13 Best GPS for Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most inviting and enthralling activities for exploration. There’s always another bay, another coastline, another crossing, another island waiting to be discovered. So much so that you might completely lose track of where you are and are confused as to how to get back to where you started. When kayaking on the ocean or even huge lakes, it’s easy to lose sight of landmarks, and navigation can be really tricky. This is where modern technology has stepped up with one high-tech solution – kayaking GPS, including ones from the Garmin brand and even waterproof ones! Gps, or Global Position System, is a United States government-run space-based radio navigation system. It employs multiple satellites and ultra-accurate time down to the last second to determine your exact location. So, it’s clear that with a GPS by your side, you’ll never get lost while kayaking again!

With adverse conditions such as fog, choppy waters, and poor light, using a GPS has become more necessary than before. GPS devices allow you to navigate even in uncharted waters with confidence, letting you know where you are all the time. With such a dizzying range of options, it sure becomes a daunting task to know what to buy. This list of the 13 best GPS systems for kayaking, including waterproof ones, will help you get started.

How To Choose The Best GPS for Kayaking?

Looking for a good kayaking GPS is much like choosing the Best Under-200 Fish Finders or the Best Kayaking Shoes. This means you need to carefully evaluate a lot of factors lest you end up alone in uncharted waters. So, what are they? Read on.

Decoding the GPS jargon

• GLONASS and WAAS – GLONASS is a radio-navigation satellite service just like GPS, with some modern systems featuring both for a more accurate position fix. WAAS, on the other hand, stands for Wide Area Augmentation System. An upgrade on the GPS systems, WAAS improves availability, integrity, and accuracy.
• Barometer – Also known as barometric meter, this measures atmospheric pressure, predicts weather changes, and even tracks changes in altitude.
• Gyroscope – This one measures and maintains angular velocity and orientation, and thus can detect sudden changes in angle or direction on a GPS device.
• International Protection Marking Code – Commonly known as the IP Code, this indicates how much an electronic device can resist water and dust. So, you have rating systems running from IPX1 to IPX8, with the latter being the highest resistant rating.
• Geotagging and geocaching – The former entails embedding GPS information (latitude, longitude) into media for navigating back to the same spot the next time. Geocaching is an activity used to hide and seek stuff at specific locations marked by coordinates.

Types of GPS

• Standalone GPS, also known as a chart plotter, displays nautical chart information and is perfect for navigating huge terrains such as the sea. Moreover, they also feature fish finding capabilities via GPS and sonar.
• Fixed Mount GPS has more complicated features and a slightly larger screen and is meant to be permanently mounted on your craft.
• Portable GPS systems are the most versatile of them all and are both mountable and handheld.
• Finally, Handheld GPS systems are compact devices that fit in the palm of your hands and are easy and simple to operate. the only catch? You’ll be prevented from paddling with both hands.

Display

No matter the kind of GPS you go for, the screen needs to be large and easy to read with clear directions. Think about bright sunlight conditions and whether you want a backlit GPS that has a nice, bright screen for such conditions. Also, since most GPS systems have small screens, think about zoom functions, which will help you read them better.

Durability and waterproofing

Your GPS needs to be durable – after all, you’re taking it out on the water. Carrying them around on a kayaking trip is bound to result in bangs, bumps, and maybe even a fall in the water. So, make sure the one you buy is rugged, durable, and comes with a water-resistant coating of at least IPX7. Hence, even if it goes into the water, your waterproof kayaking GPS will still function before you can quickly get it out of the water. Finally, look for devices that can contend with changes in temperature, so they can survive no matter where you take the craft.

Mapping and satellite coverage

Many GPS devices come only with maps of the United States and the surrounding waters. What’s more, some devices might require downloading even these. On the other hand, there are devices that come with maps of most countries worldwide, so make sure of where you stay and are going to fish before buying.

