The Sitka Sound Island Snorkel Tour builds a bridge of accessibility between visitors and the underwater world of Southeast Alaska. Your local team will outfit each snorkeler with a state-of-the-art 7mm wetsuit and snorkel gear to make sure you stay warm while swimming. The only part of your body exposed to the water is your lower face.
Join the experienced and knowledgeable guides who will lead you on a snorkel tour among the kelp forests surrounding Sitka. Sitka's unique location on the Outer Coast of Southeast Alaska brings currents, waves, and pelagic creatures to its shores. The waters are teeming with colorful rockfish, kelp greenlings, sculpins, sea scallops, crabs, sand dollars, sea stars, anemones, Giant Pacific Octopi, and more.
The ocean around Sitka is 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Fear not, as you will be kept warm with state-of-the-art 7mm wetsuits, gloves, hoods, and booties. Warm up after the excursion with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cookies.
While no prior snorkeling experience is required for this one hour adventure, please review the tour requirements and frequently asked questions for more information.
NOTES:
Minimum weight 85 lbs Maximum weight 285 lbs. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and an extra pair of socks to wear under the wetsuit. A plastic bag for wet swimsuits, dry undergarments and a hairbrush is recommended. 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 from Harrigan Centennial Hall, downtown Sitka. )
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 depending 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, exercise-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. A liability waiver must be signed by each participant.
How cold is the water?
The average summer water temperature is 50-55 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. Your state-of-the-art 7mm wetsuits, gloves, hoods, and booties will keep you warm as the only part of your body exposed to the water is your lower face.
What is there to see while snorkeling?
Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska. Common sightings include Giant Pacific Octopi, colorful rockfish, kelp greenlings, sculpins, sea scallops, crabs, sand dollars, sea stars, anemones, needlefish, perch, tubeworms, nudibranchs, kelp snails, and abalone are just some of the animals to look out for. From shore or water, it is common to see bald eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and an occasional passing humpback whale.
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 85 lbs and the maximum weight allowance is 285 lbs.
What sizes of wetsuits are available?
Wetsuits range from sizes 8-year-old child to XXXL mens. The staff does their best to accommodate all body sizes. Please reach out to our team if you have any concerns about wetsuits.
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 container are allowed on tour. Items will be kept at the shop while snorkeling.
Are food and drink included?
Drinking water, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and cookies are provided.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Bring/wear a swimsuit to wear underneath your provided 7mm wetsuit (changing area available), a towel, and an extra pair of socks to wear under your wetsuit. A plastic bag for a wet swimsuit, a dry set of undergarments, and a hairbrush are also recommended.
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