"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.
For Wildlife Trips, Puffin Discoveries, and Research Adventures
resources
FAQs
What does the vessel look like?
Puffin Discovery Trips - Koinonia Vessel Click here
R/V The Salish Sea School Vessel (Small Group) Click here
Wildlife Spotting Guide: We use the "Boat as a Clock" method to point out wildlife.
When should I arrive? Please arrive 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.
Where do I park and check in Click the blue button above!
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!
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.
Can I bring a camera? Absolutely! Cameras and phones are welcome. 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.
Will we definitely see puffins? Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Our ecotours visit areas where Tufted Puffins are known to occur during their breeding season, and our experienced naturalists will do their best to locate them while following responsible wildlife-viewing practices. Every trip on the Salish Sea is different, and part of the adventure is discovering what wildlife is 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 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.
Is there indoor seating? Yes. Both our smaller and larger ecotour vessel offers 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, a restroom is available onboard.
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.
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.
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.
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 have a modified route, be rescheduled, or 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.
Is the vessel accessible? Marine vessels and docks can present unique accessibility considerations. On low tide days, the dock can be extraordinary 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.
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.
How does my ticket support conservation? Your Puffin Discovery Ecotour is more than a wildlife-viewing trip. The Salish Sea School is a nonprofit organization, and proceeds from our ecotours help support marine science education, wildlife research, conservation programs, and opportunities for youth and community members to experience and learn about the Salish Sea. We also have an Outdoor Access Fund that enables students, schools, and community members to experience our programs at no or reduced costs. By joining us, you are helping connect more people with these extraordinary waters and the wildlife that depends on them.
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.