Location
Oak Harbor, Washington, 98277
About this event
Second opportunity added by popular demand!
Join us as we travel through the waters of Deception Pass and out to the Smith and Minor Islands Aquatic Reserve. Spanning 36,308 acres, from the Whidbey Island shoreline westward around Smith and Minor Islands, it is the largest in the Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) reserve system. These protected waters are home to the largest persistent bull kelp bed in Washington State. During the summer months, the islands are populated by Tufted Puffins, burrowing into cliffs to lay their eggs, and by harbor seals utilizing the protected shoreline for pupping. We hope to see both of these species and more on this wildlife viewing tour.
PURCHASING TICKETS
$150 Smith & Minor Island Tour: Each ticket includes a three-hour tour aboard the Island Whaler, departing the Cornet Bay Marina at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 22nd. Please arrive at the Marina between 1:30 pm and 1:45 pm. Parking will be nearby. The Marina is located within Deception Pass State Park and requires a State Parks Discover Pass for parking. If you do not have a Discover Pass, a day pass can be purchased onsite for $10. Check in will begin at the top of the dock at 1:30 pm with Ciera.
Fees & Receipt: A ticket processing fee of $7.31 is charged for this event. After your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with ticket details. Please note that ticket sales are final unless the trip is cancelled, but can be transferred.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The open deck seating will give you the best 360° viewing opportunity and interaction with the surrounding elements. This trip also offers a special guest, WADNR's Aquatic Reserves Research & Monitoring Scientist Erica Bleke. She is WADNR's kelp monitoring lead and has active projects looking at the kelp ecosystem at Smith and Minor Island. We are so excited to welcome her aboard and share information about this reserve and its critical kelp bed.
Bring: Having binoculars or a camera will help you to see the animals better without disrupting their natural behavior. You may want to bring a water bottle or snack incase you need it during the 3 hour trip.
Wear: Although the sun may be out, granting us warmer temperatures, the wind can cause a chill. Make sure to wear layers or bring a windbreaker for while the vessel is underway. Wearing sunscreen, a hat, or sunglasses that can be secured may be beneficial for this trip.
CONTACT
If you need assistance buying tickets or have any further questions, please email Ciera at whidbey-coord@soundwaterstewards.org
