Cruise Planning Center & Boating Itineraries

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	ICW Cruise North - 50 miles per day average	ICW Cruise North - 50 miles per day average
2.	Fernandina Beach, FL to Plymouth, MA	This cruise begins in Fernandina Beach, FL and ends in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
3.	Florida to New England	This cruise takes you from Cape Canaveral in Florida to New England.
4.	ICW North from Miami to the Chesapeake Bay	This is a leisurely trip north on the ICW leaving from Miami heading to the Chesapeake Bay. The cruise takes approximately 3 weeks and averages 50-70 miles per day.
5.	ICW North Standard	This is a sample of a stops along the ICW heading north to the Chesapeake Bay. This sample includes stops that are approximately 50-80 miles apart. For a faster route, please refer to ICW Cruise North Fast.
6.	ICW South to North: Expanded Notes	The cruise below combines the serentity of the ICW with recommendations on when to hop on the outside to avoid tedious bridges and hold ups. Going Miami to Norfolk to, see the estimates below. Visited www.bluewaterweb.com/newsletters/9-01ditch.asp for more information about the numbers below. Six-knot sailboat: 40 miles per day or 30 days minimum Eight-knot trawler: 55 miles per day or 20 days minimum 25-knot powerboat: 150 miles per day or one week minimum Please note that these are MINIMUMS. Running eight hours or ten hours a day, seven days a week is no way to enjoy your trip. Bridges will surely slow your passage, and weather will slow your progress some days.

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	A Leisurely ICW Cruise From Norfolk/ Hampton Roads to St. Mary's, Georgia	Take your time as you cruise the ICW from the Norfolk/ Hampton Roads to St. Mary's, Georgia. This cruise includes anchorage options combined with marina stays to give you a good mix for your cruise.
2.	Chesapeake Bay South to Key West	Cruising south along the ICW with an average of 50 miles per day.
3.	ICW Cruise South (option 3)	This is another option for boaters heading south down the ICW to Florida.
4.	ICW North to South: Expanded Notes
5.	ICW South with Abaco side trip
6.	Maine to Florida	Cruise from Portland, Maine through Gloucester and on to Fort Pierce, FL taking the ocean route and inlets.
7.	New York to Florida on the Outside
8.	Norfolk to Bahamas

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	Chicago to Mobile, AL	This portion of the Great Loop takes you from Chicago to Mobile, AL and the Gulf via the Illinois River, Mississippi River, the Tenn-Tom Waterway. There are many locks you will have to pass through on the way.
2.	Crystal Beach, TX to Mobile, AL	This cruise takes you from Crystal Beach, TX to Mobile, AL
3.	Down East Circle Route Part 1	This cruise begins in Oswego, NY and ends in Summerside, PE.
4.	Hudson River Cruise	The Hudson River portion of the Loop departing from New York City and heading north to Albany, NY.
5.	Little Loop	This cruise begins in Alexandria Bay, NY and ends in Kingston, ON.
6.	The Great Loop - Fort Lauderdale to the Illinois River	This takes you from South Florida along the East Coast via the Chesapeake Bay to the Hudson River, Lake Ontario, The Trent Severn Waterway to the Georgian Bay to Lake Michigan and the Illinois River.
7.	The Great Loop Cruise	Cruise of the Great Loop
8.	Trent Severn, Georgian Bay and The North Channel	This cruise is a template for those boaters exploring the Trent Severn Waterway, the Georgian Bay, The North Channel or all three! There are many locks to consider for this cruise so the legs are kept very short. IMPORTANT: Please note that the mileage provided is approximate and should be used for planning and information only. The data provided is automatically generated based on GPS data and offers line of sight mileage only (as the crow flies). The mileage provided does not take into account routes that require detours around land masses. Marinalife does not guarantee the accuracy of this data. NOTE: Due to the large number of locks on the Trent Severn, if you are trying to make it an enjoyable transit in a boat of larger size you should not attempt to go more than 40-45 miles PER DAY.

Get in the Loop visit www.greatloop.org.

