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01 May 2026

More Than One Way Around: Alternate U.S. Routes of the Great Loop

For many Loopers—both those planning and those already underway—the Great Loop is often thought of as a single 6,000-mile route through a connected system of waterways across the eastern United States. It links the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, inland rivers, and the Gulf. It doesn’t take long, however, to realize that the Loop is far from a single fixed path. In fact, there are numerous alternate routes within the Loop itself. This flexibility is one of the reasons many Gold Loopers continue cruising in pursuit of the Platinum Burgee—they discover there are far more ways to complete the Loop than they originally imagined.

Great Loop Link Newsletter
Members only
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31 Oct 2025

Choosing Your Path: The Big Bend Route vs. Direct Gulf Crossing

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.

Great Loop Link Newsletter
Members only
16 May 2024

Route Sessions

If you need to know more about the Great Loop route, these webinars will help you learn about navigation and things to see and do in certain sections of the route.

Video
14 May 2021

Great Loop Radio: The Best of the Loop

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we're releasing the audio from the "Best of the Loop" seminar presented during the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous. You'll hear about some of the Great Loop stats, the waterways that encompass the Great Loop route, and the "Best of the Loop" as rated by our members in categories like big cities, small towns, restaurants, historic sites, lighthouses, locks, and more.

Podcast
05 Mar 2021

Great Loop Radio: Frequently Asked Questions

On this week’s episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the AGLCA Home Port Crew answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Great Loop. We’ll cover the specifications required for a Great Loop boat, popular boats for the Loop, “traditional” Great Loop time frames to be in different places based on the seasonality of the route, AGLCA events, and more.

Podcast
28 Jun 2019

Great Loop Radio: Kim Russo on the Global Travel Channel Podcast

The tables are turned on this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast! Kim Russo is interviewed by Mark Philpott in this re-broadcast of the Global Travel Channel's podcast. Kim answers questions about the Great Loop route, Loop-capable boats, and the people who do the Loop each year.

Podcast
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