This Website is about America's Great Loop and how you can dream, plan, prepare, provision and make this voyage safely, comfortably, confidently, and affordably, while having the most fun on both land & water.
My 1st voyage around "the Loop" was in 1971, as incredible as it was, it was filled major mistakes and serious regrets. That was long before this voyage even had a name. It was before the Internet, GPS, Books, Blogs, Laptops, Cellphones, Navigation Apps and long before Ron & Eva's book "Honey Let's Get a Boat" was published in 1999. It was their book which not only gave America's Great Loop its name, but it put this dream at the top of an awful lot of boater's Bucket List.
Years later, after Terry and I had completed a 3rd voyage around, I began stumbling across articles and Internet 'stuff' that spoke of how expensive this voyage was and how much of an experienced expert one had to be in order to cruise the Great Loop. Much of it was pure baloney! Knowing this information was being read by thousands of boaters, I became more furious over the misinformation than Jack Sparrow walking into an empty cave of Pirates' Treasure. Ever since, I've been determined to let everyone know that cruising the Loop doesn't have to break the bank, and any good safe boater in a safe boat can make this voyage safely. As of today, I've completed the Loop 11 times in 8 different boats, both sail & power, downsizing from an old 44' twin engine gas guzzler to my current 26' C-Dory with a single 60hp outboard. So, here's hoping you can learn from my experience. DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
Dreams do come true, and this one is easier than most! Frugal or Flamboyant, my goal is to give you 'the facts' about cruising America's Great Loop and dispel some of the myths. Make no mistake about it, you can turn this dream into an amazing adventure. We've learned most any safe boater in a safe, suitable, seaworthy boat can make this voyage safely, comfortably, and affordably. There are many choices to make. The options are yours. There is no wrong way, just some ways are better than others.
CRUISING AMERICA'S GREAT LOOP
America's Great Loop
Cruising at an average speed near 7-mph for approximately 140- 'cruising' days averaging only about 45 miles a day - this voyage will take you near 6,000 miles around North America. Cruising by the seasons provides the safest most comfortable weather and gives you 200 days or more (if you wish), for relaxing, being a tourist & having fun
Cruising at an average speed near 7-mph for approximately 140- 'cruising' days averaging only about 45 miles a day - this voyage will take you near 6,000 miles around North America. Cruising by the seasons provides the safest most comfortable weather and gives you 200 days or more (if you wish), for relaxing, being a tourist & having fun ashore. Depending on your detours and side trips. Your adventure can take you thru 18 States with an option of cruising 24 or more, and 2 great Provinces in Canada. Unlike crossing oceans, where at times the nearest human might be an astronaut in the Space Station, you will be cruising inland along the Gulf & Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways, inland lakes, rivers, and manmade canals with other boaters while passing hundreds of exciting destinations, restaurants and Marinas all along the way.
You also have the option of cruising an 'all USA' route thru the Erie Canal to the Great Lakes, or with a Passport or Nexis Card, exploring Canada's beautiful Heritage Canals that can take you safely to Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec, and back thru the Trent Severn Canal to Georgian Bay, North Channel and Lake Michigan. Both routes reunite at Mackinac Island, where Lake Michigan takes you to Chicago, and on to the Illinois River, down the Mississippi to the Ohio & Tennessee River which will take you to the Gulf ICW.
Once you toss your lines to begin this voyage, we guarantee within a month, you will wonder what on earth ever made you think this was going to be difficult or dangerous. This voyage is just as safe as making 140-day trips in your boat averaging 45 miles a day at about 8-mph. You never need (or should) cruise before or after daylight.
Where can you go?
Your voyage will take you around and through the eastern half of North America. While the Great Loop itself is near 6,000 miles; it also connects you with to 12,000 miles of optional side trips & destinations. You will be amazed at all the places you can go in your very own boat.
From Miami to Mackinac Island, to Mobile to Mexico, and from
Your voyage will take you around and through the eastern half of North America. While the Great Loop itself is near 6,000 miles; it also connects you with to 12,000 miles of optional side trips & destinations. You will be amazed at all the places you can go in your very own boat.