Read What They're Saying:
Kemba DeGroot- Diamond Marinalife Member and AGLCA Member
"Many years ago when cruising the Great Loop was but a distant vision for us, we had so much to accomplish and learn about our boat and seamanship, that we didn’t even take into consideration the stops along the way. The stops at marinas are vital to the enjoyment of the overall adventure. When we got underway, we had enough on our hands without having to take time to call and check out marinas, make reservations, change reservations, and/or cancel reservations. And we were new enough to the experience that we didn’t feel like just "winging it" all the time, or to just take our chances with availability or dock space...."
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Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	San Diego to Mexico	This cruise leaves San Diego and heads south into Mexico. There are very long distances between many of the legs (and fuel stops) on this cruise. There are anchorages that you could use between these legs suggested below to break up the long distances.
2.	Bahamas - Bimini to Berry Islands	This is an easy short cruise to take from South Florida to Bimini and the Berry Islands.
3.	Bahamas - Grand Bahamas to Abacos	This is one of the more popular cruises that offers a sampling of the Abacos and Grand Bahama and is easily accessible from the West Palm Beach area. Clearing Customs in Freeport/Port Lucaya: www.grandbahamayachtclub.com/customs.asp
4.	Bahamas Adventure - A Trip of a Lifetime	This is a summary of a 6-week trip that George Bassett and his wife Sharon took in 2011. Called "A Trip of a Lifetime" here is a summary of their cruise.
5.	Bahamas and Caribbean Cruise
6.	Bahamas Hopping	This cruise takes you throughout the Bahamas from the Abacos to Eleuthera to the Exumas and Paradise Island and ending up on the Berry Islands and Bimini.
7.	Exumas starting in S. Florida
8.	Fort Lauderdale to Elbow Cay
9.	Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island	Navigate the coast of Nova Scotia, then cruised to Prince Edward Island, backtracked through the Canso Canal, and explored Bras d'Or Lake. The trip involved more than 1,200 nautical miles and experience everything from full-service resort marinas to deserted anchorages in beautiful coves.
10.	South Florida to Exumas, Eluethera, Nassau

