Seasonal· Glacier Bay· Alaska Southeast — Juneau, Endicott Arm & Icy Strait
Glacier Bay Lower Bay Whale Waters
58° 25.8′ N · 136° 0.0′ W · approximate
The Lower Bay, between the Point Gustavus to Point Carolus line and a line from Strawberry Island to Lars Island, is designated whale waters each summer, with its own speed limit and keep-off-the-shore rules. Humpbacks are the reason.
Practical
Position is approximate, in mid-channel in the Lower Bay. Whale waters run May 15 to September 30. Motor vessels over 18 ft must stay at least 1 nautical mile from shore (mid-channel where shores are under 2 nautical miles apart), approach shore perpendicularly, and keep to 20 knots through the water; the superintendent may cut that to 13 knots when whales are numerous. In 2026 the park issued notices: a 13-knot limit in the eastern Lower Bay, a new temporary whale-waters area from August 6, and on September 29 a lifting of the 13-knot limit in Queen Inlet and the eastern Lower Bay effective October 1 with a 20-knot limit until October 9 at 5:00 am. Humpbacks: stay at least a quarter nautical mile away (all vessels), do not pursue within half a nautical mile, and if you are inside the quarter mile slow to 10 knots or less. Confirm current boundaries with KWM20 Bartlett Cove or 907-697-2627 before you enter.
Best for
Understanding the speed and distance rules before you enter
Season
May 15-Sep 30
Nearby
- Bartlett Cove Fuel Dock (Glacier Bay Lodge)3.8 NM away
- Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock and Anchorage3.9 NM away
- Glacier Bay Permit Desk and Orientation (Visitor Information Station)3.9 NM away
- Glacier Bay Lodge (Bartlett Cove)4 NM away
- Beardslee Islands and Seasonal Motor Closures (Glacier Bay)7.1 NM away
- Gustavus Village Store (Toshco)7.8 NM away
- Gustavus Dock and Small-Boat Harbor8.8 NM away
- Point Adolphus (Icy Strait)10.7 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).