From Miami to Mackinac Island, to Mobile to Mexico, and from Chicago to Chattanooga, Knoxville and from Beaufort to Boston, and New York to New Orleans, your journey is filled with hundreds of fabulous destinations, including big lively cities, small towns, quant villas, enchanting Vistas & fabulous hidden gems. With all its connected inland waterways, you can take your boat as close to the tropics of the equator as it can the Arctic Circle, and thanks to over 100 Locks, your vessel will go from sea level to an elevation almost 1,000' above it. Whether you're boating through the stunning Heritage Canals or along the Erie Canal, there is adventure at every turn and incredible destinations at every bend in the rivers. From waterfront Restaurants & Tiki Bars and Ice cream Parlors to Lighthouses, Museums, Mansions, Vineyards, and Fishing Villages, you will discover irresistible places that will tempt you off your boat to stop, shop, stay and linger. Previous Loopers call this "The Adventure of a Lifetime", and it will be absolutely shocking to discover all the wonderful and interesting places it will take you. From Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, one can take the Cumberland River to Nashville or take the Tennessee River on to Chattanooga & Knoxville.
BOATING REQUIREMENTS
BOATING REQUIREMENTS
Your boat doesn't need to be new, big, fast or expensive. It simply must be safe, suitable, seaworthy and at least semi-comfortable for long-distance cruising and living aboard, and extremely fuel-efficient and easily overall affordable.
* Height above the water - Your vessel must be able to clear a 19' 7" fixed bridge located just south
Your boat doesn't need to be new, big, fast or expensive. It simply must be safe, suitable, seaworthy and at least semi-comfortable for long-distance cruising and living aboard, and extremely fuel-efficient and easily overall affordable.
* Height above the water - Your vessel must be able to clear a 19' 7" fixed bridge located just south of Chicago. This is the lowest fixed bridge on the entire Great Loop we ALL must go under. It is a Looper's only waterway connection between the Great Lakes & Inland rivers.
* If you are able to clear 15' 6" fixed bridges you can cruise the full-length of the Erie Canal. If not, there are detours around them.
* Draft or depth under the water - We recommend a fully loaded draft (depth under the water) be no deeper than 4' 6" and less will be better and less stressful. For those cruising the Trent Severn and Canada's Heritage Canals, there is a maximum draft of 5'.
* Beam or width - maximum is 23'.
* Fuel Range - To be safe, we also strongly recommend a fuel range of 275 miles. Currently the very minimum (no reserve) fuel range is 208 miles between Hoppies Marina & Paducah. If Hoppies is closed, (as it was on our 2018 voyage), your fuel range jumps to 240 miles between Alton Marina & Paducah, and the last 50-miles is against a mighty strong 3-mph current on the Ohio river which will slow your boat and burn lots more fuel.
* Length - Your vessel's length is mostly limited by common sense and affordability. Most Looper boats are under 40' and the average Looper boat is closer to 36'. Very seldom will you see a Looper in a vessel exceeding 40'.
EXAMPLE OF BOATS COMPLETING the GREAT LOOP
While we would not recommend all of them, as you can see, you don't need a big, new or fast boat. Most Loopers are cruising in very humble boats under 39' in length, purchased on the used market. Since 1971 I have completed this voyage 11 times in 8 different boats, both sail and power, slowly downsizing from 44' to 26'. There is no perfect Great Loop boat for everybody. (I've almost tried them all.) Your boat should be no bigger than your comfort requires and no smaller than your safety demands.
THE LOOPER'S BUDGET
How Much Does it actually cost to cruise the Great Loop?
Telling a future Looper what cruising the Loop might cost them would require extraordinary psychic ability. Who really knows what tomorrow’s prices will be? Much less, your cost of cruising the Loop.
Most everyone is afraid to put a useful number on the cost of cruising it. Lately there have been published articles reporting Looper’s total cost of cruising America’s Great Loop ranged between $10,000 and $200,000. In my opinion, that’s a gutless statement that is totally unworkable and useless. It doesn’t narrow down the cost at all for anyone.
I’m here to help and not here to beat around that bush. I say it costs a minimum of $45,000. But that comes with a lot of footnotes:
If I were on “The Price is Right”, my price would be $45,000. That is a good comfort level for a couple cruising the Great Loop in 2025. In my opinion, $45,000 is the Bull’s Eye. That is based on a middle-class couple cruising in a sensible fuel-efficient vessel (let's say less than 2.4gph), on a 36’ and under length boat. That $45,000 is split between $24,000 for the actual cost of a couple’s total fuel, marina fees, and ‘all predictable boat related’ expenses. It also includes another $21,000 for food, beverages, eating out, and having fun ashore. It does NOT include any funds for unexpected emergencies.