In addition to the above, there are many devices that can read multiple satellite networks. For instance, GLONASS is Russian, while GPS is an American network. If you’re in the United States, then an additional feature is the WAAS air navigation system. It makes GOS all the more accurate by employing ground stations, so watch out for that too.

Power and battery life

Usually, most kayaking GPS devices can last a long while on just one set of batteries, if you keep the brightness adjusted to low when not needed. Generally, NiMH or AA battery packs work well and have a minimum battery life of 16 hours. That should cover a two-three-day kayaking expedition without any worries. If it’s a longer trip, we’d suggest carrying an extra set.

Which handheld kayaking GPS is the most accurate?

When you’re floating in a larger body of water where it’s difficult to stay close to the shore, then you need a GPS that’s highly accurate so you don’t float into unrecognizable waters and get lost. If you kayak in the ocean or the high seas, then what you need is Garmin’s GPSMAP 78sc. The waterproof, floatable handheld unit is extremely accurate – right down to the last decimal.  Thanks to the in-built BlueChart coastal charts ad WAAS-enabled GPS technology, you always know where you are, where you came from, and where you’re going.

Humminbird 410210-1 Helix 5 Chirp GPS 

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The Humminbird 410210-1 Helix 5 is one of the best GPS for kayaking ever made and meets every paddling need, requirement, and even expectations. This is one device that you can innately trust when it comes to venturing into difficult areas and terrains. To begin with, the device can easily be mounted on your kayak, especially if there’s a platform or bracket for fish finders. Secondly, the device uses 2D CHIRP sonar, which is an upgrade on regular sonar that has wider and better scanning capabilities. What’s more, it helps hunt fish more accurately and effectively. It provides exceptional precision and responsiveness in pointing to your location.

Going further, the device provides exceptional accuracy in pointing to your location and can also help you track your path. What’s more, it can even determine the current conditions of the waters you are on as well as the speed of your boat. Finally, it even possesses chart-plotting capabilities for charting and saving waypoints.

Specifications

• Screen size: 5 inch color screen
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with US river, lake, and coastline charts installed, including WAAS.

Pros:

• Features stabilizing and mounting hardware.
• Accurate GPS with WAAS.
• 2D sonar for fish finding.
• Ergonomic controls.
• Large WVGA display for a better experience.

Cons:

• The chart plotter isn’t as good as the others on this list.

Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS 

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The Garmin Oregon 650t Handheld GPS is one of the best Garmin GPS waterproof systems for kayaking. Exceptional for all kinds of marine applications, this kayaking GPS is also waterproof, making it an excellent companion even in whitewater. To begin with, it boasts a small but responsive screen that allows you to navigate easily. What’s more, it features a dual-band GPS, unlike other standard devices in the same class. So, along with GPS, it has the Russian GLONASS function, too. Thus, you’re ensured double the accuracy while navigating uncharted waters.

Going further, there are three sensors that come with this GPS device, the accelerometer, barometric altimeter, and a three-axis compass. Together, these three features further optimize and better your kayaking experience, making it almost flawless. Additionally, it also features Bluetooth technology and allows you to custom maps and share geocaches and waypoints. Overall, the user-friendliness of the device is what makes it so good, and a must-buy.

Specifications

• Screen size: 3 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with a worldwide base map.

Pros:

• Highly responsive and accurate GPS.
• Can wirelessly transfer waypoints and maps.
• No lag in touchscreen.
• The screen features sunlight readability.

Cons:

• None, really.

Garmin eTrex 20x

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The Garmin eTrex 20x is not only an excellent GPS for kayaking but a Garmin brand and waterproof one at that. If you’re a budget-conscious kayaker out for the first time with your craft, then this one won’t hurt your pocket either. This entry-level, handheld GPS performs almost every function you’ll need for kayaking. Despite a small screen, the display is vivid and crystal-clear and is readable even under direct sunlight. Besides being compatible with HuntView, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, BlueChart G2, and TOPO 24K, the device even features tons of internal storage. Thus, it gives you maps to all your prescribed kayaking locations, and then some.

