The name puffin originally meant "fatling." In the last half of the 1800s the puffin was given the scientific name of Fratercula arctica, which means "little brother of the north" in Latin. That could also be interpreted as “little friar,” alluding to the puffin’s black and white plumage, reminiscent of a friar’s robes.
Add a little colorful fun to your summer with a cruise to see the brightly adorned tufted puffins on Protection Island. Sponsored by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTSMC) and Puget Sound Express, cruises begin Saturday, July 5 and continue on July 12, 26 and August 2 and 9. All cruises depart from Point Hudson Marina at 6 p.m. and return at 9 p.m.
All proceeds for the cruises and sail will benefit the PTMSC’s educational programs. Cruises are $55 per person ($50 for Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Burke Museum, Audubon or Washington Ornithological Society members). Reservations are required for each trip and may be made by phone at (360) 385-5582 or (800) 566-3932 or e-mail: cruises@ptmsc.org. Please note that PTMSC can’t guarantee you’ll see puffins, but they promise to give it their best.
