Annapolis to Miami

[yankee28]

Originally Posted by bottleinamessage

We've made the trip several times. Annapolis to Norfolk, 2 to 3 days and have done it straight thru as well. From Norfolk take ICW south. One night in Coinjock, next in Belhaven and then Oriental. Next to Beaufort.
Outside to Charleston (30 +/- hours). Next outside to St. Augustine (30 +/- hours). Then on to Miami/Lauderdale. Not a bad trip if you watch the weather (and I mean "watch the weather").

Hi, how much total time did your trip take?

[bottleinamessage]

Well, figure 3 days to Norfolk.. Stay a day there, makes 4. 3 days to Oriental, stay a day there, makes 8. Another day to Beaufort and on to Charleston, and a day there makes 11. On to St. Augustine and a day there makes 14. On to Lauderdale should put you there on day 16. That's the way we normally would do it.

[camaraderie]

I agree with Dreammaker that if you've never done it and have the time...the ICW trip is a wonderful way to go and to really enjoy it and see all the towns along the way properly you should allow a month.
On the other hand, if you need to be quick about it...then heading to Beaufort and jumping outside for 2-3 day coastal runs makes sense heading south at this time of year when you want to be able to duck back inside before bad weather hits.
Coming back in the spring with the stream and prevailing winds, it is easier to just head straight to Beaufort .
An invaluable guide if you are going coastal is Dodge's Guide to SE US Inlets which includes waypoints excellent charts and pictures of all the navigable inlets south of Norfolk.