Intracoastal

Intracoastal, commonly referring to the Intracoastal Waterway, is a network of navigable channels designed to provide a sheltered route along much of the United States coastline. It combines natural inlets, bays, rivers, and lagoons with dredged or man-made channels to offer an inland path that stays near the coast and avoids the open ocean.

The system has two major components: the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Together they extend along large portions of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, spanning thousands of miles and linking numerous ports, towns, and estuarine areas. The exact alignment varies by segment and state, with numerous curves and connections that accommodate coastal geography and hydrology. Depths and bridge clearances vary by section, so mariners rely on up-to-date nautical charts and local notices to navigate.

Construction and maintenance of the waterway are overseen primarily by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with state and local agencies. Development began in the early 20th century and continued through mid-century, with dredging, canalization, and related infrastructure to create a continuous, sheltered passage suitable for commercial and recreational use. The waterway remains an ongoing maintenance project, requiring periodic dredging and improvements to accommodate changing weather, sedimentation, and vessel traffic.

Today, the Intracoastal Waterway is especially important to recreational boating and tourism, though certain segments carry commercial traffic. It is navigated using a system of aids to navigation and is peppered with drawbridges and other infrastructure that influence passage planning.