It received its name in 1787 from Captain Portlock,[2] because travel to the head of the bay from Seward typically takes 12 hours.

Recreational boaters often anchor at one of the two State Marine Parks due to the often choppy seas and unstable weather of outer Day Harbor.

Driftwood Bay State Marine Park is 1,480 acres (600 ha) of undeveloped wilderness.

[6] Safety Cove State Marine Park is 960 acres (390 ha), including waters in the bay.

It is also undeveloped but offers a good spot for beach camping, a small freshwater lake, and access to the high country of the Resurrection Peninsula.