Season to Cruise ICW Chesapeake to Keys? (or north bound from the Keys)

[Bay Breeze]

We are starting to plan a power boat cruise from the Chesapeake to the Keys. Any advice on how practical it is to do this mid-October to early December? Any recommendations on a good time of year to do this north to south or south to north?

[capt-couillon]

What you are talkin' is peak of "the season" Expect max traffic, max prices, through out your trip... If you are willing to put up with the weather, leaving in mid December will ensure minimum traffic, and max discounts at marinas looking to fill otherwise open transient slips.

Heading north, April May are the peak snowbird months. Wait till late June/July to avoid the rush... Most early season hurricanes (historically) end up in the gulf.

Safe travels

[Bay Breeze]

Thanks for the perspective - we aren't too excited about heavy traffic, but more concerned about decent weather and safe options for hurricane season. We are on the Gulf, and like to be at our own dock for the hurricane season, at least through September.