Resource library search

Sometimes the Great Loop journey takes an unexpected turn—or, in this case, asks you to slow down and stay awhile.

You’re Looping in the digital age! These days, a tremendous amount of information is right at your fingertips, making life on the Loop easier than it was even a few years ago. About 3-6 months before departure, you'll want to investigate some boating apps and find your favorites.

There's more than one way to do just about anything. Monitoring locks on the inland rivers is no exception. But when you're cruising the Loop, missing important closure information can add days, weeks, or even months to your plans.

A lot has changed on the inland river system since last year’s Looper fleet headed south toward warm weather and salt water. Between lock closures and the loss of a few much-needed places to tie up, there are several obstacles this year’s fleet should be prepared to navigate.

For most people, living aboard and moving the boat regularly is a new endeavor, even if you’ve been a weekend boater for years. There are a lot of moving parts (figuratively and literally) that will need attention at the right points in time.

Buying the right boat is only part of preparing for the Great Loop—making it comfortable enough to truly feel like home is what transforms a boat into the perfect platform for your adventure. It's time to make the boat your own.

Help us welcome our newest sponsors! Bay Harbor Marina (Michigan), and Bridge Port Marina (Ontario) ~ make sure to stop in at both marinas on your way towards Lake Michigan this fall and take advantage of their amenities to make your stay a joyful one. Thousand Island Yacht Spa (New York) is all about service and storage. They offer transportation services as well. Have you ever looked at a boat and said to yourself, it looks good on paper, but can it handle the Great Loop? Head over to Can I Loop? and get additional insight into the information you won't find on the survey.

AGLCA has been working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help our members prepare for an upcoming closure at Brandon Road Lock & Dam (Illinois Waterway Mile 286).

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.

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.