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".... one of the most important habitats on the planet for a rich diversity of water oriented birds. The cruises are a fun, fascinating way to experience that diversity". --Seattle Post Intelligencer.
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to breeding, nesting, and flyway populations of close to 100 marine bird species at different times of the year. Approximately 70 percent of the nesting seabirds in our inland waters nest here, including the largest nesting colony of rhinoceros auklets in the world. The island contains one of the last 2 nesting colonies of tufted puffins in the Puget Sound area. About 1,000 harbor seals use the island as a pupping and rest area, and elephant seals often haul out to molt there during the summer. We have been leading seasonal wildlife cruises to view the changing community of birds and mammals using the sanctuary since 1984. Our cruises are hosted by seasoned naturalist Roger Risley, who provides excellent commentary on the natural history of the island and the wildlife sighted. Join us on one of the cruises below!
To learn how Protection Island came to be designated a National Wildlife Refuge through the work of two local women, read The Protection Island Story.
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Bird Migration Cruises
Timed to coincide with annual migrations, our Bird Migration Cruises take place on Saturdays in the spring and fall.
On these cruises we might see loons, phalaropes, mergansers, merlins, bald eagles, aukets oystercatchers, harlequin ducks, murrelets, and many other migrating and resident species. Over 85 bird species and 8 mammal species are regularly sighted on our cruises.
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Puffin Cruises
Each summer Protection Island comes alive as thousands of seabirds arrive to breed and raise their young, including rhinoceros auklets, glaucous winged gulls, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers, two kinds of cormorants---and of course the tufted puffin.
Although we can't guarantee a sighting on on every outing, the chance of spotting a puffin on our evening Puffin Cruises is very good.
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Protection Island Sail
The PTMSC offers one 6-hour sailing adventure to the Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge aboard the 101' historic schooner, Adventuress.
On this cruise you can help the crew sail this historic vessel while enjoying a leisurely tour of the wildlife sanctuary. As on all our cruises, a Marine Science Center naturalist who knows the island very well will help you see and appreciate its wildlife.
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PRICING |
Tickets for Bird Migration Cruises and Puffin Cruises are
$55 per person* or $50 for members* of PTMSC, Audubon, Burke Museum or Washington Ornithological Society members.
Child or group rates may be arranged.
Proceeds go to support educational programs at PTMSC.
(DISCLAIMER: Depending on weather conditions, the cruise may go to either Protection Island or Oak Bay/Port Ludlow area.)
*fee is subject to 9% WA State sales tax |
Tickets for Protection Island Sail are $80 per person
or $75 for members of PTMSC, Audubon, Burke Museum or Washington Ornithological Society. |
For reservations: (800) 566-3932 ~ (360) 385-5582 ~ e-mail: cruises@ptmsc.org
book our Spring Migration Cruises ONLINE
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Spring Migration Cruises
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Saturdays, April 27 and May 4
1 to 4 p.m.*
*Book ONLINE
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Puffin Cruises
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Saturdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
& August 3
6 to 9 p.m.
*Book ONLINE
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Sail on the Adventuress
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Saturday, August 31
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Call 360-385-5582 to reserve
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Fall Bird Migration Cruises
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Saturdays, September 28 and October 5
1 to 4 p.m.
*Book ONLINE
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Thanksgiving Cruise
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Saturday, November 30
1 to 4 pm
*Book ONLINE
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New Year's Eve Cruise
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Tuesday, December 31
1 to 4 pm
*Book ONLINE
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