Explore Prince William Sound by Boat
Prince William Sound is one of Alaska’s most spectacular coastal
destinations. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, the Sound contains
protected bays, forested islands, remote beaches, waterfalls,
tidewater glaciers, fishing grounds, wildlife habitat, and thousands
of miles of rugged shoreline.
Whittier and Valdez provide road-accessible gateways into Prince
William Sound. From these ports, boaters can reach protected coves,
remote campsites, fishing areas, shrimping grounds, glacier-filled
fjords, and destinations that cannot be reached by road.
Prince William Sound offers incredible opportunities, but it is still
cold marine water. The right boat, conservative route, experienced
operator, reliable forecast, sufficient fuel, and emergency
communication are essential for every trip.
Choosing the Right Boat for Prince William Sound
Recommended Choice
Aluminum Fishing Boats
Aluminum fishing boats are the primary choice from our fleet for
suitable trips inside Prince William Sound. They provide a solid
platform for fishing, sightseeing, camping transportation, and
wildlife viewing.
Popular uses
- Fishing protected coastal waters
- Shrimp-pot trips
- Glacier sightseeing
- Remote camping
- Wildlife photography
- Exploring protected bays
Approval depends on the specific boat, route, weather, passenger
load, operator experience, and distance from the launch.
Limited Coastal Use
Inflatable Boats and Kaboats
Inflatable boats may be useful for protected shoreline areas,
short-distance transportation, camping support, or as portable
boats carried aboard a larger vessel.
Potential uses
- Protected coves
- Short shoreline trips
- Beach access
- Camping transportation
- Calm-water exploration
- Support-boat use
Small inflatable boats are not intended for rough crossings,
exposed passages, strong wind, heavy seas, or long-distance
travel across open portions of the Sound.
River-Focused Design
Shallow-Water Jet Boats
Our inflatable jet boats are built primarily for shallow Alaska
rivers. A boat that performs well in a braided river is not
automatically the right choice for cold coastal water.
Normally best for
- Shallow rivers
- Gravel-bottom waterways
- River fishing
- Backcountry hunting access
- Remote river camping
- Protected freshwater routes
Contact us with your exact destination before planning to use a
river-style jet boat in Prince William Sound.
Where to Take a Boat in Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound covers an enormous area. Some destinations are
relatively close to Whittier or Valdez, while others require long
crossings, extensive fuel reserves, overnight planning, and advanced
coastal boating experience.
01
Whittier and Passage Canal
Whittier is the closest road-accessible Prince William Sound port
to Anchorage. Passage Canal provides access to nearby coves,
islands, fishing areas, and the northwest portion of the Sound.
The harbor can become busy with tour boats, commercial fishing
vessels, recreational boats, kayakers, and other marine traffic.
Good for
- Launching into western Prince William Sound
- Short sightseeing trips
- Fishing
- Shrimping
- Camping access
- Glacier trips
02
Blackstone Bay
Blackstone Bay is one of the best-known glacier destinations near
Whittier. The bay offers views of tidewater glaciers, waterfalls,
steep mountain walls, floating ice, and marine wildlife.
Glacial ice, sudden wind, cold air, limited landing areas, and
changing visibility must be considered before entering the bay.
Boats should remain well away from glacier faces and unstable ice.
Good for
- Glacier viewing
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Scenic day trips
- Experienced coastal boaters
03
Port Wells
Port Wells is a large body of water north of Whittier that leads
toward several scenic bays, remote shorelines, glaciers, and
backcountry destinations.
Its size means boaters may encounter more wind, wave exposure,
commercial traffic, and longer travel distances than in smaller
protected coves.
Good for
- Scenic exploration
- Fishing
- Remote camping
- Wildlife viewing
- Access to northern bays
- Experienced operators
04
College Fjord
College Fjord is famous for its dramatic collection of glaciers,
mountain scenery, waterfalls, floating ice, and remote coastal
environment.
This is a substantial trip from Whittier. Distance, fuel,
weather, ice, limited services, emergency communication, and the
possibility of changing conditions must all be considered.
Good for
- Glacier sightseeing
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Extended trips
- Experienced coastal boaters
05
Esther Passage and Esther Island
Esther Island is surrounded by channels, protected bays,
shorelines, salmon waters, marine habitat, and recreational
destinations.
Narrow passages may offer protection from some weather, but
currents, commercial traffic, floating debris, shallow areas, and
limited visibility can create hazards.
