San Juan Islands Exploration on the Orion

Ahoy! Set sail aboard the Orion, a beautifully restored 1934 wooden sailboat, for an immersive natural history journey through some of the lesser-known treasures of the San Juan Islands. This experiential voyage blends hands-on naturalist learning with the timeless skills of sailing and navigation, offering a rare opportunity to explore seabirds, marine mammals, and island wildflowers from both land and sea.

Departing from Anacortes, we’ll sail first to Jones Island State Park, where we’ll explore forest trails and rocky shorelines while practicing careful observation of madronas, tidelands, pelagic birds, and other defining features of island ecosystems. Throughout the day, participants will build naturalist skills—learning how to notice patterns, ask ecological questions, and read landscapes shaped by wind, water, and time.

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

On the second day, we’ll sail to Yellow Island—a small but extraordinary island stewarded by The Nature Conservancy and accessed only by special permission. Known for one of the most vibrant and diverse native wildflower displays in the Salish Sea, Yellow Island offers an exceptional outdoor classroom. We’ll spend the morning botanizing with field lenses and flower keys, sharpening identification skills and deepening our understanding of island plant communities.

As we raise sail for the return journey, we’ll shift our focus back to the water—searching for seabirds and marine mammals while reflecting on the interconnected marine and terrestrial systems we’ve explored. This course is ideal for curious learners, aspiring naturalists, and experienced enthusiasts eager to deepen their skills through close observation, time on the water, and shared exploration of place.

Watch a beautiful video of the Orion exploring the Salish Sea at www.deepgreenwilderness.com!

All meals are provided. Bring your own tent and camping equipment, or let us know if we can loan you gear.

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