Community Engagement

Tours of the Western Flyer, November 2023. Photo by Pat Webster.

Overview

The Western Flyer brings people together through public programs, tours, and events that connect communities to the ocean through science, art, and storytelling—and to the vessel’s remarkable history.

From Monterey to the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of California, the Flyer serves as a platform for shared experiences—where science, story, and place come together.


We Simply Liked It screening, April 17, 2026. Photo credit: Aaron Straight

How You Can Experience the Western Flyer

We engage communities through a range of public programs and events, including:

  • Free tours of the Western Flyer, offering a close look at the vessel and its history
  • Community events and festivals, where science, art, and storytelling intersect
  • Talks, film screenings, and presentations hosted with community partners and local venues
  • Pop-up experiences that bring hands-on ocean learning into public spaces

These experiences are designed to be welcoming, accessible, and grounded in curiosity.


Join Us

Want to follow the Flyer’s adventures, learn about upcoming events, or see what we’re up to in the field (or the lab)? You’ve got options:

Wherever you encounter the Western Flyer—on the dock, at sea, or in your community—you’re part of the story.

Monterey welcomes the Western Flyer home on November 4, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club.