The Great Loop: 6,000 Miles Around Eastern North America by Boat

The Great Loop circumnavigates eastern North America by water, connecting the Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, inland rivers, Great Lakes, and Canadian waterways. Completing the Loop typically takes five months to two years, covering approximately 6,000 miles of incredibly varied cruising.

Planning Your Route

Most Loopers travel counterclockwise, heading south on the Atlantic ICW in fall, crossing the Gulf in winter, ascending the rivers in spring, and transiting the Great Lakes in summer. This pattern follows favorable weather windows throughout.

Your vessel determines route options. Boats with masts over 65 feet must take the Erie Canal route, while shorter vessels can choose the scenic but lock-intensive Canadian route through the Trent-Severn and Ottawa Rivers.

Vessel Requirements

Great Loop boats need modest draft, typically four feet or less for comfortable clearance. Air draft matters for bridge clearances; 19 feet or less opens all routes. Trawlers, cruising sailboats with tabernacled masts, and loop-specific designs dominate the fleet.

Carry fuel capacity for 300-mile range minimum. Some stretches, particularly the rivers, have limited fueling options. Generators become near-essential for the long days and remote anchorages.

The River Experience

River cruising differs dramatically from coastal work. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and Ohio/Mississippi rivers feature locks, barge traffic, and current to manage. Lock etiquette and communication protocols require learning before arrival.

Spring floods can close rivers entirely. Monitor river stage forecasts and don’t fight the current. Many Loopers wait out high water rather than risk the debris and powerful flows of flood stage rivers.

Great Lakes Crossing

Lake Michigan, Huron, and Erie offer open-water sailing conditions in summer. Weather windows matter here; the lakes build significant seas quickly. Most Loopers hop between harbors, waiting for favorable conditions rather than making heroic crossings.

The Community

America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association connects thousands of Loopers through online resources, rendezvous events, and a buddy network. The camaraderie among Loopers creates lasting friendships and invaluable local knowledge sharing.