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NAVIGATION
Navigating the Florida Keys: Inside or Outside Route?
Extending in a sweeping southwesterly curve from Miami and the mainland, the Florida Keys offer a cruising experience unlike any other waterway area. In...
Aqua Map Now Features Auto-Routing
Auto-routing (Route Planner in Aqua Map) is now available in Aqua Map! In the interest of safe routing, it incorporates...
Critical Shoaling on the AICW
For vessels transiting some areas of the AICW the threat of running aground or bumping the bottom is an ongoing...
A Detailed Guide to Boating the Dismal Swamp Canal
Thinking about taking the Dismal Swamp Canal route on your next north–south cruise? Scho & Jo—Great Loopers and content creators—have...
Broad Creek Dredging Complete – Safer Access for Boaters in Deltaville
Boaters cruising the middle Chesapeake Bay this season will find improved access to one of Virginia's most active marine corridors....
Coast Guard Proposes Elimination of 351 Aids to Navigation (ATONs) in the Northeast
According to Coast Guard District 1, the goals of the reduction in the number of buoys are to:Support the navigational...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 5/16/2025
The northern migration is winding down, but there's still news to know about the Little River Swing bridge, the dredging...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 5/9/2025
News for this week includes groundings at Isle of Palms, a drifting buoy at Mason Inlet, extension of construction at...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 4/25/2025
I'll cover the changes to the Atlantic ICW since the last Bulletin. Be sure to see all the spring Bulletins...
Spring Cleaning for Your Navigation Tools
Now that we've enjoyed a relaxing winter down south, it's time to prepare your navigation tools for the cruise back...
Top 5 ICW Navigation Hazards for Spring 2025 Migration—And How to Avoid Them
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) is constantly changing like no other waterway in the world. If you're headed north on...
New Long Island Sound Cruising Guide Now Available on Amazon
Waterway Guide is excited to announce the release of our Long Island Sound Cruising Guide, now available in both print...
Tips for Navigating the Erie Canal and the New York State Canal System
The Erie Canal is a major component of the New York State Canal System. The 524-mile inland water route ascends...
Plan Your 2025 Boating Adventures with Waterway Guide
When you prepare to take the boat for a day, for a week, or for your long-planned great American adventure,...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/13/2024
1 – MM 238.2 Browns Inlet ATON R60 is off station due to dredging which is underwayDo not automatically honor...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/6/2024
1 – MM 240.7 - Onslow Bridge closed during weekdays from 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/22/2024
1 - MM 84 Alligator River Marina to close Dec 1stIt's the only marina between Coinjock and Dowry Creek Marinas,...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/15/2024
MM 45.6 "Eric's Shoal" in middle of the channelGroundings have been reported this week north of Coinjock in the middle...
Cruising Conditions of Bogue Sound
For the southbound traveler, below Morehead City the ICW follows Bogue Sound almost 25 miles to Swansboro (Mile 229), the...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/6/2024
MM 240.7 Onslow Bridge ConstructionFrom 11/4 at 7:00 a.m. to 11/7 at 9:00 p.m. the new bridge will be in...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/1/2024
MM 84 Alligator River Marina: May be closed to transients. For many years, the marina has been a halfway stopover...
Waterway Guide ICW Bulletin by Bob423 (10/18/2024)
MM 238.2: Browns Inlet continues to shoal. Do not hug G61A, it is not where the chart shows it to...
Going South on the ICW in 2024
Contributing
Editor Bob423 offers an update on problem areas and solutions for transiting
the ICW this fall when heading south. Conditions...
Cruising Guide for Turks and Caicos Islands
There are two distinct groups of islands that make up the country that is the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI)....
Cruising Pamlico Sound
Pamlico Sound, the second largest ICW estuary after the Chesapeake Bay, is 65 miles south of Albemarle Sound (via the...
Cruising Conditions of the Hudson River
The Hudson River Valley is emerging as a haven for city refugees who want the culture without the noise and...
Bridge & Lock Schedule for the Dismal Swamp Canal
When navigating the Dismal Swamp Canal, boaters should remain vigilant about bridge heights and lock schedules. Given below are the...
Navigating the New Jersey ICW and Beyond
Experience the diversity of the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway, from the birdwatcher's paradise in Cape May to the vibrant shore...
Comparing Marine Navigation Apps
If you've been anywhere near a boat in the past five years you know that mobile nautical navigation applications have...
Bridge & Lock Schedule of Florida's Gulf Coast
Navigating the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) along Florida's Gulf Coast involves transiting a series of bridges, each with its own...
Cruising New York's East River
The magnificent East River of New York is a 14-nm-long body of water that separates the boroughs of Manhattan and...
Shoaling at Isle of Palms, SC - Boaters Advised to Follow Alternative Route
Boats aground at low tide at Isle of Palms.
