Skip to product information
1 of 16

Chesapeake West Quick Reference Cruising Guide

Chesapeake West Quick Reference Cruising Guide

Western Shore: Norfolk, VA to Bay Bridge (N of Annapolis)

  • Spiral Bound (print) – $34.28 USD
  • PDF download – $20.00 USD
Special offer
Get the Print+PDF Combo: PDF is half off when you add both to cart ($44.28 USD total)

Also available for Kindle

Format

Shipping and Returns

Shipping Icon

Free shipping on orders over $60 • $3 flat rate for packages under 1 lb

Discounted shipping for orders over 1 lb but under $60

Same Day Shipping Icon

Orders ship same day if placed by 2 PM ET (Mon–Fri, except holidays)

Returns Icon

90-day free, no-hassle returns

View full details

“I was tired of reading a chapter just to find a laundromat.”

Finally, A Guide That Makes It Easy To Find What You Need

With our guides, you'll never pore over pages of text, looking for one elusive word like "laundry" or "propane."

Our guides are built to help you find exactly what you need, exactly where you need it—fast.

1

Go to the Right Section

Tabs help you find what you need—fuel, anchorages, bridges, or facilities.

2

Find Your Location

By town/island name or ICW mile marker, in N-S order.

3

Check the Columns

Look for details like wind protection, bridge heights, or marina services.

"The book makes it very easy to find the information you want and compare the different options."

What's Included

UP-TO-DATE

CATEGORIES

ANCHORAGES

FREE DOCKS

BRIDGES

SERVICES

BAHAMAS

NAV ALERTS

HAULOUTS

INLETS

Up-To-Date Information

A banner on the cover tells you when the information was last confirmed and updated.

 

Our information comes from:

  • Personal experience
  • Company websites
  • Charts
  • Verified reports from other boaters
  • Phone calls to marinas, boat yards, stores, bridge tenders and more to double-check all info

 

We reconfirm all information for every edition.

Categories

Information category tabs are on top or bottom of pages.
 

Categories may change slightly due to information needed in various geographic areas, but typically include:

 

  • Anchorages and Mooring Fields
  • Inlets or Cuts
  • Free Docks
  • Bridges & Locks
  • Services
  • Nav Alerts
  • Haulouts

Anchorages & Moorings

  • Location
  • Active Captain Name
  • Depth
  • Tide
  • Protection Directions
  • Holding
  • Current
  • Wakes
  • Dog Walking
  • Other Notes

Free Docks

  • Location
  • Name
  • Depth
  • Tide
  • Notes

 

Just one night at a free dock more than pays for a guide!

Bridges & Locks

  • Location
  • Name
  • Clearance
  • Tide
  • VHF
  • Notes, including schedules

 

Also includes cable ferries in the Chesapeake Bay.

 

There is only one bridge in the Bahamas; it is included in Nav Alerts.

Services

  • Location
  • Name
  • VHF
  • Phone
  • Depth
  • Fuel - gas and diesel
  • Laundry
  • Showers
  • Groceries
  • Water
  • Pumpout
  • Notes, including propane fills

Bahamas Services

In addition to the standard services, Bahamas Services also includes these often hard-to-find items:

 

  • Customs and Immigration
  • Propane
  • Trash Disposal
  • Marine Stores and Hardwares
  • Liquor
  • Restaurants and Bars
  • ATMs

Navigation Alerts

  • Location
  • Name
  • Tide
  • Notes explaining the nature of the problem area

Haulouts & Boatyards

  • Location
  • Name
  • Phone
  • Travel Lift Capacity
  • Maximum Beam

 

Many also include:

 

  • Maximum length
  • Depth
  • Allow DIY
  • Whether can stay on boat
  • Other restrictions

Inlets/Cuts

  • Location
  • Name
  • Tide
  • Current
  • Notes
  • Everywhere:

    • Anchorages by protection direction
    • Dog walking
    • Grocery stores
    • Propane fills
    • Schedules for opening bridges
    • Free docks
    • Max beam for haulouts
  • Bahamas:

    • Customs and immigration
    • Propane
    • Trash disposal
    • Marine stores and hardwares
    • Liquor
    • Restaurants and bars
    • ATMs

"I love that it has information to help make a decision on where to anchor based on wind direction."

Choose Your Format

1

Spiral-Bound Print

8.5" x 5.5" lay-flat design with heavyweight paper

2

PDF

Download instantly, no need for a shipping address, best on tablet or computer

3

Print+PDF Combo

PDF is half off when you add both to the cart

"I use the PDF version on my tablet as well as the hardcopy in the cockpit."

More Details

PDF Details

Available immediately after purchase—no shipping needed.

  • Clickable tabs let you jump straight to the right section.
  • Searchable bookmarks make it easy to navigate the table of contents.
  • Clickable links for phone numbers and websites simplify planning.
  • Download to multiple devices used on the same boat for flexibility.

Anchorage Names

All anchorage names are Active Captain names, which can be overlaid on any navigation app.

Only One Ad

There's only one ad in the entire book -- and it provides a 20% discount on Aqua Map charts -- our favorite navigation app.

"Facilities, fuel/water/pumpout, free docks, anchorages, marinas, inlets, bridge openings/restrictions, currents and depths are listed concisely so there's no need to wade through wordy guides or individual reviews."

Made in the USA

Designed in the USA; printed in the USA on American-made paper using environmentally-friendly soy-based inks at a facility that is completely wind-powered. Minimal packaging and tough enough to handle life on a boat.

feature-item-1
Our Guarantee

At The Boat Galley, we have one mission: to help you cruise with confidence.

 

As liveaboard cruisers, we understand the challenges and questions that come with boat life. That’s why we create practical products and courses designed to tackle the same issues we’ve faced ourselves—making your life on the water easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

 

Try our products and courses for yourself. If they don’t make your boat life better, use our 90-day FREE no-hassle return guarantee.

Where You’ve Seen Us

Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.
Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.
Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.
Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.
Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.
Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.
Cruisers University logo, where The Boat Galley team teaches in-depth liveaboard and cruising seminars.AGLCA logo, representing seminars and resources shared by The Boat Galley team for Great Loop cruisers.American Sailing Association logo, highlighting seminars led by The Boat Galley team for sailors.Boat US Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s tips for boat owners and cruisers.The New York Times logo, featuring interviews with The Boat Galley team on cruising and boat life preparation.SAIL Magazine logo, featuring articles by The Boat Galley team about life aboard and sailing tips.Cruising World logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s contributions on successful cruising and boat life.The Weather Channel logo, highlighting The Boat Galley team’s hurricane prep advice for boaters in live interviews.Spinsheet Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s published articles on boating and cruising.Boating Writers International logo, 1st place award for excellence in boating articles.Bluewater Sailing Magazine logo, highlighting articles by The Boat Galley team on offshore sailing.Salty Dawg Sailing Association logo, showcasing seminars delivered by The Boat Galley team for members.SSCA logo, highlighting seminars by The Boat Galley team on successful liveaboard cruising.PassageMaker Magazine logo, featuring The Boat Galley team’s expertise on cruising powerboats.Good Old Boat Magazine logo, showcasing articles by The Boat Galley team on maintaining and cruising older boats.

Meet The Boat Galley Team

At The Boat Galley, we’re all cruisers. We know the joys—and the challenges—of boat life. The steep learning curve, costly mistakes, and hours spent searching for answers can be overwhelming. We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve created practical tools, trusted resources, and real-world guides to help you skip the frustrations and focus on enjoying your cruising life.

Curious about our story and what drives us? Learn more about us here.

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)