yacht trip planner

--%>

Route Planner

Plan your sailing route.

Planning your sailing route is an important part of preparing for a sailing trip. There are various reasons why it is recommended to plan your route in advance. To begin with, choosing your sailing itinerary ensures your safety while out at sea. By researching and planning your route in advance, you may discover hazards such as rocks or shallow waters and avoid them, thereby keeping yourself and your passengers safe. Furthermore, choosing your route before your sailing trip permits you to visit all places you want and to make the most of your time aboard . This is particularly important if you are on a tight schedule or on a short trip.

Sailing Route Planner Tutorial

With our interactive boat route planner, you can plan your sailing trip down to the smallest detail. Our route planner tool allows you to choose your starting point and draw your desired sailing route. Once you're finished, the distance will be automatically calculated, and you can choose to have the sailing route sent to your email. Additionally, the boat route planner displays the coordinates of your starting and finishing points, so you can always know your exact location using your onboard instruments. Our boat route planner is the perfect tool to ensure the safety of your sailing trip. 

Click on the video on the right and see an example of how to plan your own sailing route.

Title	Start point	End point	Distance (miles)

Don't lose your route , receive it on your e-mail.

Are you sure?

We use cookies to provide you with the best service on our website. If you stay on our website, you consent to our Cookies Policy .

Tell us about your dream holiday, and we'll make sure you get a personalised offer at the best price on the market.

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

We're looking forward to learn more about your dream holiday. The more info you send us, the more detailed and personalized offer we can provide.

You have succesfully submitted the details of your sailing trip. Your detailed and personalized offer is on its way.

Contact us to get some suggestions!

Thank you for your email. We will get back to you asap!

Plan a route: Boat route

Routes » Route planner » Boat route

JavaScript is required for this feature, but it is either disabled or not supported by your browser. Please enable JavaScript or upgrade your browser.

Try this feature for free with a RouteYou Plus trial subscription.

If you already have such an account, then log in now.

• Search for a route
• My favorites
• Best rated routes
• Most popular routes
• Node routes
• Signposted routes
• Nature routes
• Cultural routes
• Partner routes
• Create a route
• Upload a route
• Record a route
• Hiking nodes
• Cycling nodes

© 2006-2024 RouteYou - www.routeyou.com

You are either using a browser that does not support JavaScript, or you have disabled JavaScript. OpenSeaMap uses JavaScript for its maps.

VAR 3.5°5'E (2015)

ANNUAL DECREASE 8'

• Map with JOSM Remote

• Tidal Scale
• Aerial photo
• Coordinate Grid
• Elevation Profile
• Marine Profile (1:920.000)
• Marine Traffic
• Compass Rose
• Depth contours (beta)

• Water depth

• OpenCPN (Kap)
• Navico (Lowrance, Simrad, B&G)

• Trip Planner

• Bridges/Locks

Map Your Route Yacht distance calculator

Map your route.

You can plan your sailing journey down to the last detail with our interactive distance calculator. Select points on the map below to plot your route. Enter the speed, fuel consumption, and fuel cost to determine the total cost of the trip.

Carbon Offsetting:

Total distance.

0 Nautical Miles

0 Kilometers

0 Fuel Consumed (litres/hour)

0 Total Cost

Explore the world of chartering

Your perfect adventure awaits on a luxury charter yacht. Whether you are new to the world of yacht charters or a seasoned pro, our yacht consultants are here to help at every stage of your yachting journey.

Luxury Yacht Charters with TJB Super Yachts: Uncover Remarkable Experiences.

How to Charter A Superyacht

Explore the thrills of chartering a superyacht with TJB Super Yachts. Learn how to charter a yacht and discover the TJB Super Yachts difference here.

• Concierge Services

Welcome to the world of bespoke luxury lifestyle: yacht concierge services powered by TJB Super Yachts.

CONTACT OUR TEAM

Interested request a call-back.

By filling out this form you will receive communications on our services and offers. You can unsubscribe at any point in the future from our mailing list using the ‘unsubscribe’ link on any of our emails. In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy .

Share this page

• All Superyachts for Sale
• Motor Superyachts
• Sailing Superyachts
• Buying A Superyacht
• Selling a Superyacht
• Buying a Yacht FAQs
• Selling a Yacht FAQs
• Why choose us?
• Building a Custom Superyacht
• Build a Semi-Custom Superyacht
• Yacht Management
• Yacht Marketing
• All Superyachts for Charter
• How To Charter A Yacht FAQS
• Design Your Perfect Itinerary
• Mediterranean
• Indian Ocean & Asia
• South Pacific
• The Rest of the World
• Where Can I Travel?
• Summer Experiences
• Winter Experiences
• Wellness and Fitness
• Parties and Event Planning
• Adventures and Experiential Travels
• Yacht and Boat Shows
• Sporting Events
• Corporate Events
• Social & Luxury Events
• Sailing Regattas
• Charter Itinerary Builder
• Distance Calculator
• In the press
• Superyacht Charter Fast Facts
• Superyacht Sales Fast Facts
• Meet Our Team
• Our Offices
• Current Role

Privacy Overview

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Plan the perfect route

COVID 19: You can change your booking on most of our boats if your travel plans are affected by coronavirus. See here for more details

Let us help you plan the perfect sailing trip

Provide your travel details, receive free offer and enjoy your holiday!

A sailing vacation can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of your life. However, those considering heading out to sea, especially for the first time, should not take it lightly as it can be pretty challenging.   

Before you venture into this unforgettable adventure, there are eight critical elements to consider in order to create and enjoy the ideal sailing trip.    

1. Before you set sail 

Organising a sailing holiday can be quite a bit more challenging than your ordinary summer holiday. There are many elements to consider, so any essential sailing tips and advice should be welcomed with open arms. However, if done correctly, a sailing holiday will become your best holiday decision yet! 

In this modern era, information about almost everything is just a click of a mouse away. So why not use a boat route planner to prepare for everything you will need for a sailing adventure.

With all the technological advantages at your disposal, preparing for a sailing adventure nowadays can be easy and quick. 

Some user-friendly apps can be handy and make your everyday life on board much more effortless. You just need to know where to look on the internet!

Useful Apps 

Google maps & google earth.

Google will be your first and primary assistant when organising your perfect sailing trip.

Using their easy-to-navigate map system is one of the best ways to get basic information about your current location.  

Given that it is free and accessible with almost any smartphone, it is the most helpful tool to have. 

Tip: Make sure to download the maps of the area you will be visiting beforehand to navigate even when there is no internet access.

MarineTraffic

Marine Traffic is extremely useful to use when navigating places with lots of naval traffic. The app uses the signal from your phone to find AIS (Automatic Identification System) information in your area. This system is used to supplement radar information to ensure collision avoidance.

This provides you with much-needed information about surrounding ships, especially if there is heavy fog or other adverse weather conditions. It can also be beneficial in high traffic areas like the Corinth Canal in Greece .

The app has a free version, where the essential information is available, and several paid options with more features. 

PredictWind 

To make sure there are no nasty surprises while at sea, a dedicated weather app is essential. 

PredictWind has a user-friendly interface where you can input your chosen route and find out what predicted weather conditions await you on your way.

The app pulls information from various sources, which can be changed in the settings, depending on your preference towards the US or the European weather models. 

