San Juan Islands Exploration on the Orion

San Juan Islands Exploration on the Orion

San Juan Islands Exploration on the Orion

Event Details

When
May 18, 2025 09:00 AM to
May 19, 2025 05:00 PM
Where
Meet: Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Instructor
Kevin Campion
Activity Level
3.0
Class Tuition
625.00
Minimum Age
10
Tuition Includes
All meals, sailboat transportation, expert natural history instruction and campground fees
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Ahoy! Set sail with us aboard the Orion, a beautifully restored 1934 wooden sailboat, for a natural history adventure through some of the lesser-known treasures of the San Juan Islands. This voyage will spotlight seabirds, marine mammals, and island wildflowers, with opportunities to learn the art of sailing and navigation on a historic vessel.

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Our journey begins in Anacortes, where we’ll board the Orion and sail to Jones Island. Here, we’ll explore the island’s lush forests and rugged rocky shores within this 188-acre state park. Along the way, we’ll learn about madronas, tidelands, pelagic birds, and other fascinating natural phenomena.

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After a day of sailing and island exploration, we’ll gather for an evening of fireside stories and music with Captain Kevin Campion and an Institute naturalist before settling into our tents in the island campground.

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The next morning, we’ll hoist the sails and head for Yellow Island—a true gem of the San Juan archipelago. Managed by The Nature Conservancy and accessible only by special permission, this tiny island boasts one of the most brilliant and diverse native wildflower displays in the Salish Sea.

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With field lenses and flower keys in hand, we’ll spend the morning botanizing among the blooms before returning to the water. On our sail back to Anacortes, we’ll keep watch for seabirds and marine mammals, soaking in the wonders of the Salish Sea.

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All meals are provided. Participants should bring their own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if you’d like to borrow gear.

Watch a stunning video of the Orion exploring the Salish Sea at deepgreenwilderness.com/unknown-sea!

Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!