Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a popular activity among boaters, offering stunning views of the East Coast’s beautiful scenery. The ICW stretches for approximately 3,000 miles from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, Florida.
It is an inland waterway that connects various bays and rivers along the coast of the United States. If you’re planning to cruise the ICW, you may wonder how long it takes to complete this journey. The answer isn’t straightforward since it depends on various factors such as your cruising speed and route.
Factors That Affect Cruising Time on ICW:
The cruising time on ICW depends on several variables, including:
1. Your Vessel’s Speed:
The speed at which you travel has a significant impact on how long it takes to cruise the ICW.
Boats have different speeds depending on their make and model. Larger boats tend to move more slowly than smaller boats because of their weight.
2. Length of Your Journey:
The length of your journey also affects how long it takes to cruise the ICW. The distance from Norfolk to Key West is approximately 1,243 nautical miles if you take the direct route along the ocean instead of using the ICW.
3. Locks and Bridges:
Several locks and bridges are present along the Intracoastal Waterway; these can cause delays in your journey if they are closed or require maintenance work.
4. Weather Conditions:
Weather conditions such as stormy weather, high winds, and rough waters can slow down your boat’s speed and cause delays in your journey.
The Average Time Taken To Cruise The Intracoastal Waterway:
On average, it takes around three weeks to cruise the entire length of the Intracoastal Waterway from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, Florida. This estimate is based on cruising approximately 50 miles per day at a speed of 7 knots.
However, it’s important to note that these figures can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier. For instance, if you’re cruising at a slower speed or taking a more extended route with stops along the way, your journey will take longer than three weeks.
Alternate Routes To Consider:
While cruising the entire length of the Intracoastal Waterway can be an exciting adventure, not everyone has enough time to complete the journey. There are several alternate routes that you can consider if you have limited time.
1. The Ditch Route:
The Ditch Route is a popular alternate route that bypasses much of the ICW and takes you straight to Florida via the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an excellent option for those who want to reach their destination quickly.
2. The Chesapeake Bay Route:
The Chesapeake Bay Route is another alternate route that offers stunning views of Maryland and Virginia’s coastlines. It’s an excellent option for those who want to explore other destinations along the East Coast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway is a fantastic experience that offers breathtaking views of America’s East Coast. While it takes around three weeks to complete this journey from Norfolk to Key West at an average speed of 7 knots per hour, there are many factors that can affect this duration.
Plan your trip well in advance and take all these factors into account before embarking on this journey. Whether you decide to cruise the entire ICW or take an alternative route, remember that safety should be your top priority at all times!