Snorkeling in Alaska: Marine mammals and guided instruction

Snorkel alongside seals and sea stars in Alaska's cold waters

Snorkeling in Alaska is a guided activity where you enter the water from a rocky beach in Southeast Alaska's intertidal zone, fully outfitted with a 7mm wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves. The operator provides all equipment, roundtrip transport from the cruise ship docks, one hour of guided marine life instruction, and hot beverages. The activity takes three hours and is rated strenuous due to tight wetsuits and difficult beach entries. Participants need high physical fitness and must weigh between 80 and 260 pounds for proper fit.

The experience

What marine life can you actually see while snorkeling in Alaska? The intertidal zone of Southeast Alaska holds colorful fish, sea stars, anemones and the chance to share the water with seals and other large marine mammals. Something few snorkeling destinations offer. You enter from a rocky beach, which means the entry and exit are physically demanding, and currents may be present. The guide stays in the water with you for the full hour, pointing out what lives in each zone and how to move safely through the cold.

Everything you need is provided and fitted to you before you enter the water. The operator supplies a top-of-the-line 7mm Harvey's or SCUBAPRO wetsuit with hood, boots and gloves; Tusa or SCUBAPRO masks; and Twin Jet fins. Prescription masks are available if you need them, and optional weight belts for free diving are free as well. Roundtrip transport picks you up at the downtown cruise ship docks in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you do not arrange your own way to the site. Hot beverages and water are included during the activity.

This snorkeling is rated most strenuous because of the tight-fitting wetsuits, the rocky beach entries and exits, and the presence of currents in the water. You need to be reasonably physically fit and comfortable with difficult footing on rocks. Beginners are welcome as long as they meet the fitness requirement. Children from age 8 can participate. The guide provides complete instruction in the water, so prior snorkeling experience is not required.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport from downtown cruise ship docks in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• full 7mm wetsuit with hood, boots and gloves fitted to your size.
• Tusa or SCUBAPRO mask and Twin Jet fins.
• prescription masks and optional weight belts at no extra cost.
• one hour of guided marine life instruction with an experienced guide in the water.
• hot beverages and water.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 30 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Snorkel Alaska

Is this one for you?This activity is shared and guide-led, which means you snorkel in a group with an instructor who stays in the water with you: suited for anyone who wants instruction and the safety of a guide, but not for solo explorers or those who prefer to move at their own pace. The strenuous rating and rocky beach entries make it a fit for travelers with high physical fitness. If you have mobility concerns, spinal issues, or cardiovascular limitations, a different Alaska activity would be safer.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water temperature like when you snorkel in Alaska?

The operator provides a full 7mm wetsuit with hood, boots and gloves specifically for Alaska's cold water. This thickness is necessary for the temperature and conditions in Southeast Alaska's intertidal zone, and the suit is fitted to you before entry.

Do you need snorkeling experience to join this activity?

No. Beginners are always welcome. The guide provides complete instruction in the water and stays with you for the full hour, teaching you how to move safely and what to look for at each depth.

How do you get from the cruise ship to the snorkeling site?

Roundtrip transportation is included. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up at the downtown cruise ship docks and returns you there after the activity, so you do not need to arrange your own transport.

What happens if the water entry is too difficult for you?

The snorkeling entry and exit are from a rocky beach, and the operator notes this is difficult at best. If you have mobility issues, spinal injuries, or limited physical fitness, this activity is not suitable. The operator requires participants to be reasonably physically fit and able to manage rocky footing.

Are there weight limits for the wetsuits?

Yes. Participants must weigh between 80 and 260 pounds for the wetsuits to fit properly. This is a requirement for safe and comfortable snorkeling in Alaska's water.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity takes three hours total, including roundtrip transport from the cruise docks and the one-hour guided snorkel in the water.