Come experience the underwater adventure of a lifetime. This unparalleled shore excursion is sure to provide a unique and intimate view of Ketchikan's coastal waters. Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's breathtaking underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point.
Fear not, you will be toasty warm in a state-of-the-art 7mm wetsuit complete with hood, boots, and gloves as you hover amongst Alaska's diverse and colorful marine life. Thanks to the Japanese Kiroshio current, long summer days, and the lack of glaciers in the area, water temperatures reach a surprising 65 degrees in mid-summer!
Mountain Point is Southeast Alaska's premier snorkeling destination. The site has shallow tide pools teaming with marine life and steep underwater rock walls for freediving all just 5 miles from downtown Ketchikan. Change into your wetsuit in the comfort of our heated dressing rooms, located one mile from the snorkeling site. Secure storage for your belongings and all equipment is provided for this truly unique adventure.
Your guides are highly trained PADI professionals with Rescue Diver, Divemaster, or SCUBA Instructor certifications. We utilize the finest equipment available complete with prescription masks, SCUBAPRO Twin Jet fins, and optional weight belts for free diving. Complete instruction, in-water supervision, and entertaining in-water narrative make this award-winning excursion suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
During your one-hour guided marine life tour, you will observe and handle a variety of multi-colored sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers, and the giant sunflower star. Discover the myriad of fish and colorful invertebrates that inhabit these waters while snorkeling over the kelp forest. Enjoy a hot beverage before returning to your ship.
NOTES:
Minimum weight 80 lbs / 36 kg; maximum weight 260 lbs / 118 kg. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and an extra pair of socks to wear under the wetsuit. The waiver release form must be signed. Participants should be reasonably physically fit. Past or present medical conditions may restrict participation.
Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip transportation from downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks. Guests docking at Ward Cove must take a shuttle and allow for extra time. )
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation from downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks.
- All equipment including a full 7mm wetsuit, hood, boots, gloves, mask, fins, snorkel, and optional weight belts for free diving
- Full instructions, in-water supervision, and a one-hour guided marine life tour
- Secure storage for all of your belongings
- Drinking water, hot chocolate, tea, or coffee
- Hot showers available after snorkeling
Requirements:
- Minimum weight: 80 lbs/ 36 kg
- Maximum weight: 260 lbs / 188 kg
- Items to bring: towel, swimsuit, and an extra pair of socks to wear under the wetsuit.
- Participants should be reasonably physically fit for this tour as the tour is rated strenuous. Past or present medical conditions may restrict participation.
- The liability waiver must be signed by all participants.
Duration: 3 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 10 minutes - transportation near Mountain Point for gear/changing location
- 30 minutes - outfitting and changing into wetsuits
- 5 minutes - transportation to Mountain Point
- 1.5 hours - safety briefing, final equipment donning, and snorkeling (minimum of one hour in the water)
- 5 minutes - transportation back to shop
- 30 minutes - hot showers and change back into clothing
- 10 minutes - transportation back to the downtown Ketchikan cruise ship dock
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets at the Liquid Sunshine Rain Gauge. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.
Are there any physical requirements for this tour?
Yes, participants must be reasonably physically fit as this tour is strenuous. You snorkel off a rocky beach and the suggested age limit is 70 years old depnding on your level of physical fitness. Due to the strenuous nature of snorkeling in Alaska and in accordance with the guidelines established by The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Discover Snorkeling Program, participation would be denied for a variety of medical conditions. If you suffer from ANY form of heart condition (past or present) minor or major, you will be unable to snorkel on this excursion. Heart conditions include but are not limited to: murmurs, flutters , mitral-valve prolapse, angina, stints, pacemakers, defibrillators, bradycardia, tachycardia, congestive heart failure, valve replacement, bypass surgery etc. Major respiratory disorders link bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, excercise induced asthma, etc. will also not be allowed participation. Any history of past or present seizures or fainting, you are unable to be taken snorkeling. Please accept our apologies as your safety is our number one priority. Liability waiver mus be signed by each participant.
How cold is the water?
The average summer water temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface. Surface temperatures fluctuate between a low of 45 degrees in the spring and a high of 65 degrees in mid-summer.
What is there to see while snorkeling?
From the smallest barnacle to a massive Humpback Whale swimming by, you will see a wide variety of colorful creatures. You can count on seeing multi
Are there any age restrictions for children?
There are no age restrictions however there are minimum weight and maximum weight restrictions. Guests must weigh a minimum of 80 lbs/ 36 kg and the maximum weight allowance is 260 lbs/ 188 kg.
Can I bring a backpack?
Small bags may be brought with you and may be left in a secure location while snorkeling.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable containter are allowed on tour. Items will be kept at the shop while snorkeling.
Are food and drink included?
Drinking water, hot chocolate, tea or coffee is provided.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Bring/wear a swimsuit to wear underneath your provided 7mm wetsuit (changing area available), towel and an extra pair of socks to wear under your wetsuit.
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