"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.
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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.
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Click on the pictures below to learn more.
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An Immersive Journey into the World of Salish Sea Orcas, Puffins, and Beyond
Explore with Fellow Salish Sea Naturalists Passionate about Orcas and Beyond!
This is a dynamic naturalist program designed for those passionate about all of the local marine life. During this immersive course you will explore the interconnected world of orcas, tufted puffins, kelp forests, plankton, salmon hatcheries, and marine birds. ​
This five session experiential learning series includes four boat excursions to find whales and wildlife in the Salish Sea. You will visit at least three islands, granting you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse and interconnected marine life within the vibrant ecosystems of the Salish Sea.
One island visit will be to the Orcas Island Glenwood Springs Hatchery, the other islands could be James, Matia, Sucia, Jones, Vendovi, or Cypress Island. ​​
We purposefully curate a small, in-person, community learning experience (up to 6 participants per group). There are no virtual enrollment options for this course.
All lessons and boat trips will launch from Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.​ 2025 dates are July 6 (shore-based plankton lesson), August 3, August 24, September 28, and October 5.
Throughout the series, you will:
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Dive into the diverse topics such as Salish Sea orcas and other cetaceans, marine birds with a focus on puffins, kelp and island flora, salmon and other fish of the Salish Sea, and plankton.
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Explore interconnections between Salish Sea populations and discover ways you can make a positive impact.
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Embark on four guided boat field trips (launching from Anacortes) to observe other incredible marine life firsthand and perhaps drop a hydrophone in if the setting is right. We plan to stop by a local island on every boat trip, but sometimes the wildlife decide our plan!
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Connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships within a passionate community of enthusiasts through our unique Discord channel.
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Commemorate your experience with an exclusive class t-shirt.
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Join us for this incredible opportunity to deepen your appreciation for these majestic creatures and contribute to their preservation in the Salish Sea and beyond.
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$1,499 per participant - enroll below!
Enrollment closes June 24, 2025
FAQs:
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1. Who is this course for?
Our course is tailored for individuals aged 18 and above who are eager to:
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Deepen their understanding of the remarkable orcas, puffins, island, and Salish Sea ecosystem.
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Encounter awe-inspiring creatures and other fascinating marine wildlife alongside a close-knit group of fellow enthusiasts, sharing unforgettable memories and experiences.
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Cultivate meaningful, lifelong connections within a community of like-minded Salish Sea-lovers from across the region.
2. Do I need prior knowledge of orcas or the Salish Sea?
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Not at all! Our course is specifically designed to cater to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. We will tailor the learning experience to address your group's unique questions and interests. This personalized approach ensures a dynamic and engaging journey for everyone involved, regardless of their prior knowledge.
3. Where do the boat excursions depart from?
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We will meet at our Discovery Center at Skyline Marina in Anacortes, WA.
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4. Do you offer a payment plan?
​​​​​​​​We do offer a 4 part payment plan. 1st non-refundable payment of $374.75 due at time of enrollment. Three remaining payments of $374.75 are due on February 1, April 1, and June 1. Email info@thesalishseaschool.org to begin.
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5. Please note that participants must weigh 250 lbs or less to attend.
6. Cancellation policy: Cancellation prior to 90 days prior to class start results in a full refund less cc processing fees and $362.25 deposit. No refund when cancellation is within 90 days before class starts.
