Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Glacier Bay is a paradise for wilderness aficionados.
Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
Map showing location of park.
A simple map of Glacier Bay with whale waters restrictions areas highlighted. For full details of this map contact the park at 907-697-2230.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective Sept. 11, 2024
Glacier Bay National Park announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit near Sturgess Island, North Marble Island, South Marble Island, and in the eastern portions of Lower Bay whale waters will be removed effective September 11, 2024 at 5AM, as humpback whales are no longer concentrating in those areas. Lower Bay 20-knot whale waters remain in effect through Sept. 30.
A simple map of Glacier Bay with whale waters restrictions areas highlighted. For full details of this map contact the park at 907-697-2230.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 16, 2024
Glacier Bay Acting Deputy Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that modified temporary whale waters are being implemented near the Marble Islands in Glacier Bay.
Two humpback whales in the water near a boat. One humpback is diving and showing its tail while the other is arching its back
Glacier Bay Supports Efforts to Prevent Whale Strikes
Humpback whales thrive in the marine ecosystem of Glacier Bay National Park. Learn more about recent area whale strikes and what actions boaters must take to avoid them.
Map of affected whale waters areas in glacier bay where speed limits have been implemented to protect whales. Contact the park for precise details of this map 907-697-2230
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 16, 2024
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that modified temporary whale waters are being implemented near the mouth of the East Arm.
A detailed map of Glacier Bay showing restrictions in place to protect humpback whales. Contact the Visitor Information Station for precise details of this map 907-697-2627
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective June 28, 2024
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that a 13-knot vessel speed limit is being implemented in the eastern portion of Lower Bay whale waters. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Friday June 28th until further notice.
Cruising Glacier Bay
Photo by NPS / T. VandenBerg
Icebergs, calved from tidewater glaciers are a common sight in Glacier Bay National Park.
Photo by NPS Photo
Pan ice in Tarr Inlet
Photo by NPS Photo / B. Whitehead
Beachcombing Brown Bear
Photo by NPS Photo / C. Behnke
Sheltered waters of Glacier Bay
Photo by NPS Photo
Camping in the Glacier Bay backcountry
Photo by NPS photo