A large, deeply indented bay on the wild east coast of Admiralty Island, Gambier Bay rewards the careful navigator with snug arms, salmon-rich meadows, and some of the best brown-bear country in Southeast Alaska.
Gambier Bay bites deep into the eastern shore of Admiralty Island off Stephens Passage, roughly 59 nautical miles southeast of Juneau. Behind a cluster of small islands and reefs, the bay opens into several arms and side coves, with the old Admiralty Trading Company cannery site standing on the north shore at the head as a reminder of the bay's early-1900s salmon era.
Most cruisers tuck into the west arm, working in past the entrance islands toward the meadows near High Slack, while side coves such as Snug Cove offer easy, roomy anchoring closer to the mouth. The east arm shoals near its head and should be approached with caution.
This is Admiralty Island at its wildest. The island carries one of the highest densities of brown bears on Earth, and it is common to glass mothers and cubs feeding along the grassy flats at low water. Whales work the outer passage, and the bay's quiet arms feel a long way from anywhere.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The approach from Stephens Passage leads in through a maze of small islands, rocks, and reefs that demand a careful, chart-in-hand entry; the early surveys here were cursory, and in 1913 the steamer State of California struck a submerged pinnacle near the entrance and sank. Favor a slow, eyeball approach in good light and stand off uncharted dangers around the entrance islets.
Currents in the entrances of the larger bays off Stephens Passage run with considerable velocity, setting up tide rips and swirls, so time your entry near slack where possible. Inside, the east arm shoals toward its head; the west arm and the side coves near the mouth offer the more dependable anchoring depths.
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 Gambier Bay 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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