semi exposed intermediate

Whittier to Blackstone Bay

Whittier → Blackstone Bay
DISTANCE 22 nm
FUEL EST. 7 gal
TIME EST. 3 hrs
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS < 15kt NE, < 2ft seas

⚠️ ROUTE SAFETY THRESHOLDS

These planning estimates assume a **twin-engine cabin cruiser of at least 22 feet** in length and an **operator with intermediate seamanship experience** in cold-water coastal navigation.

Classification: PWSGUIDE Editorial Rating / Planning Estimate
Forecast Zones Covered: PKZ723 (Passage Canal), PKZ724 (Northern Prince William Sound)
Forecast Source: NOAA NWS (Anchorage Office)
Review Date: July 2026

Waypoints

  1. 1
    Whittier Small Boat Harbor Exit
    📍 60.7730°N 148.6840°W
    Depart Whittier harbor. Monitor VHF CH 16. No-wake zone enforced throughout harbor basin.
  2. 2
    Passage Canal Mid-Channel
    📍 60.7850°N 148.6000°W
    Transit south through Passage Canal. Watch for ferry traffic and commercial vessels.
  3. 3
    Shotgun Cove Approach
    📍 60.7940°N 148.5300°W
    Begin bearing south-southwest toward Port Wells. Pressure-gradient winds can build in this corridor.
  4. 4
    Decision Point Headland
    📍 60.8030°N 148.4350°W
    Round the headland at Decision Point State Marine Park. Katabatic outflow from Portage Glacier can be felt here. Assess conditions before committing south.
  5. 5
    Decision Point South Spit
    📍 60.7850°N 148.4450°W
    Clear the kelp beds and rocky shoals off the Decision Point south spit. Stay 200 yards off.
  6. 6
    Cochrane Bay Separation
    📍 60.7650°N 148.4800°W
    Enter Port Wells open water. Confused seas can develop at the Blackstone Bay / Cochrane Bay / Port Wells intersection. High caution.
  7. 7
    Blackstone Bay North Entrance
    📍 60.7500°N 148.5200°W
    Enter the northern mouth of Blackstone Bay. Katabatic winds funnel with high force through this narrow corridor in NE wind events.
  8. 8
    Blackstone Bay Mid-Channel
    📍 60.7100°N 148.5700°W
    Proceed south in mid-channel. Water deepens quickly. Watch for growlers and bergy bits from Beloit and Blackstone glaciers.
  9. 9
    Blackstone Bay Upper Basin
    📍 60.6700°N 148.6100°W
    Main anchorage area and glacier viewing position. Recommended 0.5 NM buffer from Blackstone Glacier calving face. Monitor winds — katabatics can reach 50kt without warning.
  10. 10
    Blackstone Glacier Viewing Zone
    📍 60.6500°N 148.6300°W
    Main anchorage area and glacier viewing position. Recommended 0.5 NM buffer from Blackstone Glacier calving face.
  11. 11
    Beloit Glacier Viewing Zone
    📍 60.6350°N 148.6400°W
    Optional side trip toward Beloit Glacier terminus. Recommended 0.5 NM buffer. Do not linger under calving serac walls.

Overview

A classic PWS day trip from Whittier into the dramatic glacier-ringed confines of Blackstone Bay. The bay contains four active tidewater glaciers — Blackstone, Beloit, Northland, and Tebenkof — making it one of the most scenic and glacially active destinations in the Sound.

Katabatic Wind Risk

Blackstone Bay is notorious for sudden, violent katabatic outflow winds that can reach 50–70 knots with almost no warning. These gravity-driven winds roar down from the Chugach Mountains and through the glacier corridors. Always check the katabatic wind forecast before entering and have a clear exit plan.

Notes

Stay on VHF CH 16. Monitor conditions continuously. File a float plan before departure.

⚓ Bailout Coves

Shotgun CoveDecision Point SMPSquirrel Cove

Plan This Route

Add all stops of the Whittier to Blackstone Bay to your active trip planner.