Ketchikan, Alaska: The Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and looking for something a little different from the usual sightseeing tours, the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure might just be worth considering. It’s an experience that promises a chance to see Alaska’s marine life up close, all while staying comfortably warm in top-notch gear. We’ve looked into what this tour offers—and from the glowing reviews, it seems to be a popular choice for travelers craving a unique perspective on Alaska’s underwater scenery.

Two things really stand out: the professional guides who know their stuff inside out and the surprisingly warm water temperatures during summer. However, it’s not a tour for everyone—participants should be reasonably fit and comfortable in water, as it’s rated as the most strenuous snorkeling activity available. If you’re someone who loves adventure, enjoys marine environments, and doesn’t mind a bit of physical activity, this could be an exciting addition to your cruise stop.

But a quick heads-up: this isn’t a tour for children under 8, nor for anyone with significant mobility or health issues. It’s a brisk, active outing that rewards those ready to get wet and explore Alaska’s underwater realm. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what makes this snorkeling adventure special—and what you should consider before booking.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 3-hour tour with gear, guide, and transportation
• Professional guides with PADI certifications ensure safety and knowledge
• Warm 7mm wetsuits make snorkeling comfortable even in Alaska’s waters
• Unique underwater sights, including kelp forests and tide pools
• Surprisingly warm water temperatures reaching 65°F in summer
• Limited to small groups for a more personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure Offers

This tour is designed to give you a genuine glimpse into Southeast Alaska’s underwater environment, without the need for advanced diving skills. We like that it’s all-inclusive, so once you meet at the Liquid Sunshine Gauge in downtown Ketchikan, everything from your wetsuit to your guide’s expertise is covered. The fact that guides are PADI professionals with Rescue Diver, Divemaster, or SCUBA Instructor certifications really adds a layer of confidence—these folks know how to keep everyone safe while making the experience enjoyable.

The adventure lasts approximately three hours, which includes roundtrip transportation from the meeting point, gear fitting, a guided water tour, and some time back at the shop for hot beverages. The tour tends to be scheduled mostly in the morning, fitting nicely into a cruise day without feeling rushed.

The Journey to Mountain Point

Starting at the Liquid Sunshine Gauge near the Ketchikan Visitors Center, your guide will take you from the city to the snorkeling site—just five miles away, meaning no long bus rides or transfers. The drive itself might be scenic, and once you arrive, you’ll change into your wetsuit in the comfort of heated dressing rooms. This is a thoughtful touch, especially given the chilly reputation of Alaskan waters, though you’ll find water temperatures can reach 65°F in summer, which isn’t bad at all with the right gear.

The gear provided is excellent: a full 7mm wetsuit with hood, boots, gloves, along with prescription masks, fins, snorkel, and even optional weight belts for freediving. This professional setup means you won’t be cold or uncomfortable while exploring. We’ve read reviews where guests mention feeling perfectly comfortable even in slightly rough water, thanks to the quality wetsuits and attentive guides.

The Snorkeling Experience in Mountain Point

Once in the water, you’ll snorkel over calm, clear waters filled with marine life. The site boasts a variety of shallow tide pools teeming with sea stars, urchins, and sea cucumbers, which make for fascinating observations just beneath the surface. For those interested in wildlife, the underwater landscape features steep rock walls and kelp forests, home to many colorful fish and invertebrates.

The guides provide a one-hour marine life tour, sharing knowledge about the creatures you see and touching on Alaska’s marine ecosystem. From the reviews, it’s clear that guides are not only professional but also friendly and engaging—one guest even said, “The staff was really nice and professional.” They make the effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable and informed, which helps those new to snorkeling or unfamiliar with the environment.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure seems particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more active outdoor experience and want to see Alaska’s marine environment without scuba gear. The small group size, limited to about ten participants, helps keep things personalized and manageable.

While it’s rated as most strenuous and involves some physical activity, most reviews mention that the quality wetsuits keep participants warm and comfortable. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate professional guides and value safety and education during their adventures.

