When you think of Alaska, one of the last things you might think about is diving. The fact is, this enormous northern state offers countless opportunities to explore a surprisingly colorful underwater world. In celebration of the magnificent marine life and astonishing geologic features to be found along the the state's extensive coastline, a number of underwater trails have been developed. Here, will take a look at just three of the best - all can be accessed easily from shore.
Sunshine Cove Underwater Trail
An outstanding site or all divers, the Sunshine Coast Underwater Trail is located near Benjamin Island which is a favorite hangout for local sea lions. This beautiful cove is surrounded by soaring cliffs and offers some exceptional camping. While you do have to hike a steep trail to access the site, and while it is located in a remote area about 30 miles north of Juneau, the rewards are well worth the effort. You'll find lots of colorful nudibranchs and other invertebrates including lots of bright yellow sea pens here, along with plenty of crabs. Maximum depth is 90 feet, and you will need to be careful of current along the outer edges of the cove. Topside, watch for bald eagles, bears, and the spouting of whales passing in the distance.
Ann Coleman Wall Underwater Trail
Offering sheer walls punctuated with crevasses, the Anne Coleman Wall Underwater Trail extend for 1.6 miles and offers a maximum depth of 80 feet. Easily extensible by car and located at the end of Ann Coleman road just off Fritz Cove road, this is one of the most popular dive sites in Juneau. At the parking area, you will see a sign that marks the trailhead and points the way to the beach. Here, there is a little something for everyone.
In the shallow areas around the pilings and along the sandy bottom in the cove, you'll find lots of little purple nudibranchs. At a depth of about 40 feet you'll come to an area called the "hump" which attracts lots of marine life and which can be circumnavigated; beyond this lie the ledges, which stairstep their way down to a depth of about 80 feet. Here, you will find lots of shrimp and fish as well as crabs and nudibranchs. Be sure to use your light to peek under the ledges.
By swimming toward the point past the pilings, you'll find the wall on your left side. Use your light to look in the cracks for squat lobsters, rockfish, and crabs, and enjoy the sight of the small, delicately beautiful lace corals as you explore. As maximum depth at the bottom of the wall is 230 feet, this area is recommended only for experienced divers with excellent buoyancy control.
Mountain Point Underwater Trail
Mountain Point Underwater Trail is a loop about 1/4 mile long and features maximum depth at 30 feet or so. While the site does have extreme currents during heavy weather and tidal exchanges, it is simply fantastic in good weather at slack tide. Here, you'll find an astounding abundance of marine life in a rainbow of colors; watch for starfish and octopus, tunicates and anemones, bryozoans and crabs, nudibranchs, and plenty of fish as well as some curious wolf eels. In addition, you'll sometimes encounter sea lions as you make your way from one rock formation to the next. Located about 5 miles south of Ketchikan, the Mountain Point Underwater Trail is easily accessed via a trail that leads from a well-marked parking lot on South Tongass Highway.
While winters in Alaska are cold, water clarity is at its best during the colder months. Whether you decide to brave frigid temperatures or forgo great visibility for warmer water temperatures, you are certain to enjoy all these dive trails have to offer.