In 2025, our 3-couples in 3-boats cruising in vessels 36’ and under, each spent a few dollars between $40,000 and $45,000 in total Looping expenses. Each boat spent between $18,000 and $24,000 on total boat & boat related expenses. The biggest spender in the biggest spent $44,943. That included fuel, marinas, canal fees, maintenance, liability insurance & Sea Tow or Boat US Membership, as well as all other items spent for use including food, beverage and provisions for consumption on the boat.
FUEL COSTS – We believe that $10,000 is a reasonable fuel budget. At $4.54 a gallon, a typical 39’ (or smaller) single engine true trawler or recreational Tug can reasonably expect to burn 2,200 gallons of fuel on a 6,000-mile Loop with about 880 engine hours while burning about 2.5gph or less. Smaller boats with small engines will burn slightly less. Those in larger and Swift, Fast or Planning Hull vessels will typically spend closer to $15,000 and more at Looper speed.
MARINA EXPENSES – a $10,000 budget to cover your marina expenses is a good marina budget. Only problem with that is we know some Loopers that refuse to anchor out except in locations they absolutely have to. That of course will triple one’s marina expenses. Staying in a marina 2-nights on weekends is actually a very good plan. That results in paying to stay 104 nights in a marina. Add 17 or 18 extra nights to stay an extra night or two at your very favorite destinations, and the result will be only staying in a marina 33% of your time on the Loop. On a 36’ boat with 30amp electric will cost a few dollars shy of $10,000 and save you $5,000 vs spending 50% of your nights in a marina or as much as $18,000 if spending every night you can in a marina.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFESTYLE?
What will cruising the Loop cost you?
Believe it or not, your existing lifestyle will be the #1 influence on what this voyage cost you. Consciously or unconsciously, it will influence your choice of boat, the number & size of your engines, the amount and cost of your equipment, accessories, amenities, as well as your cruising speed. And all that will determine the cost of your fuel, the cost of staying in a marina as well as the number of nights you pay to stay in a Marina. It will also influence where & how often you eat out, your cost of eating out and how much you spend being a tourist all along the way. Believe us, whatever makes you happy at home, you will want it on your boat. Living on your boat won't change that. This is why it is impossible for anyone to tell you what your 'Looping Expenses' will be. So, budget wisely, and we suggest you budget plenty of "Fun Money". While you might think our $17,000 eating out & being a tourist expenses are high, most Looping couples report spending $12,000 for food & beverages on their boat, and only $4,000 for eating out. We simply do almost the opposite. That's because there are just too many places, fabulous waterfront restaurants and destinations that will tempt you off your boat to stop, shop, stay and linger.
If spending a year on the Loop and cruising by the seasons, you have about 140/142 actual, necessary cruising days on route, (not counting detours or side trips). That means you need to plan on about 200 or more days 'NOT CRUISING'.
What are you going to do on those days? Sit on your boat and watch the other boats go by? Eat baloney sandwiches on your boat while all your new 'Looper friends' head to an incredible waterfront restaurants & Tiki Bar? Or will your budget include some "fun money" to explore, see the sights. be a tourist, eat out, and some fun ashore? This, for most Loopers is the hidden cost of cruising America's Great Loop. For those that don't plan or budget for it, it has become the #1 most frequently mentioned regret by previous Loopers.
UNDERSTAND - I'm NOT saying do as I do. Solo Loopers and backpacker/outdoor/camper type Loopers simply out for the adventure can in fact make this voice rather cheap. Provided of course, they have the most fuel-efficient boat and are in their glory eating canned foods and the fish they catch.
For us Baby Boomers who enjoy our comforts and laid-back lifestyles with a heaping helping of a great meal with a glass of wine, margarita or pina colada now & then, we need to remain in our comfort zone. In addition, let's not forget 'travel'. That's really what we're doing. We are not just boating. We are not on some remote expedition thru the tropical rainforest of the Amazon. We're traveling to and thru, and beside over 100 of North America's most popular tourist & vacation destinations. So, when planning your budget, ask yourself, "what good is going if we don't stop, shop, stay and linger at the most interesting places it takes us?
