Snorkel Alaska

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Ketchikan, USA

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

3 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

A great pick for nature lovers, this Ketchikan Snorkeling Shore Excursion picks you right up at the cruise ship docks and takes you on an underwater Alaskan adventure. Get suited up in your snorkel equipment and listen to an instruction before you hit the water with a guide who knows the best spots to spot sea life. Hot beverages and water are also provided for convenience during your Ketchikan Snorkeling Shore Excursion.

Go on a guided Alaska snorkeling experience with an instruction beforehand
Perfect for all skill levels—even beginners are welcome
All snorkeling equipment, including a wetsuit and mask, is provided
Round-trip transport from the Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks is included

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Use of Snorkeling equipment

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks
Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

Pickup details

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.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Jacob_M

This experience was amazing. We saw so many different wild life and got to hold a few things. The instructors were great and helped everyone and were very attentive. They made sure to explain everything and most importantly that everyone was having fun. I would do this again.

Reviews

5.0

based on 301 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Impulse snorkel.

Deanna_F, Sep 2025

Great impulsive snorkel! I snorkel for a lifestyle both at home in Bermuda and around the world. However, this excursion from Holland America ship did not surface. I heard of Drysuit snorkels in Sitka but that was it. So when I found snorkel Alaska on Viator I was thrilled to jump in (albeit without my Olympus tg6). Feed was kind enough to send me a few GoPro shots. On with the snorkel… Fred and Mel are very accommodating and knowledgeable. Went out Mountain Pass at high tide. Not that I had a choice of tides but if you do, choose low tide. Note: I spend 90% of my snorkeling life in 10 feet or less. Visibility was good. Water was not cold with the 7mm on. Saw loads of sea-stars of varying types. Urchins. Hermit crabs galore which were fun to watch walking all over the place. Larger crabs (unsure of kind), sea cucumbers (burrowing and non burrowing), some fish. No seals or whales on this excursion but rumors of some. Bay was calm. Not much current but I can see that closer to channel there would be some to contend with. Souvenir shirts for sale so bring money or credit card. I have worn my long sleeve tee lots already. Wish I had looked up “what to see” before the trip as I know I missed so much unique life in the bay. Thanks for the memories. Super long comment but hopefully helpful.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thanks Deanna! Was a great day in the water as always! Fred D

This experience was...

Jacob_M, Sep 2025

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thanks so much for joining us! Fred D.

We hope to come back!

Brittany_C, Aug 2025

This crew met the expectations of their review! Laid back while informative, and taking the time to discuss our MANY sea creatures findings. No experience needed, let this be your first!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you so much! Really appreciate you taking the time to review my tour. Fred D.

Magical experience!

Greg_W, Aug 2025

Incredible experience from beginning to end. Wonderful staff, easy pickup from port, and the snorkeling was beautiful! Staff took extra care to make sure everyone was comfortable before, during, and after the water. Highly recommend this experience

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thanks so much for providing this magical review!!! Fred D.

Snorkel in Alaska!

Cory_S, May 2025

Unique experience to snorkel in Alaska, which not many can say. Fred & his team hook you up with amazing gear to keep you warm (enough) for the adventure. The snorkeling was very cool. There were a ton of jellyfish, starfish, sea cucumbers, etc. Fred even caught a buffalo sculpin with his hands to show us. I would highly recommend this tour! Great company and great people

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thanks so much for joining us! Ahhh yes, the Buffalo Sculpin... reminds me of a Bob Marley song! ha ha Fred D. Snorkel Alaska

Better than words could describe!

Carmen_G, Sep 2024

This excursion was amazing! It’s such a great way to see and experience Alaska. I couldn’t recommend it enough! We got lucky and saw a whale and seal along with sea stars, urchins, and so much more! Our tour guides, Fred and Kurt, were awesome and took great care of us. Thank you guys!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you sooo much for joining us and also for taking the time to write such a nice review! Fred D.

Wonderful Experience with Snorkel Alaska

Kevin_B, Sep 2024

This was a last minute booking and we were so lucky to have booked with Snorkel Alaska. They were so professional, had great equipment, great facilities, and they were passionate about making sure everyone in the group had a great experience. Thank you Fred and Kurt for a great afternoon in the water.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! Fred

5 star experience

Mackenzie_D, Aug 2024

Fred, Kurt, and Josh were all excellent on this excursion; they were each knowledgeable, safe, and patient - all things you would want in a foreign area doing something you don’t usually experience. The wetsuits were awesome at regulating our body temperature and keeping us warm while in the cool water. We saw jellyfish, starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchin, an eel, and some whales from just 100yds away.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks for the kind words about my staff and our tour!!!! Really appreciate it. Fred D. Snorkel Alaska

Great time!!

Ashley_W, Jun 2024

This was an amazing trip! We were recommended this excursion by a friend and we’re so happy we booked it. It ended up being one of the best things we did on our trip. They were easy to communicate with. We were nervous about being back in time for our cruise but everything went extremely smooth.

Amazing unique Alaska activity

Amy_B, May 2024

Fred and team were awesome. This experience was so unique when looking for something to do in Alaska! It was exhilarating, refreshing, colorful, and absolutely amazing. I wish I had more photos to share but they are currently stored on my GoPro awaiting download when I get home. The activity is strenuous but so much fun.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thanks for the review! Fred D.

Don’t miss this excursion!

Jason_S, Sep 2023

We’ve been on many excursions over the years and this by far was our absolute favorite! Upon booking we were concerned about freezing in the water and being late for the cruise ship, neither of these were an issue. Tour operators were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The equipment was in great condition and functioned properly and we were not cold even though the water temp was 47 and it rained all day, we were never cold in the water. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks Jason! We guarantee you won't miss your ship and our equipment is the best available. We stay toasty warm no matter what the weather is doing. Snorkeling in Ketchikan is the best thing to do when it's pouring down rain! Fred D.