Good for
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Island exploration
- Photography
- Protected-route travel
06
Decision Point and Nearby Camping Areas
The western Sound contains public-use cabins, camping areas, and
protected destinations that can provide an introduction to
overnight boating in Prince William Sound.
Confirm campsite rules, cabin reservations, beach conditions,
anchoring options, bear precautions, tides, and expected weather
before departing.
Good for
- Overnight camping
- Public-use cabin trips
- Beach exploration
- Kayaking support
- Family adventures
07
Valdez Arm
Valdez provides a road-accessible gateway into the eastern side of
Prince William Sound. Valdez Arm is surrounded by mountains,
waterfalls, glaciers, fishing areas, and marine wildlife habitat.
The port is especially popular during the salmon season, but
boaters also use it for sightseeing, shrimping, camping, and
traveling toward more remote portions of the Sound.
Good for
- Salmon fishing
- Shrimping
- Scenic cruising
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping access
- Eastern Sound trips
08
Shoup Bay
Shoup Bay is a scenic destination near Valdez with mountain
scenery, glacier views, protected water, hiking opportunities,
and remote shoreline access.
Shallow areas, tides, current, floating ice, and landing
conditions should be carefully evaluated before approaching the
head of the bay.
Good for
- Glacier viewing
- Hiking access
- Camping
- Photography
- Scenic day trips
09
Columbia Bay
Columbia Bay is known for Columbia Glacier, floating ice, rugged
mountains, wildlife, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Ice conditions can change rapidly. Large and small pieces of ice
may move with wind and tide, while fog or rain can reduce
visibility. This destination requires conservative judgment and
an appropriate vessel.
Good for
- Glacier viewing
- Photography
- Wildlife observation
- Experienced coastal boaters
- Longer day trips
10
Glacier Island
Glacier Island is located west of Valdez and is known for fishing,
rugged shorelines, marine wildlife, and access to surrounding
waters.
Trips toward Glacier Island may involve exposed crossings and
rapidly changing weather. The route should only be attempted with
the right boat, operator, forecast, and fuel reserve.
Good for
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography
- Coastal exploration
- Experienced operators
Important Marine Information
Protected Does Not Mean Predictable
Prince William Sound is more protected than the open Gulf of Alaska,
but serious marine conditions can still develop. Wind may funnel
through passages and fjords, creating steep waves over a relatively
short distance.
Conditions may differ greatly between Whittier, Port Wells,
Blackstone Bay, Valdez Arm, and central Prince William Sound. Calm
water at the launch does not guarantee a calm return trip.
Fog, heavy rain, commercial traffic, cold water, glacial ice, strong
wind, limited visibility, and long distances from assistance must be
considered before every departure.
Fishing in Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound supports a wide variety of saltwater fishing
opportunities. Available species and productive locations change
throughout the season.
Salmon
- Silver or coho salmon
- Pink or humpy salmon
- Sockeye or red salmon
- King or Chinook salmon
- Chum salmon
Saltwater Fish
- Pacific halibut
- Lingcod
- Rockfish
- Pacific cod
- Other bottomfish
Some salmon fishing may be available relatively close to Whittier or
Valdez, while halibut, lingcod, and rockfish trips may require longer
travel into more exposed water.
The availability of fish does not determine whether a route is safe.
The destination must remain within the capabilities of the boat,
operator, fuel system, safety equipment, and current marine forecast.
Shrimping in Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is one of Alaska’s most popular areas for
noncommercial shrimp-pot fishing. Whittier and Valdez are common
starting points for boaters heading out to set shrimp pots.
Shrimping requires more than dropping a pot over the side. Boaters
must account for water depth, current, tide, rope length, pot weight,
buoy visibility, commercial traffic, weather, and the ability to
safely retrieve heavy equipment.
Bring the Right Equipment
- Legal shrimp pots
- Sufficient sinking line
- Highly visible buoys
- Pot puller when appropriate
- GPS or chartplotter
- Gloves and deck tools
- Secure bait containers
- Storage for the catch
Plan Every Set
- Record accurate GPS coordinates
- Account for current and pot movement
- Keep lines away from the propeller
- Avoid marked navigation routes
- Watch for commercial fishing gear
- Confirm the current permit requirements
- Follow pot and season restrictions
- Submit required harvest reporting
Shrimp seasons, pot limits, permits, and reporting deadlines may
change. Every participant is responsible for obtaining the current
permit and reviewing current Alaska Department of Fish and Game
requirements before leaving the harbor.
