Ketchikan: Alaska Snorkeling Tour & Marine Life at Mountain Point

Summary

Snorkel with curious sea creatures in alaska’s cold clear waters

You’ll squeeze into a thick wetsuit and wade right into Alaska’s chilly waters near Ketchikan for a guided snorkeling tour at Mountain Point. Spot bright starfish, curious harbor seals, and colorful marine life while floating above rocky reefs—then warm up with hot drinks before heading back to town. It’s not your typical snorkeling trip, but you might just love it.

What’s the experience like?

Would you ever think of snorkeling in Alaska? I didn’t, not until I found myself shuffling across the rocky beach at Mountain Point near Ketchikan, zipped up tight in a wetsuit so thick it felt like armor. Our guide, Jamie, had this easy way about her—she cracked jokes while helping us wriggle into our gear (“just pretend you’re a sausage,” she said). The air was sharp and salty, and my breath made little clouds as we listened to her explain how to spot kelp crabs and what to do if a seal got curious. I’ll admit I was nervous—the water looked dark, almost black-green, but there was something about the group’s laughter that made it feel less intimidating.

Getting into the water wasn’t graceful (I slipped once, Jamie just grinned), but once my face went under, everything changed. It was quiet except for my own bubbles. The marine life here is nothing like tropical reefs—there’s this wild tangle of purple starfish clinging to rocks, and flashes of orange anemones that look almost electric against the stone. The cold seeped through the wetsuit at first but then faded; mostly I remember the weird comfort of floating and watching tiny fish dart around my mask. At one point a harbor seal popped up nearby—just its head, eyes wide—and then vanished. I tried waving but who knows if it saw me.

After about an hour (which felt both long and too short), we stumbled back up the shore for hot chocolate. My hands were clumsy from the cold but honestly, that drink tasted better than any fancy coffee I’ve had. Someone asked Jamie how often people actually see whales here—she shrugged and said “sometimes,” which somehow made it feel more real than any guarantee could. On the ride back to town I kept replaying those underwater colors in my mind. It’s strange—I never thought Alaska would be somewhere I’d snorkel, but now I can’t imagine skipping it if you’re anywhere near Ketchikan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling adventure at Mountain Point

• Receive wetsuit and gear
• Travel roundtrip from cruise docks
• Enter water from rocky beach
• Snorkel with marine life
• Join guided marine life tour
• Enjoy hot beverages and water

Top questions

Is snorkeling in Alaska safe for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome on this Alaska snorkeling tour—guides provide full instruction and supervision in the water.

What kind of marine life can you see while snorkeling near Ketchikan?

You may spot starfish, crabs, anemones, small fish, and sometimes harbor seals during the guided marine life tour.

Is all snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes—all necessary equipment including wetsuits, hoods, boots, gloves, masks (even prescription ones), fins are included.

How strenuous is this Mountain Point snorkeling adventure?

This tour is rated strenuous due to tight wetsuits and entry/exit from a rocky beach; good physical fitness is required.

Does this Alaska snorkeling excursion include transportation?

Yes—roundtrip transportation from downtown cruise ship docks is included with your booking.

Are hot drinks or snacks included after snorkeling?

Hot beverages like cocoa or tea are provided after your time in the water to help you warm up.

Can people with mobility issues join this tour?

No—the rocky entry/exit makes this unsuitable for those with limited mobility or certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip pickup from downtown cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, use of all necessary snorkeling equipment (including thick wetsuits), complete instruction from experienced local guides during your one-hour marine life tour at Mountain Point—and hot drinks to warm up before heading back into town.