Sailboats, cruisers, motor yachts, personal watercraft, kayaks, crab boats, barges and an occasional military craft ply these waters. The annual trek south often begins at the end of October, just as hurricane season starts to wind down.

The trip north can start as early as March, depending on where you start. Keeping an eye on the weather is crucial to having a pleasant trip. And, that’s not a bad thing. The ICW winds its way through creeks, rivers and sounds, revealing many coastal communities worthy of a visit.