Samantha G.
Yelp
This was a wonderful experience. I was not on a cruise ship and booked directly through the Snorkel Alaska website. The confirmation email and instructions were very clear and answered all my questions without me even having to ask.
When the day of my adventure arrived. It was easy breezy to find them (again, very clear instructions). The staff were super nice and friendly. We had to wait a bit for the group coming off the cruise ship, but that was no fault of Snorkel Alaska. We loaded a bus and were off to the office to get suited up.
On the trip to the office, one of the staff/guides briefed us on the one form/liability release and went over how to get the suits on and off, use the snorkel mask, etc. It was short, but very clear and easy to remember. I had never before been snorkeling, but all my fears and concerns were laid to rest and I was made to feel comfortable.
Upon arriving at the office, we were greeted by the other staff/guides. (There were 3 guides going out with us.) We got another reminder about the hows of the wetsuits and were divided into girls and boys. We were then asked our height and weight and provided with a wetsuit.
Getting into the wetsuit was no easy task, but it was much easier than I was expecting based on the reviews. It's tight and I broke a nail pulling it up, but it wasn't the extreme workout I was anticipating.
Once in the suit, you add the boots and hood and pack your belongings in a dry bag. The hood was the worst part. It's a pullover and quiet tight and uncomfortable. When it was down (as opposed to up and on), I actually found it a little hard to fully breathe.
We then proceeded outside with our dry bags to collect our masks, gloves, and fins. And then we reloaded the bus and headed to the destination.
We slowly made our way to the water with our gear and then were helped into our fins after the short hike down. The brief hike was no issue at all. I didn't find it difficult or slippery. (And I'm totally the type who would.) Don't be afraid to rely on the guides and ask them for help!
The getting into the water was the worst and hardest part. The fins were hard at first to adjust to and I stumbled a bit. And the water was rough and I got knocked around quiet a bit. I was honestly worried for a few minutes that I wouldn't be able to do it. But the guides were encouraging and once I got away from the shore and rocks, I was totally fine and very at ease. I got the hang of it quickly and enjoyed myself.
There's not a whole lot to see to be honest. But it's totally cool to be looking at the Alaska ocean underwater. Lots of sea stars and moon jellies. And cool to see all the barnacles and mussels and shells. Surprisingly clear and visible underwater.
The guides led us along the coastline and picked up critters from below for us to handle and learn about. I held various sea stars, an urchin, and a sea cucumber. It was neat to learn about everything and actually hold them too.
I never felt cold once. I really thought people were exaggerating or forgetting when they said they weren't cold. But nope, it's the total truth. I wasn't ever cold. There were times where I could feel some water sloshing in my suit, but it was a welcome coolness and not cold or anything, and very brief. Note: I did opt to wear thick hiking socks and I think that helped.
It was rainy and kinda rough water when we went. The small kids didn't handle it all that well. And two grown men actually had difficulty too. And all had snorkeled before. So it may be hit or miss as to whether or not you'll tolerate this adventure well. For what it's worth, though, I would've bet more on me not handling it well and I loved it and didn't have issues after we really got into the water and away from the entry point.
Once done (and way too soon - I could've easily stayed in for longer), the guides helped us with getting our fins and whatnot off. We poured hot water down our suits. We took pictures. We laughed. We talked. And then the bus came and got us and we headed back to the office.
Getting out of the suit was easier, but more awkward. Special hint: Wear a one-piece. Managing to peel off the suit and maintain my bikini in position was far from an easy feet. You have to take your boots off outside. And since the showers are outside, it's advisable to take everything off outside. Well, my bikini (my most modest one) and a large family with kids was not the greatest combination and I definitely felt a bit awkward. But the shower was heavenly.
And then it was get dry and dressed time. Note: You have to bring your own towel. And then there was hot chocolate and hot tea. And more laughing and talking.
The guides were wonderful and I had a great experience. So yes, you definitely should go snorkel in Alaska. It's to talk worth the cost and will most absolutely be an experience you won't forget.
