Apps for Aiding Navigation

Navigating by sea has come a long way from just paper charts and compass bearings. Today, a smartphone or tablet loaded with the right apps can be an invaluable companion on the water—whether you're a seasoned sailor, a weekend cruiser, or a newcomer learning the ropes.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best marine navigation apps that can make planning, passage-making, and mooring more efficient, safe, and enjoyable. We’ll cover Imray Tides Planner, Navionics, Savvy Navvy, PredictWind, and Navily—each bringing something unique to your voyage.

1. Imray Tides Planner

Best for: Tidal predictions and passage planning

If you're navigating tidal waters, Imray Tides Planner is a must-have. This app provides comprehensive tide times, tidal streams, and height predictions for over 8,000 ports worldwide, with a particular focus on the UK and European coastlines.

Key features:

• Graphical tide curve display

• Tidal stream animations (with optional overlays)

• Sunrise, sunset, and moon phase data

• Route planning with tidal height integration

Whether you're checking a drying height at a tricky anchorage or timing your passage through a tidal gate, Imray has you covered with highly reliable data.

2. Navionics Boating App

Best for: Detailed charts and real-time navigation

Navionics is often considered the gold standard for digital marine charts. The Boating app offers vector charts, sonar charts, and community edits, providing layers of information for coastal and offshore navigation.

Key features:

• Highly detailed and regularly updated charts

• Autorouting that considers depth, hazards, and tides

• Weather overlays, AIS integration (via Wi-Fi), and satellite views

• Syncing across mobile and chartplotter devices

For anyone serious about navigation, Navionics is a powerhouse that combines chart reliability with an excellent user experience.

3. Savvy Navvy

Best for: User-friendly all-in-one navigation

Described as “Google Maps for boats,” Savvy Navvy has built a strong following thanks to its intuitive interface and comprehensive features tailored for leisure sailors.

Key features:

• Easy-to-use route planner with wind, tide, and weather data

• GPS tracking and automatic course-to-steer calculation

• Marina and anchorage information

• Fuel and ETA estimates based on your boat’s profile

It’s ideal for beginners or those who want powerful tools without complexity. You get a tidy, visual overview that makes planning quick and clear.

4. PredictWind

Best for: Advanced weather forecasting and offshore routing

PredictWind is a favourite among offshore sailors and racers who need high-resolution weather data. The app offers detailed forecasts using multiple models, plus tools for planning safe and efficient passages.

Key features:

• Wind, wave, and current models from various providers

• Route planner with GRIB file support

• Offshore mode with low-bandwidth downloads (e.g. via Iridium GO)

• Weather routing, departure planning, and rain maps

If weather accuracy and offshore readiness are priorities, PredictWind is hard to beat.

5. Navily

Best for: Finding and reviewing anchorages and marinas

Navily is like TripAdvisor for boaters. This app focuses on helping you discover anchorages and marinas based on real user reviews and practical details like seabed type, swell protection, and shoreside services.

Key features:

• Community reviews and photos of anchorages/marinas

• Mooring booking system (in supported locations)

• Wind and swell protection ratings

• Tide and weather info integrated

It's especially useful when exploring unfamiliar cruising grounds, where local knowledge can make the difference between a peaceful night or a sleepless one.

Final Thoughts

Each of these apps has a distinct role to play:

• Imray Tides Planner for tidal intelligence

• Navionics for high-resolution charting

• Savvy Navvy for ease of use and integrated planning

• PredictWind for weather precision

• Navily for community-driven mooring advice

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The best solution? Use them in combination. Layering the strengths of each app can help you make more informed decisions and enjoy more relaxed, confident cruising—whether it’s a short hop along the coast or a longer offshore passage.

Fair winds and following seas!