How to install Garmin ActiveCaptain®?

To install Garmin ActiveCaptain®, visit the Google Play Store and search for the app, then tap the 'Install' button. The app will download and install automatically on your Android device.

Does Garmin ActiveCaptain® have ads?

No, Garmin ActiveCaptain® does not display advertisements, providing an ad-free user experience.

What permissions does Garmin ActiveCaptain® require?

Garmin ActiveCaptain® requires various permissions to function properly. You can view the complete list of permissions in the 'App Permissions' section on this page or in the Google Play Store listing.

Garmin ActiveCaptain®

Name: Garmin ActiveCaptain®
Rating: 4.126866 (6400 reviews)
Author: Garmin

Screenshots

Description

Been using Garmin ActiveCaptain® for a couple months now. It’s basically an app that connects your mobile device to your Garmin chartplotter, so you can access all your charts, maps, and boating data. Pretty solid app if you’re into cruising, fishing, sailing, or diving.

Here’s what you can do: you can wirelessly transfer routes, waypoints, and software updates between your phone and chartplotter. There’s also a cool community feature where you can get feedback from other boaters. And if you get the OnDeck hub, you can even track and monitor your boat from anywhere. Takes a bit to figure out all the features, but it’s really useful once you get the hang of it.

Look, if you’ve got a Garmin chartplotter, you’ll probably get a lot of use out of this app. It’s not perfect – the navigation can be a bit clunky at times – but overall it does the job. Worth checking out if you spend a lot of time on the water.

Editor Opinion

So here's my take on Garmin ActiveCaptain®. I've tested a bunch of boating apps and this one's pretty solid. I like how it seamlessly connects to your Garmin devices and gives you access to all your charts and maps. And the community features are also really cool - you can get tips and feedback from other boaters. But it does have a bit of a learning curve, and the navigation can be frustrating at times. Overall though, if you're a Garmin user, I'd say this is one of the better boating apps out there.

Author Manya Lyalya Editor, Grand Screen

Pros & Cons

Pros

Connects to your Garmin chartplotter to access all your charts and maps
Cool community features let you get tips from other boaters
Lets you track and monitor your boat from anywhere with the OnDeck hub
Free to use, doesn't cost anything extra

Cons

Can be tricky to figure out all the features at first
Navigation and maps can be a bit clunky at times
Requires a Garmin chartplotter, not for standalone use

Specifications

Updated	18.08.2025
Category	Maps And Navigation
Age Rating	Everyone
Developer	Garmin
Android	Android 10++
Package Name	`com.garmin.android.marine`

Ratings

82

Google Play

4.1/5

6,400 reviews

Generally Favorable

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User Reviews

Rich Bouchard Oct 23, 2025

Really disappointing. Flaky connection to plotter + extremely unreliable sync. No auto guidance with regular charts (send us more money and you can have upgraded charts that will allow auto...

Marcus Tomkinson Oct 23, 2025

it's rubbish. takes hours to actually do anything. connection unstable. often can't even download the software updates. you need to do better garmin.... Lowrance are way ahead.

Arran Fisher Oct 23, 2025

Hopeless, all I want to do is download waypoints from my GPS. Appears to connect, then states not connected, completely flakey and non-functional. (I wouldn't be quite so pissed off...

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