We were curious. Our curiosity was not limited, but was as wide and horizonless as that of Darwin or Agassiz or Linnaeus or Pliny. We wanted to see everything our eyes would accommodate, to think what we could, and, out of our seeing and thinking, to build some kind of structure in modeled imitation of the observed reality. John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts, Sea of Cortez
At the Western Flyer Foundation, we believe that the best education is hands-on, curiosity-driven, and grounded in real-world experience. That’s why our research and education programs are deeply intertwined. Students don’t just learn about ocean science—they participate in it. Scientists don’t just collect data—they mentor the next generation.
While most of our programs take place in and around Monterey Bay, the Flyer also travels. In spring 2025, we’ll retrace the historic voyage to the Gulf of California, with plans to return every other year. In future seasons, we’ll sail north to the Pacific Northwest. Wherever we go, we collaborate with local educators, artists, students, and scientists to co-create place-based learning experiences rooted in curiosity, respect, and discovery.
Programs That Stir Curiosity
Oceanography Program
Developed in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School and Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, this college-level program invites students to collect and analyze scientifically valuable data aboard the Western Flyer. Lessons are tailored by instructors and include at-sea research and mentoring from working scientists. Learn more about our oceanography program in this video produced by Stanford.
Docked Program
Middle, high school, and college students tour the docked vessel, learn about its scientific and literary legacy, observe marine life, collect plankton, and explore microscopic worlds in the Flyer’s onboard lab. The boat stays at berth during this program, but the experience opens wide the doors of exploration.
MentorShip Program
This multi-day program—developed in collaboration with local marine science partners—brings together high school, college, and graduate students to explore ocean-centered careers that blend science and art. Participants engage in hands-on activities like water sampling, fossil sketching, cyanotype photography, and lab tours, all while building community across disciplines and generations.
Research That Builds Community
The Western Flyer is more than a classroom—it’s a platform for collaborative research that investigates marine ecosystems and the connections between people and place. Using onboard oceanographic tools, we collect data in Monterey Bay, the Gulf of California, and beyond—work grounded in careful observation and strengthened by community partnerships. Learn more about our science tools and research capabilities.
We’re grateful to the following companies for their generous in-kind donations of scientific tools and equipment that support ongoing research aboard the Western Flyer.
