"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.
​​​​​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. Thank you for supporting our programs through these fundraisers! Each tour is 3-4 hours long, on SALE now until Dec. 7th for $109 pp, normally $229 pp.
We offer private charters customized to your interests. Options include island hopping, lighthouse tours, wildlife and island exploration, or focusing on marine mammals, tufted puffins, and seabirds.
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.
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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 Journey
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During your excursion, you will explore the pristine waters of the Salish Sea, home to an array of marine life, including whales, porpoise, seals, and seabirds!
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As part of our commitment to providing a unique Salish Sea experience, we strive to include an island stop during each excursion. During this island stop you can choose to relax on the shores or take a hike through the forest! While we cannot guarantee an island visit on every tour due to time constraints and wildlife viewing locations, our dedicated crew will make every effort to incorporate this opportunity into the itinerary when possible, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes and habitats that make this region so remarkable.
The Difference
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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 scholarships for kids—many of whom have never been to a beach—allowing them to enjoy boat rides, kayaking, tide pooling, and learning about the unique creatures that call this special place home.
The Vessel
Welcome aboard our 22-foot Hewescraft boat, a floating classroom that offers an unparalleled learning experience on the Salish Sea. This vessel combines comfort, safety, and a small group experience to provide an ideal platform for exploration and education.
The boat has room for up to six passengers and is designed specifically for navigating the waters of the Salish Sea. Large windows and an open bow and stern offer unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes and seascapes, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of this remarkable region. We do have a private marine head onboard but there are also toilets on local islands.
​ A minimum of 4 passengers required.