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 the best education is hands-on, curiosity-driven, and grounded in real-world experience. That’s why our research and education programs are deeply connected. Students don’t just learn about ocean science — they take part 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 (8-10 months per year), the Flyer also travels. In spring 2025, we retraced the historic voyage to the Gulf of California, bringing our programs to students in rural coastal towns, 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
At-Sea Oceanography Program
Developed in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School and Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station, this program invites college and high school 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.
In the News & On the Blog
Where Story Meets Science: Reflections from Our Education Manager
Rials Christensen, Education Manager, November 10, 2025In this feature, our new Education Manager Rials Christensen shares how the Western Flyer’s legacy of exploration inspires curiosity, creativity, and connection across generations.
View Full ArticleThe Time X Academy Students Got to Go on the Western Flyer!
November 05, 2025The vans rolled out of the X Academy Maker Space just as the sky began to lighten, a soft blue glow stretching over Watsonville. It was early—6:45 a.m.—but the energy was unmistakable.
View Full ArticleRobotics Club Takes to the Sea Aboard the Western Flyer
Santa Cruz County Office of Education, October 30, 2025Students from the countywide Robotics Club recently set sail aboard the legendary Western Flyer, once used by John Steinbeck and Doc Ricketts on their 1940 expedition to the Sea of Cortez.
View Full ArticleBack to El Mogote: Rediscovering a Site Once Visited by Steinbeck and Ricketts
August 04, 2025Eighty-five years after Steinbeck and Ricketts visited El Mogote, the Western Flyer returned—this time with students. In May 2025, high schoolers from La Paz explored the tidal flats of El Mogote as young scientists, uncovering both ecological change and a renewed sense of connection to their local coastline.
View Full ArticleWestern Flyer returns to Monterey Bay as a floating classroom
Michael Rosales, KSBW, July 17, 2025MONTEREY, Calif. — The research vessel Western Flyer is relaunching its education and science programs this week, providing high school interns with hands-on marine research experience on Monterey Bay.
View Full ArticlePlankton, Partnerships & Possibility: Teaming Up with Baja Coastal Institute
June 26, 2025From La Paz to Cabo Pulmo to San José del Cabo, we teamed up with Baja Coastal Institute to connect with students and communities through hands-on programs and events.
View Full ArticleWe’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.
