"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.
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Experience the thrill of spotting marine and sea birds with our expert guides by your side. With some luck, you may see Marbled Murrelets, Ancient Murrelets, White-winged Scoters, Surf Scoters, Grebes, Mergansers, Common Murres, Rhinoceros Auklets, and even Red-necked Phalaropes. This trip is perfect for birders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Join us for an adventure that goes beyond birdwatching—immerse yourself in a mission-driven journey fostering education, research, and community engagement amidst the stunning Salish Sea!
These trips are vital fundraisers supporting our education and research programs, helping us advance marine conservation efforts. A cornerstone of our mission is to provide free access to these programs for underserved students. Many kids in our community have never even touched the sand before. By participating in these adventures, you make it possible for us to continue this important work.
Photo above by Jerry Hammond
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We'll be exploring near Smith and Minor Islands, a hotspot for seabirds where an astounding variety of species can be observed year-round.
The area is home to incredible birds like Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin Ducks, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Herons, Marbled and Ancient Murrelets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Parasitic Jaegers, Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, Northern Fulmars, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Common and Pacific Loons, Surf and White-winged Scoters, and Red-necked Grebes.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or just beginning, this adventure promises unforgettable encounters with the diverse and dynamic seabird life of the Salish Sea!
Photo by Eric Ellingson
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A key part of this ecotour is conducting bird surveys from the boat, essential for monitoring seabird populations and supporting conservation efforts.
We’ll invite 2-3 birders to assist with counting at specific points. Participation is completely optional—you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip. The surveys are brief and won’t interfere with the overall tour experience. This data is shared with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to aid in seabird conservation and recovery efforts.
Photo by Eric Ellingson
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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 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 Zoom 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.
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All trips embark from Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington where we will board the comfortable 40-passenger Koinonia (pictured), chartered through our partnership with Paraclete Boat Charters.
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!
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!