Fishing Regulations and Emergency Orders
Prince William Sound fishing regulations vary by species, location,
season, gear type, and fishing method. Certain bays, hatchery areas,
freshwater stream mouths, and special management areas may have
additional rules.
Every angler and shrimp-fishery participant must review current Alaska
Department of Fish and Game regulations, emergency orders, permits,
and reporting requirements.
- Open and closed waters
- Current fishing seasons
- Bag and possession limits
- Rockfish release requirements
- Lingcod and halibut rules
- Salmon harvest restrictions
- Shrimp-pot limits
- Shrimp permit requirements
- Harvest-reporting deadlines
- Emergency orders
Wildlife in Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound supports an incredible variety of marine and
coastal wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed, but boaters may
encounter:
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Sea otters
- Harbor seals
- Steller sea lions
- Dall’s porpoises
- Puffins
- Bald eagles
- Black bears
- Brown bears
- Mountain goats
- Numerous seabirds
Maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. Never chase,
surround, feed, touch, block, or deliberately disturb an animal.
Whales can surface unexpectedly. Reduce speed when whales are present,
watch all sides of the boat, and allow the animals to determine the
direction and distance of the encounter.
Hunting and Game
Prince William Sound contains remote islands, coastal forests,
mountains, and shorelines that may provide seasonal hunting
opportunities. Legal opportunities vary significantly by Game
Management Unit, permit area, species, land status, and season.
- Black bear
- Brown bear in applicable areas
- Mountain goat
- Waterfowl
- Small game
- Other legally permitted species
Boat-based hunting creates additional responsibilities involving
tides, beach access, anchoring, weather, firearm transportation, meat
care, land ownership, park boundaries, and the safe transport of
heavy loads.
Hunters must verify the applicable regulations, permits, boundaries,
salvage requirements, legal shooting areas, and land-use rules before
departing.
Recreational Activities in Prince William Sound
Fishing and shrimping are only part of what Prince William Sound
offers. A suitable boat can provide access to a wide variety of
coastal adventures.
Glacier Viewing
Visit glacier-filled bays and photograph tidewater glaciers,
waterfalls, floating ice, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Remote Camping
Carry camp equipment to a remote beach, public-use cabin, or
established recreation site away from the road system.
Wildlife Viewing
Watch for whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins, eagles,
bears, mountain goats, and other coastal wildlife.
Photography
Photograph glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, fishing
activity, historic sites, and remote coastal landscapes.
Beach Exploration
Visit remote beaches for picnicking, beachcombing, photography,
camping, and shoreline exploration when conditions allow.
Kayaking Support
Transport kayaks and camping equipment to protected areas before
exploring nearby shorelines under suitable conditions.
Public-Use Cabins
Reach reservable cabins and remote recreation sites that may only
be accessible by boat or aircraft.
Scenic Cruising
Spend the day exploring protected bays, islands, waterfalls,
forested shorelines, and mountain scenery.
Multi-Day Adventures
Build an extended fishing, camping, photography, or exploration
trip with proper experience, equipment, and route planning.
Launching from Whittier
Whittier is the most convenient Prince William Sound launch for many
customers traveling from Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, and Wasilla.
Drivers must pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which
operates on a scheduled traffic pattern.
Plan enough time to travel through the tunnel, reach the harbor,
prepare the boat, park the tow vehicle, and launch without rushing.
Summer weekends and holidays can be especially busy.
Before Arriving
- Review the tunnel schedule
- Confirm launch-ramp availability
- Check current parking procedures
- Fill fuel tanks before launching
- Review the marine forecast
- Prepare your route and backup route
Before Leaving the Harbor
- Install the drain plug
- Check steering and throttle operation
- Secure fuel, batteries, and cargo
- Prepare dock lines and fenders
- Confirm everyone has a life jacket
- Test navigation and communication devices
Launching from Valdez
Valdez provides road access to the eastern side of Prince William
Sound. It is a popular starting point for salmon fishing, shrimping,
glacier viewing, camping, and trips toward Shoup Bay, Columbia Bay,
Glacier Island, and other eastern Sound destinations.
Confirm current harbor fees, parking availability, launch procedures,
fuel access, and seasonal conditions before arriving.
Cold-Water Marine Safety
Prepare for Remote Alaska Waters
Prince William Sound remains dangerously cold throughout the boating
season. A person who falls overboard may quickly lose coordination,
swimming ability, and the ability to assist with their own rescue.