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	A New England Boating Adventure	By Tom Rose We left Tampa Bay on April 26 on a long-planned trip up the East Coast to New England for the summer on our 1982 ketch with a motoring speed of 6.5 knots and a draft of almost 7 feet and a mast height of 63.5 feet. We had concerns about the depth and height restrictions we would encounter if we chose the intra coastal waterway route. We also had to solve the issues of being away from home, pets and family for a 5,400 mile six month cruise. We cruised along the coast, sometimes on the Intracoastal Waterway and other times offshore and arrived in New England on July 13. For the next two months we enjoyed ports of call from the Long Island Sound to Winter Harbor, Maine. The roundtrip lasted seven months (and 5,400 nautical miles), returning to Tampa Bay on Nov. 30. Joining my wife Anne and me on the Seraphim crew were fellow Marinalife members Tom Dugan and Becky Moreland.
2.	Annapolis to Washington DC Cruise	This cruise takes boaters from Annapolis south on the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River ending up at the National Harbor Marina in Washington, DC.
3.	Best of Maine	This cruise will take you to great stops in Maine such as Camden, Vinalhaven Island, Bar Harbor, Winter Harbor and more.
4.	Chesapeake Bay - Annapolis to Washington DC to Southern Bay
5.	Chesapeake Bay Southern Loop	Cruising the Chesapeake Bay South leaving from Baltimore, this cruise explores the unique ports of the Chesapeake Bay
6.	Chesapeake Bay, C&D Canal, NY: Summer Voyage	Marinalife Member, Bob Arrington, shares his 2010 summer voyage with fellow boaters.
7.	Cruising Long Island Sound	If you’re looking for variety, this is the right place to go cruising. Stretching between Connecticut to the north, and Long Island to the south, the waters of Long Island Sound touch shores that are as diverse as they are beautiful. The southern shore offers lovely destinations in its bays, while the northern territory is marked by rivers and islands where you can find shelter and get a good taste of coastal cruising, New England style. Even with the bright lights and breakneck pace of New York City to the west, there are many peaceful places to drop the hook or tie up for the night, take a deep breath and let the blood pressure drop. Start your cruise mid-Sound on the Long Island side at Port Jefferson, New York, then make a counter-clockwise loop around the east end of the sound, eventually heading west along the Connecticut shore.
8.	Cruising Maine	This cruise starts in New Hampshire and heads north to touring the Maine Coast. With more coastline than California (3,478 miles), you can visit the Maine Coast repeatedly and discover new spots each trip. This cruise starts in the south of Maine and takes you north up the coastline.
9.	Cruising the Hudson River	Explore New York’s Hudson River and its unspoiled scenery and charming small towns. Here is a great week-long itinerary along the historic waterway that allows you to take in the best the area has to offer.
10.	Cruising through History: Potomac River Civil War History	This is the 2nd cruise in our series of "Cruising through History" cruise itineraries. Although it was nicknamed “the Nation’s River”, the Potomac reflected the division within our country during the Civil War. That river not only served as the border between the Confederacy and the Union states, its importance was also reflected in the name chosen for the North’s first army, the Army of the Potomac. Throughout the war, the Potomac River served as the primary transportation route between Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Bay. It allowed the free flow of soldiers, supplies and munitions for the Union army in one direction, but it represented a threat to our nation’s capital by the warships of the Confederate navy in the other.
11.	East Coast Cruise on the Outside	Cruising North from Florida to the New York, this cruise takes you along the outside with dockage near easy ocean inlets.
12.	Exploring Kent County, MD	Summer is the perfect time to explore all that the Chesapeake Bay has to offer, and in one weekend trip you can hit several unique destinations. In this installment of Weekend Warrior, we set out from Baltimore and head east across the bay toward Kent County, Maryland, stopping first in Fairlee Creek, a lovely anchorage spot that’s a favorite of many Eastern Shore boaters. The marina in Fairlee is an excellent place for a family getaway, with many kid-focused features, plus beach parties and live entertainment on the weekends for adults. From Fairlee Creek, it’s a scenic cruise to historic Georgetown, where the marinas have terrific amenities, including restaurants that are destinations in their own right.
13.	Fernandina Beach to Miami Beach - FL East Coast	This cruise runs along the East Coast of Florida using the ICW.
14.	Florida Gulf Coast - Tampa to Sarasota	Featured in the Winter 2011 issue of the Marinalife magazine.
15.	Florida Keys	The Keys offer something for everyone. Boaters will find a variety of marina options in the Keys from high-end resorts to small island hideaways. Regardless of where you stay, you will find a wonderful laid-back attitude, delicious fresh seafood served at a number of waterside bars and restaurants, and plenty of activities to fill your day.
16.	Florida West Coast
17.	Florida West Coast - Marco Island to Destin	This cruise will take you from the southern west coast of Florida to the Panhandle.
18.	Florida West Coast - Marco Island to Fort Myers Beach	The Southwestern part of Florida is a delightful get-away spot for boaters traveling the west coast of Florida from the Keys or from the Panhandle. The waters are sparkling and the towns are home to fantastic restaurants, world-class shopping, golf and plenty of fun for travelers of all ages.
19.	Florida, Bahamas, & Keys Cruise	This cruise is a good sample of several hot cruising areas in the south with hotel recommendations throughout. It begins and ends on the West Coast of Florida. From Fort Myers it goes through the Okeechobee (Always check with Corps of Engineers first http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/Branches/Navigation/NavNotices.htm) and uses Palm Beach as a hop-off spot to the Bahamas. The cruise goes through the Abacos then hits the Berry Islands and Bimini on the way back to Miami. From Miami you will go down into the Keys then up the West Coast of Florida.
20.	Georgia Coast	The Georgia Coast combines history and nature in wonderful cities and untouched beaches. Whether you are heading for the sunny skies of Florida or transiting the ICW, a boater can find a trip filled with adventure and fun.
21.	Grand Strand	Weekend Warrior plan: Southport, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC to Georgetown, SC
22.	Hudson River Cruise	This cruise will take you from the New York City area up the Hudson River with stops at many great marinas. These suggested marinas also offer great side trips for example to West Point.
23.	Hudson River to Lake Champlain Cruise	This cruise takes you north up the Hudson River to Lake Champlain.
24.	Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay	This cruise is a great way to experience the highlights of Long Island. The stops include the most popular destinations in the Peconic Bay and the north shore of Long Island. This cruise can be used for weekend trips ideas or for a longer comprehensive cruise throughout the Long Island area.
25.	Lower Chesapeake Bay	Find marinas in the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay.
26.	New England Favorites	This cruise leaves from Montauk in Long Island and stops at many of the top New England destinations ending in Maine.
27.	Ramblin' the Panhandle	Three ways to cruise Florida’s Emerald Coast Panama City Beach is a great starting point for your cruising adventure.The sugar-white sandy beaches and clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico attract boaters all year round.
28.	South Carolina and the Civil War Cruise	For all the bluster and saber rattling by the secessionists in South Carolina in the run up to the Civil War, it is suprising that so few battles took place in the Palmetto State. The battles that were fought however, were concentrated around Charleston and Hilton Head Island, which now happen to be favorite areas for boaters cruising the ICW and the South Carolina coast. Using the unique perspective of your boat, you can visualize the strategies of the opposing forces as you cruise through history in Charleston Harbor or Port Royal Sound.
29.	West Coast of Florida Cruising with Deep Water Recommendations	This cruise is customized to fit boaters with larger boats or boats that exceed a 4.5 to 5 foot draft. These are recommendations and depending on current water levels or negative tides they may not be accurate so read the notes carefully.

