Boating enthusiasts and commercial industry players know the importance of marine traffic apps. These apps help provide real-time information on vessel movements, weather updates, and other critical aspects of sea navigation. With the rise of mobile technology, marine traffic apps have become increasingly popular, making it easier for boaters to stay informed and safe while out on the water.If you’re in the market for a marine traffic app, you might be overwhelmed by the numerous options available. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best marine traffic apps for 2023, available on both Android and iOS devices.
1. MarineTraffic
MarineTraffic is a comprehensive marine traffic app that provides real-time vessel tracking, port data, and weather updates. The app has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. It features an extensive vessel database, including commercial and pleasure craft, and offers customizable alerts and filters for tracking specific vessels or routes.
Pros: Extensive vessel database, customizable alerts and filters, accurate vessel tracking
Cons: Some of the advanced features are only available in the paid version
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
2. Boat Watch
Boat Watch is a user-friendly app that offers real-time vessel tracking and alerts. It provides information on ship movements, vessel details, and onboard equipment, making it a handy tool for boaters and maritime professionals. The app also features an augmented reality mode that overlays vessel information onto live camera footage.
Pros: User-friendly interface, augmented reality mode, real-time vessel tracking
Cons: Limited vessel database compared to other apps
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
3. AIS Marine Traffic
AIS Marine Traffic is a popular marine traffic app that provides real-time vessel tracking, port data, and weather updates. It features a comprehensive vessel database with detailed information on each vessel, including its route, speed, and destination. The app also offers customizable alerts and filters for tracking specific vessels or routes.
Pros: Comprehensive vessel database, customizable alerts and filters, real-time vessel tracking
Cons: Some of the advanced features are only available in the paid version
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
4. Ship Finder
Ship Finder is a simple yet effective marine traffic app that provides real-time vessel tracking and port data. It features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The app offers detailed vessel information, including its route, speed, and destination.
Pros: User-friendly interface, detailed vessel information, real-time vessel tracking
Cons: Limited vessel database compared to other apps
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
5. Marine Tracker
Marine Tracker is a comprehensive marine traffic app that provides real-time vessel tracking, port data, and weather updates. It features an extensive vessel database, including commercial and pleasure craft, and offers customizable alerts and filters for tracking specific vessels or routes. The app also offers a unique feature that allows users to track the position of their friends’ boats.
Pros: Extensive vessel database, customizable alerts and filters, real-time vessel tracking, social feature
Cons: Some of the advanced features are only available in the paid version
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
6. VesselFinder
VesselFinder is a popular marine traffic app that provides real-time vessel tracking, port data, and weather updates. It features a comprehensive vessel database with detailed information on each vessel, including its route, speed, and destination. The app also offers customizable alerts and filters for tracking specific vessels or routes.
Pros: Comprehensive vessel database, customizable alerts and filters, real-time vessel tracking
Cons: Some of the advanced features are only available in the paid version
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
7. SeaNav
SeaNav is a marine navigation app that provides real-time vessel tracking, port data, and weather updates. It features an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The app offers detailed vessel information, including its route, speed, and destination. It also features a route planner and a handy anchor alarm.
Pros: Intuitive interface, detailed vessel information, route planner, anchor alarm
Cons: Limited vessel database compared to other apps
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available for advanced features
In conclusion, there are several excellent marine traffic apps available for Android and iOS devices. The top seven apps on our list, MarineTraffic, Boat Watch, AIS Marine Traffic, Ship Finder, Marine Tracker, VesselFinder, and SeaNav, offer various features that cater to different needs. While some are free, others offer additional features that require in-app purchases or subscription fees.
After testing and reviewing these apps, we recommend MarineTraffic as the best app overall. It offers an extensive vessel database, customizable alerts and filters, and accurate vessel tracking. However, whichever app you choose, make sure it meets your specific needs and helps keep you safe while out on the water