Originally posted by GunsForBucks:

Fjords are rough and craggy so don't make for easy walking along the shore.
Rafts were better than walking there.

In the game early I tend to use a raft to explore around the main island in safety.. just stay along the shore and you won't get a serpent spawn.

2 very excellent uses, the coastal sail is one i didn't even consider. I usually just food up and go for a ye olde jog around the island. But this way sounds far safer for early spawns with the Black Forest.