Welcome to Mystic Whaler

Empowering Youth Through Adventure,

Experiential Education,

and Ocean Conservation

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Explore the Ocean with Us

Mystic Whaler
Your Partner in Experiential Education

Mystic Whaler, the tall ship of Mystic Ocean Adventures, a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization, offers various programs and activities for youth to learn about the ocean and its ecosystems. Our programs promote ocean conservation, STEAM comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills through adventure sailing and educational experiences about marine life. Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the ocean and its biodiversity.

Mystic Whaler is a Coast Guard Inspected Vessel.

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Our Core Values

The Power of Youth

We believe in the limitless potential of young people and choose to invest in them as the key to a brighter future for our communities and our world.

Innovation

We move quickly and continuously to innovate our approach in response to the needs of the young people we work with and the community we are part of.

Wellbeing

We foster safe spaces that enhance the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of young people, while also making our community a better place to live.

Community Commitment

We are deeply connected with young people, their families, their teachers, their mentors, and our community. We commit to allowing these voices to guide our work and to doing everything possible to help young people thrive.

Equity and Inclusion

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live to their full potential, and that our organization and community are stronger when they are full of opportunities for people with diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We prioritize action over intention and are working every day to make our programs more equitable and inclusive.

Joy

We believe every young person deserves to have joy in their life. We create opportunities for kids to be kids and have fun, recognizing that joy is the key that unlocks positive youth development and brighter futures.

Fostering Blue Minds

"Blue Mind" is a term coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, and it describes the mildly meditative, calm, and peaceful state that people experience when they are near, in, on, or under water. It's a feeling of general happiness and satisfaction that often comes with being in or around "blue spaces," which include oceans, lakes, rivers, and even man-made water features like fountains and swimming pools.

The concept is supported by growing scientific research in neurobiology, cognitive psychology, and environmental psychology, indicating that our brains are positively influenced by water.

Why is it healthy for young people to experience blue spaces (the Pacific Ocean) from the deck of Mystic Whaler?

It is particularly healthy for young people to experience blue spaces for several compelling reasons:

Stress Reduction and Calm

In today's fast-paced, often overstimulating world, young people face increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and even burnout (sometimes referred to as "Red Mind" or "Gray Mind" states). Blue spaces offer a natural antidote, triggering the parasympathetic nervous system which promotes "rest and digest" mode. The rhythmic sounds of waves, the vastness of the ocean, or the gentle flow of a river can provide a soothing sensory experience that helps calm the mind and reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

Cognitive Restoration & Creativity

Our brains are constantly bombarded with information, leading to mental fatigue. Natural environments, especially those with water, offer a form of "soft fascination." This means they capture our attention effortlessly without demanding intense focus, allowing our "directed attention" (the kind used for tasks like homework or screen time) to rest and restore itself. This mental break can lead to improved problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, and increased mental clarity.

Physical Activity & Outdoor Engagement

Blue spaces naturally encourage physical activity, whether it's swimming, surfing, kayaking, playing on the beach, or simply walking along a waterfront. This promotes physical health, combating sedentary lifestyles and contributing to overall well-being. Getting outdoors also reduces screen time, which is crucial for healthy development.

Emotional Connection & Empathy

Being in awe of natural phenomena, such as the vast ocean, can create a sense of "small self" that reduces self-importance and fosters a greater sense of connection to something larger than oneself. This can foster empathy, encourage prosocial behaviors, and enhance relationships with others. It also provides a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.

Sensory Integration & Development

Water offers a rich sensory experience – the sight of reflections, the sound of waves, the feel of water on skin, the smell of the ocean. For young people, especially those with sensory processing differences, blue spaces can provide a safe and consistent environment that aids in sensory integration and development.

Environmental Stewardship

Direct positive experiences in blue spaces foster an appreciation for the marine environment and a deeper understanding of its importance. This can inspire young people to become more environmentally conscious and engaged in conservation efforts, realizing that protecting these spaces also benefits their own well-being.

Exposing young people to blue spaces and fostering a "Blue Mind" mindset is not just about fun; it's a powerful tool for promoting their cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, and physical health, while also nurturing a vital connection to our planet.

Educational Day Sail Participant

"I want to compliment your captain & crew on professionalism and attention of detail and safety of passengers."

Fifth Grade Teacher

“Mystic Whaler is the antidote to the educational challenges children and parents face today—too much screen time, ADHD, declining interest in classrooms, declining scores, and decreasing budgets. This is not just a class on a ship. Students learn to stand firm and stay calm in the face of the ocean wind. They come away with grit, resilience, adaptability, and confidence. I wish every child on the Central Coast had the chance to experience this adventure.”

Sea Cadets Commander

"I would submit that the most significant lesson they learned was that they could not succeed without each other. With each of them pulling their portion, lifting the two 1500 lbs sails, and purely succeeding because they were working as a team… that reinforced to them that they could not succeed on their own strength alone and that their efforts matter to others. Yesterday, they learned on a profound level, what it means to succeed as a team."

4th and 5th Grade Students

“I learned how to tell where you were at any given time.”

“I learned how important plankton are to the environment.”

“I now know more than I did about plankton, the ocean, Ph, and sea level.”

“I did a lot of teamwork.”

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The tall ship Mystic Whaler on the ocean with her sails unfurled with mountains and a sailboat in the background.

Who We Are

About Mystic Whaler

Mystic Whaler is the outdoor classroom of Mystic Ocean Adventures, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Central Coast of California. Its mission is to promote hands-on education, STEAM academic comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills with a special focus on youth through sailing and the sea.