Garmin Marine App and ActiveCaptain

Control Your Boat from Anywhere

Take Command of Your Marine Electronics with Garmin ActiveCaptain

The Garmin Marine ActiveCaptain® App transforms the way you connect, plan, and manage your boating experience. Whether you’re fine-tuning routes before a trip, syncing your favorite fishing spots, or updating your chartplotter wirelessly, ActiveCaptain puts complete control right in the palm of your hand.

For boaters and anglers using Garmin’s cutting-edge electronics — from Garmin Livescope™ real-time sonar to GPSMAP® and ECHOMAP™ series chartplotters — the ActiveCaptain app is the essential tool for smarter, safer, and more efficient navigation.


What is the Garmin ActiveCaptain App?

The Garmin ActiveCaptain app is a free, all-in-one boating companion available for both iOS and Android. It wirelessly connects your Garmin marine electronics, giving you instant access to your maps, routes, software updates, and the ActiveCaptain community directly from your smartphone or tablet.

ActiveCaptain™ 1st Choice program is available to marina partners who have consistently met high standards as judged by the boating community. Only marinas averaging 4.0 stars or greater with five or more reviews qualify.

It seamlessly syncs with compatible Garmin devices like:

Whether you’re out on the water or planning your next adventure, the Garmin ActiveCaptain® app serves as your all-in-one hub for managing every aspect of your boating experience — anytime, anywhere.

With ActiveCaptain, you can:

  • OneChart™ Access – Browse, purchase, and update marine charts and maps right from your mobile device through the OneChart storefront.
  • Smart Notifications – Stay connected with incoming calls, texts, and alerts displayed directly on your chartplotter — while keeping your phone secure and dry.
  • ActiveCaptain Community – Tap into real-time insights from other boaters, including marina reviews, hazard reports, and local points of interest.
  • Route Planning – Effortlessly create, save, and transfer routes and waypoints between your app and chartplotter — no manual syncing required.
  • Quickdraw® Community – Upload and download the latest user-generated Quickdraw Contours for updated depth charts and maps.
  • User Data Sync – Automatically sync your routes, waypoints, and data across all connected Garmin devices.
  • Over-the-Air Updates – Get instant software update notifications and install them directly through the app — no SD cards or desktop transfers needed.
  • Remote View & Control – View and control your chartplotter right from your smartphone or tablet, no matter where you are on the boat.

With the Garmin ActiveCaptain® app, you’ll always stay connected, prepared, and in command — whether you’re planning from shore or navigating the open water.

With ActiveCaptain, your boat and your mobile device work as one.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Users can control systems, update software, plan trips, and sync data across smartphones and tablets with internet access.

Key Features of the Garmin ActiveCaptain App

🗺️ 1. Effortless Route Planning

Create and edit routes from your phone or tablet before heading to the water. Once connected, your routes automatically sync to your Garmin chartplotter — ready for your next adventure.

You can view BlueChart® g3 and LakeVü™ charts directly in the app for detailed route planning and trip previewing.

⚙️ 2. Wireless Software Updates

No need to haul out SD cards or plug in cables. With ActiveCaptain, software and chart updates are downloaded through your mobile device and transferred directly to your compatible Garmin unit over Wi-Fi®.

Stay current with the latest Garmin Livescope sonar updates, improved chart features, and new system integrations — all without ever leaving the dock.

🎣 3. Sync Fishing Data & Waypoints

Anglers love how easy it is to sync waypoints, sonar recordings, and fishing spots. When paired with Garmin Livescope real-time sonar, ActiveCaptain makes it effortless to log your favorite honey holes, track fish movements, and share data across your Garmin network.

It’s like having your fishing electronics, navigation tools, and digital logbook — all in one app.


🌐 4. Access the ActiveCaptain Community

Explore the ActiveCaptain Community, where boaters share local knowledge, marina reviews, and real-time navigation updates. You can plan smarter trips with up-to-date information on fuel docks, anchorages, and hazards.

🎧 5. Fusion-Link™ Entertainment Control

Control your Garmin Fusion® Marine Audio system directly from your phone. Adjust volume, zones, and sources without leaving your seat — the perfect feature for relaxing on the water.

How to Connect the Garmin ActiveCaptain App to Your Chartplotter

Setting up your Garmin device with the ActiveCaptain app is simple. Here’s how:

1) Download the App

  • Get Garmin ActiveCaptain from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

2) Turn On Wi-Fi on Your Garmin Chartplotter

  • Go to your chartplotter’s home screen.
  • Select Settings → Communications → Wi-Fi Network → Wi-Fi → On.

3) Create or Join a Network

  • If it’s your first time, select Create a Network and set a password.
  • Otherwise, connect to your existing Garmin network.

4) Pair Your Device

  • Open the ActiveCaptain app on your smartphone.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Garmin unit.
  • Once paired, you’ll see your device listed in the app.

5) Sync & Explore

  • Download chart updates, sync routes, and manage your Garmin Livescope sonar data directly through the app.
 

Why Every Boater Should Use Garmin ActiveCaptain

Whether you’re a weekend cruiser, offshore angler, or sailing enthusiast, the ActiveCaptain app ensures your Garmin marine system is always connected, updated, and optimized.

It’s the perfect companion for:

  • Garmin Livescope users looking to analyze sonar data in real time.
  • Fishing electronics enthusiasts syncing waypoints and catches.
  • Navigation pros planning routes and chart updates from anywhere.
 

Common Questions:

What is the ActiveCaptain Community?

  • The ActiveCaptain™ platform is an interactive online boating network powered by user contributions, including reviews, hazard alerts, marina details, and anchorage recommendations. It allows boaters to exchange insights, report fuel costs, and build a digital Boat Card to connect with others and gather feedback.

What Mobile Devices work with the ActiveCaptain app?

  • The app supports both iOS and Android platforms. It lets users manage their systems, perform software updates, organize trips, and synchronize data across smartphones and tablets that have internet connectivity.

Can I update my Charts wirelessly through ActiveCaptain?

  • Absolutely. ActiveCaptain™ facilitates over-the-air updates for charts and software on Garmin chartplotters, eliminating the need for SD cards. Updates are seamlessly delivered through the app's OneChart™ functionality.

What is the 1st Choice Program for Marinas?

  • This accolade program spotlights marinas that receive exceptional feedback from the ActiveCaptain™ community. To earn 1st Choice status, a marina must maintain at least a 4.0-star rating with five or more reviews.

Can I manage Marine Listings through ActiveCaptain?

  • Yes. Marina managers can utilize the app to revise marina profiles, adjust fuel pricing, and engage with boaters through the Marina Minute newsletter, helping to keep listings precise and appealing.

At Suncoast Marine & Auto, we carry the latest Garmin chartplotters, Livescope sonar systems, Fusion audio, and marine accessories to keep your vessel connected and performing at its best.

Whether you’re installing a new Garmin GPSMAP system or upgrading your sonar with Garmin Livescope Plus, our team is here to help you build a complete, integrated marine electronics setup.

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