SITKA SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Cold-water Kelp and Pelagics: Snorkeling Magic Island in Sitka
A guided, three-hour snorkel off Sitka that outfits you in 7mm wetsuits and leads you into kelp forests where Southeast Alaska’s extraordinary marine biodiversity lives.
Cold-water Kelp and Pelagics: Snorkeling Magic Island in Sitka.
Adventure brief
Cold-water Kelp and Pelagics: Snorkeling Magic Island in Sitka
Selkie Snorkels takes you from the outer-coast town of Sheetʼká Kwaan (Sitka) into the open-ocean waters around Magic Island, where strong currents, waves and pelagic visitors combine with lush kelp forests to create one of Southeast Alaska’s richest underwater communities.
Nestled along Alaska’s Southeast coastline, Sitka offers a front-row seat to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most vibrant marine landscapes. Amidst fjords carved by glaciers and an intricate shoreline dotted with islands and kelp forests, Selkie Snorkels invites you into a realm where sea life flourishes just beneath the surface. Their flagship activity, the Snorkel Tour: Magic Island, transforms the icy waters into a window to Southeast Alaska’s astonishing underwater biodiversity. Equipped with top-tier wetsuits designed for chilly Alaskan waters, participants descend into the salty depths with experienced guides who turn exploration into an educational adventure. As you glide through towering kelp canopies, you might spot playful sea otters escorting you along the way or fleeting glimpses of juvenile salmon darting through currents. This tour is ideal for those seeking a hands-on encounter with nature’s underwater artistry, making it a standout experience in the region’s outdoor scene.
Selkie Snorkels stands out not just for its commitment to safety and environmental stewardship but for their passion in sharing Alaska’s marine richness. The company’s intimate knowledge of local ecosystems ensures each trip is both memorable and respectful of fragile habitats. Visitors often describe their excursions as surprisingly accessible, with guides providing all necessary gear and instructions, making it attainable even for those new to snorkeling. The tour’s coastal setting offers picture-perfect moments—cobalt waters contrasting vivid seaweed and darting fish—providing countless opportunities for stunning photos.
While based in Sitka, this adventure's unique appeal draws outdoor enthusiasts who want an authentic, up-close experience of Alaska’s underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious newcomer, Selkie Snorkels makes discovering the Pacific Northwest’s hidden marine treasures a safe and immersive affair. It’s a chance to witness a lesser-seen side of Alaska’s rugged beauty—one that leaves a lasting impression of life beneath the waves.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
The tour moves from shore into kelp forest snorkel sites influenced by the outer coast—expect several short in-water stops led by guides.
Shore preparation and gearing
Guests are fitted with 7mm wetsuits and snorkel kits and briefed by guides before entering the water.
Kelp forest snorkel
The central activity involves snorkeling among kelp forests to observe local marine life and the effects of open-ocean currents.
Return and drying/outfitting
After the in-water time, guests return to shore to remove gear and dry off; guides conclude the outing on shore.
Conditions are influenced by open-ocean currents and waves; the operator outfits guests in thick wetsuits to manage cold water and may adjust the route or timing for safety and sea conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
State-of-the-art cold-water kit
The operator provides a full set of 7mm wetsuits and snorkel kits so you stay warm and can focus on the water rather than the cold.
Kelp forests alive with biodiversity
Guides lead snorkelers through dense kelp forests where the open-ocean location supports unusually high abundance and a range of pelagic and nearshore species.
Sitka’s outer-coast ocean dynamics
Sheetʼká Kwaan’s location on the outer coast means currents and waves from the open ocean influence sites around Magic Island, creating dynamic conditions and frequent pelagic visitors.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to go
Over roughly three hours, experienced guides kit you out in thick wetsuits, move the group from shore into kelp-draped water, and shepherd swimmers through currents and canopyed forests of kelp so you can observe an unusually rich assemblage of marine life in Southeast Alaska.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and what to check before you go.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs approximately 3 hours.
Bring a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit, a plastic bag for wet swimsuits, a dry set of underwear and a hairbrush for afterwards, and a cash tip for guides.
Selkie Snorkels provides full 7mm wetsuits and snorkel kits and leads guided snorkeling among Sitka’s kelp forests.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The snorkel tour is approximately 3 hours long.
Are wetsuits and snorkel gear provided?
Yes. Selkie Snorkels provides a full set of state-of-the-art 7mm wetsuits and snorkel kits.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit, a plastic bag for wet items, a dry change of clothes, personal grooming items for afterwards, and a cash tip for guides.
Where does the snorkeling take place?
The tour operates out of Sitka (Sheetʼká Kwaan) on the outer coast, snorkeling among kelp forests influenced by open-ocean conditions.
Will I see marine life?
Yes. The outer-coast waters around Sitka support extreme biodiversity and abundance, with kelp forests and pelagic visitors commonly encountered.
Are guides included?
Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead the snorkel tours.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:04:55.036Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.