Kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway?

Question

I really want to kayak the intracoastal waterway, all the way from Maine to Miami. Is this a reality or is it way too far fetched. Is it connected the entire way? Is it open to the public the entire way? Basically, is it plausible to travel the entire intracoastal waterway?

(I am a very experienced kayaker and I have kayaked much longer distances before)

Answer 1

VA/NC/SC ICW IS DOABLE AND SOME GREAT SCENERY AND HISTORY TO EXPLORE. MAINE TO MIAMI

IS GOING TO TAKE A LONG TIME. MIGHT WANT TO DO IT IN SECTIONS. LIKE THE PREVIOUS POSTER SAID BIGGEST PROBLEM DOWN HERE IS COTTONMOUTHS

BUT THE REWARD WILL BE WORLD CLASS SEAFOOD

NEARLY EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

Answer 2

Google Earth 2008 any areas of issue, sketch likely landings

to overnight on, and obtain hard copy maps on towns that you might enter to fetch things.  Run the entire route.  I do tidal shipping channels.  The main sticking point is to not let ebb and flood slow progress.   Always defer to local knowledge.

Cottonmouths like southern waters and aren't shy enough;

best kill 'em with paddle blade before one slithers aboard.

Answer 3

Check out the Wiki link below.  3000 miles.

Answer 4

I had planned to do this. I was thinking about going to work in Antarctica and thought when I got back I would kayak from Bangor. Maybe you will be in good enough shape to get to the Bahamas. I don't know how much protected water you will find north of NY, but the rest of the way down isn't bad. Then all those out  of state people in Maine got the law changed so you can't land without the owners permission. Check out Maine Island Trail Association for places to land.

Send me an email, I will buy lunch when you get to Annapolis.