Connecting Students to the Ocean—One Unforgettable Experience at a Time

Through hands-on whale watching field trips and education programs, we turn curiosity into lifelong ocean stewardship.

How Would You Like to Get Involved?

FOR EDUCATORS

Bring your classroom to life on the ocean.
Give your students a hands-on marine science experience they will never forget.

  • Standards-aligned learning
  • Real whale encounters
  • Designed for grades 3–12

FOR SPONSORS

Turn your support into real-world impact.
Help remove barriers and give students access to transformative ocean experiences.

  • Fund field trips & transportation
  • Support marine education
  • Create measurable community impact

Our ultimate goal is to create a student education program that is funded solely by the private sector. Our mission is to create a first-hand one-on-one experience for students and their environment.

Why This Work Matters

For many students, the ocean is something they’ve never experienced, but when they step onto a boat and see a whale in the wild, something changes. That moment becomes a connection, and that connection becomes responsibility.

The Impact:

  • Thousands of students served annually
  • First-time ocean experiences
  • Increased environmental awareness

The most meaningful ocean science field trip a student will ever experience — designed for teachers.

“The Gray Whale Foundation provides an unforgettable learning experience for our students. Seeing the gray whales in their natural environment helps bring science to life and deepens their connection to the ocean. Many of our students have never been on a boat before, so this trip not only opens their eyes to marine life but also inspires curiosity, compassion, and a lasting respect for our planet.”

— Kristen Nelson, Principal, RH Dana Elementary School

“When students step onto the ocean and see whales in their natural environment, learning becomes real. For many, it’s their first time on the water — an experience that turns curiosity into connection and inspires a lifelong respect for our oceans. These moments shape future scientists, environmentalists, and ocean stewards, and they are only possible through the support of partners who believe in education beyond the classroom.”

— Captain Todd Mansur, Educational Director & Marine Naturalist

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