Shoaling in the Isle of Palms, SC area is posing potential...
Navigating with the Clipper Fleet
Departing China on 28 March 2024, the eleven boats of the Clipper Around the World Race are to cover 5,306...
Navigating the Inlets of the Atlantic ICW
Cruising the "inside waterway" (the ICW) is a bit like driving down I-95. There are areas where every amenity and...
Cruising Guide for the GIWW
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), stretching from Brownsville, TX, to Ft. Myers, FL, with an open-water gap between Carrabelle and...
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Prompts USCG Safety Zone
MD: Chesapeake Bay, Patapsco River, Francis Scott Key Bridge, Safety Zone
Date Reported: Mar 26, 2024
Source: CG Sector MD-NCR,...
Cape Cod: Journey through America's Maritime Heritage
The cold waters north and east of Cape Cod are the birthplace of much of America's maritime heritage. Every harbor...
Exploring the Marquesas: A Cruiser's Guide
The beautiful Marquesas Keys lie along the route to the Dry Tortugas and are only 21.6 nm west of Key...
Great Lakes Cruising Guide: Lake Superior
Looking for some excellent remote cruising? Lake Superior rewards the patient cruiser with haunting beauty and grand adventure, including coniferous...
Exploring the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay: Pocomoke River to Kiptopeke
Heading northbound or southbound on the Chesapeake Bay opens up numerous opportunities for discovery on its western and eastern shores....
Reference Materials for Boaters & Cruisers
A cruising adventure requires not just skill and experience but also a solid foundation of knowledge. From navigating the intricate...
Cruising Guide for Beaufort, NC: Navigating Marinas, Anchorages & Inlets
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Beaufort (pronounced "BO-fort") stands as a testament to its rich nautical history and...
Cruising Characteristics of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a series of interconnected freshwater lakes that comprise the largest freshwater system on Earth and represent...
Cruising the Charleston, SC Area
The ICW north of Charleston offers wide scenic marsh views to the east and alternating marsh and forest on the...
Making an Outside Run to Miami
In ordinary weather an outside run to or from Miami is safe, comfortable and provides some beautiful views of the...
Top Tips For First-Time Cruisers According to Cruisers
We recently polled our Waterway Guide Facebook Community of cruisers to share what they considered to be the best tips...
Navigating New York Harbor
North through The Narrows into New York Harbor–one of the world's finest natural harbors–is the great city of New York...
An Excerpt from Bahamas Land & Sea: The Biminis
Perched on the edge of the Gulf Stream, Bimini consists primarily of two very closely spaced islands that are separated...
Exploring Tampa Bay by Boat
One of the great natural harbors of the world, Tampa Bay extends about 25 miles north to south and about...
Cruising the Pamlico River
The Pamlico River is wide and easily navigable to Washington, NC, where the Pamlico River becomes the Tar River. This...
Basic Knowledge for Cruising the ICW: Part 2
Bob Sherer, known as Bob423, has devoted a chapter in his ICW Cruising Guide to essential insights and practical advice...
Waterway Guide Collaborates with Addison Chan for Bahamas Digital Guide
Waterway Guide is thrilled to announce the release of Waterway Guide Bahamas Land and Sea, a comprehensive digital cruising guide...
The Outside Route: Delmarva Coast
Heading north or south on the Atlantic Ocean along the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coasts represents an alternative to navigating...
Side Trip to Nantucket Island
Nantucket, one of the most beautiful islands on the east coast, is 14 miles long, 3.5 miles wide and 27...
2024 Edition Waterway Guides Released
The 2024 editions of the Southern, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic (formerly Atlantic ICW) and Chesapeake Bay Waterway Guides are now available...
Mile 0: Elizabeth River
For southbound boats, the first 200-mile-long stretch of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) between Mile Marker 0 at Norfolk and...
Cruising Conditions of the Okeechobee Waterway
The Okeechobee Waterway (OCWW) provides a shortcut from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and divides central and...
Cruising The Down East Loop
If you're planning your boating adventures for the year, the Down East Loop should be on your list. This route...
Waterway Guide Media Teams with Raymarine
Following successful test and evaluation by Raymarine, data and information from Waterway Guide is now included in all Raymarine LightHouse...
Cruising Cat & Long Islands, Bahamas
Cat and Long Islands stretch southward on the eastern side of Exuma Sound, continuing a long chain of big islands...
Cruising Itineraries for The Bahamas
Photo Credit: Onne van der WalSince most cruisers begin and end their Bahamian adventure in Florida, nearly all journeys to...
Navigating The Trent-Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway is an intricate inland system of rivers, lakes and canals connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. In...
Cruising The Great Loop: Choosing Your Route
If you cruise the East Coast long enough, sooner or later, someone will ask you if you have completed The...
Considering The Great Loop in 2024? Consider an AGLCA Membership!
