Cold-water Kelp and Pelagics: Snorkeling Magic Island in Sitka

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.

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Cold-water Kelp and Pelagics: Snorkeling Magic Island in Sitka.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Sitka
Operator
Selkie Snorkels
Category
Snorkel
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GEAR

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.

THE UNDERWATER

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.

THE SETTING

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.

1
Active adventure seekersGood for travelers who want an immersive, hands-on encounter with Sitka’s marine environment and are comfortable entering cold, open-ocean water when properly equipped.
2
Wildlife and biodiversity enthusiastsDesigned for people eager to see dense kelp forests and the high marine biodiversity typical of Sitka’s outer-coast waters.
3
Cold-water beginners with proper kitSelkie Snorkels provides 7mm wetsuits and full snorkel kits, making the experience accessible to newcomers who are prepared for cold-water conditions.
4
People who should check operator rulesIf you have health concerns, age limits, or other restrictions, confirm eligibility with the operator before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The outing runs approximately 3 hours.

What to bring

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.

Logistics & operator

Selkie Snorkels provides full 7mm wetsuits and snorkel kits and leads guided snorkeling among Sitka’s kelp forests.

Booking Notice

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.