Snorkel Tour at Magic Island offers an exciting way to explore Alaska’s underwater life. Priced at $195 per person, this 3-hour small-group adventure in Sitka is perfect for active travelers who feel comfortable swimming and walking over rocky shores. The tour begins at the Harrigan Centennial Hall Visitors Dock and includes a private transfer to the snorkel site. With a rating of 5.0 from 63 reviews, it’s highly recommended by 97% of participants, many of whom praise the knowledgeable guides and the abundance of marine life seen during the excursion.

This tour is designed for people with a strong physical fitness level who have some snorkeling experience and are comfortable swimmers. It involves walking over rocks to enter the water, so participants should be prepared for a quarter-mile walk on uneven terrain. The tour’s focus on personalized attention with a maximum of 10 travelers makes it an intimate and engaging experience, especially for those eager to see the unique marine ecosystem of Sitka Sound.

Key Points

Small-group snorkeling tour with a maximum of 10 people ensures personalized attention.
All snorkeling gear, including a 7mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, booties, and flippers, is provided.
Warm semi-dry suits help brave the 50-degree water, offering surprising comfort during the experience.
Guides swim with guests and use foamy surfboards for resting or assistance, ensuring safety and fun.
Snorkeling spots are accessible with walk-in entry over rocky shores, requiring physical agility.
Excellent reviews highlight the abundance of sea creatures, such as starfish, jellyfish, and rockfish, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides.

Magical Starting Point at Harrigan Centennial Hall

The tour departs from Harrigan Centennial Hall Visitors Dock at Crescent Harbor. Guests are picked up by a designated guide and transported in the Snorkelmobile to one of two snorkel sites. The starting point is conveniently located near public transportation, simplifying the logistics for visitors arriving by cruise or local transit.

The meeting process is straightforward, and the crew communicates clearly via email and website instructions. The small-group size and private transfer help keep the experience intimate, with less waiting and more time in the water.

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The Gear and Suit Up Process

All necessary snorkeling gear is included, with the core equipment being a 7mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, dive gloves, dive booties, and a dive hood. Guides assist guests in fitting the suits correctly to ensure comfort and safety. The dry suits are praised for their warmth, even in 50-degree water, which often surprises first-time users.

Fitting the gear involves some effort but is made easier by experienced guides. Once suited up, guests are ready to enter the water, with a foam surfboard available if anyone needs a break. The buoyant dry suits allow for relaxing floats, making it accessible even for less experienced swimmers.

Entry to the Snorkel Sites and Walk-in Access

The walk-in entry into the water occurs over a rocky shoreline, so some walking over uneven terrain is expected. The ease of entry varies, but the rocky shoreline is manageable for most physically active participants. Guides will help swimmers into the water and ensure everyone is comfortable before starting.

The sites are chosen for their rich marine life and relatively calm waters, with 60-foot visibility reported by some. The walk-in method allows guests to continually observe the shoreline’s natural beauty, including kelp forests and sea grass, which provide habitat for many of the creatures seen during snorkeling.

Underwater Marvels of Sitka Sound

Once in the water, the guided snorkel, typically lasting 40 to 60 minutes, reveals a vibrant world of sea stars, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and anemones. Guides point out various species, and the clear waters often allow for close-up views. Guests frequently mention hundreds of starfish and colorful anemones as highlights.

The marine life is diverse, including rockfish, jellyfish, crabs, and salmon, some of which swim close enough to touch. The kelp forest and large sea grass beds add to the scenery, creating a landscape teeming with life. Guides are attentive to safety and ensuring guests experience as much as possible without stress.

The Guides and Their Expertise

Guides like Peter, Scott, and Ellie are repeatedly praised for their friendly, knowledgeable, and patient approach. They assist with gear, explain marine species, and ensure safety throughout the snorkel. Several reviews highlight guides’ efforts to accommodate guests with anxiety or less experience, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

The guides also dive down to gather creatures, providing a dynamic underwater experience. Their expertise shines in pointing out hidden or less visible marine animals, enriching the adventure for all participants.

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Post-Snorkel Relaxation and Onshore Experience

After roughly an hour in the water, the group gathers back onshore to dry off and share their sightings. The tour concludes with a drop-off in downtown Sitka, where guests can continue exploring or prepare for their next activity.

For those on cruise ships, the tour provider coordinates to ensure guests do not miss their departure. The relaxed pace and small group make the experience enjoyable and unrushed, with plenty of time for photos and reflection.

Physical Requirements and What to Bring

Participation requires good physical fitness and the ability to walk about a quarter mile over rocky terrain. Guests should have some snorkeling experience and be strong swimmers. The calm waters and buoyant dry suits make it easier to stay afloat, but full comfort in water is essential for enjoyment.

Bring cash for tips and possibly small personal items. The tour offers trendy T-shirts for sale, which could serve as souvenirs. It’s recommended to wear a swimsuit underneath the wetsuit and bring a towel for after the snorkel.

The Tour’s Value and Overall Experience

At $195, this tour delivers excellent value for the unforgettable marine life encounters and the personalized attention of guides. The small-group format means fewer crowds and more opportunity for individual interaction with marine creatures.

The reviews underscore the stunning abundance of sea life, with many describing it as the highlight of their trip. The quality of gear, the warmth provided by semi-dry suits, and the expert guidance make this adventure accessible and enjoyable for those with some water experience.

Final Thoughts on Snorkel at Magic Island

Snorkel Tour at Magic Island stands out as a unique way to see Alaska’s underwater environment without diving. The small group size and expert guides create a safe, engaging experience filled with fascinating marine life. Its walk-in access over rocky shores requires some physical effort but is well worth the effort for the sights awaiting below.

This tour suits active, adventurous guests who enjoy snorkeling and are comfortable in colder waters. The appearance of starfish, jellyfish, and salmon in clear waters makes for a memorable outing. The availability of warm, semi-dry suits and personalized attention ensures a comfortable experience, even for first-timers.

If you seek a truly immersive experience into Alaska’s marine ecosystem, this snorkeling adventure at Magic Island offers one of the best options in Sitka.

✨ Book This Experience

Snorkel Tour at Magic Island

5.0

(63 reviews)

97% 5-star

“Such a unique way to see Alaska! Our guide, Peter, was great and helped us along the way. We had never snorkeled in wet suits before and were surpr…”

— Katy B, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Guests should have some snorkeling experience and be strong swimmers. The dry suits help keep you warm and buoyant, making it accessible for those with basic water skills.

What should I wear?
Bring a swimsuit to wear underneath the provided 7mm wetsuit. A towel and possibly water shoes for walking on rocks are also recommended.

How long is the snorkeling portion?
Typically, snorkeling lasts around 40 to 60 minutes, giving plenty of time to see diverse marine life.

What marine animals will I see?
Expect to see starfish, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, anemones, and various types of rockfish and salmon.

Are the suits warm enough?
Yes, the semi-dry suits are designed to keep guests comfortable in 50-degree water and are praised for their warmth even in chilly conditions.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a different date or full refund is offered. The experience depends heavily on calm, clear waters.

Can I participate if I am not a strong swimmer?
Participants should be strong swimmers for safety and enjoyment. Guides swim with guests and assist as needed, but basic water competency is essential.

How do I book and what is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are confirmed within 48 hours, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour start. Changes less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour limits 10 guests per departure, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of guide interaction.

Is there transportation included?
Yes, guests are transported from the Harrigan Centennial Hall Visitors Dock via a private Snorkelmobile to the snorkel site.