2. Starting point

Firstly, you need to decide what part of this beautiful planet you wish to explore. Knowing where to sail and at which time of year to do it is crucial to your overall experience. Some places are best avoided at certain times of the year due to either bad weather conditions, local restrictions or high season crowds. Also, be sure to check for national and religious holidays in the period of your choice, as they often restrict the working hours of local businesses. 

The best way to determine which destination to pick for your sailing vacation is by answering these questions for yourself:

• Where do I want to go?

If you have decided to go on a sailing holiday but are not quite sure which country to visit, there are plenty of options to choose from. Make sure to explore your options and choose a destination that will suit you perfectly.

Our guide on the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean should help you make the final decision.  

• When do I want to go on my sailing trip?

Although summer seems like the most obvious choice, sailing can be enjoyed for most of the year, depending on your preferences and location. 

If you are looking to have your sailing trip in Europe, the sailing season starts around mid-spring and can last until the end of October. 

Some locations like the Canary Islands , which enjoy a subtropical climate, are suited for sailing even in the middle of winter.

• What is my budget?

Sailing vacations can get expensive quite quickly. Therefore, it is essential to stay ahead of your finances and calculate all of your known expenses to avoid surprises. 

Some destinations in Croatia and Turkey are better suited for smaller budgets while sailing trendy destinations like Santorini in Greece or Costa Smeralda on Sardinia can get quite expensive.

However, the most important thing to consider is the type of boat you will be chartering as the prices can vary massively.

3. Sailing experience

Unless you hire a professional crew, sailing is a very active and hands-on holiday experience. Plan your sailing route following the people that will be with you. It is not the same if you are sailing with a group of friends or taking your family and small children. There should be at least one person with some previous sailing experience. When at sea, mistakes can quickly happen and can be costly. Consider who will be coming on board with you and consider hiring a local skipper. Doing so will help navigate local areas and find the best-hidden spots to anchor, making the journey much more enjoyable.  

If you wish to be fully prepared for your sailing trip, these are the basic steps you should consider:

• Familiarise yourself with the basic nautical terminology
• Learn about the different parts of a boat
• Practice some fundamental sailing knots    

4. Logistical requirements

Familiarise yourself with the infrastructure of the areas you will be visiting. Knowledge of local marinas, ports and anchorages will save you from unnecessary stress. Some countries offer better sailing infrastructure than others which can mean all the difference when sailing, especially for those less experienced. Also, be sure to have your license sorted out, as you could be facing fines if stopped by the local authorities without having proper documentation. 

• Most of the more significant marinas in the Mediterranean have their own websites where you can find the most recent information and check vacancies.
• For information on smaller harbours and ports, check the website of the town or region you are visiting. The local tourist information centre should have all the information you’ll need.

5. Holiday intensity

When planning your sailing route, consider the distance you are willing to travel during the trip. Make use of one of many sailing distance calculators and boat route planners available online, primarily the one integrated within Google maps. There is a big difference between sailing 100 nautical miles or sailing 300 nautical miles in a week. It is also dependent on the type of vessel you will be chartering. Some boats are better suited for longer distances than others. Motorboats are also less dependent on weather conditions and winds than sailboats and catamarans . Finally, keep in mind that stopping at each marina or port requires time and preparation. 

Additionally, the size and experience of your crew will be detrimental to the nature of your sailing trip. The more experienced people there are on deck, the chance of any nasty surprises decreases.  

Always be mindful of the weakest swimmers on board and make sure they either wear their life jackets or have quick access to them.   

6. Be flexible

Keep in mind the unpredictability of weather and be prepared to adapt accordingly. Unlike holidaying at a resort or hotel, sailing holidays are heavily dependent on weather conditions. As a result, sail routes and itineraries can become obsolete if you are forced to remain anchored for a day or two due to bad weather. 

Familiarise yourself with the area you’re visiting, and be prepared to improvise and adjust if needed. Make sure to check the weather conditions at least three times a day.

In case of an approaching storm when at sea, remain calm and organise your duties efficiently.

Hiring a local skipper can help you massively if caught in bad weather and provide you with alternative destinations and activities if the circumstances change. 

Nothing is set in stone when you venture out to sea, so thinking on your feet and being flexible is of utmost importance.

7. Be adventurous 

Sailing along popular routes and visiting popular tourist destinations often means dealing with high sea traffic and big crowds of tourists. This can lead to congestion in marinas, especially in smaller towns scattered around the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. However, if you decide to be a bit more adventurous and head off the beaten sailing path, you’ll have a chance of uncovering small coves and bays with a bit more privacy and space.

Sailing is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in your surroundings and embrace the customs and traditions of the country you are visiting. 

Sometimes it is better to avoid the top tourist destinations and try exploring places off the beaten path. All Mediterranean countries are full of charming coastal villages and secluded harbours , just waiting to be explored.  

Destinations like Croatia and Greece have an abundance of small islands where one can get lost and easily find a secluded cove just for themselves.

If you have a skipper with you, they will be more than happy to take you to some of their favourite spots in the area. 

8. Plan your days

Even though sailing can be overwhelming, especially for beginners, it can also be the most fulfilling holiday you will ever take. It is essential to plan your days: for example, who will be in charge of what duties, where you will spend the night and what activities will be on the agenda that day. There is something truly magical about spending a week on the sea. Your morning coffee or tea will taste better. Meals made onboard will feel like a unique culinary experience, while swimming and snorkelling away from the crowded beaches will make you wish you could spend every summer holiday on a boat.

Checklist before you set sail:

• Make sure you have just enough provisions - enough food and water for a couple of days at least
• Check that all of the onboard equipment works - including the radio, stove, toilet, etc.   
• Pack proper clothing and nothing more - space is limited, so make sure to pack only the necessary things (and don’t forget something in case of bad weather)
• Stock up on medical supplies - make sure to have a robust first aid kit which will come in handy in case of an accident far away from any hospital
• Bring some entertainment - books, board games, and playing cards are ideal for relaxing after a long day at sea  

It's like Google Maps for boats.

Charts, weather, tides... Everything you need in one place.

Over 2 Million Downloads

4.7 out of 5 Over 5,000 5 Star Reviews

RAD NAV APP

I use Savvy Navvy daily for all my inshore fishing here in south Texas. Great for current conditions, including tides and wind direction. It’s like Google maps for boaters. Plan routes, mark your fishing spots and return to the dock in one piece. Every time! Great App 5 stars.

2 weeks ago during the heatwave, we were on the Solent and the temperature fried all our instruments including the GPS plotter. Thank god we had Savvy Navvy as it worked perfectly for the entire weekend and allowed us to do everything we wanted. People say these kind of apps aren’t meant to replace the instruments on board, well I can confirm that when they instruments on board all fail, this was an absolute lifesaver. Can’t wait to test it in other countries.

Great and simple to use

I sail with friends and families and this app is a great way to illustrate “dads” boring chart work through a much more teenage friendly platform. I use both for cross reference and find it pretty accurate. Considering the price of charts it is extremely good value.

Award winning navigation app

British Marine Excellence in Exporting Award 2024

Tech SouthWest MarineTech Business of the Year 2023

British Marine Business of the Year 2023

Great British Entrepreneur Awards Scale-Up of the Year 2022

Seedrs Entrepreneur of the Year 2019

It's free.

No credit card required., powerful tools to supercharge your navigation., savvy charts.