If you're considering doing The Great Loop in 2024, you're in for an adventure. As you plan your journey, Waterway...
Navigating Biscayne Bay
At 35 miles long and up to 8 miles wide Biscayne Bay ranks as one of North America's great inland...
Boating on Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain is an almost ideal body of water for boating. The oval-shaped waterway is nearly 40 miles from east...
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Navigation Requires New Skills for Many Mariners
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Navigation Requires New Skills for Many MarinersPerhaps you are an experienced mariner in Maine, Long Island Sound,...
The New Standard for Bahamas Charts, Navigation Advice and Apps
Being up-to-date and informed on your next voyage to the Bahamas has reached a new plateau.Waterway Guide Media, Explorer Chartbooks,...
Crossing the Caicos Bank
The Caicos Bank is an almost circular atoll, 60 miles across at its widest point, approximately 1.8 to 3.8 meters/6...
Cruising to Hilton Head Island, SC
A bustling but beautiful year-round resort, Hilton Head Island, is probably the best known of South Carolina's Sea Islands. As...
Resources for Navigating the ICW
Some say, just follow the Aid to Navigation (ATONs). Others say pay more attention to the chart. Others have favorites...
Tips & Strategies for Crossing the Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream is one of the most powerful natural forces on the planet. This massive river of warm water...
Anchoring in the Florida Keys: Tips & Anchorages
The Florida Keys offer a boating experience like no other. A trove of marine beauty, the Florida Keys demands respect...
Discover the Ultimate Boating Companion
At Waterway Guide, we understand the importance of having a reliable, comprehensive, and user-friendly tool to enhance your boating experience....
Bridge & Lock Schedules of the Atlantic ICW
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the scheduled openings and clearance heights of drawbridges, an indispensable tool for planning...
The Unique Geography of the Bahamas and Its Challenges
A great part of the beauty and lore of The Bahamas is the geography. This same geography is what makes...
Navigating from Port Arthur to Galveston Bay
From Louisiana to Mexico, the Texas coast covers over 400 miles. To the south, 113-mile-long Padre Island is the longest...
Cruising North & South Bimini
The Great Bahama Bank encompasses a large swath of shallow water. It's along the periphery of this Great Bank that...
Cruising the Florida Keys
The 125-mile-long arc of islands that make up the Florida Keys create a unique environment for exploration by land or...
Waterway Guide Mobile App Update
Waterway Guide, the trusted source for boating and cruising information, is excited to announce the release of a significant update...
Tracks vs Routes - What's the Difference?
What's the difference between a track and a route? Which is best for you? To begin, be aware that tracks...
Cruising The Western Gulf Coast
The protected Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) route arcs 870 miles from Pensacola to the Rio Grande. Expect to encounter a...
Cross-Sound Distances on Long Island Sound
The following is a selection of major cruising stops on Long Island Sound and the distances between them. It is...
Cruising Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound packs history, high-tech boating and fun in an estuary that stretches 90 nm between New York City...
Navigating the Florida Panhandle
For the cruising boat that reaches St. Georges Sound (and has a vertical clearance of less than 48 feet) it...
Navigating the C&D Canal
The Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal provides a safe, time-saving passage between Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. The 12-mile-long...
Northern Cruising Grounds of the Bahamas
The Abacos are a wonderful place to start or end your exploration of The Bahamas. In many ways, the Abacos...
Using an iPad Pro 12.9 for Navigation
Note: Bob Sherer (Bob423) is a contributing editor who posts navigation alerts across Waterway Guide's various platforms. Noted for his...
Navigating the Dismal Swamp Canal
The Dismal Swamp Canal, steeped in history and natural beauty, offers a tranquil and enchanting route for boaters traversing the...
Locking Through the Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is a major component of the New York State Canal System. The 524-mile inland water route ascends...
Weather Guide: Reading the Skies
While weather forecasting is far more reliable than ever before, it pales in our esteem for the mariner that can...
Cruising Through Lower South Carolina
BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA 32' 25.767ᵒN 080' 40.467ᵒWSouth Carolina has numerous delightful small towns to explore, but two of our...
Navigating the Inlets of the Atlantic ICW
Cruising the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) is a bit like driving down I-95. There are areas where amenities and conveniences...
Using Your iPhone or Tablet to Plan Boating Adventures with Waterway Guide
A short overview of how Waterway Guide shows you important details and points of interest when planning a boating trip....
A Special Force Endures: The US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Waterway Guide Media has forged a partnership intended to advance our company's dedication to, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary's mission...
The Big Bend: Anclote Key to Carrabelle
Navigation Notes on the Big BendThe 350-nm stretch from Anclote Key to Carrabelle across the Big Bend (also called "The...
Navigation Notes & Cruising Conditions of the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway
The New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway (NJIWW) provides something for every taste, beginning with serious birdwatching in Cape May and including...
