Multi-week cruising in the U.S. concentrates on a handful of legendary routes. The marinas along them have built infrastructure for the boats that pass through annually. Here's the high-level cruiser's atlas.
The Great Loop
6,000-mile circuit of the eastern U.S. via the ICW, Hudson, Erie Canal, Great Lakes, inland rivers, and Gulf. Key marina stops: Norfolk, NYC, Trenton, Chicago, Mobile, Apalachicola, Stuart.
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
3,000 miles from Norfolk to Brownsville. Marina density is some of the highest in the U.S. — most cruisers plan 40–60 nautical mile days between stops.
Pacific Inside Passage
Olympia or Seattle to Glacier Bay via the Inside Passage. Limited marina inventory in BC and SE Alaska — book 6+ months ahead.
Great Lakes Triangle
A summer triangle through Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie hits some of the prettiest freshwater marinas in North America. Petoskey, Mackinac, Tobermory, Cleveland.
Florida Keys to the Bahamas
The classic winter crossing route. Marathon, Key Largo, Stuart, and West Palm stage southbound; Bimini, Nassau, and the Exumas receive.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Great Loop take?
Do Loop marinas offer discounts to AGLCA members?
Is the ICW navigable year-round?
Do I need a Canadian customs number for the Inside Passage?
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