Best Sailing Apps for Worldwide Cruising: Navigation, Weather & Marina Bookings Made Easy

Best Sailing Apps for Worldwide Cruising: Navigation, Weather & Marina Bookings Made Easy
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Whether you're exploring the idyllic Croatian coast, island-hopping in Greece, or crossing oceans on a bluewater adventure, technology can be a powerful companion at sea. From real-time wind forecasts to marina reservations and anchorage reviews, modern sailing apps simplify route planning and enhance safety wherever your voyage takes you.

Planning a yacht charter in Croatia? Discover our expertly curated sailing routes, boats with or without skipper, and insider tips for a safe and memorable journey.

Here’s a fresh look at the top sailing apps trusted by skippers around the world:

1. Navionics® Boating

Best for: Global chart coverage & route planning

Navionics has become a gold standard for digital nautical charts. It’s packed with interactive maps, sonar charts, route planning tools, and GPS tracking. With automatic daily updates and crowd-sourced data, it's useful whether you're sailing the Adriatic, Caribbean, or the Pacific.

Bonus: Offline maps are available for areas without coverage.

2. Windy

Best for: High-resolution weather visualization

Windy is a favorite among sailors for its detailed wind, wave, and weather forecasts. Using multiple models like ECMWF and GFS, it displays interactive maps with animations, pressure systems, and rain forecasts. It’s especially useful for offshore passages or planning day sails around changing weather.

Free with powerful features; Premium unlocks extended forecasts.

3. Navily

Best for: Anchorage info and community reviews

Think of Navily as the “TripAdvisor for sailors.” It offers detailed information and user reviews for thousands of marinas and anchorages across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. See mooring conditions, water depth, protection from wind directions, and even book a berth at select marinas.

Perfect for discovering hidden gems and planning overnight stops.

4. PredictWind

Best for: Offshore weather routing

PredictWind is an advanced weather forecasting app used by ocean racers and cruisers alike. It features route optimization, departure planning, and live weather updates even when offshore using satellite connections. It also integrates GRIB files and allows you to compare multiple models.

A must-have for ocean crossings or long-range planning.

5. Anchor Alarm by SailGrib

Best for: Peace of mind at anchor

Dragging anchor is every sailor’s nightmare. Anchor Alarm sets a safety radius around your boat and alerts you if your position drifts beyond that range. With clear maps and audio alerts, it lets you sleep more soundly at anchor — even in remote bays.

Simple, reliable, and works offline.

6. Savvy Navvy

Best for: All-in-one sailing dashboard

Nicknamed the “Google Maps for boats,” Savvy Navvy combines route planning, tides, weather, charts, and fuel range calculations in one app. It's designed for ease of use, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors looking for simplicity.

Available worldwide with intuitive tools and automatic route optimization.

7. mySea

Best for: Booking marinas in the Med

Popular in Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, mySea allows you to check marina availability, book moorings, and get local info on fuel docks, restaurants, and repair shops. It’s a time-saver in high season when berths fill up fast.

Also includes local events and safety information.

8. KnotGuide or Animated Knots

Best for: Learning essential knots

Need to brush up on your bowline or reef knot? These apps are great visual guides to help sailors tie strong, reliable knots for docking, anchoring, or securing lines in a storm.

Great for teaching kids onboard too.

9. MarineTraffic

Best for: Global AIS tracking

Want to know what ships are nearby? MarineTraffic gives you real-time AIS data for commercial vessels, yachts, and fishing boats around the world. You can also track friends and family on long passages.

Useful near busy ports or during night sails.

10. Nautical Info Service (for Croatia & Mediterranean)

Best for: Safety, alerts & local regulations

While this app is specific to Croatian waters, many countries have similar government-sponsored safety apps. It connects boaters to the local coast guard, provides real-time alerts, and allows users to report marine incidents. Check your destination for a regional equivalent.

Final Thoughts: Use Tech, But Trust Seamanship

Sailing apps are valuable tools, but they should complement — not replace — traditional seamanship. Always have paper charts, know how to read a compass, and understand local navigation rules.

That said, having the right apps onboard can make cruising more enjoyable, safer, and less stressful, whether you’re crossing oceans or sailing the coastline for the weekend.

Explore our sailing itineraries and charter options to find the perfect boat and route — from Split, Dubrovnik, or any port in Croatia.

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