Glacier Bay sets 13-knot speed limit in Queen Inlet starting Thursday

Vessels in Queen Inlet must hold to 13 knots through the water starting at 5 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. The limit runs until further notice.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced the temporary Whale Waters designation on Aug. 5. The 13-knot limit is meant to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in the inlet.

The designated area covers all waters bounded by the non-motorized wilderness boundary at the entrance to Rendu Inlet and a line between the point of land on the west side of that entrance and the mouth of the large stream just north of Gloomy Knob.

The Queen Inlet limit sits on top of restrictions already in force. A 13-knot limit has applied on the eastern side of Lower Bay Whale Waters since July 17. Those waters extend from the mouth of Glacier Bay to a line between the northern tip of Strawberry Island and the northern tip of Lars Island. A 20-knot limit runs there annually from May 15 to Sept. 30. Vessels longer than 18 feet must stay at least one nautical mile from shore or hold a mid-channel course.

The park advises boaters to 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.

Vessels may not operate within a quarter nautical mile of a humpback whale anywhere in park waters. Any vessel within a half nautical mile of a humpback may not change course or speed in a way that decreases its distance from the whale. A boat that accidentally closes inside the quarter-mile distance must slow to 10 knots or less and turn away.

The July 17 Lower Bay restriction set 13 knots on the eastern side with no end date. In its release that day, the park said speed and course rules "are intended to reduce the disruption of feeding humpback whales and to lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions."

Boaters should confirm current designations before entering Glacier Bay by calling 907-697-2627 or hailing KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF.