Information presented on this page is for the page author's use only. Use of this information by anyone other than the author is offered as guidelines and non-professional advice only. No liability is assumed by the author or this web site. Regardless of information presented here, the captain is solely responsible for the safety of craft and crew.
Southbound Norfolk VA to Marathon FL via ICW 2017
Northbound Marathon LF to Norfolk VA via ICW 2018
We traveled the 1400 miles from Marathon FL (middle Florida Keys) our home port near Baltimore MD in 40 days. This excludes 12 days at Wilmington NC in 2018 for driveline repairs. The trip back from Marathon FL began on 9 Apr 2018 and we arrived at our home port near Baltimore MD on 1 June. The engine consumed 656.27 gal of diesel at a total cost of $1941.19, and an average fuel cost of $2.96/gal.
| Location | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA | 70/54 | 61/45 | 52/36 |
| NC | 76/57 | 68/48 | 60/39 |
| SC | 75/62 | 67/54 | 60/46 |
| GA | 78/58 | 71/48 | 63/41 |
| FL NE | 80/61 | 74/51 | 67/44 |
We traveled the 1400 miles from our home port near Baltimore MD to Marathon FL (middle Florida Keys) in 36 days This excludes one week return home in 2017 for a funeral.
The trip down the ICW began on 4 Nov 2017 and we arrived at Marathon FL on 17 Dec 2017. The engine ran 183.09 hours and consumed a total of 555.9 gal of diesel, at a total cost of $1528.68, and the average fuel cost of $2.75/gal.
The goal is to visit SC and NC in the months of April/May in order to enjoy the most favorable temperatures. Plan for at least two weeks for two two-day weather windows to complete four offshore legs from Marathon to Lake Worth. Plan for 16 days to travel from Lake Worth FL (1019.1) to Beufort SC (STM 536.5). Depart 8 April from Marathon and begin trip back to Norfolk VA. For insurance purposes, we cannot start the return trip any later than 6 May.
| Location | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL NE | 79/55 | 86/63 | |
| GA | 78/54 | 85/62 | 90/70 |
| SC | 72/59 | 79/67 | 85/74 |
| NC | 68/49 | 75/58 | 84/67 |
Jeep Beach Event Wed 25 Apr; 6-10 pm; Daytona Beach Boardwalk. Fri 27 Apr; 9am-5pm; Vendors.
Must be north of Florida / Georgia border by 1 June; STM 685 30° 43.5384
The water is nice (clarity) between Wrightsville Beach and Beaufort NC. Plan time for fishing from Wrightsville Beach during next visit.
STM -11.2 Hampton VA Land dinghy for free in slip #2 at Hampton Public Piers. Walk up E Queens Way to visit a few shops and restaurants. Google static map Craft beer and food are great at Bull Island Brewing Company.
STM -0.2 Portsmouth VA Shipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery on High St;
STM 50.9 Elizabeth City NC (Dismal Swamp) ; free docking; The city offers 48-hour free dockage to travelers from around the world. The “Rose Buddies Receptions” where visiting boaters enjoy wine and cheese parties next to Mariner’s Wharf and roses are handed out to the ladies.
STM 135.8 Belhaven NC Small friendly waterfront town with some services. Spoon River Restaurant. Several anchorage locations and easy/friendly dingly landing options.
STM 147.0 Washington NC Travel off ICW 33 miles west up the Palmico Rvr to historic town. Anchor or dock for free. Free dinghy access. Shopping, museums, restaurants nearby. *** Charts indicate shallow area, limited anchorage ***
STM 157.5 Hobucken, NC Limited transient dockage at R.E. Mayo Company (working shrimp dock) for $0.40/ft/nt. Cruisers can purchase uncleaned seafood. Pull up along straight warf south of the facility. Unstaffed. Anchoring alternatives nearby down the river. Captain John favorite stop. Nothing else of interest nearby.
STM 181.6 Oriental NC Free docking at city dock (check status of dock using Harbor Cam. Possibly shallow at dock! Free dinghy dock. Town has grocery, West Marine, hardware. Anchor in Green Cr.
STM 203.0
Beaufort NC & Morehead City NC
No good anchorage options.
Beaufort NC
Waterfront area with shipping and museums.
Shacklefort horses nearby.
Beaches.
Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum and
Watercraft Center. Ferries go to Shackleford Island and Cape Lookout.
