Sue, Comments limited to the Atlantic ICW (Norfolk to Florida), which is what I think you've asked about,. There is no doubt that ActiveCaptain.com is a valuable and essential user tool, but it is far from perfect, and I'd suggest, not all you need. It does not do a good job of helping with long distance (destination oriented) cruise planning. The hazard reports are hit 'n miss; in my personal experience, many are old, obsolete, or simple not correct, and I don't rely on them very heavily. Marina and anchorage listings are very helpful, but with weaknesses; fuel prices are generally inaccurate and/or not timely; dockage prices likewise. But the captain's review are generally quite helpful, especially if there are several reviews that tend to paint a consistent profile of visitor experiences. So, yes, it's essential to have, but at least in my opinion, not all that's needed, ESPECIALLY for first-time or infrequent ICW travelers. Today, there is really only one truly comprehensive set of cruising guides available for the US East Coast; they are the "Chesapeake Bay," "Atlantic ICW" and "Southern" editions of the Waterway Guide. They will give you a lot of background information on navigation (not just problem areas, but also suggestions for dealing with issues and alternative routes), points-of-interest, and a lot more. A simpler and more concise pair of books are the "Marinas" and "Anchorages" guides from Skipper Bob, also now owned by the Waterway Guide organization. Even today, after over 10 years of cruising the ICW, we still use both the WWG and Skipper Bob references when we are on migration. Before his death a couple of years ago, Claiborne Young wrote prolifically about cruising and the ICW in the Southeastern states, particularly the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Those books are still to be found. Some of the navigation material has aged, but much of it remains useful; especially the historical background of the areas through which the ICW passes. Both the Waterway Guide and Claiborne's organization (Salty Southeast Cruisers Net, SSECN), have websites that you should become familiar with. Both do similar things, but there are still differences that can be useful. Play with them and see what they offer BRFORE you travel, so you'll know how to use them when you need them. Hope this is useful. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436