ActiveCaptain®

ActiveCaptain®

Download on App StoreDownload on Google Play
Spark by MWM logo
Logo of ActiveCaptain®

ActiveCaptain®: The Ultimate Mobile Command for Garmin Mariners

Seamlessly connect your mobile device to your boat's electronics to sync charts, plan routes, and access a global community of boaters. From remote monitoring to on-water control, experience the power of the Garmin ecosystem in the palm of your hand.

Publisher

Garmin International

Category

Navigation

Downloads

1M+

User Rating

3.9/5

Total Ratings

4K+

Locales

31

Your Helm, Anywhere

Discover the interface used by 1M+ users.

ActiveCaptain app home screen showing dashboard tiles for helm sync with plotter and marine device management

ActiveCaptain app home screen showing dashboard tiles for helm sync with plotter and marine device management

ActiveCaptain app interface displaying map contours and community reviews for a boat ramp at Douglas State Fishing Lake.

ActiveCaptain app interface displaying map contours and community reviews for a boat ramp at Douglas State Fishing Lake.

ActiveCaptain app screen for downloading marine charts with a map of Florida

ActiveCaptain app screen for downloading marine charts with a map of Florida

Garmin ActiveCaptain app chart store displaying regional marine maps for purchase

Garmin ActiveCaptain app chart store displaying regional marine maps for purchase

The My Charts screen in the ActiveCaptain app displaying a list of active Garmin Navionics marine chart subscriptions for various US regions

The My Charts screen in the ActiveCaptain app displaying a list of active Garmin Navionics marine chart subscriptions for various US regions

Interface of the Garmin ActiveCaptain app showing a detailed marine navigation chart with coastal markers and GPS data

Interface of the Garmin ActiveCaptain app showing a detailed marine navigation chart with coastal markers and GPS data

Command Your Experience from Helm to Home

The tools that make this app stand out, trusted by 1M+ users.

🗺️

Smart Trip Planning & Sync

E-scout new fishing spots and plan complex routes from your couch, then wirelessly transfer data to your vessel's chartplotter for a seamless departure.

ActiveCaptain Community Intel

Navigate with confidence using crowdsourced reviews on marinas, fuel prices, and local hazards from a global network of experienced mariners.

📱

Total Remote Boat Control

View and control your helm from your tablet anywhere on the boat, and receive instant text alerts on your vessel's security and bilge status with OnDeck™.

Loved by users worldwide

Trusted by 1M+ people who love this app.

"

"The ActiveCaptain community reviews are a total game-changer for my weekend fishing trips. Being able to e-scout new spots on my iPad and then wirelessly sync my waypoints to my chartplotter before I even leave the dock saves me so much time on the water."

Captain Mike S.
"

"Peace of mind is everything when you are away from the marina. With the OnDeck integration, I can check my boat's battery and bilge status from anywhere. Plus, having my phone notifications pop up right on the display keeps my device safe and dry while I am at the helm."

Sarah R.

About the app

Everything you need to know about ActiveCaptain®.

Description

The free ActiveCaptain app creates a powerful connection between your compatible mobile device and Garmin chartplotter, charts, maps and the boating community. Whether you use your Garmin products for cruising, fishing, sailing or diving, this all-in-one app will help you enjoy your time on the water. Just pair the app with your compatible chartplotter to wirelessly transfer and access charts and maps, software updates, routes, waypoints and helpful feedback from the ActiveCaptain Community. And, with the purchase of the OnDeck™ hub(1), you can track and monitor your boat from virtually anywhere. Please note that this app is intended for Garmin chartplotter owners and is not recommended for use as a stand-alone navigational app. FEATURES AVAILABLE: - ONECHART™: > New Garmin Navionics+™ and premium Garmin Navionics Vision+™ cartography, featuring a Navionics® style appearance, advanced Auto Guidance+™ technology(2) and a one-year subscription to daily updates, is available now for North America and Europe, and coming soon to the rest of the world. Purchase our newest-generation charts or legacy BlueChart® g3 charts from your mobile device, and upload them to registered Garmin chartplotters on your vessel. You will get exceptional coverage, clarity and detail with charts that feature integrated Garmin and Navionics data and much more. Plus, the NOAA raster cartography(3) and premium features can be downloaded for free through the ActiveCaptain app. Visit Garmin.com/marinemaps. - PLAN A TRIP: Plan your trip, or e-scout a new fishing spot before you’re on the water. Then, transfer your data to your chartplotter where you can view your routes and waypoints. - USER DATA SYNC: Automatically back up and sync your data between your chartplotter and the ActiveCaptain app. - ACTIVECAPTAIN COMMUNITY: Join a community of boaters to get up-to-date feedback on marinas, boat ramps and other points of interest (POI). Check ratings, read reviews, and view pictures of POIs to make informed decisions on the water. Contribute your own POI, reviews and pictures from your compatible mobile device. - CONTROL YOUR CHARTPLOTTER: Using the built-in Helm™ feature, the ActiveCaptain app lets you view and control your compatible(4) chartplotter from your smartphone or tablet, even when someone else is at the helm(5). - EASY SOFTWARE UPDATES: Receive notifications about software updates from the app, and update your chartplotter wirelessly. - ONDECK HUB: Use the ActiveCaptain app to track, monitor and control any number of switches with the OnDeck system(1) from nearly anywhere. Door open? Bilge running? Peace of mind comes in the form of text alerts and updates. - GARMIN QUICKDRAWTM COMMUNITY: Download the latest 1’ HD contour maps shared by your fellow boaters, and sync with your chartplotter. You can also upload your own Quickdraw Contours map data. - SMART NOTIFICATIONS: Connect the app to your chartplotter, and turn on smart notifications(4) to see calls, text messages and more on the chartplotter display while your phone is somewhere safe and dry. FOOTNOTES 1)OnDeck hub sold separately and requires an active subscription plan 2)Auto Guidance+ is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations 3)NOAA raster cartography cannot be viewed on echoMAP™ CHIRP and ECHOMAP™ Plus combos but can be viewed on mobile devices via the ActiveCaptain mobile app 4)Helm feature is not compatible with ECHOMAP series chartplotters 5)Check device compatibility on the ActiveCaptain app web page; visit https://www.garmin.com/c/marine/marine-apps/ End User License Agreement: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/legal/marine-mobile-eula/