Everyone onboard should wear a properly fitted life jacket while the
boat is underway. Additional flotation, exposure protection, or
survival equipment may be appropriate for longer and more remote
routes.
Bring on Every Trip
- Properly fitted life jackets
- Warm waterproof clothing
- Marine navigation equipment
- Reliable emergency communication
- First-aid supplies
- Food and drinking water
- Tools and repair supplies
- Additional fuel reserve
Check Before Departing
- Marine forecast for the entire route
- Wind direction and speed
- Wave and swell conditions
- Tides and currents
- Visibility and fog
- Passenger and cargo weight
- Fuel range and reserve
- Available daylight
Fuel and Route Planning
Destinations in Prince William Sound may be farther away than they
appear on a map. Detours, wind, waves, currents, searching for a safe
landing, and returning through different conditions can significantly
increase fuel consumption.
Never plan to use every gallon of fuel reaching your destination and
returning. Maintain a meaningful reserve for delays, changing weather,
navigation errors, or assisting another boater.
Include in Your Route Plan
- Primary destination
- Backup destination
- Protected shelter options
- Expected travel time
- Fuel required in both directions
- Safe turnaround time
Share Before Departing
- Names of everyone onboard
- Boat description
- Launch location
- Planned route
- Expected return time
- Emergency contact instructions
Stay Connected Beyond Cell Service
Cell service becomes unreliable or completely unavailable throughout
much of Prince William Sound. A cell phone should never be your only
navigation or emergency communication device.
Consider adding a Garmin GPSMAP 67i handheld GPS and satellite
communicator to your rental. Our unit includes an active inReach
subscription and is ready for navigation, two-way satellite
messaging, location sharing, and interactive SOS communication.
View Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rental
Why Rent from Alaska Wild Rentals?
- Aluminum fishing boats suitable for approved coastal trips
- Daily, weekly, and extended rental options
- Boats provided on trailers for road-system travel
- Required boat safety equipment included
- Optional delivery arrangements
- Garmin satellite communicator rentals available
- Starlink rentals available for remote camps
- Boat options for fishing, camping, and sightseeing
- Local Alaska boating experience
- Trip-specific boat recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What rental boat is best for Prince William Sound?
An approved aluminum fishing boat is generally the best choice
from our fleet. The final recommendation depends on your route,
experience, passenger load, weather, and planned activities.
Can beginners operate a rental boat in Prince William Sound?
Prince William Sound is not an ideal place to learn marine
boating without previous experience. Operators should be
comfortable launching, docking, navigating, reading marine
forecasts, monitoring fuel, and responding to changing
conditions.
Can I launch the boat in Whittier?
Approved boats may be launched in Whittier. Renters must account
for the tunnel schedule, harbor procedures, parking, launch
fees, weather, and the capabilities of their tow vehicle.
Can I launch the boat in Valdez?
Approved boats may be transported to Valdez and launched there.
Confirm your intended route with us before departing so we can
verify that the boat is appropriate.
Can I take the boat to Blackstone Bay?
Approval depends on the specific boat, operator experience,
current forecast, passenger load, ice conditions, and trip plan.
Glacier areas require conservative navigation and safe distance
from ice and glacier faces.
Can I use the boat for shrimping?
Certain approved boats may be used for shrimping. Renters are
responsible for obtaining the current permit, following pot and
season restrictions, carrying suitable equipment, and
completing required harvest reporting.
Can I camp overnight in Prince William Sound?
Overnight camping may be available at public-use cabins,
established recreation sites, and legally accessible beaches.
Confirm reservations, land rules, anchoring options, tides,
weather, and bear precautions before departing.
Can I take the boat all the way to Cordova?
A Whittier-to-Cordova trip is a long and advanced coastal route
that is not automatically approved. It requires an appropriate
vessel, extensive experience, detailed planning, substantial
fuel capacity, emergency equipment, and favorable weather.
Is safety equipment included?
Required boat safety equipment is included. Renters should also
bring warm waterproof clothing, food, water, navigation
equipment, reliable communication, and trip-specific emergency
gear.
Do you deliver boats to Whittier or Valdez?
Delivery may be available depending on the destination, boat,
rental dates, and current schedule. Contact Alaska Wild Rentals
for availability and pricing.
Explore Alaska’s Glaciers and Coastal Wilderness
Start Your Prince William Sound Adventure
Fish, set shrimp pots, camp on a remote shoreline, photograph
wildlife, and explore glacier-filled bays with a boat from Alaska
Wild Rentals.