Great excursion

Courtney_L, Sep 2023

What an amazing trip! The guides were so friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife. We saw lots of things under the water and never got cold.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks so much! Fred D.

10/10

veronica_z, Sep 2023

Go! This was such a fun and unique way to see another part of Alaska’s wildlife. The brews at Asylum and free glass was an added bonus

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Love it! Thanks for plugging us and the Asylum where all drafts are $3.50 and you get a free pint glass! Fred D.

Surprisingly Warm and beautiful

Megan_B, Sep 2023

Seeing the sea stars, sea cucumber, little hermit crabs, baby crabs, salmon schooling was very neat. Also it was a sunny day so it was beautiful under water. The wetsuit with the hood was so warm. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for sharing! Fred D.

Don't be afraid to go Snorkeling in Alaska!!

Joseph_D, Jul 2023

Frank and his team were great! They explained everything and assisted with every aspect of the excursion, including helping folks get into wet suits and explaining the basics of snorkeling. The team was very kind and patient to people of all skill levels. They explained the various sea creatures we encountered and we even had a close encounter with a mature hump back wale during the event. If you don't try this when you go to Alaska, you are missing out!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hey Joseph, Fred here! That's the second time someone called me Frank in a review... :) Thanks for joining us for taking a few minutes to write a review! Fred D. Snorkel Alaska

Just do it!

Alexis_S, Aug 2022

Awesome experience! Saw star fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, salmon, lots of other fish, eels… crew was super friendly and knowledgeable. If you are questioning whether this is worth it, it is! Do it! Once in lifetime experience to snorkel Alaska and the water was warm!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks for the review! Really appreciated. Fred D.

Snorkel Alaska

suesimpson, Aug 2022

Love viator tours, this one is very poorly described as how your day will proceed. Certainly not one I would recommend the way described,

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hi there. Can you please elaborate? Our tour is very clearly described in great detail. And we follow through in every way. We pick up 15 minutes early at the meeting location, provide full instructions on the way to the shop. We outfit you from head to toe with top of the line equipment. Our staff are PADI certified SCUBA Instructors = overqualified :) and we provide a one hour guided marine life tour. We have hot showers after snorkeling and drop you off punctually back at the ship. Myself and Kurt are there with you every step of the way helping you into your wetsuit, tugging up the sleeves and zipping you up. We help everyone put their fins on down at the beach, we check and adjust your mask to make sure it's sealed, then we help get your gloves on and tucked in. We then lead you around the site, care for you in the water all while providing and an informative and entertaining narrative. We free dive down into the depths so you may see and hold sea urchins and cucumbers that you might not otherwise see. It is a very difficult job and we do it happily every day. So maybe you didn't like the tight fitting wetsuit? It has to be tight to keep you warm. No they are not super easy to put on but that's all part of the adventure! Did you take photos in your "outfit", makes a great Christmas card!!! Our tour is clearly rated "most strenuous" for a reason. I wish I had more detail from you about what was poorly described. Feel free to contact me so I can help to understand how to better describe snorkeling in Alaska and how we can provide the best tour for all. Sincerely, Fred D.

Great equipment, great location, great guides, great experience

Christian_P, Jul 2022

Snorkel Alaska was a highlight of our Alaska cruise - because you're not looking at what others have done, but what you are doing - it is an interactive excursion. Doing is more fun than watching. You may think snorkeling in Hawaii or the Caribbean must be better, with more coral and brighter fish (and I have been in both). But Alaska is just as good, because of the experience of a full wet suit, there is plenty to see, and you have interesting (and well-qualified) guides that find and comment on various sea creatures. The equipment (wetsuits and snorkel equipment) is top-notch. The location is terrific with good visibility and much to see. We were in the water for over an hour, and when we got back the tide had fallen three feet or so. It will be cold. No, not in the water (it is so warm it actually feels good when the cool water seeps into the suit every so often) - only when you get back and take off the wetsuit in the cool Alaska breeze! No, really, it's quite comfortable. Highly recommended for the adventurous.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks so much for joining us and for this amazing review of my tour! We love what we do! Fred D.

Just wearing all the gear...

Daniel_P, Jul 2022

Just wearing all the gear made it an experience. The wet suit keeps you warm and acts as a float. We wore the hip weights to balance us. The two guides gave you clear direction for safety and just made it a great experience

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thanks for the 5 star review!

A very unique experience!

DishaSubhash_S, May 2022

Holding different sea creatures and getting to know about them. Our tour guide was very informative and took care of our safety concerns.

Response from Host, May 2022

Thank you so much for joining us and writing such a kind review! Fred D. - Owner Snorkel Alaska

Don't miss out on this one!

April_B, Sep 2021

This was one of the highlights of our trip!! It was such a unique and adventurous experience and absolutely beautiful to be out in the ocean in Alaska (all while staying warm I might add). When Fred (the owner) came out with flip flops and a warm smile in the pouring rain, we knew were going to have a great time! Fred and Kurt were down to earth and very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and sea floor. They both have a ton of experience, so we knew we were in great hands the whole time. I cannot recommend this trip enough!! Especially if you are looking for something a little more adventurous than the normal excursions offered around. Thank you Fred and Kurt for an amazing day!!

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thanks April for the amazing review of my tour! We are so happy to back in the water and sharing our love of the ocean with people like you. Fred D. - Owner Snorkel Alaska