Jet skis are fast, agile, and made for exploring—but getting turned around on the water is easy. Whether you’re riding a Yamaha Waverunner, Sea-Doo, or Kawasaki Jet Ski, GPS navigation helps you stay safe, find your way back, and discover new destinations.

Unlike boats, jet skis don’t have built-in chartplotters. So without GPS, riders risk getting lost, running aground, or missing key navigation markers—especially in unfamiliar areas or low visibility conditions.

Today, you’ve got two main options for navigating on a jet ski:

• Marine GPS apps on your smartphone
• Dedicated handheld or mounted GPS units

Each option has pros and cons. Hardware GPS is rugged and purpose-built but often bulky and expensive. Apps are lightweight and convenient—but are they reliable enough on the water?

The short answer? Yes, if it’s the right app. Some GPS apps are built with marine navigation in mind—and they include the same charts and safety tools you’d expect from a dedicated unit. For jet ski riders, the key is choosing an app that’s:

• Fast and responsive
• Easy to use with gloves or in motion
• Reliable offline or in areas with weak signal

That’s exactly where Wavve Boating shines.

Wavve Boating combines the accuracy of marine GPS hardware with the simplicity of a mobile app. It’s designed for recreational boaters and personal watercraft users who need smart, intuitive, and water-friendly navigation—without expensive equipment.

Key benefits for jet ski riders:

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Easy route planning and saving
• Marine charts with shallow water alerts
• Anchor alarms and weather overlays
• Offline map access for remote areas

What really sets Wavve Boating apart is its crowd-sourced depth data and local points of interest. Users share updates about sandbars, shallow spots, anchor points, and safe channels—making it a perfect fit for coastal exploration.

Plus, the interface is built for fast-paced riders. You don’t need to be a navigation pro to drop waypoints, track your location, or follow a safe route.

Whether you’re island hopping in Florida, navigating the Great Lakes, or exploring your local bay, Wavve Boating works seamlessly on iOS or Android. Mount your phone in a waterproof case or handlebar holder, and you’re ready to ride.

Use a dedicated GPS if:

• You’re riding long distances offshore
• You want standalone navigation with no phone needed
• You need DSC VHF communication or emergency signaling
• You prefer glove-friendly buttons over touchscreen apps

Otherwise, most recreational riders will find GPS apps like Wavve Boating more than sufficient.

The Garmin GPSMAP 86sc or 86sci is a top-tier handheld GPS built for marine use. It includes BlueChart g3 maps, real-time GPS tracking, and wireless syncing with Garmin chartplotters or sensors.

• Floats if dropped in water
• Readable in bright sun
• Customizable data screens
• Long battery life (up to 40 hours)

If you’re using a jet ski for longer-distance travel—like exploring coastlines or open water crossings—this GPS is ideal. It’s rugged, waterproof, and accurate, even at high speeds.

Yamaha Waverunners are known for power and performance—so your GPS needs to match. Devices like the Garmin zūmo XT2 are designed for motorcycles but are perfect for Waverunners thanks to their:

• Vibration resistance
• Glove-friendly touchscreen
• Waterproofing and durability
• Handlebar mounting options

Look for:

• Handlebar-compatible mounts (RAM Mounts work well)
• Waterproof power or charging options (USB port covers)
• Bright displays that resist glare and splashes

• Garmin GPSMAP 86sci – IPX7, floats, visible in sun
• Garmin zūmo XT2 – IPX7, high-res screen, durable shell
• eTrex 32x – Affordable, but smaller screen
• Standard Horizon HX890 – Also a VHF radio

For riders who want the best of everything: Garmin GPSMAP 86sc remains the top choice. But for casual explorers who want value and flexibility, Wavve Boating on your phone is the easiest win.

You need to know where you are—and where you’ve been. Both GPS devices and apps should include:

• Live GPS positioning
• Breadcrumb trails
• Waypoint marking
• Speed, heading, and ETA info

Marine GPS should refresh quickly and stay accurate at higher speeds (30–60 mph). Good units/applications lock onto multiple satellite systems (GPS + GLONASS or Galileo) for improved range and response time.

• Wavve Boating: Easiest to use, most mobile-friendly, affordable
• Navionics: Rich in data, slightly more complex
• ActiveCaptain: Great for Garmin users, less ideal for standalone use

It’s important to note the difference:

• Navigation GPS: Helps you ride safely and find your way
• GPS Trackers: Let you monitor your jet ski’s location when you’re not riding

• Siren Marine MTC
• SPOT Trace
• Garmin inReach Mini 2 (includes location sharing + SOS)
• Jiobit Smart Tag (for basic location alerts)

Trackers help prevent theft, monitor usage, and offer peace of mind—especially for owners storing PWCs at marinas or vacation homes.

Yes. You can mount GPS devices or phones using handlebar mounts, suction cup mounts, or RAM-compatible brackets. Always use a waterproof case or housing.

Absolutely. Your GPS should be at least IPX7 rated to withstand splashes, immersion, and high-speed spray.

For most recreational jet ski riders, yes. A high-quality GPS app like Wavve Boating delivers all the core navigation features—real-time positioning, route tracking, offline charts, and depth awareness—in a simple and affordable package.

However, you might prefer a dedicated GPS device if you:

• Ride offshore or in remote areas with no cell coverage
• Want a device that floats or is built to withstand heavy water spray
• Need long battery life for multi-day trips
• Prefer hardware buttons over a touchscreen when riding at high speeds

Bottom line: Apps are great for convenience and price, but serious adventurers or offshore riders may still want a rugged backup.

For most jet ski and PWC riders in 2024, Wavve Boating offers the best balance of affordability, usability, and navigation accuracy. It was designed with recreational users in mind—so whether you’re chasing sandbars, exploring islands, or just cruising the coast, it helps you ride smart and safe.

✅ Easy-to-use GPS map interface

✅ Offline charts for no-signal zones

✅ Community depth info and points of interest

✅ Works on any iOS or Android device

✅ No extra hardware or installation required

Plus, with no-risk free trial access, you can test the full experience before committing.