Noonsite Guide
The Intracoastal Waterway and the Great Loop
The Intracoastal Waterway (commonly referred to as the ICW) is an intricate, well-established, well-charted system of waterways that surrounds the entire eastern and southern seaboards of the United States. Combined with major inland rivers and canals, it is possible to take a circular route from Florida to the Great Lakes and back to Florida, circumnavigating the eastern half of the United States entirely by water: this is known as the Great Loop.
This introductory guide, particularly aimed at foreign skippers visiting the US, covers everything you need to know about navigating the ICW and planning for the Great Loop, Mini Loops or even just a short section of the ICW.
This guide covers:
- An explanation of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
- An explanation of the Great Loop
- ICW Intel comprising: Inlets, Navigation, Towing, Anchoring, Using a Dinghy, Rules, Government & Law Enforcement Jurisdictions, Radio Etiquette and Contacting Vessels, Bridge Procedure, Provisioning and Facilities and Security.
- Can my yacht do the ICW? Or even The Great Loop?
- Useful Links
- Related Reports & News
- Publications
How to access the Guide
This comprehensive guide is available exclusively to Noonsite Members.
- If you are a Member, log in and follow this link with instructions on how to read the full guide.
We welcome any feedback from Noonsite members who have done any or all of these routes, especially as an international cruiser.
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