The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) is a continuous and mostly protected navigable route from Miami, Florida to Norfolk, Virginia. Originally conceived in 1802 for commercial use, today it is primarily used by recreational vessels, however light-draft commercial vessels along with small tugs pulling barges will make use of the AICW to avoid exposed open ocean passages. The AICW is made up of natural rivers, bays, and sounds, connected by a series of man-made canals where necessary.
The route is maintained by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and is measured in statute miles at 1,090 miles long, beginning at mile marker zero (MM “0.0”) in Norfolk, Virginia. When combined with the Chesapeake Bay, a boater can cruise from Miami, Florida to Baltimore, Maryland covering a total of 1,282 statute miles, or 1,114 nautical miles.
Long Island Sound could busy mariners for years. Its glacially-sculpted namesake – Long Island – borders the south. Connecticut creates the northern shores. The Big Apple shines from the west. This 100-mile tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean carries boaters from working waterfronts to quiet coves and crannies, and everything in between.
The Chesapeake Bay is a spectacular North American cruising ground that was shaped by a big bang 35 million years ago when a comet or asteroid slammed into what is now the lower tip of the Delmarva Peninsula. That impact left a crater 55 miles wide that became a convenient depression for rivers to flow into as the glaciers of the last Ice Age melted some 10,000 years ago. The Algonquian word Chesepiooc, meaning “at a big river” became the source of the name for the estuary now called the Chesapeake.
The Chesapeake Bay spans more than 64,000 square miles and is home to 150 major rivers and streams. A true boater’s playground, you will find everything you need. From live music and great tiki bars, to cruising with the kiddos, there’s no shortage of fantastic Chesapeake Bay marinas and fun activities here. Below please find a sample itinerary, complete with marina information, deals and discounts.
