Valdez, Alaska
Dates: July 3-11, 2026
Get ready for an expedition unlike anything else on Earth. Deep in the heart of Prince William Sound, where the Chugach Mountains rise straight from the sea and wildlife rules the land, you’ll find one of the most unique snorkeling adventures on the planet.
This isn’t your average trip—and it’s not just for divers. Snorkelers, photographers, and ocean lovers of all kinds are invited to experience this rare opportunity to swim with Salmon Sharks, Lions Mane Jellyfish, and even icebergs—no cage, no tanks, just raw, awe-inspiring nature.
Over the course of this bucket-list Alaskan adventure, we’ll explore the rich waters and remote coastline alongside a pioneering guide who developed the world’s only successful technique for in-water encounters with Salmon Sharks. Between shark sightings, we’ll discover surreal jellyfish blooms, colorful nudibranch gardens, and iconic Alaskan wildlife—from humpbacks and orcas to sea lions, puffins, and sea otters.
No scuba certification required — just a sense of adventure.
Snorkeling Encounters: Salmon Sharks, Jellyfish And the Cold-Water Wild
This isn’t tropical reef snorkeling—it’s a cold-water adventure like no other. From powerful apex predators to glowing drifters, Alaska offers some of the world’s most extraordinary in-water encounters—and you don’t need a scuba cert to experience them.
Salmon Shark Snorkeling
At the heart of this expedition is the chance to snorkel with Salmon Sharks—a rare, bucket-list encounter few in the world have experienced. Each summer, these fast, powerful predators follow migrating salmon into the cold, rich waters of Prince William Sound.
We’ll be in the water without a cage, guided by the expert who pioneered the only proven method for attracting Salmon Sharks safely and respectfully. It’s a controlled, close-quarters experience designed for maximum time and incredible photo opportunities—all on the sharks’ terms.
Lion’s Mane Jelly Snorkeling
While the sharks steal the spotlight, Alaska’s jellyfish offer a completely different kind of wonder.
As we explore the coast by boat, we’ll search for pockets of Lion’s Mane jellyfish, the largest jelly species in the world. Their long, trailing tentacles (up to 20 feet!) and rich, red-orange bells create surreal underwater scenes—especially when lit by shafts of northern sunlight.
Alaska Wildlife Above the Surface: Whales, Bears & More
When we’re not in the water, you’ll be exploring the rugged coastlines, glacier-carved bays, and wildlife-rich fjords of Prince William Sound. Every day brings a new chance to witness the raw beauty and animal life that define Alaska.
Whales & Marine Life
The summer surge of herring and salmon attracts an incredible diversity of marine life. You may encounter breaching humpback whales, orcas slicing through the fjords, and even gray or minke whales surfacing nearby. Harbor seals often haul out on floating ice, and sea otters drift in kelp beds—sometimes with pups resting on their bellies.
Bears on the hunt
In quiet coves and along tidal flats, we may spot coastal brown bears fishing for salmon during their peak seasonal run. These are remote, crowd-free sightings where the bears behave naturally—and you get a rare window into one of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife experiences.
Birdlife & Puffin Colonies
Prince William Sound is a haven for seabirds. Along sea lion haul-outs and towering cliffs, you may spot puffins (both horned and tufted), murres, kittiwakes, and guillemots nesting and feeding. Bald eagles soar overhead, while the occasional owl or shorebird adds to the region’s rich avian diversity.
Glaciers & Icebergs
We’ll travel through fjords where active tidewater glaciers calve into the sea and search for safe, recently calved icebergs to snorkel alongside. These sculpted giants are incredible to photograph—and even more surreal to float beside.
EXPERIENCE Ravencroft Lodge
Set deep within Prince William Sound, far from roads, crowds, or cell towers, Ravencroft Lodge is more than a place to stay—it’s part of the adventure.
Surrounded by 240 acres of private land and backed by national forest, the lodge sits right at the water’s edge with panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, it offers true immersion in Alaska’s wilderness—while still providing the comforts of home.