We licence UKHO, NOAA and other official hydrographic office charts from around the globe. Our designers build savvy charts from the ground up to show essential marine information with a clean and easy-to-view interface .

Over the Horizon AIS (OHA)

Enhance safety with greater awareness of vessel movements around you. Using your phone’s internet connection we stream vessel data such as speed, distance, MMSI, position, COG and destination.

GPS Active Tracking

View your live position and check your Course Over Ground (COG) and Speed Over Ground (SOG) in real time. Concentric circles around your position quickly show the distance between you and key features around you.

Marine Weather Forecast

We don’t expect you to be a metrologist to get the most out of your weather data. That’s why we use ECMWF technology to combine multiple weather forecasts for a more comprehensive forecast. Scroll through the coming days to view the changing wind direction, intensity and weather conditions.

Clouds and Rain Overlay

Use this overlay to view changing weather patterns within your area. This handy tool helps you avoid those pesky squalls and rain showers.

Intelligent Route Planning

Easily cross-check traditional navigation for greater peace of mind. We plan your route based on your departure time, boat details, chart data, wind, weather and tidal data, giving you a comprehensive passage plan.

Estimate Your Arrival Time

For those who don’t like to be late! Plot a route from A to B to get a quick and easy estimation of your distance to travel, fuel requirements and time of arrival. You can then share your chosen route with friends and family so they know when to expect you.

Fuel Efficiency

No one likes that feeling of potentially running out of fuel. That’s why our custom boat settings let you estimate fuel usage for your intended route based on your engine cruising speed and boat fuel efficiency.

Schedule departure time

Pick the best time to leave the dock for a better day on the water. Simply plot your route and scroll through the departure times to see the effect on your route, then choose the one you like best! Check out the demo .

And Many More Amazing Features!

Import markers.

Import your markers from other navigational tools to view all your saved locations within your savvy app. This ensures your valuable data will continue enhancing your boating experience while enjoying the savvy features you love most! Boat smarter, not harder.

Course To Steer

Savvy routing provides you with an automatic Course to Steer, taking into account tide, weather and chart data. Thanks to preview mode you can also review every stage of your journey before you set off.

Marina & Anchorage Information

Boat like a local with key information on tap! Select the marina and anchorage icons to view essential information on seabeds, weather protection, amenities, number of berths, maximum boat length, contact information, and more. Boat global, think local.

Save Your Favourite Locations

Love that secluded bay? Got a restaurant on that island you just don’t want to forget? Save pins at your favourite locations so you never forget those special places.

Anchor Alarm

Sleep like a baby with the savvy anchor alarm. This easy-to-use tool lets you set your safety parameters and happily sets off an alarm should you drift outside your comfort zone.

Satellite Mode

Get nosy when investigating the perfect spot with satellite mode. This handy overlay lets you take a more detailed look at marinas and anchorages so you can be sure you pick the best one.

Offline Charts & Weather

Wander where the WiFi’s weak with savvy offline. Download chart packs and weather data to your device so you can continue to use the features you love, even when you’re off-grid.

Export Routes

Plot your route with savvy navvy then export your route to a GPX file. This can be used with your onboard chart plotter for active navigation.

Share Routes with Friends

If you’d like your friends and family to meet you at your destination, or boat alongside, why not share your route so they can come along too? Sharing is caring as they say.

Dedicated Customer Support

We have a dedicated team on-call within the savvy navvy app to answer any questions you have, wherever and whenever you need us. We are not robots, our team love to help!

Discover How savvy navvy Makes Navigation Simple.

Watch our quick demo video of the main features of savvy navvy.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Have questions? We’ve answers. If you can’t find what you're looking for? Check out our knowledge base or feel free to get in touch

Chart Coverage.

Get access to all savvy charts, without paying anything extra. Check whether we have coverage in your boating area.

We partner with industry experts who share our passion and values. Get in touch if you'd like to collaborate.

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It.

Hear from our users, professionals and leisure boaters alike.

I’m learning navigation and after i’ve plotted my route I check with savvy navvy and can see whether there’s a big difference. It’s like having someone check your homework!

The main theme behind our conversation today has been around unravelling some of the mystique behind trips out into the maritime and coastal environment and the more tools that people are able to pick up and use to help them understand that environment the better.

Tools like the savvy navvy app, and the information provided through the application is unbelievably useful to help people on that journey.

An excellent way forward and definitely my number one planning and checking tool.

I signed up as a Founding Member as I could see the great benefits of savvy navvy. The data is out there and I believe this application will bring it together to provide a useful route planning tool.

Savvy navvy has the weather, it has the tide, it has the charts, it just does it for me.

Already a must-have navigation tool for sailors!

It’s a great idea to have an app like savvy navvy that enables people to cross-check their plans to ensure they haven’t made any mistakes.

A potential life-saving app. The product creation and subsequent business model development has been inspiring.

savvy navvy is hands down the best in the market, I have been using it since it first came out as Beta and that is why as soon I knew you guys were opening paid subscribers, I jumped in.

savvy navvy simplifies a whole range of different tasks that, as a skipper, you need to do. As soon as you test it, you just realise how easy it is to use, and how valuable it is!

I love it! First I do normal navigation on charts, then I use savvy navvy as a second check to give me a good idea of the best tacks to do, subject to tide, which I understand is coming soon! I even use it just to see the wind direction at home to assess what the mooring is like!

We Have Been Featured In.

Looking for something to wear?

We have a range of merchandise to suit the whole family, on or off the water.

Ready to Take Your Boating to the next Level?

Download savvy navvy boat app for iOS or Android today with a 14 day free trial.

Download savvy navvy boat app for iOS or Android today.

iOS & iPadOS.

Download savvy navvy, to start your free trial.

Download today, it’s free!

• Easy Search
• Advanced Search
• Special Offers
• Yacht Charter Statistics Charts
• How to send a Charter inquiry?
• Booking procedure
• Charter terms
• Yacht takeover
• Skipper's licenses for yacht charter
• Standard boat equipment
• 7 Days Boat Charter
• Early booking
• Last minute Charter

• Sailing Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing route planner

With our easy-to-use route planner - plan your own trip!

Share this article with your friends

Leave a Comment

Have a Question?

• Affiliate Partners
• Extra Discounts
• Photo Gallery
• Itineraries
• Boat models in charter

It's like Google Maps for Boats.

Charts, weather, tides... Everything you need in one place.

Over 1 Million Downloads

4.7 out of 5 Over 5,000 5 Star Reviews

RAD NAV APP

I use Savvy Navvy daily for all my inshore fishing here in south Texas. Great for current conditions, including tides and wind direction. It’s like Google maps for boaters. Plan routes, mark your fishing spots and return to the dock in one piece. Every time! Great App 5 stars.

by TeamTandem – Feb 3, 2023

2 weeks ago during the heatwave, we were on the Solent and the temperature fried all our instruments including the GPS plotter. Thank god we had Savvy Navvy as it worked perfectly for the entire weekend and allowed us to do everything we wanted. People say these kind of apps aren’t meant to replace the instruments on board, well I can confirm that when they instruments on board all fail, this was an absolute lifesaver. Can’t wait to test it in other countries.

by Gongolo270 – Sep 16, 2022

Great and simple to use.

I sail with friends and families and this app is a great way to illustrate “dads” boring chart work through a much more teenage friendly platform. I use both for cross reference and find it pretty accurate. Considering the price of charts it is extremely good value.