Latest Version

42.0

Size

188.6 MB

First Released

Nov 7, 2017

Ready to Master Your Marine Experience?

Join over a million mariners and bridge the gap between your mobile device and your Garmin chartplotter. Download the free ActiveCaptain® app today to sync maps, access community intel, and stay connected on the water.

Download on App StoreDownload on Google Play
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about ActiveCaptain®

What is the ActiveCaptain app for?

The ActiveCaptain app creates a powerful connection between your mobile device and Garmin chartplotter, charts, and the boating community. It enables wireless transfer of maps, software updates, routes, and waypoints for various marine activities.

Is ActiveCaptain a standalone navigation app?

No, the ActiveCaptain app is not a standalone navigational app. It is designed for Garmin chartplotter owners to enhance their boating experience by connecting to their existing Garmin products.

Can I control my chartplotter with the ActiveCaptain app?

Yes, the ActiveCaptain app features the built-in Helm™ function. This allows you to view and control your compatible Garmin chartplotter directly from your smartphone or tablet, even remotely.

How can I plan trips using the ActiveCaptain app?

The ActiveCaptain app enables you to plan trips or e-scout new fishing spots before you are on the water. You can then transfer your planned routes and waypoints to your Garmin chartplotter.

What types of charts are available in ActiveCaptain?

ActiveCaptain offers Garmin Navionics+™ and premium Garmin Navionics Vision+™ cartography, featuring advanced Auto Guidance+™ technology. Users can also access legacy BlueChart® g3 charts and free NOAA raster cartography.

Does the ActiveCaptain app sync user data?

Yes, the ActiveCaptain app automatically backs up and synchronizes user data. This includes routes, waypoints, and other information, between your mobile device and your Garmin chartplotter.

Can I purchase marine charts through the ActiveCaptain app?

Yes, you can purchase the newest-generation Garmin Navionics+™ and premium Garmin Navionics Vision+™ charts directly from your mobile device using the ActiveCaptain app. These can then be uploaded to registered Garmin chartplotters.

What are the prices for marine charts in ActiveCaptain?

Prices for marine charts in ActiveCaptain vary by region and chart type. For instance, U.K., Ireland & Holland Marine Charts cost $349.99, and Iceland to Orkney Marine Charts cost $249.99, typically including a one-year subscription.

How does ActiveCaptain update chartplotter software?

The ActiveCaptain app provides notifications about available software updates for your Garmin chartplotter. You can then perform wireless updates directly to your chartplotter using the app, ensuring current features.

Is boat monitoring possible with the ActiveCaptain app?

Yes, boat monitoring is possible with the ActiveCaptain app when paired with the OnDeck™ hub. This system allows you to track, monitor, and control boat switches remotely from virtually anywhere.

Does ActiveCaptain display smart notifications from my phone?

Yes, the ActiveCaptain app supports smart notifications. By connecting the app to your Garmin chartplotter, you can view incoming calls, text messages, and other alerts directly on the chartplotter display.

What is the ActiveCaptain Community?

The ActiveCaptain Community connects boaters, providing feedback on marinas, boat ramps, and points of interest. Users can read ratings, reviews, and view pictures, and also contribute their own POI information and insights.

Can I download HD contour maps with ActiveCaptain?

Yes, the ActiveCaptain app allows users to download the latest 1’ HD contour maps from the Garmin Quickdraw™ Community. Users can also upload their own Quickdraw Contours map data.

Does ActiveCaptain support Garmin Navionics+ cartography?

Yes, ActiveCaptain supports the new Garmin Navionics+™ and premium Garmin Navionics Vision+™ cartography. These charts feature a Navionics® style appearance and include advanced Auto Guidance+™ technology.

What is the size of chart downloads in ActiveCaptain?

Chart downloads in ActiveCaptain vary in size depending on the region selected. For example, downloading a specific region of Florida can use 4.72 GB of storage, with 56 GB remaining free.