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	British Columbia to San Diego	This cruise begins in British Columbia and ends in San Diego. Please note that some of these legs are quite long and may require anchoring between legs.
2.	Marina Del Rey, California to Mexico	Marina Del Rey, California to Mexico. Please note that these are long legs and there are anchoring opportunities between stops.
3.	Vancover Island and the Gulf Islands of British Columbia	This cruise begins in Roche Harbor, WA and ends in Galiano Island, BC.
4.	British Columbia - Seattle to Port Hardy	This cruise takes you north from Seattle through the San Juan Islands to Port Hardy in British Columbia.
5.	San Diego to Mexico	This cruise leaves San Diego and heads south into Mexico. There are very long distances between many of the legs (and fuel stops) on this cruise. There are anchorages that you could use between these legs suggested below to break up the long distances.
6.	San Diego to San Francisco	This cruise departs from San Diego and finishes in San Francisco.

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	Cruising Door County, Wisconsin	Often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Wisconsin’s Door County has more than 300 miles of shoreline packed with activities and great boating destinations. The 75-mile-long peninsula is studded with restaurants, boutiques, and performing arts venues, and hosts numerous summer festivals. The surrounding waters are excellent fishing grounds. Start your cruise at Sturgeon Bay, near the peninsula’s southern end, then head north to explore the charming outposts of Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, and Washington Island.
2.	Detroit to Lake Michigan Cruise	This cruise takes you from Detroit through Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac and into Lake Michigan and then circling back to Detroit.
3.	Erie Canal History	The Erie Canal is a waterway in New York that runs about 363 statute miles from Albany on the Hudson River to Buffalo on Lake Erie. When it was opened in 1825, it was the first navigable route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Today it is part of the New York State Canal System. This cruise will unfold the history of the canal that opened the East Coast and overseas markets to Midwestern farm products and enabled a western migration of European immigrants to the U.S. It also made New York City the greatest port in the world. At it's height in 1855, the Erie Canal moved 33,000 commercial shipments a year. Today, it is used almost exclusively by recreational vessels.
4.	Great Loop via Lake Huron/Erie	This cruise is of the Great Loop via Lake Huron/Erie. The cruise begins on St. Augustine, FL and ends in Stuart, FL.
5.	Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix with a side trip to Beaver Island	If you’re looking for a place with scenic views, friendly people, and great resort-like boating communities, then the northeast shore of Lake Michigan should be added to your weekend-getaway bucket list. The quaint towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Charlevoix surround Little Traverse Bay and are filled with Victorian architecture, great restaurants, and charming shops. The entire area moves at a gentle pace, more reminiscent of older times.
6.	Harrison Township to Hancock, Michigan	This cruise begins in Harrison Township and ends in Hancock, MI.
7.	Indiana to Florida	This cruise begins in Aurora, Indiana and ends in Florida.
8.	McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River	Cruise through the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River.
9.	Port Huron to Kentucky Lake Fast Cruise	This cruise leaves Port Huron, MI and ends in Grand Rivers, KY.
10.	Sandusky Ohio to Saugatuck, MI	This is a fast cruise that goes from Sandusky Ohio to Saugatuck, MI.

Cruise Name

Cruise Notes

1.	Cruising the Texas Coast from Port Arthur to Galveston Bay	Everything is BIGGER in the Lone Star State, and the Texas coastline stretching along the northwest edge of the Gulf of Mexico is no exception. Measured on its own, the coast clocks in at just 387 miles, but add in all the islands, bays, river mouths and inlets, and there are more than 3,300 miles of beautiful waterfront to explore—not to mention hundreds of attractions and annual events.
2.	Exploring the Tenn Tom	The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (known as the Tenn-Tom) is a manmade waterway that was built to connect the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers for commercial traffic. Construction was a massive undertaking that took 12 years to complete and moved more dirt than the Panama Canal project. In addition to its commercial use, the Tenn-Tom has become a joyful destination for boaters. Ken Crutcher and his wife, “Admiral” Myra, have been cruising the Tenn-Tom on their boat Moon Shine regularly since 1996. It was on one of these trips that Myra took her nickname as Admiral when she teasingly stated to Ken, “If you’re the Captain, I guess that makes me the Admiral!” Titles aside, the Crutchers know their way around the Tenn-Tom. Here are some of their favorite stops along the way.
3.	Kentucky Lake to East Coast of Florida	This is a fast cruise from Kentucy Lake to the East Coast of Florida via the Florida Keys.
4.	Louisiana to Georgia (Mandeville to Brunswick)	This cruise takes you from Slidell, LA to Melbourne, FL via the Lake Okechobee Waterway.

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