"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.
Whale & Wildlife Ecotours
Our Why
We are deeply passionate about introducing all community members to the incredible classroom just outside our doorstep.
Through hands-on, experiential learning, we aim to inspire a deep connection with the Salish Sea and its ecosystems. By combining marine conservation education with real-world experiences, we believe we can foster a commitment to protecting and restoring this vital environment.
Our commitment to in-depth education and conservation is at the heart of this small group experience. With personalized attention, you’ll engage with our knowledgeable crew, who will share fascinating insights about the Salish Sea's rich ecosystem and its inhabitants, while offering ways to support and protect these remarkable creatures.
The Difference
We are a nonprofit dedicated to awakening curiosity and strengthening community connections with the sea. When you purchase a ticket, you're directly supporting our programming, enabling us to continue offering everyone the chance to experience the Salish Sea.
Your support helps fund outdoor access for kids—many of whom have never even seen the sea—allowing them to enjoy boat rides, kayaking, tide pooling, and learning about the unique creatures that call this special place home.
Intimate Whale & Wildlife Tour Aboard Our 22' Hewescraft
Step aboard our 22' Hewescraft for an intimate, close-to-the-water wildlife adventure in the Salish Sea. With space for just 6 guests, this small-group ecotour offers a personalized, immersive experience designed for exploration and discovery.
Enjoy unobstructed views from the open bow and stern as we search for whales, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and more. A private marine head is onboard, with additional restroom stops available on nearby islands.
If conditions allow, we may also step ashore on a nearby island — stretch your legs, explore the shoreline, or relax in the forest. Prefer to stay aboard? That’s perfectly fine too.
Trip Details
• Maximum 6 passengers
• 3–4 hours
• Optional island stop (conditions permitting)
Join us for an up-close wildlife experience in the heart of the Salish Sea — and help support marine education and conservation with every trip.
Community Happy Hour Wildlife Ecotours - $65/pp
Step aboard the Koinonia, our 48-foot floating classroom, and experience the Salish Sea in a way that goes beyond sightseeing. Designed for comfort and connection, the Koinonia offers a spacious platform for up to 32 passengers, creating the perfect setting for both learning and exploration.
Each trip is shaped by the sea itself. Depending on the day, conditions, and wildlife activity, we may encounter harbor seals, sea lions, harbor porpoise, marine birds, whales, and more.
What makes this experience different is the way we explore. We slow down and truly observe—quietly watching seals on a haul-out, studying bird behavior along the shoreline, or pausing near bait balls and current lines to understand the ecosystem in action. We may drift alongside bull kelp forests or collect plankton underway, bringing it under microscopes to reveal the hidden life beneath the surface.
With onboard specimens, tools, and expert guidance, every sighting becomes an opportunity to learn—uncovering the behavior, biology, and interconnectedness of the Salish Sea.
Our knowledgeable crew shares engaging stories, science, and practical ways you can help protect this place, turning each moment on the water into something meaningful.
This is more than a tour—it’s an immersive experience that deepens your understanding, sparks connection, and creates lasting memories.
Join us to experience the magic of the Salish Sea—and help pass that connection on to the next generation. All trips leave at 4PM and are 2-3 hours long (with the exception of the July 4).
Pay What You Can
Our Community Access Wildlife Trips are offered on a suggested donation basis as part of our commitment to expanding access to the Salish Sea for everyone.
As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to connect people with the Salish Sea and inspire stewardship for the waters and wildlife that sustain it. We believe meaningful experiences in nature should not be limited by financial barriers. These donation-based trips help open the door so more people can spend time on the water, learn about this extraordinary ecosystem, and develop a lasting connection and care for the sea.
To learn more, and sign up for a community access tour, please visit our community event page.
