Skip to main content

For those who love boating and adventure, the Great Loop is the ultimate challenge. A 6,000-mile journey around the eastern United States, the Great Loop takes boaters through the Gulf of Mexico, across the Atlantic, up the East Coast, and through the Great Lakes and inland waterways. It’s a journey of a lifetime that offers breathtaking scenery, incredible experiences, and unforgettable memories. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Great Loop and what makes it such an inspirational boating adventure.

Discover the Great Loop: 6,000 Miles of Adventure

The Great Loop is a boating adventure that takes you around the eastern half of the United States. The loop is made up of various waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, and the inland rivers. The journey takes you through over 100 locks, under countless bridges, and through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the country.

Route and map of the Great Loop
Courtesy of the AGLCA

Along the way, boaters can experience everything from bustling cities to quiet, secluded anchorages. They can see historical landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Mount Vernon, and explore charming towns and villages that offer unique dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. The Great Loop truly has something for everyone and is a journey that is sure to inspire.

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, the Great Loop Awaits

You can start the loop anywhere on the route! But let’s start in Florida, where the Great Loop takes boaters through the Gulf of Mexico and into the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. From there, the journey continues along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, which takes boaters up the East Coast and through some of the most iconic cities in the country, including Charleston, Savannah, and Washington D.C.

Great Loop boat on the great loop route in a lock
Courtesy of Nat Geo

Once boaters reach New York City, they enter the Hudson River and follow it up to the Erie Canal, which takes them through upstate New York and into the Great Lakes. From there, the journey continues through the inland rivers, including the Illinois River, the Mississippi River, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, before finally returning to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Embark on the Ultimate Boating Challenge: A Journey of a Lifetime

Embarking on the Great Loop is no small feat. It takes months to complete and requires careful planning, preparation, and navigation. But for those who are up for the challenge, the reward is an incredible adventure that will inspire and amaze.

Whether you’re an experienced boater or a novice, the Great Loop offers something for everyone. From learning how to navigate locks to experiencing the thrill of ocean crossings, the journey is full of opportunities to challenge yourself and learn new skills.

Great Loop Boat approaching a lock on its 6000 mile journey
Courtesy of Jan Irons & Commuter Cruiser

But perhaps the greatest reward of the Great Loop is the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing such an incredible journey. Boaters who have completed the loop often describe it as a life-changing experience that has left them with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the United States.

In conclusion, the Great Loop is an inspirational boating adventure that offers incredible experiences and unforgettable memories. From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, the journey takes boaters through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the country and offers opportunities to challenge yourself and learn new skills along the way. If you’re up for the challenge, the Great Loop is a journey of a lifetime that is sure to inspire.