New Challenges at Mile Zero of AICW
If you are transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) either north or south bound in 2023, and beyond, you will...
Rules of the "Road" when Boating
Anyone planning to cruise our waterways should make themselves familiar with the rules of the road. Chapman Piloting: Seamanship and...
Navigating the St. Lawrence River
By Michael O'ReillyBang! Splash! Crash! It's never good to be awakened by hitting the ceiling of your cabin berth… I quickly...
Best Practices for Navigating Port Security & Protections Zones
The U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Patrol–both components of the Department of Homeland Security–handle port security in the...
Island Hopping in the Northeast
Look no further than Shelter Island, Fishers Island, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket to find a sailor's wonderland of...
Finding the RIGHT Marina Using the Marina Comparison Chart
When it comes to boating, finding the right marina can greatly enhance your overall experience. WaterwayGuide.com's Explorer is an invaluable...
How To Find Marinas Before & During Your Boat Trips
Planning a boating trip involves several considerations, with one crucial aspect being the identification of suitable marinas along your intended...
Exploring the Choices on the Southern Chesapeake Bay
It can take a lifetime to explore the reaches of the Chesapeake Bay. Since most of us don't have this...
Cruising the ICW: Manteo, NC to Norfolk, VA
The final leg of our journey up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Key West heads for port in Norfolk, Virginia—the terminus...
Reporting Navigation Alerts
The submission of Navigation Alerts through Waterway Guide's Explorer plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient journeys for...
Using the Waterway Guide Mobile App
Watch a thorough overview of Waterway Guide's Mobile App: the most all-inclusive app available with Cruising Guidebooks, maps, point-of-interest and...
Explore the Albemarle Sound
The Albemarle Sound covers 50 miles (east to west), from the Outer Banks to the mouth of the Chowan River....
Cruising the ICW: Swansboro to Belhaven
This leg of our journey up the ICW from Key West to Norfolk captures North Carolina coastal magic: a string...
Benefits of Becoming a Waterway Guide Member
Waterway Guide Subscriptions provide boaters with an array of practical benefits to enhance their cruising experiences. Our subscriptions offer the...
Florida’s Forgotten Coast Is a Great Looper’s Layover
Franklin County, along Florida's Northern Gulf Coast, is a boater's oasis with hundreds of miles of freshwater creeks, sloughs and...
Planning Your Boating Adventure with WaterwayGuide.com
When planning any great boating adventure, before leaving the dock you need to know the following: the weather along your...
Cruising the ICW: Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC
A South-to-North Cruise of the ICW from Savannah, GA to Charleston, SC - Collaboration with Coastal Living Magazine This leg of...
Cruising the ICW: Fernandina Beach to St. Simon's Island
A South-to-North Cruise of the ICW from Titusville to St. Augustine, Florida - Collaboration with Coastal Living Magazine This leg of...
Navigating Florida’s Space Coast Area
Indian RiverIn what has come to be known as the Space Coast Area the coastal topography changes from a slender...
Avoiding Crab Pots & Trap Markers
In Virginia, March 17th marks the official opening to crabbing season on the Chesapeake Bay for commercial crabbers, and with...
Cruising Adventure: The Bahamas Loop
What cruiser doesn't enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from crossing their own wake? Cruisers love loops…It's an efficient...
2025 Boating Adventures: Exploring America's Top Mini Loops
As you chart your course for 2025, consider the unique satisfaction that comes from crossing your own wake—a true badge...
Biscayne Bay & Miami, Florida
At 35 miles long and up to 8 miles wide Biscayne Bay ranks as one of North America's great inland...
Cruising Marathon, Florida
Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Marathon provides a unique boating and family destination paired with an...
A Cruising Itinerary for The Abacos
The small size of the Sea of Abaco means you can pick and choose destinations at will. If the wind doesn't...
NOAA Custom Chart Version 2.0 Released to the Public
Nautical chart generating service includes major new enhancementsNOAA Custom Chart is a web-based application that can generate a paper nautical...
NOAA Chart Offsets – Has this happened to you?
Have you ever been in the middle of a channel and found yourself aground? That happened on 11/23/2022 to Eric...
Waterway Guide Data Now Available with savvy navvy Navigation App
A new partnership between all-in-one navigation app savvy navvy and industry renowned Waterway Guide gives US boaters an enhanced user...
An Expert Look at Navigating Then & Now
Being on the water has always been adventurous. And for all the reasons that we love boating the one task...
Navigating: Then & Now
Being on the water has always been adventurous. And for all the reasons that we love boating the one task...
Locks & Locking Through
Many rivers in North America are a series of pools created by dams. When the dams also include locks, navigation...
Let's Talk About Bridge Basics
Bridges have to be factored in when planning a trip. Depending on where you cruise, you may be dependent on...
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