Ketchikan, Alaska: The Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure

If you’re cruising through Alaska and want a different way to experience its wild waters, the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure in Ketchikan might just be the highlight for you. While many visitors stick to sightseeing on land, this tour offers a chance to see Southeast Alaska’s marine life up close, from colorful sea stars to kelp forests teeming with life. With expert guides, top-notch gear, and a conveniently located site just five miles from the cruise dock, it’s an excursion worth considering.

What we love about this experience? First, the professional guides—all PADI-certified rescue divers and instructors—bring a depth of knowledge and patience that makes even nervous swimmers feel at ease. Second, the quality equipment, including 7mm wetsuits with hoods, gloves, and boots, keeps you warm even in cooler waters, enabling longer and more comfortable explorations. Third, the scenic underwater environment at Mountain Point offers an authentic glimpse into Alaska’s marine biodiversity, from tide pools to kelp forests. A possible concern? The activity is rated as most strenuous, so it’s best suited for reasonably fit individuals, especially since currents can be present near rocky beaches.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see Alaska from a different perspective, especially those who enjoy water activities and don’t mind a bit of physical effort. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a guided experience with all gear included, and who are comfortable in open water, with some physical fitness.

Good To Know

• All-inclusive experience with full gear, transportation, and guided tour.
• High-quality wetsuits keep you warm in surprisingly mild summer waters.
• Expert guides ensure safety and provide entertaining, informative commentary.
• Accessible to beginners but rated as strenuous, requiring reasonable fitness.
• Short but immersive 3-hour tour that combines marine life viewing with physical activity.
• Ideal for cruise passengers wanting a memorable underwater adventure close to the port.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure

What Makes Mountain Point Special?

Located just five miles from the cruise ship dock in Ketchikan, Mountain Point offers an ideal blend of ease of access and exceptional underwater scenery. Unlike some of Alaska’s colder, glacier-fed waters, this site benefits from the long summer days and the absence of glaciers, which means water temperatures can reach a surprisingly pleasant 65 degrees in mid-summer. That’s warm enough for most people to enjoy a good length of snorkeling without feeling chilled, especially when clad in the supplied 7mm wetsuits.

The underwater landscape here is a visual feast. You’ll snorkel over kelp forests—an ecosystem as beautiful as it is vital—plus shallow tide pools bursting with marine creatures. Steep rock walls provide interesting features for freediving, and the calm waters make for a safe, steady environment to observe marine life at close range.

What’s Included and How Does it Work?

From the moment you arrive at the shop, located conveniently on the way to Mountain Point, the experience feels thoughtfully organized. You’ll change into your full 7mm wetsuit—including hood, boots, and gloves—inside heated dressing rooms, which is a nice touch after the outdoor cold. The provided equipment is top-tier, including Scubapro fins, prescription masks if needed, snorkels, and optional weight belts for freediving enthusiasts.

Transportation is roundtrip from the Ketchikan Visitors Center Liquid Sunshine, and everyone is led by certified PADI professionals—rescue divers, divemasters, or instructors—who keep safety a top priority. Expect about an hour of guided marine life viewing, where guides point out multi-colored sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, alongside a variety of colorful fish and invertebrates. Reviewers like Christine from Canada appreciated the guides’ helpfulness and professionalism, noting the activity can be strenuous but manageable with good instruction.

What’s the Snorkeling Experience Like?

Snorkeling here is a balance of fun and education. You’ll glide over kelp beds, spotting various marine creatures and learning about their roles in the ecosystem from your guide. One reviewer, Monique from the U.S., described it as “such a fun snorkel trip” and appreciated how well the wetsuits kept her warm. Michael from Germany noted, “The staff is really nice and professional. Everything was as described,” confirming the tour’s reliability.

Given the calm waters, participants can spend a good amount of time floating and observing underwater life. The shallow tide pools are particularly interesting—they teem with an array of creatures that may even be touchable, if you’re feeling brave. The guides keep the group entertained with storytelling and facts, making it more than just a swim but an educational adventure.