Cruising the Loop
Most Loopers plan & take the best part of a year to cruise America's Great Loop. It is not only the safest way to go, but also the most comfortable. We cruise the Loop in a counterclockwise direction. We “Spring UP” the Atlantic ICW in Spring, planning our arrival at the New York State Canal System in mid-May or early June. This puts us out of harm’s way during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. We cruise across the North during the cooler and most comfortable Summer and plan our voyage to “Fall Down” the Inland Rivers during the beautiful colorful Fall. In this manner, we also avoid the Tornado Season in Tornado Ally. Doing so, and timing our voyage in this manner, we end up cruising the much warmer South during winter when the average temperature in Florida is in the 70s. Cruising counterclockwise also saves a bundle of fuel, as we are cruising with the currents about 75% of the way.
Couples make up the vast majority of Loopers while solo voyagers are also fairly common. The vast majority are making this journey in vessels between 29' and 39'. The most popular vessel for cruising the Loop is a "true" single engine, full displacement hull Trawler, while 'Swift of Fast' Trawlers, Sailboats, Cabin Cruisers are also common. Understandably, most vessels cruising the Loop are at least semi-comfortable, fuel-efficient, and equipped with fresh water, cooking appliances, sleeping quarters, refrigeration, marine toilets & showers. Some vessels have central air & heat. For those with a more or less reluctant spouse, truth is, cruising the Loop with the one you love is absolutely the best way to go. This is so much more than a long-distance boat ride that most first time Looping couples are simply shocked and surprised at all the wonderful destinations that tempt them off their boat to stop, shop, eat out, stay and linger. In truth - failing to budget for all the fun ashore tops the list of first time Looper' regrets.
a few Favorite destinations
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island
"Looper Favorites" - there are hundreds of them. Your favorites are likely to include many of my favorites, while you will find many of your own. Fact remains, we are all different. Our lifestyles, likes and dislikes are all different. When it comes down to choosing your #1 favorite destination it will prove to be an impossible decision.
"Looper Favorites" - there are hundreds of them. Your favorites are likely to include many of my favorites, while you will find many of your own. Fact remains, we are all different. Our lifestyles, likes and dislikes are all different. When it comes down to choosing your #1 favorite destination it will prove to be an impossible decision. If I had to name only one. . . Well, it might be the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Then again, it might be Leland (Fish Town) or Barefoot Landing, Fort Myers & Sanabel Island. All are favorites for all different reasons. I also love taking the side trip to Knoxville on the Tennessee - which is just a 40-minute rental car from Gatlinburg in the heat of the Smoky Mountains. Then again, there is Ottawa and Montreal where the European influence is so vivid and apparent if you woke up there, you'd swear you woke up in Europe with all its Cobble Stone Streets, Sidewalk Cafes and Culinary delights so different & delicious you want to stay and eat it all.
The Trent-Severn
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island
Canada offers World Class cruising thru some of the most beautiful waters and landscapes in the World. While most Loopers take the Trent Severn route to Georgian Bay, North Channel and re-enter US waters near Mackinac Island, both the Trent & Rideau canals along with their waterfront destinations constitute the most popular tourist and re
Canada offers World Class cruising thru some of the most beautiful waters and landscapes in the World. While most Loopers take the Trent Severn route to Georgian Bay, North Channel and re-enter US waters near Mackinac Island, both the Trent & Rideau canals along with their waterfront destinations constitute the most popular tourist and recreation areas in Canada. Every year, tens of thousands of recreational boats pass through its locks. The Trent is 240-miles long with 10mph speed limits & a ton of No Wake Zones that winds though lakes, rivers, canals, and 45 Locks, including two famous Locks. One is the Peterborough hydraulic lift that lifts your boat 65'. The other is the Big Chute Marine Railway Lock 44. This baby that lifts your boat 58' out of the water and takes it 250-yards overland and back in the water on the other side. The Trent-Severn journey itself has become a bucket-list for thousands of recreation boaters.
New York
Mackinac Island
New York
If you have never been to New York City, you may never be so close again. Not only will you cruise right beside the Statue of Liberty, but you will also most likely dock at Liberty Landing Marina and have easy access to discover why NYC is the place that never sleeps. From Ellis Island to Midtown Manhattan, Central Park, Times Square, Lit
If you have never been to New York City, you may never be so close again. Not only will you cruise right beside the Statue of Liberty, but you will also most likely dock at Liberty Landing Marina and have easy access to discover why NYC is the place that never sleeps. From Ellis Island to Midtown Manhattan, Central Park, Times Square, Little Italy, China Town, Carnegie Hall, St Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Madison Square Park. to the 9/11 Memorial site & Museum. . . There is no better place for 'people watching' and discovering some fascinating places to eat with unlimited street side venders, shopping and more Bars than Parking spaces.