If you can get a ride, see the lighthouse on Hunting Island.
CJ favorite stop.
OWG NC-49
Morehead City NC
; OWG NC-48
STM 285.0 Wrightsville Beach NC Wrightsville Beach, NC - a nice anchorage, a free dinghy dock and a short walk to the beach. WARNING - it is NOT a no wake zone throughtout the anchorage area (despite the number of boats docked). Waterman's Brewing. Wrightsville Beach Farmer's Market. Crystal Pier. Wrightsville Beach Access #29. Dinghy dock at bridge. Willage Supermarket. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. Waterman's Brewing is a 11 min bike ride from the bridge..
STM 297.0
Wilmington NC
13 MILES north of STM 297.
Riverwalk highly rated.
The battleship U.S.S. North Carolina is permanently moored in a
small lagoon just off the Cape Fear River. and is open for tours.
The Cotton Exchange and Old Wilmington City Market shopping destinations.
Free trolly.
Waterfront exposed to boat wakes.
Wilmington City Docks $1.25/ft 910-520-6875
STM 297.1 Carolina Beach NC Mooring @ $20/nite or nearby anchorage options. Book mooring online in advance. The Carolina Beach Mooring Field is located South of Snows Cut, between markers #4 and #5 on the approach channel into Carolina Beach town waterfront (Myrtle Grove Sound). N 34° 02.827', W 077° 53.355'. The Carolina Beach State Park just past where Snow's Cut meets the Cape Fear River between Channel Marker 163 & 165. The City of Carolina Beach has a dinghy dock at the end of the channel which is less than 1/2 mile away. Grocery, laundromat within bike ride. Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Carolina Beach Fishing Pier. Good Hops Brewing Mon-Thr 1-8pm. Buzz's Roost at the Beach (happy hour). Shuckin’ Shack (great happy hour). SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar (happy hour). The Fat Pelican (pub). Sweet potato biscuit at the Frying Pan.
STM 309.0 Southport NC (Cape Fear area); Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. Shops along N. Howe St. Southport Marina transient docking for $1.95/ft/night. Southport Town Dock (shallow, poor condition). Dock at restaurant Provision Company - free overnight docking with meal (arrive anytime). Dock is exposed to boat wakes, but in good condition as of May 2018. Dock at restaurant Yacht Basin Eatery. Daily up to 2 hours. Overnight for $20/night arrive after 7 pm only. Provision Company (restaurant). Southport Fishing Pier. Old Brunswick County Jail. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport.
STM 356.3 Barefoot Landing, N Myrtle Beach, SC Access to a huge outlet shopping area along with multiple entertainment complexes and lots of restaurants. property map ; OWG Take the bridge across and try to see an alligator. The dock is currently controlled by Salt Shaker Boat Tours (ph 843-340-2497). Day docking for $10, overnight is $1.50/ft/night. The waterfront area is under construction, so expect noise and dust at the dock. Only water is available. No electricity, showers, fuel, etc.
403.0 Georgetown SC Georgetown Harborwalk. South Carolina Maritime Museum (admission free). The downtown is filled with pre-Revolution and antebellum homes, and there are plenty of good restaurants, boutiques, antique stores, and walking tours. Boat tours can take you to surrounding plantations, marsh islands, and beaches. The Piggly Wiggly supermarket is less than a mile walk away. On your own boat, visit Winyah Bay and the pristine Waccamaw River.
STM 470 Charleston SC Famous for culture, history, restaurants. Recover your snagged anchor by calling Tom at 843-696-3879. Tom is an oyster farmer as of May 2018, but still dives to save your day!. Limited protection anchorage and the risk is high that your anchor will be fouled with something on the bottom that will require a diver to free it. STM 469 There’s a large and popular anchorage just off the Charleston City Marina. Dockage is dominated by three marinas that have the most convenient access to Charleston from the Ashley River side: Charleston City Marina dockage is $2.15/ft/night; WiFi pswd 'mega2150' Bristol Marina $2.15/ft/night. The Harborage at Ashley Marina $2.20/ft/night . Charleston Maritime Center 843-853-3625 $1.50/ft/night BoatUS (docks closed for repair as of 5 May 2018). Seabreeze Marina 843-853-0932 is on Cooper River. Green Taxi 843-819-0846 Yellow Cab 843-577-6565
Use the Charleston City Marina free shuttle to drop you off at The Battery. Walk north along E Bay Street and see Rainbow Row. Continue north a short distance and visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon ($10/pp) for a great overview of Charleston's history. Walk north west and visit the Historic Charleston City Market. Walk along King Street above Broad Street for shopping. Next walk to and visit the Charleston Distilling Co. Free trolley (CARTA DASH Trolley), route 210 (orange), 211 (green), and 213 (purple); use Google Maps to plan your trip. Charleston Visitor Center. Aiken-Rhett House is a short distance from the visitor center. Interactive list of historic sites.
STM 536.3 Beaufort SC Moorings $20/day (limit 35 ft ?) via Downtown Marina of Beaufort. The mooring field and anchorage is exposed to boat wakes because it has not been designated by the city as a no wake zone. Dock at wall in Beaufort for $0.50/ft/hr for day visit (check in with Downtown Marina of Beaufort). Downtown Marina of Beaufort docking is very expensive at $1.95/ft/night. Downtown Marina of Beaufort is located right at the historic business district. Beaufort Historic District Joseph Johnson House, "The Castle" Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park . Hunting Island State Park. Hunting Island Lighthouse. Spanish Moss Trail. Hilton Head Island Beach.
STM 539.5 Port Royal SC
STM 583.0 Savannah, GA
Access to the town of Savannah is a challenge. Even the distant marinas (Thunderbolt) cost way too much at $1.9+/ft (WiFi SSID 'TMI Guest' pswd 'tboltmarine'). Consider carefully the excessive marina transident fees for the Savannah GA area.
Take Uber to Savannah Information Center. Get map and talk with staff about your interests. Recommend walk to Bull St. Then walk along Bull St toward the Savannah River, exploring the historic district along the way. When you get to the river, turn south and walk along E River St to Morell Park. Then drop down (in elevation) to the waterfront level, and walk north and browse the shops of River Street Market, Rousakis Riverfront Plaza. Divert to Moon River Brewing Company if interested. Walk to the City Market for shops and restaurants. Continue north along the river to the Ghost Coast Distillery (great free tour; good spirits) and then the Service Brewing Company if interested.
Optional attractions: Old Fort Jackson.
STM 710.7 Cumberland Island GA Free dinghy dock. A must see stop - spend the day exploring the island. ;CJ Cumberland Island National Seashore Park.
STM 716.8 Fernandina Beach, FL 50-block downtown historic district. Many shops and restaurants near the mooring field. Take the Island Hopper for $1/pp/ride to get around the island, visit Publix, etc.
STM 747.0 Jacksonville FL Hurricane Patty's Tiki Bar & Restaurant; Bold City Brewery. Aardwolf Brewing Company. Engine 15 Brewing Co. Brunswick Landing Marina Cruisers Net Tues, Thurs, Sat 9am on 69.
STM 778.2 St. Augustine is the oldest permanent European settlement in the U.S. Its fort, Spanish architecture, shops and restaurants make a fascinating stop. The mooring field and anchorage is exposed to boat wakes because it has not been designated by the city as a no wake zone. A1A Ale Works. Ancient City Brewing Taproom. Dog Rose Brewing Co. open ??? St Augustine Distillery. Mon-Sun 10:30am - 5pm 17th-century stone fortress Castillo de San Marcos. Historic Public Market.
STM 829.0 Daytona Beach FL STM 830.7 Memorial Bridge anchorage. Dinghy shore access public boat ramp next to Halafax Marina. The public boat ramp & dinghy dock at Bethune Point Park was still closed as of April 2018. Restaurants and shopping nearby along Rt 1 (Beach St). Take bicycle or Uber and cross E Int'l Speedway Blvd bridge to ocean / beach side to visit the boardwalk, etc (< 3 mi). The bus system is an easy, inexpensive ($3.75/pp day pass), and efficient way to get around the city (use Google Maps to get bus route information). Surplus Unlimited store nearby. Daytona Beach Brewing Company. Copper Bottom Craft Distillery. Free tours. Tasting Wed-Fri 5pm-8pm; Sat 11am-8pm; Beach Street shopping (Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach). Oceanwalk Daytona Beach. Daytona Flea & Farmer's Market (Fri, Sat, Sun 9am-5pm).
STM 486.7 New Smyrna Beach FL Dinghy access at Riverside Park, or possibly the New Smyrna Beach City Marina. Day dockage at Riverside Park as well. There is a floating dinghy dock north of the S Causeway bridge on the west side of ICW. New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company is near Riverside Park. Free electric car rides around town for tips only www.nsbfree.com, 286-424-5655.
