Akeeva - Lituya Bay and the Gulf of Alaska

Akeeva - Lituya Bay and the Gulf of Alaska © Sam Landsman

Southeast Alaska is among the finest cruising grounds in the world. Stretching more than 300nm from north to south and more than 100nm west to east, it's a huge and diverse area. Most of it is protected, too, with calm water, relatively easy access to services, and no overnight cruising required. I've spent most summers for the last decade exploring SE Alaska and I haven't seen it all, but Prince William Sound has always beckoned.

Getting to Prince William Sound, however, isn't easy. Small boats can be shipped by barge or trailered around (when Canada is open), but larger boats must transit the Gulf of Alaska, a body of water not particularly well known for pleasure cruising.

In summer, the Gulf of Alaska can be transited in a series of long day trips if the boat can maintain 8.5 knots. It's about 55nm to Lituya Bay, the first viable overnight anchorage. Yakutat, the next safe harbor, is another 97nm. The next viable anchorage is Icy Bay, 73nm up the coast. Finally, there's the 170nm run from Icy Bay to Hinchinbrook Entrance.

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