Sailing the San Juan Islands 

Spring Break 2026

Departure: 3/22 AM
Return: 3/25 PM
Activity: Sailing, Navigation, Camping, nature sighting & more!
Challenge Level: Beginner Friendly, all experience levels welcome. Some comfort on the water for an extended period of time and enthusiasm to adventure rain or shine recommended!
Total Spots available: 22
Cost: $325
Sign up Deadline: 2/23, 11pm
Includes: Your own bunk, onboard meals, most travel meals, transportation, snacks, trip leaders, instruction, specialty equipment, free ODP gear rentals

Spend your spring break sailing the Schooner Zodiak.

After a drive from Willamette University to Bellingham, Washington we will spend one night camping before boarding the 160 foot Schooner Zodiak for a 3-day-2 night adventure through the San Juan Islands. While aboard, students will learn how to navigate, steer, and sail the Zodiac. Each day will include opportunities to anchor and hike ashore, kayak, play games, swim, or row their dinghy. There will be plenty of wildlife sightings anywhere from bald eagles, porpoises, seals, to whales. A professional chef will be preparing all three meals, along with snacks and beverages each day. Student leaders will also facilitate a cultural history of the area and there will be a number of opportunities to participate in scientific discoveries and learning, along with down time to connect with new people and make friends.

Please keep in mind that it will still be cold in March and it may rain while we are on the water, so pack layers and if you are prone to sea sickness we highly recommend consulting a professional to ensure your comfort and well-being while on the water. Schooner Zodiac Reminds all participants: Part of the adventure of sailing is that wind and tide may alter your course. For this reason the Zodiac may deviate from it’s intended route at the captain’s discretion. Bearing this in mind, the captain and crew will always endeavor to give passengers the most incredible experience possible. Check out their handy packing list. The Outdoor Program Gear Rental Center will be available for free rentals to supplement any necessary clothing layers and/or sleep gear you need.

A little about the boat from Schooner Zodiac ~ Her spacious 127 feet of deck is adorned with polished brass and gleaming bright work. The ship’s mainmast towers over twelve stories high and she proudly boasts the largest working mainsail on the west coast. The Zodiac’s rig features four sails in total (jib, staysail, foresail and mainsail) that can propel the ship through the water at just over 13 knots.

We are thrilled to be partnering with Schooner Zodiac to bring this exciting adventure to life and look forward to having you join us!

Refund Policy:

Trip cancellations may be made over email or in person during open hours at the ODP Rental Center in Montag.

• In order to receive a full refund, trip cancellations must be requested by 12pm February 2.
• In order to receive a 50% refund, trip cancellations must be requested by 12pm on Monday, February 16. 
• Participants may cancel after February 16, however trip registration fees will not be refunded.
• If the Outdoor Program cancels a trip, all participants will be given a full refund.
• Refunds are issued back to the credit or debit card used in registration. The processing may take up to two weeks. 

Contact outdoor-office@willamette.edu for questions or concerns.