters home. Depending on the tour, we may set out in search of Tufted Puffins near Smith Island, explore some of the region’s best birding areas, or follow the wildlife opportunities the Salish Sea presents that day.
With plenty of time to observe, photograph, and appreciate wildlife in its natural habitat, these trips are designed for photographers and nature lovers who want a slower, more intentional experience on the water. From seabirds and marine mammals to dramatic island landscapes and unexpected wildlife encounters, every trip offers a chance to capture the wild beauty of the Salish Sea.
Photo by Tiffany Waldner
We will be aboard the Salish Sea School's 22' Hewescraft Ocean Pro, designed for both comfort and functionality during our expeditions. Click here to learn more! The vessel offers indoor and outdoor seating, allowing participants to fully appreciate the breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Please note that we will be in open waters, so those prone to seasickness should take appropriate precautions before joining. In case of bad weather or high winds, we will reschedule the trip.
For your convenience, the vessel is equipped with a portable camping toilet to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the journey.
All trips depart from and return to Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.
Weather Policy for Puffin Photography:
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, departure time, 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. Tours operate in rain, light precipitation, and fog. For the safety and comfort of our guests, tours may be canceled or rescheduled in the event of high winds or other hazardous marine conditions.
How are our trips different?
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.
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: Join our trips means contributing to vital bird surveys and data collection for Tufted Puffins and seabirds, aiding in conservation efforts. Any observations and images collected will also contribute to valuable research efforts. As we capture these incredible seabirds through our lenses, we’ll record opportunistic data on forage fish, Horned Puffins, and general seabird activity—helping scientists better understand the challenges these species face. Your photographs and notes may provide useful insights for ongoing studies with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), supporting real-world conservation of puffins and the ecosystems they depend on.
