Cold Current, Bright Colors: Snorkeling Alaska’s Mountain Point
A rare cold-water snorkel where kelp forests, seals, and salmon share the shallows of Southeast Alaska.
The ocean at Mountain Point moves like a living thing, shouldering kelp fronds in gentle pulses and drawing the shoreline into its cool breath. You step from the pebble beach into the Tongass’s slate-green water, zip sealed and gloved in seven millimeters of neoprene. The first rush is electric—cold that wakes every nerve—then the suit settles and the sea welcomes you, nudging you forward. Beneath, a world bright enough to surprise even seasoned travelers takes over: forests of sugar kelp sway like metronomes; purple and orange sea stars sprawl over rock ledges; urchins glint in crowded constellations. Somewhere beyond the point, a harbor seal watches with mild curiosity, as if gauging whether to come closer or simply shadow you from the dim edge of the kelp. Welcome to snorkeling in Alaska, where the water is cold, the colors are loud, and the wildlife has agency.
Trail Wisdom
Aim for Slack Tide
Visibility and current are often best around slack tide at Mountain Point—ask your guide about timing.
Warmth Starts on Land
Show up hydrated and lightly fueled, and wear a thin base layer or swimsuit under the 7mm suit to stay comfortable.
Dial In Your Mask
Use defog before entering and practice a quick mask clear—good fit equals better views and less fuss in cold water.
Wildlife Has Right of Way
Give seals, salmon, and jellies space; don’t touch intertidal life or kelp holdfasts to protect fragile habitats.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Rotary Beach (Bugge’s Beach) tidepools just north of Mountain Point at a minus tide
- •Ward Lake loop for a quiet rainforest walk under big spruce and hemlock
Wildlife
Harbor seal, Bald eagle
Conservation Note
The intertidal zone is fragile—avoid touching marine life, use reef-safe sunscreen sparingly, and pack out everything. Respect wildlife distances and tidepool etiquette.
Ketchikan grew around salmon canneries in the late 1800s and sits within the traditional homelands of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calmer coves, Clearer water before plankton blooms
Challenges: Coldest water temps, Unpredictable rain, Limited tour availability
Early season can bring crisp visibility and fewer crowds, but the water is cold and weather can swing quickly.
summer
Best for: Warmer surface temps, Abundant marine life
Challenges: Jellyfish blooms, Variable plankton reducing visibility, Peak visitor traffic
Prime season for colorful kelp forests and salmon runs, with the warmest water of the year and the most tour departures.
fall
Best for: Salmon inshore, Golden light and moody skies
Challenges: Stronger storms, Cool air temps, Fewer departures
Late season brings dramatic skies and fish activity, but pack warm layers and expect wind and rain.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Occasional glassy seas on calm days
Challenges: Very limited or no operations, Coldest water, Short daylight
Some operators pause in winter; when conditions align, expect brisk temps and quiet shorelines.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Swimsuit or Thin Base LayerEssential
Wear it under the provided 7mm wetsuit for comfort and an easier change.
Towel + Dry, Warm LayersEssential
Essential for rewarming quickly after the snorkel; think fleece or puffy and a beanie.
Action Camera with Red/Magenta Filter
Cold-water green tones benefit from a filter to bring back color and contrast in kelp forests.
Warm Hat and Hand Warmers
A cozy hat and chemical warmers help take the chill off after you exit the water in cooler months.
Common Questions
Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No. Guides provide instruction on mask clearing, snorkel use, and ocean entry. Comfort in the water is recommended.
How cold is the water and will I get cold?
Summer water temps average 50–55°F (10–13°C). A 7mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, and boots keeps most guests comfortable for 45–60 minutes.
Will I see big animals like whales or seals?
Harbor seals are commonly seen and sometimes approach. Whales are typically viewed from shore or boat nearby; underwater sightings are rare.
Can I wear glasses under the mask?
Standard masks don’t fit over glasses. Consider contacts or ask if prescription masks are available in limited diopters.
Is it safe if I’m not a strong swimmer?
The site is nearshore with guide supervision, safety briefings, and buoyant wetsuits. You should still be able to float and kick comfortably.
What about jellyfish?
Moon jellies are common and generally harmless; lion’s mane jellies appear at times—guides help you avoid them and wetsuits add protection.
What to Pack
Swimsuit for under the wetsuit; Quick-dry towel for post-dip warmth; Compact fleece or puffy for the ride back; Waterproof action camera to capture the kelp forest color
Did You Know
Ketchikan sits within the Tongass National Forest—the largest temperate rainforest on Earth—and averages over 140 inches of rainfall annually.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning slot for calmer conditions and better visibility; Bring contacts if you wear glasses—masks don’t fit over frames; Expect rain—pack a lightweight shell for pre/post-snorkel comfort; Ask about slack tide windows for the clearest water.
Local Flavor
Refuel at the Alaska Fish House for halibut tacos and chowder with harbor views, or grab a pint at Bawden Street Brewing Co. Stroll Creek Street’s boardwalk after your dip, then visit Saxman Totem Park to connect the day’s saltwater scenes with the region’s cultural roots.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Ketchikan International (KTN). Meeting point: downtown Ketchikan cruise/harbor area with shuttle to Mountain Point (about 7 miles/15 minutes south). Cell service: generally good in town, spotty near coves. Permits: none needed for guests; guided outing includes gear and transport.
Sustainability Note
This coastline is nursery habitat for countless species—float, don’t stand, on sensitive eelgrass; minimize sunscreen and never handle marine life. Leave only fin trails in the water and footprints on the road.
Continue Reading
Into the Blue: Diving Dahab’s Iconic Blue Hole
A deep vertical sinkhole on the Sinai coast, the Blue Hole draws divers, freedivers, and curious travelers with its dramatic drop and vibrant reef rim. Here’s a practical guide to experiencing it safely and respectfully.
Dahab, South Sinai
Lanai Island: Small-Island Solitude Between Maui and the Horizon
Lanai is an island of contrasts: protected reefs for effortless snorkeling, raw northshore coasts accessible only by 4x4, and high ridgelines that deliver sweeping views—all with few tourists and a quiet, deliberate pace.
Lanai City, Hawaii