Sitka Sound: Snorkel Tour Magic Island with Gear & Pickup

Summary

Snorkeling Sitka’s wild coast with local guides and real sea life

You’ll slip into a thick wetsuit and shuffle across rocky shorelines before plunging into Sitka Sound’s chilly water alongside local guides who know every nook for spotting octopus or sea stars. Expect laughter as you suit up, quiet awe beneath the surface, and hot drinks waiting when you emerge — plus that lingering saltwater feeling long after your snorkel tour ends.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the wetsuit. Seven millimeters thick — like trying to wriggle into a stubborn sleeping bag. But our guide, Jamie, just grinned and said, “It’s warmer than you think.” There was this salty bite in the air outside Selkie Snorkels’ little shop in Sitka, and my nerves were jangling a bit. I could hear gulls squabbling over something by the docks while we all fumbled with our hoods and gloves. The whole group was laughing by the time we finally zipped up — it helped that Jamie kept joking about how everyone looks ridiculous in neoprene.

The drive out to Magic Island was short but weirdly quiet. Maybe everyone was picturing the water (or just focused on not sweating through their suits). When we got there, it hit me how bright everything looked — the rocks slick with kelp, bits of driftwood tangled up along the shore. Walking down over those rocks took some focus; I slipped once and caught myself, which Jamie saw and just nodded like, “Yep, that happens.” The water itself was clearer than I expected. Cold at first — it crept in around my neck — but then my body kind of forgot about it as we started floating. Jamie pointed out an orange sea star clinging to a boulder below us, and then suddenly there was an octopus tucked into a crack. I tried to say its name in Tlingit (Li laughed when I butchered it), but honestly it felt good just to be there bobbing quietly above all that life.

We spent maybe 45 minutes out there? Hard to say — time goes odd when you’re watching rockfish dart around or following your breath echoing inside your mask. At one point someone called out about an abalone shell glinting in the sand, and everyone paddled over like kids on a treasure hunt. There’s this hush underwater except for your own bubbles; sometimes I still think about that silence when things get noisy back home.

Getting out was awkward (neoprene is not graceful), but standing onshore with cold fingers wrapped around a cup of tea felt like some small reward. They dropped us off downtown after — I remember my hair still smelling faintly of saltwater hours later. If you’re thinking about a day trip snorkeling Magic Island from Sitka, don’t worry too much about looking cool or being perfect at it. Just bring your curiosity — the rest sort of takes care of itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel adventure at Sitka Sound

• Put on wetsuit and snorkel gear
• Ride Snorkelmobile to dive site
• Walk over rocks into water
• Snorkel with guide for 40-60 minutes
• Gather onshore and dry off
• Return guests downtown

Top questions

How long does the snorkel tour at Magic Island last?

The snorkeling portion lasts 40-60 minutes, plus time for gearing up and transport.

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?

Yes, all snorkel equipment including wetsuits is provided by Selkie Snorkels.

Are beginners allowed on this snorkel tour?

This tour is recommended for strong swimmers with some snorkeling experience.

What marine life can I see during this Sitka Sound snorkel?

You might spot octopus, rockfish, sea stars, anemones, abalone, and more local species.

Is transportation included from downtown Sitka?

Yes, private transport is included; guests are picked up and dropped off downtown.

What should I bring for the Magic Island snorkel trip?

You should bring personal essentials; all necessary snorkeling gear is provided.

Will I get help putting on the wetsuit?

Yes, experienced guides assist all guests with donning suits and gear properly.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes; Selkie Snorkels coordinates timing so cruise passengers won’t miss departures.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from downtown Sitka in private transport to Magic Island or another nearby dive site. All snorkeling equipment is provided: a 7mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, booties, mask and snorkel set plus flippers. After swimming alongside knowledgeable guides who point out local marine life, you’ll warm up with coffee or tea before drop-off back downtown for whatever comes next.