Scuba Diving In Alaska—5 Ways To Stay Safe And Comfortable

Have you ever wondered what makes Alaska an ideal spot for adventure?

The state of Alaska is surrounded by seemingly endless amounts of water, rugged mountaintops, and beautiful landscapes that make for a truly breathtaking sight.

Hence, it’s no surprise that Alaska is home to some of the top scuba diving locations in the world, with over 33,000 miles of coastline, the most of any state in the US. The state has everything any diver would want: crystal-clear and cool water, abundant marine life and wildlife, gorgeous coastlines with hidden shipwrecks and caves to explore. It’s listed as one of the best places in the world for daredevils, underwater explorers, and photographers as well.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, you’ll wish to keep fit and safe with quality nautical apparel while exploring this natural paradise. Here are some of the ways to do that.

1. Check the weather before you go

The weather changes rapidly in Alaska. The average water temperature in southeast Alaska is 47 degrees during the summer and a frigid 34 degrees in winter, according to NOAA's National Ocean Service.

When the water is cold, the underwater visibility can be limited, and it takes a lot more effort to get there. At these temperatures, hypothermia can also set in quickly if you don’t take proper precautions and wear appropriate Alaskan nautical gear.

However, when done right, scuba diving in Alaska can be a truly magical experience filled with friendly sea lions, sea otters, whales, and plenty of other marine life.

2. Beware of the marine life

There are many different types of marine life in Alaskan waters that you might encounter while scuba diving — sometimes terrifyingly close. Whales, sea lions, and otters are some of the bigger animals, while fish, octopuses, starfish, clams, and crabs are some smaller animals, to name a few.

3. Plan your route

The cold water, large waves, and strong currents of the Alaskan waters can be challenging for anyone to navigate. Even the most experienced divers wearing the best nautical clothing in Alaska need to stay alert during dives. Even though the underwater environment may be familiar to you, it's easy to become complacent and let yourself get comfortable.

Plan your route carefully, so you don't accidentally swim out into a shoal or drift too far from shore.

4. Stay calm

The adrenaline rush of being in an emergency can mask your ability to think clearly. Stay calm and listen carefully for instructions from those specializing in emergencies — crewmembers on boats or other scuba divers nearby.

5. Wear nautical clothing

You need to learn how to dress for the occasion. Wearing nautical apparel when going for a dive in Alaskan waters is the best option. For example, wearing a wetsuit whenever possible will help keep your body warm.

If it's really cold outside, you may want to wear a drysuit instead of a wetsuit so that no water gets through at all. This type of suit has tight seals at the neck and wrist, which keeps water out so that your body doesn’t get as cold as it would with a standard wetsuit. A drysuit also offers more protection from sharp objects and stinging sea creatures such as jellyfish.

If you want to enjoy your dive without worrying about safety, it is best to invest in nautical apparel designed for scuba diving in Alaska or other cold waters. You can find the best quality nautical clothing online at Lost On Land Found At Sea, which offers protection against cold water temperatures and keeps you safe.

Get yours today!