"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.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Wildlife Trips, Puffin Discoveries, and Research Adventures
Know Before You Go
We want your experiences with us to be as enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable as possible. Below you’ll find answers to common questions, what to bring, when to arrive, what to expect onboard, and other helpful resources for planning your trip. Have additional questions? Contact Us: info@thesalishseaschool.org, 360-230-8018. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard and share the wonders of the Salish Sea.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
When should I arrive? Please arrive no later than 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and a short pre-trip naturalist talk. We’ll introduce you to the Salish Sea, share information about Tufted Puffins and their conservation, discuss wildlife we may encounter, and review important trip information before boarding. Please allow extra time for parking and arrival, as our vessel must depart on schedule.
What should I wear? Dress for changing Pacific Northwest weather and remember that it can feel much cooler on the water than it does on shore, even on a sunny day. We recommend: Warm layers A fleece, sweater, or jacket A windproof or rainproof outer layer Long pants Closed-toe shoes with good traction Sunglasses Sunscreen If you bring a hat, make sure it fits securely or has a strap—it can get windy on the water!
How long is the experience? Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure for our pre-trip naturalist presentation and check-in. The time listed for your tour is the vessel departure time, not the recommended arrival time. Please review your booking confirmation for the approximate length of your specific tour.
What happens if I arrive late? Our vessel must depart on schedule, and we cannot guarantee that late arrivals will be able to join the trip. Please plan for traffic, parking, and check-in time and arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Can children come on the tour? Yes! Our Ecotours are designed to inspire curiosity and are a wonderful way for families to experience the Salish Sea together. Because guests will be onboard for several hours, families should consider whether young children will be comfortable with the length of the trip and changing marine conditions. Children must remain under the supervision of their accompanying adult throughout the experience. All children 13 years and younger are required to wear life jackets.
Is the vessel accessible? Marine vessels and docks can present unique accessibility considerations. On low tide days, the dock can be extremely steep. If you or someone in your group has mobility needs or questions about boarding, seating, or accessibility, please contact us before booking. We are happy to discuss the vessel and boarding process with you so you can determine whether the experience will be a good fit.
ONBOARD
Want to see the boat before your trip? You can learn more about each vessel and view photos using the links below:
Puffin Discovery Trips - (~32 passengers) Koinonia Vessel Click here
R/V The Salish Sea School Vessel (6 passengers) Click here
Which boat will I be on? Your vessel depends on the type of trip you book. Puffin Discovery Trips and Wildlife Ecotours take place aboard Koinonia, our larger vessel. Photography Trips and other small-group programs take place aboard the R/V The Salish Sea School, our smaller research and education vessel.
Is there indoor seating? Yes. Both our smaller and larger ecotour vessels offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to move between protected seating and outdoor wildlife-viewing areas during the trip. We encourage guests to spend time outside when conditions allow—the views are worth it!
Is there a restroom onboard? Yes. Koinonia is equipped with a marine restroom (head), while the R/V The Salish Sea School has a small portable camping toilet with a privacy curtain. When the portable toilet is in use, all other guests are asked to remain outside the enclosed area to provide privacy.
Can I bring food and drinks? Yes! Guests are welcome to bring food, snacks, and beverages onboard, including alcoholic beverages. We recommend bringing items that are easy to eat and securely packed while the vessel is underway. Please help us care for the Salish Sea by keeping wrappers, cups, napkins, and other lightweight items contained so they cannot blow overboard. Please enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly, and keep in mind that conditions on the water can be different from those on land.
Are there any items I should not bring onboard? Yes. For the safety and comfort of everyone onboard, glass containers, smoking or vaping products, and marijuana in any form are not permitted on either of our vessels.
Can I bring my pet onboard? For the safety and comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted on our boat programs. Service animals trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability are welcome in accordance with applicable law. If you plan to bring a service animal, please contact us before your trip so we can help ensure a safe and comfortable experience onboard.
What if I am prone to seasickness? Conditions on the Salish Sea vary from day to day. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual preventative measures before departure. Fresh air, remaining outside when possible, and looking toward the horizon can also be helpful. Please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about motion-sickness medications.
WILDLIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY
Should I bring binoculars? Yes, if you have them! Binoculars can make wildlife viewing even more enjoyable, especially because puffins and other seabirds may be observed from a distance. Our naturalists will also help point out and identify wildlife throughout the trip.
Should I bring a spotting scope? We recommend leaving spotting scopes and tripods/monopods at home. Because the boat is constantly moving, they can be difficult to use effectively onboard. Binoculars and handheld cameras are much better options for wildlife viewing.
Can I bring a camera? Absolutely! Cameras and phones are welcome, and a camera with a zoom lens can be especially helpful for photographing seabirds and other wildlife. We recommend using a camera strap or secure phone case while onboard. For better stability on a moving boat, use your body like a natural gimbal or rest your lens on a beanbag or lens pillow placed on the vessel railing. Tripods and monopods generally do not improve stability on a boat and can be cumbersome in the limited deck space.
Will we definitely see puffins or whales? Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Our Puffin Discovery Trips visit areas where Tufted Puffins are known to occur during their breeding season, while our Wildlife Ecotours explore areas where orcas, whales, and other marine wildlife may be found. Our experienced captains and naturalists will always do their best to locate wildlife while following responsible viewing practices. Every trip on the Salish Sea is different, and part of the experience is discovering which animals are present that day.
What other wildlife might we see? The Salish Sea supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. Depending on the day and season, we may encounter harbor seals, Steller sea lions, porpoises, orcas, minkes, humpbacks, bald eagles, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, pigeon guillemots, murrelets, cormorants, and many other marine and coastal species. Wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip.
How close will we get to the puffins? We observe puffins and other wildlife respectfully and follow applicable wildlife-viewing regulations and best practices. Tufted Puffins are relatively small seabirds, so binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens can make the experience even better. Our naturalists will help guests locate and identify birds throughout the trip.
How will the crew point out wildlife? We use the “Boat as a Clock” method, along with port and starboard, to help everyone quickly locate wildlife. Imagine the bow (front) of the boat as 12 o’clock and the stern (back) as 6 o’clock. Port is the left side of the boat when facing forward, and starboard is the right. Your naturalist may call out something like “orca at 2 o’clock, starboard side!” so you know exactly where to look.
WEATHER & SAFETY
Do tours run in the rain? A little Pacific Northwest weather is part of exploring the Salish Sea. Tours may operate in rain, so we recommend coming prepared with warm layers and a waterproof outer layer.
What happens if the weather is unsafe? Safety always comes first. Our captain continually evaluates wind, waves, visibility, marine forecasts, and other conditions. Trips may have a modified route, be rescheduled, or be canceled if conditions are not appropriate for safe operation. If The Salish Sea School cancels a trip because of weather or safety concerns, guests will receive information about available options.
How does my ticket support conservation? Every trip with The Salish Sea School is more than a day on the water. As a nonprofit organization, proceeds from our tours help support marine science education, wildlife research, conservation programs, and greater access to the Salish Sea. We believe meaningful experiences on the water can spark curiosity, build a lasting connection to the marine environment, inspire care for the wildlife and ecosystems that depend on it, and even open doors to future careers in marine science, conservation, and the maritime industry. Your ticket also helps support our Outdoor Access Fund, reducing financial barriers so more students, schools, families, and community members can experience these waters firsthand. By joining us, you’re helping create a ripple that extends far beyond your own trip.
CONSERVATION
How does my ticket support conservation? Every trip with The Salish Sea School is more than a day on the water. As a nonprofit organization, proceeds from our tours help support marine science education, wildlife research, conservation programs, and greater access to the Salish Sea. We believe meaningful experiences on the water can spark curiosity, build a lasting connection to the marine environment, inspire care for the wildlife and ecosystems that depend on it, and even open doors to future careers in marine science, conservation, and the maritime industry. Your ticket also helps support our Outdoor Access Fund, reducing financial barriers so more students, schools, families, and community members can experience these waters firsthand. By joining us, you’re helping create a ripple that extends far beyond your own trip.
