When most people think of snorkeling, they imagine coral reefs, tropical fish, and warm water. In the rivers of the Pacific Northwest, snorkeling takes on a very different meaning. Here, instead of tropical fish, you drift alongside salmon as they migrate upstream. Snorkeling with salmon is one of the most unusual and memorable wildlife experiences you can have in North America.
Seeing salmon up close in their natural environment is both exciting and humbling. These fish spend years in the ocean before returning to the rivers where they were born. Watching them navigate rapids, rest in pools, and gather in groups gives you a rare view of a cycle that is central to the region’s ecology and culture.
Where You Can Snorkel With Salmon
Several rivers in British Columbia, Washington, and Alaska offer guided salmon snorkeling tours. The best-known locations are:
- Campbell River, British Columbia: Often called the salmon capital of the world, Campbell River on Vancouver Island has one of the most established snorkeling programs.
- Vancouver Island rivers: In addition to Campbell River, places like Goldstream River and Stamp River also have salmon runs.
- Alaska: Some tour operators in southeast Alaska offer snorkeling experiences in rivers with salmon runs.
- Pacific Northwest rivers: Smaller programs exist in Washington and Oregon, though they are less common than in Canada.
Most tours take place during summer and autumn, when salmon return to spawn.
When Is the Best Time
Timing depends on the species of salmon.
- July to September: Pink salmon and sockeye runs are common.
- August to October: Chinook (king) and coho salmon runs peak.
- November: In some rivers, late chum salmon runs continue into early winter.
Check with local tour operators for exact timing, since runs vary each year depending on water levels and temperatures.
What the Experience Is Like
A typical tour starts with a safety briefing and gear fitting. You wear a thick wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and sometimes gloves and booties. The water is cold, usually between 40 and 55°F (4 to 13°C), but the wetsuit keeps you insulated.
Guides take you to a stretch of river where salmon are active. You usually enter upstream and let the current carry you along, floating face-down as fish swim around you. Some salmon dart past quickly, while others hover in deeper pools.
Being in the water gives you a different perspective. You see the power of the fish as they push upstream, often in large groups. You might spot males with hooked jaws or females digging nests in the gravel. Eagles and bears sometimes watch from the banks, adding to the sense of wilderness.
Why It’s Special
Snorkeling with salmon is more than a fun activity. It connects you directly to the salmon life cycle, which is central to the ecosystems and Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Salmon carry nutrients from the ocean to inland rivers, feeding forests, animals, and people. Seeing them up close makes you appreciate their struggle and importance.
It also feels adventurous. Floating down a river surrounded by wild fish is very different from a typical wildlife tour. Instead of looking through glass or standing on a shore, you are right there in the water with them.
Who Can Do It
Most salmon snorkeling tours are suitable for anyone who can swim and is comfortable in water. You do not need diving experience. However:
- Children usually need to be at least 8 to 10 years old.
- You should be comfortable wearing a wetsuit and mask.
- A reasonable level of fitness helps, since swimming in a current can be tiring.
Guides are trained in safety and often accompany groups in rafts or kayaks to provide support.
Gear and Preparation
Tours provide all necessary gear, but here are tips to make the experience smoother:
- Wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit.
- Bring a towel and warm clothes for after.
- Waterproof cameras or GoPros work well, but secure them with a strap.
- Do not wear jewelry that could snag on gear.
- Follow the guide’s instructions carefully to avoid disturbing fish.
Costs
Prices vary by location, but expect around:
- $100 to $150 USD per person for a half-day guided trip in British Columbia
- Higher costs in Alaska due to remoteness and logistics
These prices usually include wetsuits, gear, and transportation to the river.
Alternatives if You Don’t Snorkel
If you prefer to stay dry, there are other ways to see salmon during their runs. Many rivers have viewing platforms where you can watch fish move upstream. Hatcheries often have fish ladders with windows. Guided river rafting trips may pass salmon runs, offering a surface view of the action.
Conservation and Respect
Snorkeling with salmon is a privilege. The fish are on a critical journey, and human presence should never disrupt it. Reputable operators follow strict guidelines:
- Keeping a respectful distance from fish
- Limiting group sizes
- Avoiding sensitive spawning areas
- Educating visitors about salmon ecology and conservation
As a traveler, choose companies that prioritize conservation and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Book early, especially in August and September when runs are strongest.
- Choose a tour with experienced naturalist guides who can explain salmon behavior.
- Morning trips often have calmer conditions and better light for photos.
- Bring snacks and water, since tours often last three to four hours.
- If you wear glasses, ask about prescription masks.
Where to Stay
If you go to Campbell River, a range of accommodations are available, from small motels to waterfront resorts. Other areas like Goldstream and Stamp River have nearby campgrounds and lodges. Staying close to the river makes it easier to join early morning trips.
Why You Should Try It
Snorkeling with salmon is not just about adventure. It is about connecting with one of the great natural migrations of North America. These fish have traveled thousands of miles, and you get to see their final journey up close. It is both humbling and thrilling.
For families, it is a unique educational experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, it adds something rare to a trip in the Pacific Northwest. For anyone who loves wildlife, it creates memories that last long after you dry off.
Final Thoughts
Snorkeling with salmon is one of those experiences that sound unusual at first but end up being unforgettable. Floating down a clear river surrounded by dozens or even hundreds of salmon gives you a perspective you cannot get from shore. It is part adventure, part biology lesson, and part pure fun.
If you are traveling in British Columbia, Alaska, or parts of the Pacific Northwest in late summer or fall, consider booking a tour. It is a chance to witness one of nature’s great migrations in a way that few people ever do.
