News Release

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 31, 2025

News Release Date: July 30, 2025

Contact: Matthew Cahill, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230

BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around Lone Island, Geikie Rock, Hugh Miller Rocks, and Blue Mouse Cove. Recent observations reveal that few humpback whales are feeding consistently in this area. New temporary whale waters are being implemented around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island with a 13-knot speed limit. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday July 31^st until further notice.

New whale waters:

• A 13-knot speed limit within 2 nautical miles of the point of land defining the mouth of South Sandy Cove. This area includes Spokane Cove, South Sandy Cove, and North Sandy Cove, as well as the waters around Sturgess Island.
• A 13-knot vessel speed limit within one nautical mile of Garforth Island.
• There is no vessel course restriction in these areas.

In addition, the following whale waters areas remain in effect:
Lower Bay whale waters:

• A 13-knot vessel speed limit remains in effect since June 28^th in Lower Bay whale waters.
• Vessels over 18 ft in length are required to remain at least 1 nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.

Jaw Point whale waters:

• A 13-knot vessel speed limit remains in effect since July 17^th within one nautical mile of Jaw Point.
• There is no vessel course restriction in this area.           

Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce the disruption of feeding humpback whales and to lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174. In all Park waters, vessels are prohibited from operating within ¼ nautical mile (0.25 nautical mile) of a humpback whale. If a vessel is accidentally positioned within ¼ mile, the operator must immediately slow the vessel to 10 knots or less and alter course away from the whale until at least ¼ mile separation is established. Vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present.  Whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale. Boaters are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning [phone] or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.