Liberty Landing Marina, is the start of your journey up the Hudson River. You will still be in tidal waters until you pass thru Lock 1 entrance to the NY State Canal System near Waterford, NY.
Leland Michigan
Knoxville & Gatlinburg
Barefoot Landing
One of our two very favorite destinations are about as opposite as two destinations can get. From the incredible Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Leland or 'Fish Town' is an active fishing village with fishing shanties. Most of which now house gift and clothing boutiques, art and specialty food shops. Though small, Leland offers tons of in
One of our two very favorite destinations are about as opposite as two destinations can get. From the incredible Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Leland or 'Fish Town' is an active fishing village with fishing shanties. Most of which now house gift and clothing boutiques, art and specialty food shops. Though small, Leland offers tons of interesting things to see and do! It has fun shops and great restaurants. It is a great stop on America's Great Loop.
Barefoot Landing
Knoxville & Gatlinburg
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing, in Myrtle Beach is located at Atlantic ICW mile 354.4. Every waterfront town should be like this. Barefoot Landing is one of the most welcome over-night stops on the entire ICW. It is 'dockside' and offers 17 restaurants, 50+ one-of-a-kind shops, and live entertainment, all within very easy walking distance. We always lo
Barefoot Landing, in Myrtle Beach is located at Atlantic ICW mile 354.4. Every waterfront town should be like this. Barefoot Landing is one of the most welcome over-night stops on the entire ICW. It is 'dockside' and offers 17 restaurants, 50+ one-of-a-kind shops, and live entertainment, all within very easy walking distance. We always look forward to arriving at Barefoot Landing, and we never pass it up.
Knoxville & Gatlinburg
Knoxville & Gatlinburg
Knoxville & Gatlinburg
Our favorite Side Trip - From Grand Harbor Marina at the junction of the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee Waterway. You will head eastward toward Chattanooga and Knoxville. This is a fantastic 400-mile round trip side trip where the rental car distance from Volunteer Landing to Gatlinburg is only 35-miles. We've driven it in 45 minutes,
Our favorite Side Trip - From Grand Harbor Marina at the junction of the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee Waterway. You will head eastward toward Chattanooga and Knoxville. This is a fantastic 400-mile round trip side trip where the rental car distance from Volunteer Landing to Gatlinburg is only 35-miles. We've driven it in 45 minutes, and Gatlinburg and trip up to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains.
THE WATERWAYS & ROUTES
ANCHORAGES & FREE DOCKS
THE WATERWAYS & ROUTES
The most direct 'all USA' route thru the Erie Canal & Great Lakes is the longest route averaging near 5,650-miles. While the most direct 'Canadian route' across the Trent-Severn will be about 200-miles shorter, but your 'cruising days' will remain the same due to Locks, speed limits and wait times. Either way you go, both routes, provide
The most direct 'all USA' route thru the Erie Canal & Great Lakes is the longest route averaging near 5,650-miles. While the most direct 'Canadian route' across the Trent-Severn will be about 200-miles shorter, but your 'cruising days' will remain the same due to Locks, speed limits and wait times. Either way you go, both routes, provide an equal amount of safety and amazingly interesting places to visit.
Carrabelle, FL. is technically the single location on the entire Great Loop where Loopers must leave protected inland waters to cross the open Gulf. Your shortest distance across the Gulf is 78-miles to Steinhatchee, FL with an option to venture 178-miles non-stop to Anclote Key near Tarpon Springs. We've done both more than once and prefer the Steinhatchee route.
If you are considering taking the 178-mile Gulf crossing, this will be the only place on the entire Great Loop where you must cruise thru the night. For most Loopers that take this route, it generally takes them 4 or more hours longer than they planned. It's plenty safe, but normally not a comfortable voyage.
MARINAS
ANCHORAGES & FREE DOCKS
THE WATERWAYS & ROUTES
We enjoy staying in a marina as much as anybody. Marinas are a good thing - but this is one voyage where too much of a good thing can get terribly expensive. Fuel & Marina fees rank as the two top necessary Looping expenses for most every Looper. Some have reported spending over $40,000 for fuel & Marinas - but it doesn't have to be that
We enjoy staying in a marina as much as anybody. Marinas are a good thing - but this is one voyage where too much of a good thing can get terribly expensive. Fuel & Marina fees rank as the two top necessary Looping expenses for most every Looper. Some have reported spending over $40,000 for fuel & Marinas - but it doesn't have to be that way, or near that expensive.
