Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve - News section for more.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective August 9, 2025
August 8, 2025 | 2:50 pm
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island. Recent observations reveal that very few humpback whales are feeding consistently in these areas. New 13-knot temporary whale waters are being implemented around Gloomy Knob and Blue Mouse Cove to protect at least 10 whales feeding in the area.
New housing project completed in Glacier Bay with Great American Outdoors Act Funding
August 4, 2025 | 11:10 am
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve recently completed a $19 million construction contract funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. The project, a critical part of addressing deferred park maintenance and repair needs, dramatically improved the housing options for the concession employees who support visitor services in Bartlett Cove, including lodging and day tour operations.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 31, 2025
July 30, 2025 | 1:42 pm
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces 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.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 17, 2025
July 16, 2025 | 1:30 pm
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed from Whidbey Passage. In addition, the lower West Arm whale waters area is being replaced by a 13-knot speed limit around Lone Island, Geikie Rock, Hugh Miller Rocks, Blue Mouse Cove, and Jaw Point to protect whales feeding in these specific areas. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday July 17th until further notice.
Park Officials Seeking Information About Injured Humpback Whale in Glacier Bay
July 1, 2025 | 3:30 pm
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve officials are asking the public for information on circumstances surrounding an apparent whale-vessel collision that severely injured a humpback whale. 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.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective June 28, 2025
June 27, 2025 | 1:55 pm
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces new whale waters areas in the lower West Arm and Whidbey Passage with a vessel speed limit of 13 knots to protect 25 or more humpback whales that have been feeding in this area. Additionally, in the Lower Bay Whale Waters, a 13-knot speed limit is being implemented due to increasing numbers of humpback whales.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective June 13, 2025
June 12, 2025 | 4:42 pm
Effective June 13, 2025, a 13-knot vessel speed limit is being implemented in the eastern portion of Lower Bay whale waters in Glacier Bay.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective Sept. 11, 2024
September 10, 2024 | 1:55 pm
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.
Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 16, 2024
August 26, 2024 | 1:50 pm
Glacier Bay Acting Deputy Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that modified temporary whale waters are being implemented near the Marble Islands in Glacier Bay.
Glacier Bay Supports Efforts to Prevent Whale Strikes
July 25, 2024 | 12:00 pm
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.