"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.
Private Puffin Ecotour
Private tour with personalized attention and education from our experienced and passionate crew.
Available spots
Service Description
We are intensely passionate about introducing community members to the incredible classroom right outside our doorstep. We believe experiential lessons combined with marine conservation education is essential to producing a healthy marine ecosystem. Our hope is that our programs initiate a desire to protect and restore the Salish Sea. Furthermore, your ticket purchase helps fund our student scholarship opportunities that all bring kids to the Salish Sea, where they can experience the thrill of a boat ride, kayak, and tide pool while learning about the creatures that call this special place home. Our commitment to in-depth education and conservation is at the heart of this unique experience. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and opportunities to engage with our experienced and passionate crew, who will share fascinating insights about the Salish Sea's rich ecosystem and its inhabitants while providing you with ways to support and protect these remarkable creatures. Join us on this adventure of a lifetime, as we forge lasting connections with nature, nurture a deeper understanding of the Salish Sea's inhabitants, and create cherished memories that will stay with you forever. Together, we can make a positive impact on this extraordinary ecosystem and the creatures that call it home.
Cancellation Policy
The Salish Sea School – Cancellation & Refund Policy Because our programs require advance staffing, vessel scheduling, permits, and preparation, all bookings include a 25% non-refundable deposit, unless otherwise noted below. Refund policies vary by program type. All cancellations must be submitted in writing and received within the timeframes listed below. To ensure fairness and consistency for all participants, exceptions to this policy cannot be made, including for weather, illness, or personal emergencies, unless explicitly stated. Wildlife Tours & On-Water Programs More than 72 hours (3 days) before departure: You may cancel or reschedule your booking. The 25% deposit is retained, and the remaining 75% of your payment will be refunded. Within 72 hours of departure: Refunds or rescheduling are not available unless we are able to fill your spot. If we successfully resell it, you will receive a refund minus the 25% deposit. No-shows or missed boats: No refunds are available for no-shows. Weather & Safety: 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, 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. If we are unable to safely operate an excursion, guests will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Staff who assist with rescheduling do not work weekends. If a trip is canceled over a weekend, we will contact you on the next business day.
Contact Details
2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA, USA
(360)-230-8018
info@thesalishseaschool.org