We 'budget' our marina stays so they never have never exceeded 124 nights. Normally we plan to stay in a marina two nights on weekends and another 16/18 nights to stay an extra day at our most favorite places. We don't' normally stay in a marine more than 121 nights. We budget our marina stays not to exceed 33% of the time we spend on the Loop. Some Loopers will stay in a marina every night they possibly can.
Our 'weekends' in a Marina preference is based on two factors. 1. It works well with our budget. 2. It puts us safely docked in a Marina when all the local crazies and drinkers are out on the water.
Our suggestion? Some marinas offer nothing more than a place to dock. If there is nothing nearby, you are better off anchoring out.
ANCHORAGES & FREE DOCKS
ANCHORAGES & FREE DOCKS
ANCHORAGES & FREE DOCKS
Regardless of your route in the USA or Canada, you should find no fewer than 42 conveniently located free docks. You may not like all of them, but most of them come in real handy and can't beat the price. In addition, anchoring out is always free, and in many areas 'anchoring out' is a very pleasant experience. There are a few areas where
Regardless of your route in the USA or Canada, you should find no fewer than 42 conveniently located free docks. You may not like all of them, but most of them come in real handy and can't beat the price. In addition, anchoring out is always free, and in many areas 'anchoring out' is a very pleasant experience. There are a few areas where you will have no choice but to anchor out and several more where you will want to anchor out.
OUR SUGGESTIONS:
Get the very best anchoring system you possibly can. It should be at least one 'upgrade' from the USCG recommended size anchoring system. We always have two anchors. A spare should be mandatory because if you lose one, chances are you will need the other immediately, if not sooner.
FYI - You will be boating in rivers with swift currents, and strong tidal waters with reversing currents that will pull your anchor and swing your boat around in a 180-degree circle until it faces the opposite direction. Dragging your anchor or having your anchor lose hold can put you in a very embarrassing if not potentially dangerous situation.
a few favorite restaurants
O'Briens Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
O'Briens Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
O'Briens Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
Hurricane Patties
O'Briens Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
O'Briens Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
Nervous Nellies
O'Briens Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
Nervous Nellies
The Timbers Restaurant
The Timbers Restaurant
The Timbers Restaurant
The Timbers Restaurant is one of our two favorite restaurants on Sanibel Island. We also enjoy the 'Island Cow' especially for breakfast.
Cabbage Key
The Timbers Restaurant
The Timbers Restaurant
Cabbage Key is located on your Florida's Gulf ICW between Charlotte Harbor and Sanibel Island. This is the place made famous via Jimmy Buffets' song "Cheeseburger in Paradise".
Henry's Fish
The Timbers Restaurant
Henry's Fish
Henry's Fish, Frying Pan Island, Georgian Bay - It's amazing - Here is an extremely popular busy restaurant on an Island - in the middle of nowhere - only accessible by boat or seaplane. . .
Lulu's
BUDGET PLENTY OF "FUN" MONEY
Margaritaville
Lulu's - yes, Lulu is Jimmy Buffet's sister - and she has three restaurants, all located on your route around America's Great Loop There is one on at Mile 155 EHL on the Gulf ICW just below Mobile Bay in Gulf Shores, AL. This location also has a very nice overnight Marina, which we highly recommend for a great relaxed evening, fantastic food and fun.
Margaritaville
BUDGET PLENTY OF "FUN" MONEY
Margaritaville
You might think too much of a good thing is, well, too much. But when it comes to great food served in a great atmosphere, you just can't get enough of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Starting in Florida, you will find one in Key West, Miami, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City, and in Chicago - All of which are on the water at or near Dockside.
BUDGET PLENTY OF "FUN" MONEY
BUDGET PLENTY OF "FUN" MONEY
BUDGET PLENTY OF "FUN" MONEY
Our #1 TOP OF THE LIST expense when cruising the Great Loop is eating out and having fun ashore. While the vast majority of Loopers report Fuel or Marina fees as their top two expenses on the Loop, Ours is eating out and having fun ashore. we never eat at 'fast food' chains as we prefer to experience all the best 'Regional Favorite Foods.
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