Resource library search

If you look upon the Gulf crossing with some degree of trepidation, you are not alone.

For most Loopers, one of the most anticipated—and sometimes anxiety-inducing—segments of the Great Loop is the crossing from Carrabelle, Florida, to Tarpon Springs. This stretch offers Loopers two distinct options: the Direct Gulf Crossing or the Big Bend Route. Each has its own character, challenges, and rewards. Understanding the differences between these routes will help you make the right decision for your vessel and crew.

Thinking about crossing the Gulf? "You Make the Call" assists in educating Looper Captains in making their own decision regarding crossing the Gulf.

Carolyn & Peter Westbay have brought you down the lower half of the inland rivers and Eddy & Linda Johnsen take you across the Florida Panhandle. You can't go wrong with all of these amazing anchorages!

This month, we continue down the inland rivers with Carolyn & Peter Westbay (and their feline crew), picking up where we left off in Paducah and taking you all the way to Mobile.

Help us say thank you to all the sponsors who helped make the Atlantic City Looper Lifestyle such a success! In addition, we welcome Islands East Advisors who would love to help you plan for your life on the water. Please support the businesses that support the Great Loop!

As we set out on America's Great Loop, there were several things that intimidated me. Locking topped the list. Give me docking in high winds any day, over going through a lock! However, 150 locks later, I've changed my tune. Here's why...

One thing all Loopers will be doing is eating and there's nothing better than checking out the local cuisine. Butter tarts in Canada, seafood along the coast, and oyster roasts in the south are all regional specialties you don't want to miss. But you'll find local favorites at every stop along the Loop and we begin our tour of Must Eats in Wisconsin ~ one bite at a time.

You may not think twice about jumping into the water in the marina. You want to cool off after a long day cruising. What could go wrong?

Loopers will soon be headed down the Inland Rivers. Cruising the rivers is a little different and we reached out to Wes Litsey, who has cruised thousands of miles on the rivers to share with us what you need to know before you go.

It’s an exciting time for Loopers as many approach Chicago! Loopers know the best way to visit Chicago is by boat since you can avoid the traffic and dock in the heart of the city. In addition to the Chicago Harbor marinas dotting the city’s lakefront, Loopers can now tie up at one of the top tourist attractions in the Midwest ~ Navy Pier.

A recent AGLCA Forum thread asked, “What are things you really like having on your boat?”  Self-described as falling in the Great Loop “newbie level”, the original posters of this thread posed a simple question. All Loopers, whether experienced or not, have pondered this subject at length. When searching for a boat in which to do your Great Loop adventure, or outfitting a boat you already have, it could be helpful to pose questions to the throngs of people who have already gone before you. As the saying goes, it is less painful to learn from other people’s mistakes than from your own!

Exciting news as Loopers head to Chicago this season ~ Navy Pier Marina is excited to welcome you with plenty of things to see and do! Also check out Blue Tortuga Fitness ~ helping Loopers stay fit while cruising the Loop with a brand new fitness program just for you!

We understand that both Canadians and returning U.S. Citizens may still have questions about what they can expect while clearing customs in Michigan. While much of it hasn't changed, we encourage you to review the information before you reach out to the local Customs Border Patrol Agent.

Over the years, we have heard Loopers in the planning stage of their Great Loop adventure express their desire to spend more nights at anchorages than at marinas. Although it may be possible to attain this goal, there are factors that come into play that make this desire easier said than done.