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What Should You Bring?

The tour suggests bringing a towel, swimsuit, change of clothes, socks for under the wetsuit, and a small amount of personal belongings stored securely at the shop. While equipment is provided, reviewers recommend bringing an extra pair of socks for added comfort under the wetsuit. It’s also worth noting that the activity is rated as most strenuous, so this isn’t suited for everyone—participants should be physically fit and reasonably mobile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is well-suited for those with some water confidence and physical fitness. It’s not appropriate for children under 8, individuals with mobility or health issues, or anyone over 65 or over 260 lbs. If you’re seeking a lively, engaging, and physically active way to explore Alaska’s marine environment, this tour hits the spot. On the flip side, if you prefer a more relaxed, land-based sightseeing experience, this might not be the best fit.

The Value of a Guided Snorkeling Tour in Alaska

For $180, the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure offers a comprehensive package: expert guides, high-quality gear, transportation, and a memorable underwater experience. The attentive guides, all certified rescue divers and instructors, help ensure safety and maximize your enjoyment. This level of professionalism can often be found in far more expensive underwater excursions elsewhere, making it a good value.

The inclusion of full gear—particularly the thick wetsuits—means you won’t need to worry about renting or bringing your own equipment, and the warm suits significantly extend the time and comfort of your underwater exploration. The guided marine life tour adds an educational touch, enriching your understanding of the ecosystem while making the experience more engaging.

Many reviewers emphasize the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the well-organized nature of the trip. Michael from Germany praised the “really nice and professional” staff, while Camilo from Colombia called the service “10 out of 10.” The small group size (limited to 10 participants) enhances safety and allows guides to give personalized attention.

Who Will Get the Most Out of This Experience?

If you love outdoor adventures, are comfortable in open water, and want a hands-on encounter with Alaska’s underwater world, this tour will delight you. It’s especially appealing for cruise passengers looking for a convenient, well-organized excursion close to the dock. While it does demand some physical effort, most fit, reasonably mobile travelers will find it manageable and rewarding.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Since the activity is rated as most strenuous, those with medical conditions, limited mobility, or not in good shape should consider their suitability. Currents, although generally manageable, can be present near rocky beaches, so a good level of fitness and confidence in the water is recommended. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 8 or anyone with certain health issues.

Wrapping Up: Is It Worth It?

This snorkeling tour offers a genuine chance to explore the underwater beauty of Southeast Alaska without the need for scuba certification. The guides’ professionalism, combined with top-quality gear and the chance to encounter Alaska’s marine life firsthand, makes it a memorable experience for adventurous travelers.

The fact that the water temperatures are surprisingly mild, thanks to the summer season, is a bonus that allows for longer, more comfortable snorkeling. Plus, the proximity to the cruise port adds to the convenience, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, this experience balances adventure with safety, education, and fun. It’s perfect for those seeking a physically active, authentic Alaskan encounter—and willing to put in a little effort for a big payoff.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from the Ketchikan Visitors Center Liquid Sunshine is included.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, change of clothes, socks, and perhaps a small personal item to keep at the shop. All gear including wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels are provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for ages 8 and up, but the activity is physically demanding, so children should be reasonably fit and comfortable in water.

How long is the snorkeling portion?
The guided marine life tour lasts about one hour, with the total tour duration approximately three hours including preparation and transportation.

What if I don’t have experience snorkeling?
Guides are experienced and will provide full instructions and supervision, making it accessible even for beginners with some water confidence.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later.

To sum it up, the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure in Ketchikan offers a compelling blend of professional guidance, quality gear, and an engaging underwater environment. It’s a fantastic way for travelers craving a physical, educational, and visually stunning experience in Alaska’s waters. Best suited for active, water-loving travelers who want more than just land-based sightseeing, it promises memorable moments with Alaska’s vibrant marine life.

You can check if your dates are available here: