An unlikely adventure into the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska.
Introduction
While standing on the cruise ship docks with my Snorkel Alaska sign waiting to greet my guests I am often met with the phrase, “Snorkeling???, in this weather!!! And my reply is always the same. “ABSOLUTELY! It’s warmer in the water!” And then I go through the entire explanation of what makes snorkeling in Ketchikan so amazing and how we have the warmest water temperatures in the state. And the clearest waters thanks to the lack of glaciers in this area. I often explain that our snorkelers will be warmer in the water than those above. Tours like hiking, bike riding or sea kayaking are plentiful in Ketchikan but paddling around or hiking or biking in the world’s largest temperate rainforest can often be quite cold. Ketchikan gets some 13 feet of rain per year, and “summer” air temperatures are not quite as warm as the lower 48.
When most people envision snorkeling, images of tropical beaches, turquoise waters, and sun-drenched coral reefs immediately come to mind. The last destination to cross the typical snorkeling enthusiast’s mind might very well be Alaska—a land more commonly associated with glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and brisk, invigorating air than with mask, snorkel, and fins. Yet, beneath Alaska’s cold and often dramatic surface lies an unexpected world of vibrant marine life and underwater wonder, just waiting to be discovered by the adventurous.
But snorkeling? In Alaska? In this weather? The answer is a resounding yes—and the reasons why might surprise you. Countless Alaska cruisers have snorkeled in Ketchikan since the tour’s inception in 1994. Originally developed by Norwegian Cruise Line and then reimagined by Snorkel Alaska in 2001 some 60,000 Alaskan cruisers have hopped in the water in Ketchikan on this unique Alaska cruise tour. It’s a fun, kid friendly Alaska excursion that can cater to experienced SCUBA divers, first time snorkelers and non-swimmers alike.
Defying Expectations: Why Alaska?
Snorkeling in Alaska might sound like an oxymoron, but it is, in fact, a growing and exhilarating experience for those willing to brave the elements. Alaska’s vast coastline, stretching over 6,600 miles, is home to a surprisingly diverse array of marine environments. From the far north to the Inside Passage, with its tranquil inlets and thriving kelp forests and the rugged coastlines near Ketchikan, the subarctic seas teem with life.
So, what exactly motivates someone to submerge themselves in these northern waters? The answer lies in the unique combination of adventure, biodiversity, and the sheer thrill of doing the unexpected. Alaska’s underwater landscapes are home to colorful sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, graceful anemones, curious harbor seals and sea lions and forests of swaying kelp that rival any coral reef in drama and beauty. And you just never know when a pod of Orca’s or a Humpback whale may come gliding by our site, Mountain Point. The Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure is a unique Alaska cruise excursion that is professionally operated with PADI certified guides and the best equipment money can buy.
The Weather: Challenge and Allure
It’s no secret: Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable and often downright chilly. Summer temperatures along the coast typically range from the mid-50s to low-60s Fahrenheit while water temperatures hover between 45 and 65°F, depending on the region and time of year. Winter, of course, brings even harsher conditions.
The idea of plunging into cold water might seem absurd to many, but modern gear and careful planning have made the experience not only feasible but also surprisingly comfortable. In fact, the clarity of Alaska’s waters, coupled with the seasonal plankton blooms and the long daylight hours of the summer, can make for spectacular snorkeling conditions you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Gearing Up for the Cold
For those wishing to snorkel in Alaska, the right equipment is essential. Unlike the warm waters of the tropics, here you’ll need to shield yourself from the cold. This is where the wetsuit (and, in some cases, the drysuit) comes into play.
- Wetsuits: Snorkel Alaska provide thick 7mm wetsuits to insulate your body from the cold. These wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit; your body quickly warms this water, forming a protective barrier against the chill.
- Drysuits: For SCUBA diving or those venturing into the water in colder months, a drysuit is recommended. Unlike a wetsuit, a drysuit keeps all water out, allowing you to wear insulating layers underneath for added warmth and comfort.
- Additional Gear: Booties, gloves, and hoods are standard, ensuring that extremities—most susceptible to cold—are well protected. Mask and snorkel designs are like those used in warm waters, though anti-fog treatments are doubly important in cold conditions.