STM 878.1 Titusville FL $20/day mooring field. Playalinda Brewing Company. Visit in town Fish Skinz, www.fishskinz.com inshore and offshore apparel.
STM 897.8 Cocoa FL Anchor at waypoint '897.8 anc Cocoa NE', then dink to west shore (south side of bridge) to town dinghy dock at the Cocoa Watefront Park. Walk west to small historic town (Historic Cocoa Village) with many shops and an old-fashioned hardware store S.F. Travis. Take Uber to cross the Hubert Humphrey Causeway Bridge to visit the beach, Cocoa Beach Pier (401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL), boardwalk, Rikki Tiki Tavern on the Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach Brewing Company (150 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL). West Marine nearby.
WARNING: As of 21 Apr 2018 it is impossible to land a dinghy and visit the city.
STM 951.6 Vero Beach Moorings City Marina at Marker 139 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Vero Beach FL moorings (reserve 48 hrs in advance); $15/day. Groceries & laundromat. Vero Beach Cruisers Net schedule unknown
Along Ocean Dr (ocean side) visit Orchid Isl Brewery at the south end of the shopping district. Farmers Market Oceanside is just before the brewery.
STM 987.0 Stuart FL Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Riverwalk. Bathtub Reef. Elliott Museum.
STM 1019.1 Lake Worth South, FL. Land dink south of anchorage to boat ramp at Currie Park. Palm Beach Maritime Museum ($2/pp donation).
STM 1014.0 Lake Worth North, FL Good protection except from south wind. Publix close by, and a few other shops (but limited).
STM 1031.1 Lantana, FL. Land dink at Sportsman's Park Cross bridge to beach / ocean side to visit Plaza Del Mar (shopping),
STM 1064.0 Ft Lauderdale, FL. Anchor at Lake Sylvia and pay $15/day dinghy landing fee to access the Ft Lauderdale waterfront. From Lake Sylvia, dink to the Raw Bar and dock for free if you eat a meal (opposite direction to waterfront). A mooring for $40/day at Las Olas Municipal Marina gives you the best access to the Ft Lauderdale waterfront. Alternatively, anchor Sunrise Bay anchorage or Middle River.
Shops on Las Olas Blvd. Water Taxi Stop #4 @ 429 SE 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; 26°07'04.2"N 80°08'02.7"W; Address to center of area: 904 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Trip is a 2.1 mile (11 minute bike ride) from Las Olas Municipal Marina.
The Sun Trolly provides access to more distant locations such as Publix (grocery).
The New River riverwalk trail follows the New River and provides access to many of the shopping and restaurant areas. map It starts from the south approximately at Federal Hwy and continues past S Aveneue of the Arts.
STM 10xx.0 Hollywood, FL. The 2.5 mile boardwalk begins south at Jefferson St (near South Lake) and ends just past Sheridan St (Sheridan St bridge).
STM 1094.4 Dinner Key FL moorings Dinner Key Mooring Facility $23.36/nite (max 40' LOA). ph (305) 329-4755 Mooring field map Mooring field to area map Free pumpout. A few blocks away is The Fresh Market grocery store chain. Dinnery Key and Mooring (inc. Miami Cruisers Net) daily at 9 am on 69.
Take ICW route to Biscayne Bay
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Anchor in Venetian Islands (STM 1088.4). Dink up Collins Canal to east, dock dink, and explore shops and restaurants. You may be able to dock dink near the Publix store, or near the anchorage next to the bridge. Pickup a bus near the bridge and take a bus to the Lincoln Mall.
Statium Anchorage.
Dinner Key FL moorings (STM 1094.4).
Anchor in Key Biscayne Bight
*** VERIFY ANCHORAGE - moorings not available for transient
A waterfront community known for its cultural activities and sailing community. Three anchorage areas, and a large mooring field.
The cruiser’s VHF net is on every day at 9AM local time on channel 68. Anything else you need to know, just ask.
List of cruiser's VHF nets by location.
Intracoastal waterway guide + maps
Guide: Capt. John's "Doing the Ditch"
OWG = On The Water CruiseGuide for the ICW
Salty Southeast Cruiser' Net (click on the menu 'ST.M./LAT-LON WIDGET)
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