About this experience
Experience a seldom seen view of underwater Alaska. Snorkel Alaska's Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure is an all inclusive and fully guided Shore Excursion. We are one of the only snorkeling excursions in the whole state of Alaska. Where else in the world do you have the chance of snorkeling alongside large marine mammals? The intertidal zone of Southeast Alaska offers an amazing variety of colorful marine life.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Planning perspective
How I’d plan this experience
Snorkel Alaska is an unusual way to spend a Ketchikan shore stop: rather than viewing Southeast Alaska from the deck, you get into the water to explore its intertidal marine life. I’d consider it if you’re curious about cold-water snorkeling and happy with a physically demanding outing. The thick wetsuit and guided instruction make the idea more approachable, but they don’t remove the challenge of getting in and out on a rocky beach.
Who I think will enjoy it
I’d recommend this most to adventurous travelers who want an active, close-up nature experience and are comfortable following a guide in open water. Beginners are welcome, and the experience includes instruction, in-water supervision and a guided marine-life tour. Several travelers described feeling supported by the guides and seeing creatures such as sea stars, sea cucumbers and urchins; that’s encouraging, though wildlife sightings can’t be promised.
You don’t need to be an experienced snorkeler to consider it, but do take the physical requirements seriously. The tour is rated most strenuous, and its own guidance calls for reasonable fitness and no mobility issues. I wouldn’t choose it as a casual, low-effort alternative to a walking excursion.
Choosing an option—and knowing what’s included
There’s only one tour option listed here, so the decision is less about comparing packages and more about whether this particular activity fits you. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, full 7mm wetsuits, hoods, boots and gloves, plus roundtrip transport from the downtown cruise docks. Prescription masks are also available. Travelers repeatedly mention helpful instruction and warm, protective suits, but a thick wetsuit can be cumbersome to put on; allow yourself patience while getting suited up.
My advice is to arrive ready to swim, with your swimsuit and a towel, and bring an extra pair of socks to help with the wetsuit. The tour runs for three hours overall, with one hour described for the guided marine-life tour in the water.
Plan the meeting and the effort
Meet at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau Liquid Sunshine Gauge at 131 Front Street, Berth 2, and arrive 15 minutes before departure. If you’re traveling on Norwegian Cruise Line, the provided instructions say you’ll need the free shuttle from The Mill at Ward Cove to downtown Ketchikan; build that connection into your plans rather than assuming you can walk from the ship.
The main trade-off is physical access, not simply swimming confidence. The rocky entry and exit may be difficult, currents may be present, and the information specifically flags limited mobility and certain health conditions as reasons not to participate. Check those requirements carefully before choosing this outing; some medical disqualifications are not eligible for a day-of refund.
Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary and traveller feedback · Updated October 27, 2026
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
What is included
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary and highlights
Everything you need to snorkel safely and comfortably in our waters is included. We provide roundtrip transportation from the downtown cruise ship docks. All guests are outfitted with full 7mm Harvey’s or SCUBAPRO wetsuits, hoods, boots and gloves. We provide top of the line Tusa & SCUBAPRO masks and Twin Jet fins. Prescription masks and optional weight belts for free diving are also available. You will receive complete instruction, in water supervision and a one hour guided marine life tour conducted by our experienced guides. Beginners are always welcome! Hot beverages and water are also included. This tour is rated as most strenuous due to the tight fitting nature of the wetsuit. You enter the water from a rocky beach and snorkel where currents may be present. One should be reasonably physically fit and not have any mobility issues.
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- All tours depart from the Ketchikan Visitors Center Liquid Sunshine gauge located on Berth 2. 131 Front St. Ketchikan, AK 99901. Look for our Dock Representative holding a Snorkel Alaska sign. Please arrive 15 minutes early and don't forget to bring a towel, swimsuit and an extra pair of socks to wear under the wetsuit. The socks help the suit slip on and off easier. For guests traveling on Norwegian Cruise Line you will need to take the FREE shuttle bus from The Mill at Ward Cove to downtown Ketchikan. The shuttle can be booked upon disembarkation at the Mill at Ward Cove. The roundtrip shuttle is free. Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour to get to town from the time you disembark the ship. It is IMPERATIVE that you are some of the first guests to disembark in order to make it on time. Refunds will not be provided should you miss the departure time.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Snorkel Alaska
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for the severely obese or persons with limited mobility. We snorkel from a rocky beach so entries and exits are difficult at best.
- Anyone with a history of past or present heart conditions, respiratory disorders or history of seizures or fainting will not be permitted to snorkel. No refunds will be given the day of the tour for a medical disqualification.
- Participants must weigh between 80 and 260 pounds for proper wetsuit fit.
- Suggested maximum age is 70 due to the strenuous nature of snorkeling in Alaska
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
For guests traveling on Norwegian Cruise Line you will need to take the FREE shuttle bus from The Mill at Ward Cove to downtown Ketchikan. The shuttle can be booked upon disembarkation at the Mill at Ward Cove. The roundtrip shuttle is free. Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour to get to town from the time you disembark the ship. It is IMPERATIVE that you are some of the first guests to disembark in order to make it on time. Refunds will not be provided should you miss the departure time.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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