Hiltonvl.co.uk – Mar 9, 2023

Powerful features to supercharge your navigation., digital savvy charts™.

View clean and easy to use nautical charts on your phone, tablet or computer. We source data from hydrographic offices around the world and design the chart interface to be user-friendly. savvy members get access to all our chart data, wherever we have coverage. View our chart coverage .

Arrival Planning - ETA’s

Never miss a reservation or important deadline again with automatically generated estimated arrival times. With our boat route planner, you can quickly get an estimated distance, fuel requirement and time of arrival that takes into account weather forecasts, tide data, chart details and boat settings. Share your route with friends to let them know when you’ll be arriving.

Check Fuel Usage

Bespoke boat settings enable you to estimate the fuel required for your trip based on your boat engine cruising speed and estimated fuel efficiency. Adjust the settings for greater peace of mind when planning a day on the water.

Quick and easy references make your trip hassle-free. Use savvy navvy’s boat GPS positioning mode to instantly see your location, view our savvy marine chart, as well as your course and speed over the ground.

Get instant access to tidal data from eight thousand tidal stations around the globe. savvy navvy’s tidal graph also gives you a quick visual reference for tidal highs and lows throughout the day. Tap the tidal streams toggle to get a visual overlay of tidal strength and direction on your digital marine map (chart).

Marine Weather Forecast

Drop a pin anywhere on your savvy chart™ to review forecasted temperatures, weather conditions and wind strength for that location. Use the weather graph to view the changing effects of the weather forecast throughout the day.

Plan Your Trip - savvy routing

savvy navvy has an inbuilt boat route planner. Set the location for your start and finish positions and the savvy routing™ algorithm will calculate the best route based on your boat settings, tide, chart and weather information. Routes can then be shared with friends or exported for use with your chartplotter.

Schedule departure time

See at a glance the best time to depart based on your route, wind & tidal conditions, see the demo.

Explore even more cool features

Automatic cts.

Our routes provide an automatic course to steer with a detailed preview of your route. 

Marina & Anchorage

Plan the perfect lunchtime pit-stop or overnight stay by exploring detailed marina and anchorage information before you leave. Get detailed information on moorings, restaurants, fuel stations, and more.

Satellite Overview

They say it’s all in the detail. So why not take a closer inspection of secluded bays, marinas, anchorages and more by switching to satellite mode for a better look.

Offline Charts

Life is busy enough, so if you like to wander out of range of WiFi or phone signal, we get it. Before you go off-grid download your chart (or as some call it, a boating map) and weather information so you can continue to use all the savvy features you love when offline.

Export Your Route

If you would like to use your savvy route with your GPS chartplotter, that’s fine with us! Select “ Export route ” in the app to download a GPX file which can then be uploaded to the chartplotter of your choice.

Customer Support

With savvy navvy you’re never really boating alone. Our team are on-hand to help answer your questions if and when you need us, simply tap the intercom chat bot in the app and we’ll get right back to you.

Discover how savvy navvy makes navigation simple.

Watch our quick demo video of the main features of savvy navvy., view chart coverage.

Take a regular look at our chart coverage map to see the latest areas we cover.

Boat navigation made easy - Let’s get started...

The savvy navvy boating app is available on android or ios with a 14-day free trial., ios & ipados.

Download savvy navvy, to start your free trial.

Company The Crew Blog Podcast Newsletter Testimonials Ambassadors Contact

Product Pricing savvy Charts Terms of Service Privacy Policy Third Parties Help

© savvy navvy ltd Registered in England and Wales · 5 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JD, UK · reg: 10919572

Route planner

Plan and navigate your route with one app.

Explore the waters and easily plan the best boating trips. Plan routes before you head out and share them with friends and family. You always have an up-to-date picture of the key points and sailing messages on your journey.

Nautical objects

Bridges & locks

Average rating

Complete routes

Prepare your trip thoroughly with comprehensive itineraries between your starting point and destination

Quick and easy

Plan your route automatically or manually, before you travel or while you are already on your way

Alternate routes

Easily find and discover alternate routes to and from a specific location

What our users are saying

Very user friendly app. Functions perfectly. After entering your vessel data, it’s easy to prepare routes. I already have my routes in Friesland ready for sailing.

- ton buijs

Well-functioning route planners

I have often used this app on the water, but after the latest update with automatic route planners I am completely thrilled. Clear display of operating times and all other necessary information for water sports enthusiasts.

I use the app very regularly and sail all over the country. I think it works very well and is pleasant to work with. Satisfied!!

- Wilkin den Boer

Nautical data

Complete with water maps of 4 countries, bridges, locks, marinas and more

Current information

Opening times of marinas, bridges and locks, current sailing info, blockages and more

Sail safer with an even more complete picture of vessel traffic en route

Offline use

Download the complete water maps for offline use and avoid surprises when sailing

Regular updates

Get free access to all new functionalities with a subscription

Personal service

Customer service 7 days a week via our helpdesk

Try the first 7 days for free now

Almanack info.

Forgot your password?

Enter the email address linked with your account and we'll send you a secure link to change your password.

Booking Advisor Form

Fill in the form below and you will soon receive suggestions with the ideal yachts for your trip.

Sleeping guests

Cruising guests

Your form has been submitted successfully!

A travel expert will contact you shortly to suggest the ideal yachts for your trip.

• Booking Advisor

Let a travel expert suggest the ideal yachts for your trip.

Enter the 4-digit confirmation code below:

Code hasn't arrived?

You can retry in .

The code you entered is incorrect. Please try again.

Your email address has not been confirmed yet. Please check your inbox and click on the link that has been sent to you.

• Help Center
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Rent a Boat in Greece
• Deciding to list
• Add listing
• About Listing
• Sailing Distance Calculator

Welcome to Ports by Boat!

At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.

Boater Cruising Guide and Information on Port Communities Worldwide

Explore how easy it is to plan your next sailing trip on the high seas. Find all of the marinas, marine services, anchorages, moorings, transient slips, charters, and sailing schools for each harbor while planning a trip. read more...

Ports and Harbors

Learn about Ports and Harbors worldwide with a variety of information available in one convenient place. See marinas, photos and points of interest, look up current marine weather conditions, browse through group trips and flotillas open to the public, read and write port and marina reviews , and participate in our public forum .

Port Navigation Map

Navigate to ports, harbors, coves and islands through an interactive Port Navigation Map . Drag and zoom on a harbor to see what the port community has to offer sailors and boaters. Become a user and add your own service, group trip and waterfront event to our Worldwide Cruising Guide.

Marina Directory

Browse an extensive Marina Directory throughout the world to make your trip planning easier. Find marinas that offer transient slips before your next trip. Get channel marker and depth information directly from the marina. Find information such as the number of slips available, power supply, on-site repair services, fuel dock and winter storage.

Trip Route Planner

Plan your next adventure with our Trip Route Planner . Use the Distance Measuring Tool to estimate your waypoints. Plot out a course using an interactive map. During your cruise, get a list of nearby ports and marinas using GPS technology. Log your trip activities along the way and upload your pictures. Print a copy for your records and share it with friends and family.

Ports by Boat was developed to make boater cruising safe and enjoyable as boaters travel along the coastline from port to port. Information is provided by local contributors and boaters knowledgeable about the port.

