Mountain Point is a rocky stretch of coast reached from Ketchikan, on the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska. Its rocks and tide pools are packed with marine life, and underwater rock walls drop beside them. Guided cold-water snorkeling is the main way people explore the site.

A visit is a guided outing. Guides outfit you in a 7mm wetsuit, hood, booties, mask, snorkel and fins, then you spend about an hour in the water. Kelp forests, sea stars, nudibranchs and jellyfish are common sights, and eagles often fly overhead. Non-swimmers can come along and watch from the shore.

• Snorkel Alaska requires a reservation. The tours run May 1 to September 26 only.
• The water is cold. Wetsuits keep most people warm, and 7mm suits are worn.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel, hair ties and brush, and an underwater camera if you have one.
• The path down to the water is steep and rocky, so wear sturdy footwear.