With the proper gear, snorkelers often report being surprisingly warm, even in water temperatures that would otherwise be unthinkable for prolonged immersion.
What You’ll See Beneath the Surface
The underwater world of Alaska is a revelation. Instead of coral, you’ll find vast gardens of kelp—towering underwater forests that provide shelter and food for countless species. The kelp itself undulates with the currents, creating an otherworldly scene that feels more like a fantasy than reality.
- Marine Life: Alaska’s waters are rich in life. Vibrant sea stars in brilliant oranges, purples, and pinks cling to rocks. Sea urchins in purple, red and green litter the sea floor. Sea anemones bloom in neon green and crimson. Large crabs scuttle along the seafloor, and curious harbor seals may approach, their wide eyes reflecting the alien world above and below the waterline.
- Unique Encounters: Occasionally, snorkelers spot salmon swimming by or schools of herring flickering like quicksilver. In some locations, the lucky few may even see octopus, sea lions, or the majestic, ghost-like forms of jellyfish which abound in Ketchikan.
Unlike the tropics, where reefs often dominate, Alaska’s marine ecosystems are shaped by cold water and powerful tides. This creates habitats that are both dynamic and ecologically rich.
Popular Snorkeling Destinations in Alaska
While much of Alaska’s coastline is rugged and remote, several spots have become renowned for cold-water snorkeling adventures.
- Ketchikan: Known as “The First City,” Ketchikan offers some of the most accessible cold-water snorkeling in Alaska. Guided tours take visitors to protected coves filled with marine life and extensive kelp beds.
- Sitka: Sitka Sound’s clear waters make for excellent snorkeling, with abundant wildlife and striking underwater topography.
- Homer: Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer’s tidal pools and rocky reefs attract snorkelers seeking unique species and dramatic landscapes.
- Seward: While more famous for its glacier viewing, Seward’s Resurrection Bay hides a vibrant marine world below the surface, popular among adventurous snorkelers and divers alike.
Each of these locations offers tour operators specializing in cold-water snorkeling, providing gear, expert guidance, and safety briefings.
Safety Considerations: Respecting the Elements
Snorkeling in Alaska is not without its challenges. The cold, currents, and weather demand respect and preparation. It’s crucial to snorkel with reputable guides who know the local conditions and hazards. Even in the summer, hypothermia is a risk if you venture out without proper protection or stray too far from shore.
Other important safety tips include:
- Always snorkel with a buddy or group.
- Listen carefully to guides and follow their instructions.
- Check weather and tide forecasts before heading out.
- Stay close to shore and within designated snorkeling areas.
With common sense and the right preparation, the risks can be minimized, leaving you free to immerse yourself—quite literally—in Alaska’s wild beauty.
Seasonal Variations: When to Go
The main snorkeling season in Alaska is summer, from early May to late September. This period offers the mildest water and air temperatures, the longest days (with up to 18–20 hours of daylight in some areas), and the greatest abundance of marine life.
Spring and autumn can also be rewarding, though the experience becomes increasingly rugged the further you stray from the peak summer months. Winter snorkeling is possible but typically reserved for the most experienced, well-equipped, and intrepid souls.
The Unexpected Thrill
There is something undeniably exhilarating about snorkeling in a place where few would dare to try. The juxtaposition of snow-capped mountains and lush forests with the hidden, kaleidoscopic world beneath the waves creates a sense of discovery unlike any other snorkeling destination on earth.
It’s not just the novelty—it’s the awe of witnessing just how alive and dynamic Alaska’s marine world can be, even in the chill of northern waters. For many, the experience breeds a newfound respect for the resilience of both the environment and the human spirit.
Conclusion: Is It for You?
Snorkeling in Alaska isn’t for everyone. It demands a sense of adventure, respect for nature, and a willingness to step far outside the comfort zones of palm trees and sunbathing. But for those who accept the challenge, the reward is an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s last great frontiers—where icy waters teem with color, life, and mystery. You should have adequate physical fitness and good mobility to be able to safely enter the water from the often rocky beaches.
So, yes—snorkeling in Alaska, even in this weather, is not only possible but extraordinary. All it takes is a brave heart, a thick wetsuit, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Find out more at www.snorkelalaska.com
We hope to see you in the water!