Join our cruiser community and contribute the knowledge you have gained through your travels. Add marinas, supplies, points of interest, lodging, charters, scuba sites and more. Write a review and participate in our forum. Map your next cruise with our Trip Planner documenting each waypoint with your GPS location. Find out how Ports by Boat can make your cruising more exciting.

Businesses are welcome to add their basic service information for free by navigating to their port location or performing a port search . Please see our advertising program to gain more exposure for your business.

Note: Depth information is updated by the user community and is not meant to replace updated charts.

Learn about Ports by Boat

• How to plan your sailing route properly

How do you plan a sailing route to get the most out of your voyage? Let’s take a look at all the factors to consider when choosing a route. Follow our guidelines and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect boating holiday that the whole crew will remember for years to come.

Before you begin planning the route

The choice of  destination is crucial to a successful voyage. That’s how you determine all the options available to you when planning the route. A sailors ’s initial step should therefore be to research  the destinations with regard to the experience of the crew, the weather  and the voyage dates .

If you don't do this, you could easily end up heading to Italy in August , when the whole country is on vacation and spending the trip packed like sardines. Likewise,   in the Aegean the Meltemi winds  blow during July and August , which could turn your sailing vacation into a bit of a nightmare.

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you're not a seasoned sea dog yet, try sailing in an area where conditions are beginner-friendly. We recommend the first route in our article — Where to sail in Croatia: find the best sailing route for you  or the southern  or  northern Ionian Sea  in  Greece .

Follow these 10 yachting commandments before booking your boat

Before booking your boat ,   it’s good to  ask yourself some questions  and choose the destination and  route   accordingly.   This ensures you take away with you only wonderful shared memories and plans of where to go next.

1. What are the expectations of each crew member? 

If you want an active, adrenaline-fuelled sailing holiday, you’ll be fired up by a different destination to someone planning a relaxing cruise with a group of friends.

Is it a diverse crew?  It's conceivable that you'll have adventurers on board who want to sail from morning to night with the motto "the bigger the wind and waves, the better," as well as those who wish to bathe in deserted bays, snorkel, hunt for shells, and spend evenings at anchor far from civilization. Maybe you’ll even have friends who just want to spend all day moored in harbours, going to restaurants, bars and discos.

In these cases it's obviously very difficult to reconcile everyone’s expectations. The ideal solution is to meet up before you book the boat and try to reach a compromise which will appeal to everyone, no matter how impossible it seems.

2. What yachting infrastructure and sailing conditions do I need? 

An experienced sailor will prefer a place with more challenging conditions and a strong wind, but they won't mind bad weather or insufficient infrastructure. Beginners appreciate an abundance of safe harbours, high-quality services, and predictable weather.

That’s why you should also research the yachting infrastructure when making your choice. If you’re used to Croatia ’s extensive network of moorings and harbours, then you might be caught off guard in Greece . Look up potential anchorages en route and plan your voyage around them (such as choosing an island with a mooring sheltered from various sides ).

3. What do you want to experience during the voyage? 

Do you want to fully immerse yourself in sailing or do you want to combine it with other activities? Diving enthusiasts will be enamoured with a location teeming with life beneath the waves, others will be charmed by places jam-packed with historical monuments or captivating natural scenery. Choose your ideal location according to the interests and needs of the crew , so there’s something for everyone.

4. How many nautical miles do we want to cover?

You can sail 80 or 400 NM in a week. The first promises comfortable, relaxing sailing of two hours a day. For the rest of the day you can have your fill of swimming, snorkelling, romance and rest.

The longer distance would require 10 hours of sailing a day , long crossings motoring or under the sails. You’ll likely experience some great yachting, see plenty of places and have many experiences, unfortunately including seasickness and struggling to sleep at night on choppy seas. In a fore cabin, it can be as difficult as trying to fall asleep in a washing machine .

During the planning, you might bump heads with yachting beginners. When they look at the map, they imagine that in one week they’ll cover all the Croatian islands from north to south and back again. It’s good to remind them that novice sailors must listen to their captain, who has a clear idea of what can be achieved in a week. A little explanation can help. Average sailing speed is 5 to 7 kn (depending on the size of the sails), which is 9 to 13 km/h. It’s 340 NM from Dubrovnik to Biograd and back, which is approximately 70 hours of motor sailing time (6 days of almost 12 hours’ sailing every day). Probably nobody’s idea of fun.

Check out popular sailing destinations:

YACHTING.COM  TIP:  D uring the preparation and planning you can use the hugely popular Navionics boat navigation app. For other handy yachting apps are that are well worth downloading, take a look at our  10 best smartphone apps for sailors .

5. Will you be sailing with kids? 

Families with children  value stable weather and calm, warm sea and deserted, sandy bays accessible only by sea. Choose the route so that you can have adequate stops along the way. Daily sailing trips should be kept short, so the kids don’t get bored . Sailing in calm weather is ideal so mums don’t have to worry about the kids’ safety.

Children appreciate activities off the boat as well. Choose a location where kids will be able to explore islands, deserted fortresses and lighthouses, cool down with an ice cream or have fun with their water toys. If the kids are older, it’s important to find interesting places for snorkelling and exploring . See also our kid-friendly sailing itinerary .

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you are sailing with children, do not forget the main principles of safe sailing. Choose appropriate safety features, adjust the route and choose the boat with the whole family in mind. You can find out how in our article:  Sailing with kids: how to keep all of you safe and happy .

6. When are you sailing? What will the weather conditions be like?

Choose your destination according to the dates you're going to ensure your safety at sea . If you choose well, it can take your sailing holiday to a whole new level and save yourself a lot of worry. Consider the expected weather and wind conditions carefully when making your choice.

• Is it high season in your chosen destination? Be prepared for crowded marinas and higher prices. However, in the autumn you can sail for cheaper and will be able to see more. Take a look at our article on 5 reasons to set sail in autumn . And if you want to find out which autumn sailing destinations to choose for pleasant weather and favourable winds, check out — Autumn sailing: top destinations, rental boats and tips .
• Are there commonly unfavourable winds on your chosen dates in your preferred destination? If so, it would be better to select another date, especially if you’re relatively inexperienced.
• Are you travelling with children ? Do you love to swim? Be sure to research air and water temperature as well.
• Do you like exploring inland and want to experience  some real sailing ? Set off in spring. Outside of peak season, you’ll enjoy great sailing and lower prices.

7. What size boat do I want and what is its draught? 

Choose the places you want to visit with the size and draught of the boat in mind . If you love small fishing harbours, then you won’t get into this kind of harbour with a catamaran or 57-foot boat. Even a racing boat with a 2.7-metre draught might not be the right choice. This mainly concerns old harbours in Greece, Spain, France, Turkey and Italy .

What else is worth thinking about when planning your sailing route?

8. sailing off the beaten track.

In every sailing region, there are standard routes  that most boats follow, taking in the most interesting and beautiful places. When you do these routes you’ll be enthralled, but in high season there’ll be boats everywhere, loads of people, full harbours and moorings and busy restaurants.

If you head off the beaten sailing path , you’ll have a chance of uncovering small bays with neither people nor boats even in high season. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever be completely alone, but it will still be a big difference compared to the main yachting ‘draws’.

9. Location accessibility 

A deserted paradise on earth where you can moor the yacht of your dreams will remain just a dream if you can’t fly there or get there by car.