The lodge hosts just 6 guests per trip, making for an intimate, small-group experience that blends exploration with connection. You’ll share meals around the table, swap stories by the firepit, and fall asleep each night to the sounds of nature just outside your door.
This is the kind of place where time slows down. Between thrilling days on the water, you’ll have space to recharge, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself.
Join Us — Only 6 Spots Available
This is not your average snorkeling trip.It’s a rare chance to swim with Salmon Sharks, drift through Lion’s Mane jellyfish blooms, and explore one of Alaska’s wildest, most untouched regions.You’ll travel far from the crowds, deep into the backcountry, and come home with stories few others can tell.
If you’re ready for raw adventure, meaningful connection, and some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters on the planet—this is your trip.
Trip Price and Inclusions
Starting At $6,500 per person
Trip includes:
- 6 nights accommodations that includes one private room each with one twin bed (let us know ahead of time if you’d like to have a room with two twins) at Ravencroft Lodge
- 7 mm wetsuit if you need it
- 5 total days snorkeling
- Snorkel gear and weights
- All meals and snacks while at the lodge
- R/T Water-taxi transfers from Valdez, AK to lodge.
- Professional guide(s)
Suggested payment schedule for the trip is as follows:
$1,000 non-refundable deposit to secure your space
$1,500 due October 1, 2025
$1,500 due January 1, 2026
Final balance due April 1, 2026
A 3% processing will be added to your invoice if you choose to use a credit card.
Please Read Before Booking
Important Information
This is not a resort vacation—it’s a remote expedition into the Alaskan backcountry. That means shared spaces, off-grid living, and a level of personal responsibility that comes with adventuring in one of the most pristine, wild places left on the planet.
Lodging & Facilities
Ravencroft Lodge is rustic, welcoming, and built for adventure—not luxury.
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Bathrooms and showers are shared among guests.
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Hot water is available, and the lodge is heated, but space is communal.
Meals & Dietary Info
Meals are hearty, “homestyle” fare served family-style at the lodge, featuring a set weekly menu that includes seafood and local ingredients.
Please note:
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The lodge does not accommodate special diets, including vegan or plant-based meal plans.
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If you have food allergies, please inform us in advance. We will do our best to accommodate within reason, but we are limited to what’s available in Valdez, AK—special substitutions are not guaranteed.
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Special meals are only provided for guests with documented food allergies.
Connectivity & Power
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There is no Wi-Fi at the lodge.
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Limited cell reception may be available depending on your carrier, but you should plan to be mostly offline.
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Power is available but limited. Please charge essentials (cameras, batteries, etc.)—leave non-critical electronics at home.
Physical Requirements
This expedition requires good physical health and comfort in open water.
Guests should be able to:
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Swim unassisted in cold water while wearing a wetsuit
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Get in and out of small boats in variable conditions
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Spend extended periods outdoors and on their feet
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Handle rugged terrain and remote environments with minimal amenities
No scuba certification is required. All snorkeling is surface-based, but you must be confident in the water, especially in cold and potentially choppy conditions.
Shark Sightings Disclaimer
This trip is scheduled during peak Salmon Shark migration season, when sightings are most likely—but not guaranteed.
These are wild animals in the open ocean, and their movements are influenced by food availability, water temperatures, and unpredictable natural cycles. While our team uses proven techniques and years of experience to increase the odds, we cannot guarantee a shark encounter.
Safety & Risk Acknowledgement
Snorkeling in remote Alaska—especially with large marine predators—carries inherent risk.
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Medical facilities may be hours or days away, depending on weather and access.
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Participants enter the water without cages, by choice, and do so at their own risk.
Exclusions and Other Information
Package Exclusions:
- R/T Airfare to Anchorage
- Hotel stay at the beginning of the trip (2 nights in Valdez July 3 and 4, 2026)
- Meals not listed
- R/T transfers from Anchorage to Valdez
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Incidentals – including but not limited to beverages and bar bill, telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, equipment rental of any sort, gratuities, special day trips, etc.