If you’re someone who finds chilly water daunting, you’ll be glad to know that the summer temperatures in this area make snorkeling quite pleasant with the right gear. But keep in mind the minimum weight requirement of 80 pounds and the age limit of around 8 years and up—this isn’t a tour for young children or those with mobility issues.

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Pricing and Value

At $180 per person, this tour is a bit of an investment, but considering everything included—transport, top-quality gear, guided tour, and hot drinks—it’s a fair price for an all-activities, hassle-free experience. As one reviewer pointed out, “Everything was really well organized,” making it feel like a smooth, stress-free adventure rather than a complicated outing.

A big plus is the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if you’re planning your cruise or short trip and want to lock in your spot without immediate commitment.

What to Bring and Considerations

Be sure to bring a change of clothes, towel, swimsuit, socks, and a bit of extra time to change into your wetsuit comfortably. The tour is rated as most strenuous, so good physical fitness is recommended. If you have pre-existing medical conditions like heart or respiratory issues, it might be best to skip this activity.

Participants should also be reasonably fit, and those with a history of seizures or fainting should avoid it. It’s not suitable for children under 8, nor for guests over 65 or those over 260 lbs—rules designed to ensure safety and comfort for everyone.

The tour meets at the Liquid Sunshine shop right on Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan, making it easy to find and convenient for cruise passengers.

Real Experiences from Travelers

From the reviews, it’s clear that most participants walk away very satisfied. One guest from Canada said, “We had a great time! The water was a bit rough, but the guides were helpful and nice.” Another from Germany described it as “a really nice experience,” praising the professionalism and organization.

Many reviewers point out that the wetsuits are high-quality, keeping everyone warm even when the water can feel chilly in other parts of Alaska. They also mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides who made everyone feel comfortable—especially helpful for those new to snorkeling.

A recurring theme is that the snorkeling is surprisingly fun and colorful, offering a different way to explore Alaska’s marine life compared to land-based tours. Even if you’re not a seasoned swimmer or snorkeler, the guided approach and good gear make it accessible.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a hands-on underwater experience during your trip to Ketchikan, this snorkeling adventure offers a fantastic opportunity. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Alaska’s vibrant marine life without the scuba gear or extensive training. The small group setting and professional guides add to the sense of safety and personal attention.

However, it’s important to recognize that this is a physically active outing, with some water currents and the need for good mobility. It’s best suited for those in reasonable condition, comfortable in water, and aged 8 or older. If you’re seeking a relaxing, low-key activity, this might feel a bit too strenuous.

Overall, with positive reviews praising the friendly staff, excellent equipment, and stunning underwater scenery, this tour seems to offer solid value for an adventure-seeking traveler eager to explore Alaska’s marine environment. It’s a memorable, engaging way to experience Ketchikan from a different perspective—one that many guests say they would do again.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from the meeting point at Liquid Sunshine is included, making it easy to fit into your cruise schedule.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, swimsuit, socks, and some extra time to change into your wetsuit comfortably.

How long is the snorkeling portion?
The guided marine life tour in the water lasts about one hour, but the entire experience is around three hours including transportation and prep.

Can beginners participate?
Yes, the tour is suitable for beginners, thanks to professional guides and quality equipment.

What is the water temperature?
Water temperatures reach about 65°F in mid-summer, which is quite manageable with the provided wetsuits.

Is the tour appropriate for children?
It’s recommended for ages 8 and up, with a minimum weight of 80 pounds. It’s not suitable for younger children or those with mobility issues.

What gear is included?
All necessary gear—including wetsuits, masks, fins, snorkel, gloves, and optional weight belts—is provided.

What if I have medical conditions?
Participants should be reasonably fit and aware of their health status. Those with heart or respiratory issues, seizure history, or fainting problems should consider whether this activity is suitable for them.

What should I expect at the site?
You’ll snorkel in calm waters, exploring shallow tide pools and steep rock walls, with plenty of marine life like sea stars, urchins, and colorful fish.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

If you’re after an active, memorable way to experience Ketchikan’s underwater world, this snorkeling tour offers a great combination of professional guidance, quality gear, and spectacular scenery. Just be sure that you’re comfortable with the physical demands, and you’ll likely come away with stories and photos to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: