"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 7/5
Designed for all experience levels! Join us for some fun on the water while supporting a great cause
Service Description
Tufted Puffin Discovery & Research Fundraiser Ecotour Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that blends scenic cruising, exciting birdwatching, and meaningful conservation—all while supporting local youth and marine education. 🛥️ Trip Highlights: Cruise beneath the iconic Deception Pass Bridge before heading to Smith and Minor Islands, prime viewing areas for Tufted Puffins in their vibrant breeding plumage. We’ll also be on the lookout for Horned Puffins, a rare but thrilling sighting! 🔬 Contribute to Conservation: This isn’t just a tour—it’s a citizen science experience. Optional onboard bird surveys help contribute to important puffin research. Some participants may assist with counts, and later-season tours may catch puffins carrying fish—valuable data for forage fish research. 💻 Optional Pre-Trip Zoom Session: Learn about Washington’s endangered Tufted Puffins and how your trip supports vital research and education efforts. 📩 After the Tour: Receive a full eBird species list and trip report, helping you grow as a birder and citizen scientist. 🎟 Ticket Options: Adult Ticket: $119 Child (16 & Under): $79 Platinum Puffin Patron: $199 (Includes a plush puffin as a heartfelt thank-you for your added support) Each ticket includes a boat trip aboard the spacious 40-foot Koinonia, with indoor seating and open-air decks—ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. 💙 $60 of your ticket is tax-deductible and helps fund The Salish Sea School’s mission to connect students and the community with our local beaches and waters.
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