Snorkeling Equipment

[frostypenguin]

I am new to snorkeling and would like to bring my own equipment when I go in Alaska. What is the best type of snorkel? Recommendations?

[Tarkus]

i'd recommend finding a good local dive shop and paying them a visit. they can show you what's available and you can help you make the best decision for your particular situation.

[EmJakeBubbie]

snorkeling in Alaska? sorry, I've never heard these two words used in the same sentence. I'm ready for a lesson....water temperature??where would you snorkel??never seen a shore tour in Alaska offering a snorkel trip -

[frostypenguin]

It's being offered on the Princess Line in late August.

[EmJakeBubbie]

verrrry interesting - wonder what you will see? what the water temperature will be? y'know what the cold-factor is all about. I certified in a very cold quarry and never want to be that cold again! brrrrrr.....I'm interested to learn more about this..

[Tarkus]

gotta figure they'll have no problem floating... since they'll likely be wearing something like a 7-mil farmer john to stay warm!

[EmJakeBubbie]

LOL....but honestly, I would like to hear what a snorkeler (or diver) might expect to actually experience? do you know? unless the water temp is at least 80, I don't go in it w/o at least skins (ok, so I'm the only one on the dive boat in G.Cayman w/skins, but even then, I can still get cold!)....my favorite depth is around 40 when the sun can warm ya....

[Tarkus]

i really don't know, as i've never dived the pacific ocean (yet)... but would have to think no more than 70 at absolute peak (and i really can't imagine it being that warm that far north).

 

my coldest dive so far was a new year's lake dive in the atlanta area with water temps in the mid-50s. my goal is to never dive water that chilly ever again for the remainder of my days - it's just not my cup of tea... gimme the beautiful, warm, bathtub-like caribbean waters any day!

[bruce-r]

I think snorkeling in Alaska would be worth while. I have read a couple of reports on the Alaska section from people who have done it and they liked it. I know diving there is worth doing as some friends have done it, twice. As to what snorkel, I would look to getting one that is "dry". A dive shop is the best place to start your search.

 

LOL....but honestly' date=' I would like to hear what a snorkeler (or diver) might expect to actually experience? do you know? [/quote']As a mater of fact, I do know. A diver can expect a colorful dive with plenty of marine life, including the possibility of seeing a seal.

 

Other stuff I've taken photos of are:

 

The rest of these photos are HERE

 

Then of course there are Wolf Eels, which aren't really eels, they're fish.

 

Overall, I think I prefer diving in the Pacific Northwest over Hawaii, it is much more colorful

[EmJakeBubbie]

luv'd the pix.....these were taken in Alaskan waters??? I want to get educated here, so please write anything you can share about diving or snokeling Alaskan waters :) Dry suit?

[bruce-r]

Actually, those photos were taken in British Columbia. I can drive there whereas I would have to fly to Alaska, making it more expensive. Drysuit? Yes, absolutely for me. The water temperature on the dives I took the photos was 45 f. If you want to dive in Alaska, you will probably need to make your own arrangements as I don't think any of the cruise lines offer a diving excursion. I think that Princess does offer snorkeling as an excursion. You do it in a wet suit. Water temps at the surface are a bit warmer in the summer.

 

This Thread has information from someone who has actually done this excursion.

[frostypenguin]

Great photos! Now I'm really looking forward to it - Thermal Underwear and all....lol

 

The cruise lines actually do offer this excursions.

 

 

Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure Immerse yourself in southeast Alaska’s underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point.

 

Meet your guide, receive a brief orientation and then gear up for your snorkel adventure. Enter the water from a protected beach. Stay toasty warm in your state-of-the-art, quarter-inch wetsuit as you hover over a kelp forest. Observe and handle a variety of sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers and the giant sunflower star during this one-hour guided marine life tour. Back at our shop, enjoy a hot beverage before returning to your ship.

[Sweetdreams]

Frostypenguin,

BTW-great name but will you change it if you cruise to Hawaii or Caribbean?

I'm no expert here but we bought our own equipment to take on our recent cruise to S. Caribbean. Shoped online since local dive shop was not an option. We bought US Dive snorkel sets from LL Bean which you can view online. We had gift certificates to use so that's why we chose this catalogue. Really like the equipment-great fit for us-and the set comes with a very well-made backpack style bag to store & carry the equipment. You will not be sorry buying your own equipment even if your excursion includes equipment with the tour. Good luck & have fun. Please post your experince when you get back!