The Great Loop

After a few weeks of prep work we are finally under way and on our adventure. This should be a year long experience up the Atlantic Coast, over the Great Lakes, and down the inland rivers. Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Photos Share

The Great Loop Traveler
Bay St Louis
November 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
The town was charming with colorful restaurants on stilts along the Main Street and cute boutique shops and museums on the next row of streets. We enjoyed delicious milk shakes while we wandered around. There was a nice beach with amazing sand as wellRead more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
New Orleans
November 29, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
We spent about five nights in New Orleans, exploring the different districts and eating a variety of food. We listened to music on Frenchman, toured a cemetery, walked the garden district, and admired the sculptures in the City ParkRead more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Lulus
December 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
We stopped at Lulu’s, Jimmy Buffets sisters place as all the Loopers do it. The restaurant was more of a destination with an arcade, ropes course, shop, and beach. Sadly the ropes course was closed but the kids enjoyed the arcade and we enjoyed the restaurant.Read more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
The Wharf
December 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 46 °F
Not far from Lulus is the Wharf. They had more to offer with lots of cute shops. We also wanted to dine at Dicks Last Resort. The wharf was decorated for Christmas and offered a light show to music. There was also ice skating which we all enjoyed.Read more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Johnsons Cove and Flora-Bama
December 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
We left the Wharf, passed through Lady in the Marina sculpture (which was huge) and anchored in Johnson’s Cove. Our destination today was to dinghy to Flora-Bama and see the bar Jimmy Buffet sings about in Bama
breeze. The bar was impressive and includes 14 bars, live music in multiple spots, bushwhacker drinks, and beach access to the Gulf. We enjoyed listening to the music.Read more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Fort McCree
December 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
Wonderful anchorage between sand dunes and the remains of a fort. Wonderful walk along the sand and water. Spotted dolphins playing in the water.
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Pensecola
December 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
We were welcomed at the Grand Lagoon Yacht Club which was a great spot to get an Uber ride to the naval aviation museum. The museum was impressive with two floors and a hanger building. This is where the Blue Angels are located and we could see them practicing above usRead more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Shalimar
December 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Boat needed work done Including new bottom paint and propellers. Discovered a crack in the hull from hitting a tree in the rivers. This was a good place to leave the boat while we head home for the holidays.Read more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Panama City Beach
December 27, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Took the rental car out to Panama City Beach near pier park. The sand was lovely and the water clear. The pier park had many restaurants and shops including Margaritaville.
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Near Carabelle
December 30, 2023 in the United States
We left Shakira’s and boated for 13 hours to get as far as we could. Traveling in the gulf, we had rolling waves. At one point, the waves were off our stern and would crash into our dinghy. I had to bail the dinghy out. We decided to go faster to get a head of the waves. As the sun set, we went inside the intracoastal, enjoying the bright stars and moon. Finally, too tired and cold, we found a spot to drop anchor for the night.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Near Carabelle
December 30, 2023 in the United States
We boated for 13 hours in rolling waters. Saw the sun set and moon rise. After a long cold day we found a spot to anchor for the night.
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Steinhatchee
December 31, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
We had a long day of boating from near Carabelle to Steinhatchee arriving just in time to bring in the new year. I enjoyed a stroll to the Sea Hag marina which had cute cottages and an interesting gift shop. We then had dinner at the restaurant at the marina.Read more
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Crystal River
January 2, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Amazing location where you can see wildlife including manatees. One of the only places you can get into the water with them. We took the dinghy around the springs and just sat to enjoy the sight.
2 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Tarpin Springs
January 3, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
We stopped at The largest Greek community and sponge capital. It was very touristy with lots of shops selling sponges and beach wear. Along the water is the docks where sponge boats come in with their haul. Up a few blocks is the historic district where you can find St Nicholas cathedral, St Michael’s shrine, and shops.

We were here a few days from Epiphany. The town was still decorated for Christmas.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Dunedin
January 4, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
Boris friend Ana lives in Dunedin and told us it’s a cute town that we’d enjoy. So here we are and she was right. The town has lots of cute shops and restaurants, but I really enjoyed the art and bike trails. In the evening, Ana and her family came over and we went to the brewery which had live music.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Clearwater Beach
January 5, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
The weather promised warm sun, so to the beach we go. The marina is within walking distance so it was an easy stroll.

The sand was white and soft, feeling cool under our toes. Despite the air being warm, the water was too cold!

Nearby was the pier which had evening entertainment and a water slide and trampoline which the kids enjoyed.

Ana and her family came over and we enjoyed dinner out together.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Safety Harbor
January 6, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
We went out with Anja and her family to Safety Harbor. It is a charming little town with tasty pizza. Walking the Main Street, we passed a nice park with an old oak tree, lots of cute shops, and a pier.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
St Peterburg
January 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
We got a rental car to explore a couple of towns we opted not to visit by car. at Petersburg is one of them. We first stopped for lunch at the Tavern which had delicious grouper sandwiches. We then headed to the Dali museum which held a collection of art by Dali. A short drive around the town and then we headed back toRead more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Cortez
January 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
A storm is coming so we found safety at the seafood shack in Cortez. As we are here for a couple of days, we rented a car to keep us exploring.

We headed to the beach on Annamarie Island to look for sharks teeth. Tide was up so we didn’t have any luck, but the sand was soft and we enjoyed the stroll. The beach is lovely with a park like setting on the side.

There isn’t much else at the seafood shack. They were preparing for the storm and set up tables against the windows. The restaurant was well decorated and the food tasty.Read more
0 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Venice
January 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
Not quite the same as the Italy version, but the town has an Italian vibe. Lovely buildings lined the street which we enjoyed while eating some gelato.

We stayed at the Crows Nest which was next to the jetty. This was the day after the storm so the waves were massive, which surfers appreciated.

In the early morning during low tide, lots of shells could be found.Read more
0 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Cayo Costa
January 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
We anchored in Pelican Bay next to Cayo Costa state park. There’s a dock, ranger station, hiking trails, and even cabins on the island. Unfortunately the activities are closed (possibly due to Hurricane Ian.

We took the dinghy to the gulf side of the island to walk and explore. The greenery was beautiful and contrasted against the sand. There was an abundance of shells, but we had to watch for cacti near the trees.Read more
0 likes
The Great Loop Traveler
Cabbage Key
January 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
We stayed the night at the island and had dinner at the restaurant. The restaurant has dollar bills everywhere: hanging from the ceiling and on the walls. The island has a couple of trails around with signs everywhere explaining the plants and animals.

There are also a few resident tortoises that are fun to watch and a water tower which you can climb.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Crossing our wake
January 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We did it! We crossed our wake. We originally wanted to anchor at north Captiva Island. U fortunately the anchorage is now a shoal after hurricane Ian. So we looked at another anchorage but it was too shallow. With nowhere to go, it was time to head to Cape Coral.

I can’t believe we did it. We’ve completed this epic journey. We still have the keys and Bahamas to do, but the loop itself is done.Read more
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Boca Grande
January 19, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
We anchored again in Pelican Bay and took the dinghy over to Boca Grande. There they have the Pink Elephant restaurant which served tasty food and had cute decorations.
1 like
The Great Loop Traveler
Captiva Island
January 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
We stayed at the Captiva Island Yacht Club which was a short walk into town. In a prior year we came here and had lunch at the Bubble Room. Unfortunately it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and is in repairs. There were a few shops still opened so we enjoyed those.

We had a drink at the Green Flash and walked around a little bit, finding an old cemetery and church.

We then visited the beach and enjoyed some waves and a sunset.Read more
1 like