A protected pocket anchorage on the east shore of Glacier Bay just south of Sebree Island, North Sandy Cove is a classic first-night stop for cruisers entering the park from Bartlett Cove, famous for feeding humpbacks and abundant wildlife.
North Sandy Cove lies on the east side of Glacier Bay between Sebree Island to the north and the low, rising Beardslee Islands to the south. It is the northern of the two Sandy Cove lobes and offers a snug, low-relief anchorage tucked behind small islets, with shoreline that ranges from gravel beach to spruce forest still rebounding from glaciation.
Because it is only a few hours' run north of Bartlett Cove, it is one of the most popular first-night anchorages in the park. Cruisers regularly report humpback whales feeding in and around the cove, along with sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and black and brown bears foraging the shoreline at low tide.
The surrounding land is low, so the cove is scenic and open rather than dramatic and steep-walled like the upper inlets, but the islets and shoals that ring the entrance break the swell and provide a calm, well-sheltered basin in settled summer weather.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Approach from Glacier Bay's east shore south of Sebree Island. The cove is studded with small islets, rocks, and drying shoals near its entrance, so enter slowly with the chart up (NOAA 17318) and a bow watch, favoring the deeper water and working in behind the islets to the anchoring basin. The tidal range in Glacier Bay is large, so account for drying rocks that may be covered at high water.
Glacier Bay National Park requires a vessel permit for motorized boats from June 1 through August 31, with a daily entry quota, plus mandatory radio check-in and a Bartlett Cove orientation covering wildlife-protection closures and whale-waters speed rules. Some shorelines and small islands carry seasonal wildlife closures, so verify current restrictions before going ashore.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of North Sandy Cove with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.