Intracoastal Waterway Travel: Essential Guides, VHF Tips & Resources
Navigating the Intracoastal Waterway with Confidence
Cruising the ICW requires more than just a chart—it takes the right knowledge and tools. From calling bridges and marinas on the VHF to finding the best anchorages, this collection helps you navigate the ICW with confidence.
Be Prepared for Every Stop and Call on the ICW
A smooth trip down the Intracoastal Waterway isn’t just about navigation—it’s about knowing where to find what you need along the way. Our ICW Cruising Guide puts essential info at your fingertips: bridges, pump outs, fuel docks, grocery stores, pet-friendly stops, protected anchorages, storm holes, and more.
With 81 opening bridges along the route, plus frequent radio calls to marinas and other boats, the VHF Course and Handy VHF Reference help you communicate clearly and confidently.
Our Boat Documents Organizer ensures you have everything you need for check-ins, while the Ship’s Log helps you track your journey and log maintenance for easy reference.
Be prepared for every stop, every bridge, and every call along the ICW—so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Cruising the ICW? Find What You Need—Fast
Whether you're making the full journey or just exploring a section near home, knowing where to stop along the Intracoastal Waterway makes all the difference. Our quick reference cruising guide give you quick, stress-free access to the essentials—fuel docks, marinas, anchorages, grocery stores, pet-friendly stops, and more—all organized to help you cruise efficiently.
With detailed, easy-to-use tables, you'll spend less time searching and more time enjoying the waterway, whether you're planning a long-distance adventure, hightailing it north or south, or simply having a weekend getaway.
Go down the columns to find the features you want
Know the best and nearest place to head for everything you need
Location, name, height, tide, schedule, and how to call
Location, restrictions including max. beam, and how to contact
Find convenient spots to tie up without the cost
Navigate confidently, knowing what to expect at each one
Identify trouble spots and key areas to watch for safe cruising
Dredging markers and horn signals
ICW Cruising Guide
Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL
Need it now? Or don't have a shipping address? No problem! All our guides are available as PDF downloads, in addition to the print copies. Order the PDF to get it instantly without the worry of where to have it sent.
Master VHF Calls for ICW Cruising
On the Intracoastal Waterway, your VHF radio is more than just a backup—it’s your primary tool for calling drawbridges, locks, and marinas, as well as communicating with fellow boaters. You won’t always have a phone signal (or know a phone number), and the VHF is the fastest way to make the connections you need.
This course teaches you how to:
✔ Call drawbridges, locks, and boats you don’t know with confidence
✔ Make clear and effective routine calls, even in busy or noisy conditions
✔ Use high and low power appropriately to improve communication
✔ Set up and make automated emergency calls using DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
✔ Get precise marine weather forecasts for your exact location
✔ Master the critical language and procedures for emergency calls
When you understand how to communicate clearly and correctly, you’ll cruise the ICW with more ease and confidence—whether you’re navigating a busy harbor or requesting a bridge opening.
VHF Radios: Everything You Need To Know
Stay Organized & Prepared on the ICW
Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway means lots of stops at towns, fuel docks, and bridges—and being prepared makes every interaction smoother. These tools help you stay organized, keep essential documents at your fingertips, and communicate effectively on the water.
✔ Boat Documents Organizer – Quickly access registration, insurance, and other paperwork when checking into marinas or meeting bridge tenders’ requirements.
✔ Ship’s Log – Track your journey, log maintenance, and record fuel stops so you have a reliable record for future reference.
✔ VHF Radio Quick Reference – Keep essential call procedures, bridge channels, and emergency protocols at your fingertips—designed to be used one-handed right at the radio.
When you’re cruising the ICW, having the right information and documents at hand saves time, reduces stress, and helps you stay focused on the journey.
Five logs in one! Track daily trips, maintenance by system, and routine checks to spot problems early and stay organized effortlessly.
$29.63
-$32.92
Keep your boat paperwork secure, organized, and instantly accessible with space for up to 400 pages. Includes a checklist of essential documents to have aboard.
$14.29
Essential guide for basic and emergency VHF calls, phonetic alphabet, channel usage, and best practices for clear communication. Durable, waterproof.
Where You've Seen Us
Real Cruisers, Real Experience on the ICW
When it comes to cruising the ICW, we don’t just teach it—we’ve lived it. Seven out of eight members of The Boat Galley team have spent significant time navigating the ICW, from its winding rivers to its tricky bridges. We’ve called for bridge openings, found the best anchorages, and figured out where to get fuel, water, and groceries along the way.
Our firsthand experience means we know the challenges you’ll face—and we’ve created resources to help you cruise with confidence. Whether you’re tackling the entire Intracoastal Waterway or just planning a weekend trip, we’re here to make your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
- Founder of The Boat Galley
- 17 years liveaboard cruiser
- US, Mexico, Bahamas, Central America, Virgin Islands, Turkey
- Cruisers University instructor
- Cruising Guide creator
- 6 years living aboard and cruising
- US East Coast from Florida Keys to Maine and Bahamas
- Ex-Air Force; singlehander
- Provisioning guru; podcaster
- On & off living aboard since 1992
- Atlantic crossing; US, Caribbean, and Bahamas
- Years of cruising with kids
- VHF pro and frugal cruiser
- Cruiser and delivery captain
- US East Coast, Bahamas, Haiti, and Caribbean
- Cruisers University instructor
- Creator of Cruising With Your Dog
- 7 years cruising with Honey
- US East Coast and ICW
- Part of the Go Pet Friendly team
- 15+ years writing about dogs
- Graphics designer
- 8 years living aboard
- US East Coast to SE Caribbean
- Design and layout for all printed products
- Social media coordinator
- Pacific Ocean: Seattle, WA to New Zealand, incl. French Polynesia
- Complete newbie to sailing prior to her 11,000 nm voyage
- Boatshow booth "mom"
- Sabbatical and part-year cruiser
- US, Bahamas, Caribbean
- Family cruising New England to southern Caribbean
Curious about our story and what drives us? Learn more about us here.