10. Validity of captain’s licence

It’s the exclusive right of every country to decide whether it wants to accept a licence. Charter companies often decide on the basis of experience and habit. You should therefore also check whether your licence is valid in your chosen country or contact us.  If you don't have a licence already, check out our comparison of international certifications . You can even take the prestigious RYA sailing course with us .

Don’t be afraid to change route and improvise

Don’t set the route in stone, so you can leave room to improvise and be flexible depending on the weather. It’s also good to factor in some extra time and a "lazy day".

Route planning does not end with setting sail . At sea, you always have to adapt to the weather and wind direction. If your planned route does not work with the weather forecast, just change it .  

It doesn’t make sense to fight against strong winds for hours, when half the crew are seasick and when you could use the tailwind to sail comfortably to another beautiful spot. In short, wind direction is the most important deciding factor in regard to the route.

For example, you’re planning to sail south from Šibenik to Hvar and Vis. However, a strong Jugo is forecast for the first half of the week followed by a weaker Bora . If you keep to the original plan, you’ll be struggling against strong winds and waves in the first half of the week and again in the second half. The crew — unless they’re a bunch of yachting "freaks" — will definitely not thank you. However, if you change plans and sail in the direction of Kornati and Dugi Otok, then you’ll sail on a tailwind the first half of the week and your change of tack will be swift and comfortable. In the second half of the week when the wind reverses direction, you’ll be sailing back again comfortably downwind. The crew will be happy, especially when they hear stories from other crews who didn’t change course.

Are you in the planning stages and need advice? We’re happy to help you choose a destination and route , so that it fulfills all of your requirements and expectations. We will even help you pick the most suitable boat . With many years of yachting experience, we know the best spots with all their beauty and challenges.

Which boat are you taking to your dream destination?

We've got the route, let's pick a boat get in contact..

Denisa Nguyenová

• QUESTIONS? CONTACT US ->
• +1 239-888-0369

Plan your Boat Trip with this Boat Navigation Tool

• 29. July 2020

Boating is a popular way to explore Southwest Florida at your own pace and enjoy nearly unlimited freedom. However, a little planning is necessary before you can head for idyllic islands and other destinations near Cape Coral. If you want to know how long it takes to get to your destination and which route to take, this tool from our cooperation partner is your perfect choice.

Just follow these 3 simple steps:

• Type in your starting point , e.g. our boat dock (3637 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904) in close proximity to open waters. Of course, we will also deliver the rental boat to your house if you want to start from there. In this case, just type in your address. Auto-correction will do the rest. Notice that the tool only works if your house is situated at the saltwater canal with access to the Gulf of Mexico.
•  In the dropdown menu on the right, choose a  destination  for your boat trip. For example, you can display the  fastest route to the Gulf of Mexico  via Cape Coral´s canals by selecting Little Shell Island. Vacationers based in the Northwest of the city choose Matlacha Pass Bridge (Pine Island Road) instead. This option will show you the quickest way to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Click on “Show” to see the length of the route in miles, as well as the estimated travel time . Most salt water canals are designated “No Wake zones”. Therefore, the tool accounts for a boat speed of 5 mph.

Please note that these calculations from iboatmap.com at this moment are only a rough estimate to help you get an idea of the length and duration of your trip. Of course, we will provide you with a GPS navigation system . This way you can plan your route in more detail after you have rented your boat.

Disneyworld in Florida – Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando

Dear customer, Cape Coral is a paradise for everyone who would like to experience the adventure of" boating "on their vacation. Have you ever watched manatees and dolphins in the wild? This and much more is possible here in Florida without a boat license. We will help you take a trip on the water that will make your vacation an unforgettable experience. Let us advise you and take advantage of our diverse services at unbeatable prices. Contact us now so we can show you how the adventure becomes a reality. Bastian Riedel - General Manager Speed-Dock

Related posts

Your Boat License in Florida – Rules and Regulations

• 29. April 2021

iPad Boat Navigation Software – Your Companion On The Water

• 28. April 2021

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

• 27. April 2021

Join The Discussion

Cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Florida Boat Course

Vacation Rentals

Forgot Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Compare listings

Compare experiences.

IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE YOU ON BOARD;-)

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE $25 OFF FOR YOUR NEXT BOOKING

Thank you! Please enter the promo code FLORIDASTRONG in the booking process and get 20% discount on your booking!

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Sea route & distance

find start port:

find destination port:

start typing to see the suggestions

Distance: nautical miles

time at sea

Paste link in email:

© 2010-2023 Ports.com

How to Plan and Book the Perfect Yacht Charter

For those who have been dreaming about sailing on a yacht, maybe it’s time to finally go for it..

• Copy Link copied

Just you and your crew and the open sea.

Courtesy of Goolets

Shivering with excitement, I finally fulfilled a dream of mine this past October when I jumped into the Adriatic Sea off the stern of a private yacht. It just always seemed to me like such a glamorous, carefree thing to do. Although a colorful floatie awaited me in the water (I am not a great swimmer), it still felt as indulgent as it sounds. The plunge was off the coast of Croatia where the spectacularly tri-toned blue water was so clear I could see all the way down to the bottom of the sea below.

My shipmates cheered me on in our little isolated patch of Adriatic—besides the passengers and crew there was not another soul in sight. Along Croatia’s charming and remote stretches of coastline, a captain might tie a 164-foot yacht to a tree on shore for lack of a proper port.

After decades spent cruising on ships of all sizes, I finally had my first-ever private yacht experience this fall courtesy of Goolets , a Slovenian charter company that represents more than 100 ships owned by local Croat skippers. Also onboard were more than a dozen other writers from the United Kingdom and the United States, invited to explore some of Croatia’s 1,200 islands on a four-night sailing and to witness firsthand why the private yacht experience is growing in popularly.

Our itinerary took us from Split, Croatia’s second largest city, to red-roofed limestone fishing villages, historic towns, “secret” swimming holes, and past scenery that varied from lush to barren. But we didn’t rush—a key to a successful yacht sailing.

One mistake that some people make when booking a yacht is planning to cover too much ground, says Mitja Mirtič, who runs Goolets with his wife, Alenka. “It takes away from the pleasures,” he explains. “The best part is when you just stay anchored in the morning, take a swim before breakfast, you take it easy.”

Yachts became a particularly enticing travel option during the pandemic, a way to safely travel with your bubble in a stunning destination. In that sense, the experience is as luxurious as it is practical—all your accommodations, belongings, services, and crew sail around with you as you visit lesser-known ports and coastal communities.

Based on my brief but convincing introduction, yachting is not at all like what is depicted on the sensationalized Bravo show Below Deck, except for maybe the pampering and convivial service—otherwise there’s (usually) much less drama and a lot more relaxation and cultural exploration. It’s an intimate way to explore gorgeous shores, while also enjoying quiet interludes sailing along the open sea. And, of course, there are the requisite cocktails in the hot tub.

For those who have been dreaming about a yacht vacation, it may be easier to plan than you may think. Here are some tips for how to choose, plan, and book a private yacht experience.

The most popular destinations for yachting

Croatia ranks high on the wish list of many yacht fans. According to a recent Bloomberg Wealth super-yacht index , it’s sixth on the places where super-yachts were hanging out this summer. If you’re seeking some sailing inspiration, the full list of popular yachting destinations, according to the index, is:

• United States

Croatia is among the top yachting destinations in the world.

