"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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Photo by Eric Ellingson
This mission-driven journey goes beyond birdwatching—experience an adventure focused on tufted puffin photography on the Salish Sea!
Join us for an exclusive small group expedition to Smith Island, where just 4-6 participants will spend three hours on our vessel near Smith Island photographing Tufted Puffins of the Salish Sea. ​
​How are our trips different?
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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.
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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.
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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.
Photo above by Eric Ellingson
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.
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For your convenience, the vessel is equipped with a portable camping toilet to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the journey.
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All trips depart from and return to Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.
Book a trip today!
Adventure with impact. As a nonprofit, every tour helps fund student exploration of the Salish Sea.
Photo by Eric Ellingson.
Why book with us? A key part of our nonprofit's mission is offering these opportunities to underserved students for free, 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!
