The term "Intercoastal" typically refers to the Intracoastal Waterway, a network of navigable waterways along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. This system connects various coastal cities and provides a safe route for boats and ships, avoiding the open ocean. It is essential for commercial shipping, recreational boating, and tourism. The Intracoastal Waterway consists of both natural and man-made channels, stretching over 3,000 miles. It includes various regions, such as the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, each serving different states and communities along the coast.