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Ellamar Seaplane Base (ELW) is a small public-use seaplane base situated on the shores of Prince William Sound in Alaska, serving as a gateway to remote coastal communities and wilderness areas. The base takes its name from the nearby ghost town of Ellamar, a former copper mining settlement whose name was formed by combining parts of the founders' wives' names (Ella, Margaret, and Marie). Operating exclusively on water, this facility primarily supports float-equipped aircraft providing access to fishing lodges, remote homesteads, and excursion destinations in the sound.
💡 Local Tip
Since the area has no roads and limited radio reception, always carry a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon (PLB) when exploring the surrounding coastline, as cell service is unavailable and weather in Prince William Sound can shift from clear to dangerous in minutes.
🚖 Getting There
Access to Ellamar Seaplane Base is primarily by other floatplane or boat, as the base has no road connection. Travelers typically fly into Valdez Pioneer Field first and then transfer to a charter seaplane for the short hop across Prince William Sound. Weather conditions in the sound can change rapidly, so building flexibility into travel plans is essential. There are no ground transportation services at the base itself, so coordinate pickup with your charter operator in advance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of aircraft can use Ellamar Seaplane Base?
A: Only float-equipped (seaplane) aircraft can land here, as the base has no paved runways and operates entirely on water.
Q: Where is Ellamar Seaplane Base located exactly?
A: It is located on Tatitlek Narrows in Prince William Sound, Alaska, near the small community of Tatitlek and roughly 30 miles from Valdez.
Q: Is there scheduled commercial service at Ellamar?
A: No scheduled commercial service operates here; flights are typically charter-based for fishing, hunting, and transport to remote camps.
Q: What is the nearest major airport for connections?
A: Valdez Pioneer Field (VDZ) is the closest land-based airport, located approximately 30 miles to the east in the city of Valdez.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 28, 2026 · MiniMax-M3