Intro to Navionics

Boston, Massachusetts

Intro to Navionics

All Ages • 3 Hours • No Experience Necessary • Classroom Course

Select participants and date

Date

Mon, Oct 6

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Join the Intro to Navionics course for a hands-on experience that transforms your smartphone or GPS device into a powerful chart plotter. Customize settings for your boat, create routes, track progress, and explore weather apps—all while learning in a supportive environment at Boston Harbor. Bring your device and set sail into navigation mastery!

Duration

3 Hours

Experience Level:

No experience is necessary

About

Intro to Navionics introduces students to the powerful Garmin Navionics program, which turns any smartphone or GPS-enabled mobile device into a chart plotter. Students will learn to:

Customize the app to their personal boat's parameters such as draft, fuel consumption, air draft, etc.
View and customize different chart layers
Create routes manually and with the automatic routing feature
Track your progress and view stats such as ETA, ETD, average speed and more
View tidal and current information
Use the ActiveCaptain suite of cruising guide information
And more!

The course also covers a selection of mobile weather apps.

What to Bring

Please bring any device you plan on using Navionics on! Navionics can be used on mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers. One of the goals of the clinic is to walk you through customizing the Navionics program with the information from your own boat. Navionics can be a CPU intensive program so be sure to bring your chargers. The classroom has powered outlets at each table.

Where to Go:

The course will take place at First Reef Sailing, located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina.

First Reef Sailing 256 Marginal St. Building #36 East Boston, 02128

To get to our office and classroom, continue straight ahead from the main entrance. Drive past the Down East Cider Brewery on your left (Brick building with blue mural), then take the first right turn. We will be the first doorway on the right in the brick building, building #36.

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign in, meet the instructors, and get settled.

Parking:

Parking is free! You will be parking in the main lot but you will need a guest parking pass, so stop by the First Reef Sailing office prior to parking and we will provide you with one. If you have any questions or concerns before the course, please do not hesitate to contact us at (617) 466 - 3317.

Adventure Tips

Bring your device fully charged

Ensure your smartphone or GPS device is charged to avoid interruptions during the class.

Dress for outdoor conditions

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring layers, as the harbor can be windy or cooler on the water.

Arrive early to settle in

Getting there a few minutes early helps you prepare and make the most of the session.

Ask questions about real-world navigation scenarios

Engage with instructors to understand how to handle common navigation challenges.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Seagulls
Harbor seals

History

Boston Harbor has been a critical maritime hub since colonial times, with a rich history of trade, naval activity, and innovation.

Conservation

The harbor's preservation efforts ensure that navigational training takes place in a clean and sustainable environment, promoting maritime stewardship.

Navigation Skills with First Reef Sailing at Boston Harbor

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview