The 5 best boat navigation apps in 2025

When you're out on the water – cruising along the coast or exploring narrow inland waterways – the last thing you want is to feel lost or unsure of your surroundings. This is where boat navigation apps come in. With the right app, you can have detailed charts, route planning, and live data at your fingertips, making your boating experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

In 2025, the tech around marine navigation has never been more sophisticated. So, if you're looking for the best boat navigation apps, you're in luck. There are many excellent options for both beginners and experienced sailors alike, whether you're navigating in a small dinghy or cruising in a luxurious yacht. Let's dive into how to navigate a boat effectively and the apps that can help you do it like a pro.

How to navigate a boat: A quick overview

Before we jump into the best boat navigation apps, let’s quickly cover the basics of how to navigate a boat.

• Charts and maps: Navigating a boat involves reading nautical charts showing detailed information about the sea, river or lake. These charts display water depths, underwater hazards, and navigation aids like buoys and lighthouses.
• Plotting a course: When you set sail, plotting your course is essential. This means planning your route based on the charts, considering factors like water depth, currents, tides, and weather.
• GPS navigation: Just like when driving a car, having GPS to track your position is a game-changer on the water. With modern marine navigation systems, you can easily pinpoint your boat’s location in real-time and adjust your route accordingly. You can even get sailing watches that pair with Android and IOS devices to track your GPS.
• Waypoints and routes: These are specific locations or points on your chart where you may want to stop or turn, such as canalside pubs or marinas and harbours in the UK. You can set waypoints to guide your journey and ensure you’re always on track.
• Using the compass: A reliable compass is a basic yet important tool in boat navigation. While GPS systems are fantastic, a good old-fashioned compass can help when technology fails or if you’re in areas without a signal.

With that in mind, let's look at the boat navigation apps that can help with all of this and more.

The best marine navigation apps for 2025

1. Navionics

Navionics is often hailed as one of the top boat navigation apps, and for good reason. It offers incredibly detailed maps, covering everything from coastal routes to inland waterways, and it’s perfect for boaters of all levels. Navionics has been a leader in marine navigation for years, and their app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Features:

• Detailed charts for coastal and inland waters
• Live weather updates to help you avoid bad conditions
• Route planning with real-time navigation
• SonarChart to view the underwater terrain and depths

Pros: If you're serious about boating, Navionics is one of the most trusted navigation apps out there. It's used by professionals, making it a great choice for anyone looking for precision and reliability. The app's sonar mapping feature is also a game-changer for exploring new waters.

Cost: Navionics isn't free but offers a free boat navigation app for basic use. You'll need to pay for a subscription for full features, including live data and updates.

2. iNavX

If you’re looking for an app that combines marine navigation with a clean, easy-to-use interface, iNavX is a solid choice. This app allows you to access a variety of charts and maps from around the world, and you can even sync your boat’s GPS system with it.

Features:

• Access to global charts (NOAA, Navionics, etc.)
• Route planning with waypoints and distance calculations
• Syncs with AIS (Automatic Identification Systems) for real-time boat tracking
• Offline charts for areas with no signal

Pros: iNavX is fantastic for those who want to bring together marine navigation and advanced technology. You can plot routes, monitor your boat's progress, and access a range of charts from your smartphone or tablet.

Cost: The app offers a free version with limited charts. To access premium charts and advanced features, you’ll need to purchase a subscription.

3. Boat Beacon

Boat Beacon is the best boat navigation app for you if you're out on the water and worried about safety and visibility. This app focuses on providing real-time position-sharing, which is perfect for keeping track of your boat and others nearby.

Features:

• Live AIS tracking and monitoring for other boats
• Route planning and distance calculations
• Integration with navigation charts for precise navigation
• Real-time sharing of your position with friends or family

Pros: Boat Beacon is ideal for keeping track of your boat and other boats in the area. This feature is particularly useful for avoiding collisions in busy harbours or crowded waterways.

Cost: There’s a free version available, but the premium version offers full AIS features and more advanced route planning tools.

4. Wikivoyage & OpenCPN

If you’re looking for a free boat navigation app that doesn’t skimp on features, OpenCPN is an open-source navigation software that works with Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. It’s great for sailors who want to create custom routes, use marine navigation charts, and track their progress along the water.

Features:

• Free access to NOAA charts and other resources
• Route plotting and waypoint creation
• Offline functionality for remote areas with no signal
• Integration with AIS and GPS systems

Pros: Since OpenCPN is open-source, it's great for tech-savvy boaters who want to tweak their system and add specific features. Plus, it's completely free.

Cost: 100% free

5. SeaPilot

SeaPilot is an excellent choice for those navigating coastal waters, offering a combination of navigation tools and live updates. It's particularly popular in Europe and works well for recreational and professional boaters.

Features:

• Real-time weather information and tidal data
• Detailed charts for coastal and inland waterways
• Integrated routing for precise navigation
• Offline maps for areas without signal

Pros: SeaPilot’s detailed charts and real-time updates are perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-use boat navigation app. It’s a great option for both short leisure trips and long-distance voyages.

Cost: Free basic version with a premium version available for additional features.

Is there a free marine navigation app?

Yes. Several free marine navigation apps are available, including OpenCPN, which is open-source, and the free versions of iNavX and SeaPilot. These free versions often come with basic features but still allow you to plan routes, track your position, and view charts. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase a premium version to access advanced features like real-time weather updates, advanced charts, or AIS tracking.

Is there Google Maps for boats?

While Google Maps is great for land navigation, it's not ideal for marine navigation due to the lack of specialised charts and the complex nature of waterways. However, many boaters rely on apps like Navionics and iNavX, which are designed specifically for marine navigation and offer much more accurate and useful data for boaters. So, while you won't find a direct Google Maps equivalent for boats, plenty of boat navigation apps offer detailed, reliable charts and features designed specifically for maritime travel.

Choosing the best boat navigation app for you

Navigating a boat might seem tricky initially, but with the right tools, it becomes second nature. The best boat navigation app will depend on your individual needs, whether that's advanced charting, route planning, or real-time weather updates. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner, having the right marine navigation tools on your phone or tablet will make all the difference. Take a look at our list of the best sailing apps for apps that can help you track the wind, tides, and your race performance too.

Specialist boat insurance through Insure4Boats

Wherever you decide to take your boat next, you may want to consider getting specialist boat insurance. Specialist boat insurance through Insure4Boats protects your boat against accidental damage, theft, malicious damage, and salvage charges.

You can also opt to include Third Party Liability and contents protection, so you have nothing to worry about when cruising the waterways.

Find out more about specialist boat insurance through Insure4Boats or get an instant online quote today.