6. April 2026

Starting the Great Loop from Stuart, Florida: First Leg to Vero Beach

Every Great Loop journey begins with that one moment—
engines running, lines cast off, and no turning back.

For us, that moment started at the beautiful
Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina.

A Real Beginning—Not Just a Departure

There’s something different about starting from Hutchinson Island.

You’re not tucked inland—you’re right on the edge of the Atlantic, where the breeze carries salt and the horizon feels wide open.

It’s the perfect place to begin something as big as the Great Loop.

Morning prep feels sharper.
The anticipation feels stronger.
And when you finally pull away from the dock—
it feels real.

The First Leg: Stuart to Vero Beach

Our first run took us from Stuart north along the Intracoastal Waterway to
Vero Beach City Marina.

This stretch is ideal for a first day on the Loop:

• Straightforward navigation
• Well-marked ICW channel
• Plenty of room to settle into your cruising rhythm
• Just enough distance to feel like progress without pressure

Settling Into the ICW Rhythm

You fall into the pace of the ICW:

• Watching markers instead of road signs
• Timing bridges instead of traffic lights
• Letting the water set your speed

Along the way, you’re treated to classic Florida scenery:

• Mangrove-lined shores
• Quiet waterfront homes
• Pelicans diving just ahead of your bow

And if you’re lucky—dolphins escorting you north.

Why Vero Beach is a Looper Favorite

Pulling into Vero Beach City Marina, often nicknamed “Velcro Beach,” you immediately understand why so many Loopers stop here.

It’s more than a marina—it’s a community.

What makes it special:                                                      

• Easy mooring field and dockage
• Shuttle access to provisioning and restaurants
• A welcoming atmosphere full of fellow Loopers
• The perfect place to catch your breath after Day One

This is where stories start getting shared—and where the journey begins to feel bigger than just your boat.

That First Arrival Feeling

Tying up at Vero Beach hits differently.                   

You’ve officially completed your first leg.

Not a test run.
Not a practice cruise.

The first real chapter of your Great Loop.

There’s a quiet satisfaction in that moment—
knowing you’ve started something most people only dream about.

Lessons from Day One

That first run teaches you more than you expect:

• Systems get tested in real conditions
• Confidence builds faster than nerves
• And small wins feel huge

Most importantly—you realize:

You can do this.

Why This Route Works So Well

Starting at Hutchinson Island and heading to Vero Beach gives you:

• A stress-free first leg
• Immediate access to a Looper-friendly stop
• Time to ease into routines
• A confidence boost right out of the gate

It’s not just convenient—it’s smart.

What Comes Next?

From Vero Beach, the journey truly opens up:

• Continue north toward Cocoa and Daytona
• Take your time exploring the ICW
• Or pause and enjoy the Looper community around you

But no matter what comes next, one thing is certain:

You’ve officially begun the Great Loop.

Ready to Start Your Own Loop?

There’s no perfect route—only your route.

And sometimes, the best way to begin…
is exactly how we did:

From Hutchinson Island
To Vero Beach
One confident mile at a time