"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.
Puffin Discovery & Research Ecotour 7/16
Designed for all experience levels! Join us for some fun on the water while supporting a great cause
Service Description
Ticket Options: Regular Adult Ticket: $119 Child Ticket (16 & Under): $79 Platinum Puffin Patron: $199 (includes a special puffin stuffie as a small thanks for the extra support) Your ticket purchase supports our mission to connect students and the community with our local beaches and waterways, inspiring marine conservation and preservation. Event Overview: Join us for the Tufted Puffin Discovery and Research Fundraiser Ecotour—a unique experience designed for birders of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. Along the way, we’ll also keep our eyes open for the elusive Horned Puffin! Discovery: Our boat journey will take us to Smith and Minor Islands, where we’ll view tufted puffins in their striking breeding plumage. Research: This ecotour will contribute directly to bird conservation through brief bird surveys conducted from the boat. A few participants can volunteer to assist with counts, though this is entirely optional—feel free to relax and enjoy the scenery. Later in the season, we may spot puffins carrying fish, providing valuable data on forage fish these endangered birds rely on. Before the tour, you have the option to join an engaging Zoom session on Washington’s tufted puffins and the research goals for our trip. Afterward, you will receive a full eBird list and a detailed trip report, deepening your knowledge of puffin ecology and contributing to global citizen science. Boat: Aboard the Koinonia, a 40-foot vessel, 40 passengers, with indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks $60 of each ticket is tax-deductible, as permitted by law
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: If The Salish Sea School cancels a program due to unsafe weather or conditions, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Non-Wildlife Programs (Spring, Fall, and Winter Programs) Cancellations made at least 5 days prior to the course start date: Your class fee will be refunded, less the 25% processing fee. Cancellations made fewer than 5 days before the course start date: No refunds are available. Summer Programs 91 or more days prior to session start date: Refundable, minus credit card processing fees and a $250 deposit. 61–90 days prior to session start date: Refundable, minus credit card processing fees and 50% of full tuition. 0–60 days prior to session start date: Non-refundable. The Pulse (Virtual Continuing Education Program) - No refunds are available for this program. Participant Requirements for small boat tours- The maximum weight limit for each participant is 250 pounds.
Contact Details
2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA, USA
(360)-230-8018
info@thesalishseaschool.org