Glacier Bay Lifts the Whale Waters Speed Limit Starting October 1, 2026

If you're planning a boat trip in Glacier Bay, one of the navigation rules just changed. The park's acting superintendent, Joni Seay, announced the end of a speed limit that covered certain areas where whales gather.

Here's the short version. The 13-knot limit in the whale waters is being lifted starting October 1, 2026, at 5 a.m. The change covers two areas, Queen Inlet and the eastern side of Lower Bay. Until then, boats had to slow down there to cut the risk of hitting the whales that come up to feed during peak season.

The timing comes down to the whales. The whale waters rule follows their seasonal presence, so as the season winds down, the pressure eases and the park adjusts its restrictions to match. October 1 marks the switch to winter boating rules on these two specific areas.

What this means for you depends on when you visit. If you're boating before that date, the 13-knot limit still applies in these areas, and you need to follow it. If you come afterward, you'll have more open passage through Queen Inlet and the eastern side of Lower Bay, but it still pays to stay careful. The whales don't vanish overnight, and other rules on distance and behavior still apply throughout the park.

Here's a simple move before you fire up the engines. Check the regulations in effect on the day you head out, because the areas and dates shift from one season to the next. The park rangers are still your best source for the exact status of any restrictions when you set off.

To get your bearings and plan the rest of your trip, our Glacier Bay park guide covers the essentials on access, boating, and the bay's highlights.