
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Sea-Doo Riders Need Reliable GPS and Navigation
- Do You Really Need a GPS for a Sea-Doo?
- What to Look for in a Sea-Doo GPS or Navigation System
- Top GPS Options for Sea-Doo and Jet Ski Riders in 2025
- Why a Jet Ski Navigation App Might Be the Smarter Choice
- App vs. Device: Which Sea-Doo GPS Setup Is Right for You?
- FAQ: Sea-Doo GPS & Navigation
- Conclusion: The Best GPS for Your Sea-Doo Adventure
Best Sea-Doo GPS Options for 2025 (And Why a Marine Navigation App Might Be Better)
Introduction: Why Sea-Doo Riders Need Reliable GPS and Navigation
Whether you’re carving across open bays or chasing distant fishing spots, Sea-Doo riders need dependable GPS navigation just as much as larger vessels. When you’re out on a personal watercraft (PWC), especially one built for exploration like the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro or Fish Pro, getting lost or hitting shallow areas isn’t just annoying—it can be dangerous.
GPS for Sea-Doo riders helps with everything from route planning and trip tracking to finding marinas, sandbars, or fishing hotspots. And as Sea-Doos continue to push the limits of where you can ride, the need for simple, effective navigation grows. But is a traditional marine GPS device your best bet? Or should you consider a smarter, more flexible alternative?
Do You Really Need a GPS for a Sea-Doo?
Even if you’re just cruising your local bay, a GPS—or a good jet ski navigation app—can add real value. It’s easy to lose track of your launch point, take a wrong turn, or misjudge fuel range in unfamiliar areas.
And if your Sea-Doo is used for fishing, a GPS lets you mark productive spots so you can return to them later. Having a dedicated system or app isn’t just about finding your way—it’s about riding smarter, safer, and with more confidence.

What to Look for in a Sea-Doo GPS or Navigation System
Choosing the right Sea-Doo GPS setup depends on your riding style, but a few key features matter for everyone:
- Waterproofing: It’s non-negotiable. A good marine GPS for jet ski use must be fully waterproof and resistant to salt and spray.
- Screen visibility: You’ll need a screen that’s readable in direct sunlight and while wearing sunglasses.
- Mounting options: Look for a secure Sea-Doo GPS mount that can handle vibration and splash without loosening or breaking.
- Battery life or hardwiring: Handhelds with long battery life are great for short trips. Frequent riders might prefer hardwired units.
- Chart support: The best GPS for Sea-Doo use should support marine charts with depth shading, hazard markers, tide info, and routes.
🛠 Jet Ski GPS Mounting Tips: Use RAM or Sea-Doo-compatible mounts rated for high vibration. Always test placement to avoid glare, and consider wrist lanyards for handhelds if mounting isn’t an option.
Top GPS Options for Sea-Doo and Jet Ski Riders in 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 86sci
A top-tier handheld marine GPS for jet skis, it floats, is fully waterproof (IPX7), and includes preloaded BlueChart marine maps. It also supports satellite communication and SOS features with inReach, making it ideal for offshore or remote exploration.
Pros: Floats, marine charts, built-in safety tools
Cons: Expensive, screen size is limited
Garmin eTrex 32x
This is a budget-friendly Sea-Doo GPS choice. It’s compact, tough, and offers essential waypoint navigation and chart support when paired with marine maps. It doesn’t float, but it’s easy to store and mount.
Pros: Affordable, long battery life
Cons: Basic display, no marine maps by default
Garmin Montana 700i
If you want a rugged touchscreen GPS that works equally well on land and water, this is it. The Montana 700i offers detailed maps, a larger screen, and optional inReach communication.
Pros: Large screen, inReach support, touchscreen
Cons: Bulky for smaller Sea-Doos, pricey
Garmin ECHOMAP (Built-In on Sea-Doo Fish Pro Models)
The Sea-Doo Fish Pro GPS comes pre-equipped with a Garmin ECHOMAP unit that integrates with the dash. It includes chartplotting, sonar, and waypoint tracking—perfect for anglers.
Pros: Seamless integration, excellent for fishing
Cons: Only available on Fish Pro models, not easily transferable

Why a Jet Ski Navigation App Might Be the Smarter Choice
If you’re not riding a Fish Pro or don’t want to drop $400–$900 on a mounted GPS, there’s a better option—marine navigation apps. Apps like Wavve Boating offer a lightweight, affordable, and user-friendly solution for Sea-Doo riders.
Instead of installing hardware, just use your phone. Wavve Boating turns your device into a full-featured Sea-Doo navigation system with:
- Custom depth shading based on your watercraft’s draft
- Real-time tide and weather updates
- Route tracking and waypoint saving
- Community-powered spots for fuel docks, beaches, and hazards
- Seamless map access without bulky devices
Best of all, Wavve Boating is compatible with Sea-Doo displays that support smartphone integration, making it even more versatile for modern riders. It’s also perfect for rental riders or casual weekend explorers who don’t want to install permanent GPS hardware.
App vs. Device: Which Sea-Doo GPS Setup Is Right for You?
Choose a GPS Device If:
- You’re riding long distances offshore
- You want a dedicated screen, separate from your phone
- You own a Sea-Doo Fish Pro or Explorer Pro with a built-in mount
- You frequently fish, track waypoints, or need sonar
- You ride year-round and want hardware designed for extreme conditions
Choose a Marine Navigation App If:
- You ride casually or explore nearshore
- You want real-time updates without the high price tag
- You prefer convenience and portability
- You like discovering new spots with help from the community
- You already use a waterproof phone case or integrated Sea-Doo display
Riding through the Florida Keys? Exploring the Columbia River? A good GPS—or better yet, a smart navigation app—can turn any ride into a well-planned, stress-free adventure.
FAQ: Sea-Doo GPS & Navigation
Does Sea-Doo have GPS?
Some models, like the Fish Pro and Explorer Pro, come with integrated Garmin GPS systems. Other models may require aftermarket options or navigation apps.
Can you put a GPS on a jet ski?
Absolutely. You can use handheld marine GPS devices with mounts, or go with app-based systems like Wavve Boating that run on your phone.
Does Ski-Doo have GPS?
Ski-Doo snowmobiles (Sea-Doo’s winter cousin) offer select models with GPS features, but they’re different from the marine systems used on PWCs.
Conclusion: The Best GPS for Your Sea-Doo Adventure
When it comes to Sea-Doo GPS and navigation, the right solution depends on how and where you ride. High-performance devices like the Garmin GPSMAP 86sci are excellent for long-distance or technical use, while Wavve Boating offers a lightweight, smart, and surprisingly powerful alternative—right from your phone.
Whether you’re planning to navigate open waters or simply want to track your favorite beach or fishing hole, having reliable navigation makes all the difference. And with modern apps now offering much of the same power as dedicated units, a marine navigation app may be the best Sea-Doo GPS choice for most riders in 2025.