Photo by Shutterstock

How to choose your yacht

Private yachts range from basic sailing boats from under $5,000 per week to over-the-top super-yachts—basketball legend Michael Jordan cruised Croatia in August on a $1 million super-yacht with its own helipad, 10-foot waterslide, and gym, for instance.

Most yachts around the world hold up to 12 guests in six cabins. The ship I sailed on in Croatia, Freedom , is being reconfigured from a 39-passenger mini-cruise ship to a mega-yacht that will sleep up to 22 guests. After a winter redo, facilities will include two master suites, a massage room, cinema, gym, pool, and Jacuzzi. Clients will be able to charter the yacht starting from about $92,500/week, an experience that includes concierge services designed to assist big families or groups of friends in planning their private vacation.

When looking at a yacht to charter, it’s important to consider who will be joining you—if you are bringing kids, for instance, that will change the group dynamic—and how much time you plan to spend onboard as opposed to on shore, which will determine how much space you’ll actually need and use. Tight quarters are fine for some people, while others want room to spread out, but you will pay more for extra space.

How do food and drinks work on a private yacht?

When booking a yacht, you can cater the food to your preferences.

On yacht charters you pay extra for food. The crew can stock your favorite food items; before your sailing you might be asked what you like to eat—I put fresh seafood high on my list when asked.

You may choose how many meals a day you want to eat onboard (as opposed to at restaurants on land). For full board (three meals daily), Goolets charges from about $575 per person, per week. You can also upgrade to a luxury gourmet cuisine package from about $1,390 per person, per week. I was impressed by what the two-person chef team on Freedom could create in a relatively small galley space—fresh flowers decorated beautifully presented dishes, including zucchini carpaccio with goat cheese and Croatian truffles, shrimp and black rice with squid ink, and Croatian leg of lamb.

Alcohol is typically an extra charge as well. A Goolets package with quality Croatian wines and beers and an international assortment of liquor costs $575 per adult, for a weeklong sailing.

Do private yachts come with a crew?

Freedom is staffed by a crew of about 11, including a captain, chefs, a masseuse, deckhands, bartenders, cleaners, and servers. You can also request, and pay for, additional crew—such as a dive master, fitness trainer, or a hair stylist. Most luxury yachts come with a crew of one to six, starting with the captain.

How private yacht companies help with itinerary planning

Having local experience helps in determining where to cruise, wherever you are sailing. Our captain, Ivan, who also owns Freedom , devised an activity-packed but never overloaded route from Split, where there’s a modern airport that is relatively easy to get to via international flight connections. (And where you can see the remains of Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement home before sailing away.)

We hit Croatian hot spots such as trendy Hvar, where we dined at Gariful, a seafood restaurant that musician Jon Bon Jovi liked so much he left an autographed guitar (now proudly displayed on a wall).

We stopped by Korcula, a Venetian walled city, and quaint Bol for the famous Golden Horn beach, which looks as its name suggests. We boarded small fishing boats to view the famed Blue Cave, where the very blue sea is reflected on limestone walls.

Goolets prides itself in picking the best tour guides on shore, which was certainly the case in the former Yugoslavian army base of Vis, where we rode in jeeps to see a British-built former airfield and other remnants from World War II. On tiny Moro island, off Korcula, we stopped by a beach bar only accessible by boat, where Croatian oysters are paired with Ostreum sparkling wine, aged for more than a year under the sea.

These unique outings elevated the sailing to a truly memorable, one-of-a-kind travel experience. You will want to make sure that whatever yacht charter company you choose can assist you in doing the same.

Other handy yacht charter tips

• The best time of year for sailing on a private yacht charter is during the off season, typically late April or early May, late September, and October.
• Wherever you charter a yacht, make sure you understand exactly what is included . Generally, extra charges cost 30 percent above the basic charter price. For instance, in addition to food and drink, fuel can add significantly to your charter cost—in Croatia, four hours’ worth of fuel per day is typically included.
• Gratuities add 5 to 20 percent (with lower suggested amounts in the Mediterranean and slightly higher in North America).
• Other expenses may include private marina fees, natural park entrances, and taxes.
• Don’t forget water toys. Your yacht may stock snorkel equipment and can add diving equipment (for an extra charge). Other toys may include paddleboards, kayaks, Jet Skis, waterslides, water trampolines, and a tender boat for thrilling inner-tube rides. Be sure to find out what is onboard in advance so that you can embrace your favorite water activities.

Top yacht charter companies

When you book a private yacht charter with Goolets, your hot tub sails with you.

This 16-year-old company has a big selection of luxury boats and ships in Croatia, including wooden Turkish gulet (the company name Goolets is based on the proper pronunciation of gulet) sailing ships, motor yachts, super-yachts, and mega-yachts. Goolets also charters yachts in Turkey, Italy, Greece, and the Maldives. To book: Goolets.net

The Moorings

A well-established company, the Moorings operates its own fleet of specially designed monohull sailboats and catamarans and is best known for sailing in the Caribbean. It also sails in Croatia and more than 20 other destinations around the world. To book: Moorings.com

Northrop & Johnson

This acclaimed Fort Lauderdale, Florida–based luxury yacht specialist (which sells and charters yachts) offers sailings throughout the world. The fleet includes motor yachts, sailing yachts, and explorer yachts that are capable of sailing long distances. To book: Northropandjohnson.com

Charter World

London-based private yacht charter specialist Charter World has a huge international portfolio—more than 3,000 charter options around the world. The company reps crewed, luxury, bareboat, sail, power, and catamaran options with some of its top destinations including the western Mediterranean and the Caribbean. To book: Charterworld.com

>> Next: The Best Time—and Ships—for Sailing the Greek Islands

Free Boating App for Navigation and Boat Trip Planning

Features we like about the Argo Boating app for navigation on boat trips and communicating with friends – Video and Q&A with app developer

We’ve been boating for over 20 years and always relied on the Raymarine chartplotter on our 2002 410 Sea Ray to get to our destination. But recently we tried a new boating app for navigation that gives us a lot of great features for planning our trips and safely getting to our destinations.

Last boating season we started using a free boating app called Argo . It’s a relatively new navigation app, but it comes with lot of useful features like autorouting, charts with depth numbers, captain’s log, messaging with friends and more.

After using Argo last boating season on several of our big boat trips, like our recent trip to the Hyatt Resort Marina in Cambridge MD , we realized that there are a features we could never get on our current chartplotter installed on the boat. For example, the ability to plan our trips on the app at home, upload updates to a captain’s logo or create fast autoroutes based on our boat’s draft.

The app interface is really easy to use – which I think is one of the big advantages over other navigation apps… and the fact that it comes packed with a lot of features in the free version (they’re coming out with a premium version with even more advanced features in 2022).

I like the app so much that I’ve agreed to be a brand ambassador with Argo and share my experiences with the app (in exchange they are sharing my videos and hooking me up with some swag). I also chatted with the founder and developer of Argo at the 2021 Annapolis Boat Show to learn more about the app – like how features work and the inspiration behind the app.

Check out my video to learn more about how we use this free boating app for navigation and for the Q&A with the Argo app developer!

Trending Now: Must-Have Boat Gear for Your Boat Life

Starlink Standard Kit for Stationary Use: High-Speed, Low Latency Internet

Inflatable Floating Pet Ramp

Spinlock Deckvest Junior Inflatable Life Jacket

Geckobrands Float Phone Dry Bags

Trending now: custom nautical decor for your boat life.

