Northwest Maritime

A program of Northwest Maritime, Salish Sea Expeditions was founded in 1994 to make life-changing “science-under-sail” voyages in the Puget Sound accessible to 6th- to 12th-grade students.

Multi-day trips transform students into crew members of the historic schooner Zodiac as they navigate the San Juan Islands, hoist sails, take water samples for study, and sleep below deck. Students learn ship duties from experienced mariners, practice teamwork, and take responsibility for crew shifts.

We tailor curriculums to each class, and participants experience firsthand the roles of marine scientists while designing their own STEM research experiments. They develop connections to Pacific Northwest maritime culture as they tie knots, use navigational charts, learn of career opportunities, and explore the islands on shore excursions.

We are committed to providing access to these enriching experiences regardless of participants’ ability to pay. Donations help make it possible to offer scholarships to school groups that would otherwise be unable to participate.

Website: nwmaritime.org