What is the Intercoastal Waterway? The Great Loop Explained

Have you ever been curious how to navigate the USA without going into the ocean? The Intercoastal Waterway or The Great Loop Explained. The who, what & why.

What is the Great Loop?

The Intracoastal Waterway or The “Great Loop” is a feat that most boaters have dreamed about completing at least once in their boating lives. A way to circumnavigate the eastern united states by water without having to go offshore for extended periods of time.

It includes the Gulf inland rivers of America’s heartland, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and on the east coast the Intracoastal Waterway. 

The intercoastal waterway, affectionately called the ICW for short, is a 3000-mile-long track. Starting up in Massachusetts, works its way down the east coast.

It cuts right through CRUISE COCOA’s sailing grounds of the Indian river lagoon. The begins bending around the keys and finally making its way to Texas. It has several natural inlets that give way to the ocean and gulf, sounds, and bays.

Why do we have the Intracoastal Waterway?

The Intracoastal waterway, the Great Loop or the ICW was first thought possible back in 1808.

But it wasn’t fully committed to until World War 2. Several ships were sunk off the east coast by German submarines.

It became apparent that the United States needed a way to transport goods and supplies around the country. Without having to go offshore and risk exposing themselves to danger.

The Army Core of Engineers were put into place to dredge the ICW to a depth of at least 12 feet.

Lack of funds and the shallow bodies of water that the ICW runs though shoaling has caused some areas to become closer to 7 ft in some areas. 

Locally the ICW cuts right though the Indian River Lagoon with several sandbars off to the sides. Many local boaters can be found sunbathing and bobbing around on the weekends.

It heads south passing right alongside Historic Cocoa Village, Merritt Island, and Melbourne. But also with ocean access at the port in Cape Canaveral and the Sebastian Inlet.

Come join us at CRUISE COCOA and let our captains share our local knowledge.