Boat Mom Definition Canvas Tote Bag

Custom Boat & Family Names Ornament with Coordinates – Metal

Fresh Boat Scented Soy Wax Candle

Captain’s Log Book Personalized with Boat Name – Anchor

Diane Seltzer

Related posts.

5 Must Haves to Carry in Your Boat

July 25, 2023

Why Boaters Should Use A Citizens Band (CB) Radio

March 28, 2023

5 Ways Clevis Pins Are Used In Sailing Boats

September 7, 2022

BIG LABOR DAY SALE!! Save on essential boating gear with some of the lowest prices of the season West Marine's Labor Day Sale valid Aug. 22 - Sept. 2

How to Plan a Boat Trip

Table of Contents

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

There’s a saying among boaters that underpins every trip they plan: You can start or end where you want, and you can leave or arrive when you want, but you can’t always do both.

Watch the weather

When planning a boat trip , it’s important to understand that you and your guests will be in Mother Nature’s house. It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading out on the boat for a day, a week, or a month: Respect for the weather comes first.

If you have your heart set on arriving at, say, a particular waterfront restaurant, then you have chosen the “where.” The “when” will depend on factors such as wind, current, and any rain in the forecast, all of which can delay you by minutes, hours, or longer.

READ MORE: Dock and Dine Basics- 7 Tips for Success

Similarly, if you’re on a long-distance cruise and want to end in Florida on a certain day, you have chosen the “when.” But cruising conditions en route, you may end up having to make that landfall farther north in a place like Jacksonville , as opposed to farther south in the Venice of America, or as others call it Fort Lauderdale . The “where” becomes more of a variable.

Navigations

The next step, after understanding the general parameters of where you want to go on your boat trip, is taking a good, long look at a chart. You can lay eyes on a paper or an electronic chart, but either way, you want to familiarize yourself with where you’re going.

Make a note of any bridges you’ll have to contend with and note whether they open on a schedule or on demand. Check out the tide tables to see if there are easier or harder times of day to follow your chosen route.

Make any reservations you need to make at marinas along the way. In general, have a solid understanding of where you’re going before you set off to get there.

READ MORE: 7 Mindful Practices that Make Good Marina Etiquette

Boat maintenance

After that, the next step when planning a boat trip is ensuring the boat is in good working order. Luckily boats on peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms like Boatsetter undergo a vetting process to ensure safety and the best experience possible.

Still, it can’t hurt to be cautious, check all the equipment in the engine room, make sure power systems are fully charged, and triple-check gear such as personal flotation devices and first-aid kits. The last thing you want is to get underway on your boat trip and be unprepared in case of a problem.

What to pack

Next, you’ll want to make sure you have all the essentials you need for your boat trip— Is there enough water for everyone? Enough ice to keep it cold in the cooler? How about snacks? Towels? Hats? Sunscreen? These things may sound small and easy to “remember,” but are often forgotten. Feel free to use the checklist we’ve created when packing for your boat trip:

• Sunscreen (at least 30 SPF)
• Drinking water (Keep in mind pets if you plan on bringing them aboard.)
• Extra change of clothes

Avoid forgetting or overpacking: Check the boat listing for Add-ons like a cooler/ice chest, ice, snorkeling gear, and more !

Last but not least, get into the right mindset for your boat trip. Yes, it’s a bit of work to ensure everything is ready to go, but boating is supposed to be fun when it comes down to it. Start your boat trip with a smile, and get out there and enjoy the journey.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone— whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

List your boat & start earning an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines. 

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Five Safe Boating Tips for Boaters Visiting Florida

Preparing for Your First Sailboat Charter

7 Must-Dos While Visiting Houston, Texas

Boatsetter’s 2023 Waterway Clean-Ups | #MindYourWake

• Bottom Painting & Prop Speed
• Fiberglass & Paint Work
• Running Gear & Valves
• Full-Service Team
• Monthly Maintenance Programs
• Dockside Service Team
• Full-Service Boatyard
• Management Services
• Accounting & Reporting
• Relevant Management Experience
• News and Media

Beginner’s Guide to Being a Boat Trip Planner

After having been a boater for some time and becoming well acquainted with the many canals and ocean spots that South Florida has to offer, it is natural to then want to put on the hat of a boat trip planner and make plans for a grand boat expedition. Planning an adventure trip is important before undergoing such a task, and being fully prepared can take some time if it is to be done properly.

The team at Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. has years of experience conducting yacht management services for boaters from all around the South Florida area. We have even undergone a few expeditions ourselves and are presenting our tips here! The most important aspect of this stage as a boating trip planner is to consider the location that you will be traveling to and the logistics that go into the supply of such a trip.

Where Will Your Boat Adventures Take You? The most exciting part of being a boat trip planner is undoubtedly the planning stage. This is where the location of the expedition is planned and the route is chosen, maximizing new and different experiences along with sights in the process. Our providers of the premier yacht management service in Fort Lauderdale recommend that you choose a location that is foreign to what you are used to seeing, which could be a location you have always wanted to see and make a boat trip your way to get there! 

The most important part of this planning is to acquire nautical maps and reliable GPS information that can help assist in your planning of the trip to the final location. You’ll be able to save time by using the most efficient route, but you’ll miss out on some of the most amazing sights by doing so. The journey is the actual adventure. It is best to plan your stops around where you would like to spend hours basking in the sunshine and admiring the scenery rather than what would be quicker. Regardless of whether you decide to take the fast or scenic route, be sure to be prepared for what your boat trip is going to require in terms of supplies such as food and water.

How to Plan a Boat Trip Supply List There are several important things to keep in mind when undergoing the process of being your own boat trip planner: the weather, water, food, money, and fuel. The weather can change drastically during the process of a large voyage, and one should be prepared with the proper clothing for whatever may happen.

Food and water are also extremely important. Be sure to have prepared yourself to the point where it will never be an issue to come across fresh drinking water and plenty of food for your journey. Money and fuel go together.

Money can be used to supplement your clothing, water, and food supplies, but it is also needed to buy the fuel that will power your expedition. If you own a sailboat, you may be able to work around the fuel aspect, but money should always be available for situations where you need to replenish supplies during your long journey.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the condition of your vessel. You’ll want to ensure that it is in top shape by getting all of your pre-voyage servicing done by a team of professionals in yacht management services Fort Lauderdale and its boating community can rely on!

Our South Florida Yacht Management Team Is Here to Help If you are in the stages of planning an adventurous voyage that will take you to faraway places or are just in need of expert boat and yacht management Fort Lauderdale boaters can rely on, then look no further than the team at Yacht Management South Florida, Inc.! Send our experts a message today to have any of your questions answered regarding our services or amazing boatyard . If you are interested in learning more about all things related to boating, be sure to read some of our other articles today and get further insights today. 

Related Readings Caribbean Superyacht Boating Beginner’s Guide to Recreational Boating

For all inquiries, fill out the form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Road trip planner

Starting City

Destination City

Or switch to flying

Planning a road trip?

Get advice from people who have done the same trip.

The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more.

Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing stops, or changing what time you leave in the morning or how long you stay at each stop. Then you can save your custom trip and share it with friends and family.

Let us know if you have requests for more features you'd like to see in the trip planner!