Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Alaska
Ready to check out the best sites in Alaska for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 4 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Alaska to suit your needs.
#1 - Smitty's Cove
Alaska, USA West
This is a very convenient site due to it's close proximity to Anchorage. One of the local dive shops www.divealaska.net uses it for winter training. Visibility is up to 70 feet in the winter, but is reduced in the summer due to plankton bloom and run-off. Unlike the boat diving in Resurrection Bay, Smitty's cove is 60 miles inland and is usually very protected even in the winter storms.
Take Seward highway south from Anchorage. As you follow turnagain arm up the valley for about an hour, you'll approach the Whittier turn-off. Turn left to Whittier and follow the road for about 7 miles. The road ends at a toll tunnel which is a one-lane road through the base of the mountain for approximately 3 miles. Toll fee is $12 round-trip. After exiting the tunnel, you follow the road for another 1/2 mile to the first right turn. Whittier is a very small town and as you drive through it several old abandoned buildings will be on either side. at the first left you follow the road until it dead-ends at the cove. Please stop and pay $5 at the sign directing you to do so.
https://divealaska.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/smittycove.pdf
#2 - Pat's Creek Log Dump
Alaska, USA West
This is still a working log loading area so make sure no work is going on before you dive. Numerous sunken logs, small boat wrecks and debris have created a great fish habitat. You will also find shrimp, crab, octopus and the occasional sea lion! -- M. Kurth
Drive south on Zimovia Highway to about mile 11. There will be a sign letting you know to turn left to "Pat's Lake" DON'T turn left! You want to go right, down the hill and next to the water (can't miss it).
#3 - Whittier Cessna
USA, Alaska
Sunken aircraft(cessna), Train from the 1964 earthquake. guide strings lead from boat ramp to specific areas.
Arrive by train or plane
#4 - Mountain Point
USA, Alaska
Mountain Point is Ketchikan's premier snorkeling destination. The site has shallow tide pools teaming with marine life and steep underwater rock walls for freediving all just 5 miles from town. Because we are on the Inside Passage there are no waves to worry about.
ITS FREAKING COLD !
Ketchikan Alaska. Transportation is provided by the dive shop nearby.