Since it’s a Garmin brand device, the highly-sensitive unit can read and track any and all kinds of changes very easily. Finally, it even features HotFix prediction technology and a WAAS-enabled receiver for more accurate and enhanced GPS reception.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.2 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with a worldwide base map.

Pros:

• Outdoor-worthy, durable build.
• Strong reception no matter the weather.
• Works even in areas with deep tree cover.

Cons:

• The screen is slightly small.

Garmin GPSMAP 64s

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If you’re looking for a compact waterproof Garmin GPS, then the Garmin GPSMAP 64s is definitely one excellent ergonomic addition to your kayaking kit. The unit boasts a 2.6-inch display that’s not only vivid but also extremely readable in both bright and low light conditions. Thanks to the quad-helix antenna and dual-GPS/GLONASS receiver, the device boasts the most accurate readings. Together, they both provide exceptional location tracking by bettering the unit’s overall reception. What’s more, it’s excellently responsive, too, and doesn’t lag even when you’re wading in off-the-grid regions.

What really makes the device excellent is the battery life of this GPS can last for up to 16 hours, which is more than enough for both touring and recreational purposes. Besides your location, the unit can even display essential information such as the physical difficulties and the terrain of a particular area.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.6 inches
• Waterproof rating: Basic
• Mapping package: Comes with a worldwide base map + a one-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription.

Pros:

• Comes integrated with a barometer and a compass.
• Features 250,000 pre-loaded caches.
• The LCD screen can be read even in sunlight.
• Highly-sensitive.

Cons:

• Some users reported that controls aren’t that responsive.

Garmin Montana 680t 

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Another excellent Garmin GPS for kayaking is the Garmin Montana 680t, which encompasses almost the entire kayaking terrain that you could possibly cover. Right from the get-go, this unit hones in on your location with a high degree of precision, and that too sans any lags or delays on record. However, what you’ll really like about this device is that it comes with a whole lot of preloaded caches of different locations worldwide. Furthermore, it comes with a one-year complimentary subscription to Birdseye Satellite Imagery. Together, they both simplify the process of mapping your existing route and looking for new ones.

This highly-sensitive GPS features a GLONASS reception for quicker and faster location tracking. What’s more, its performance is optimized thanks to the WAAS-enabled receiver and the presence of HotFix Satellite Prediction technology.

Specifications

• Screen size: 4 inches
• Waterproof rating: basic
• Mapping package: Comes preloaded with TOPO US maps and a one-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• A highly readable screen even in bright conditions.
• Accurate and fast location pointing.
• Preloaded maps for better, straightforward navigation.

Cons:

• Virtually none.

Polar M200 GPS Watch (404)

8

Are you looking for a budget wearable GPS for kayaking? Then the Polar M200 GPS Watch might be right up your alley. Wearing a GPS unit on your wrist has obvious appeal, as it’s visible, accessible, and secure. The Polar watch might not be the most sophisticated device on this list, but it sure is extremely functional. To begin with, it possesses all the basic GPS functions such as speed, progress, and route tracking. In addition to this, you’ll also find a variety of fitness tracking functions, such as an in-built heart rate monitor. Thus it makes for an excellent and rather versatile wearable device that you can use for other sports activities and for your training routine too.

If you like a good-value GPS wristwatch and are more about regular paddling than navigating uncharted waters, then this is a good value device.

Specifications

• Screen size: 26 mm diameter
• Waterproof rating: 30 meters (98 feet)
• Mapping package: None

Pros:

• Customizable profiles.
• GPS tracking of route, altitude, distance, and pace.
• In-built heart rate monitor.

Cons:

• Expensive for a wearable GPS.

Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch

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If you’re looking for a full-featured wearable Garmin GPS for kayaking, then the Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch is the one. It’s hard to imagine how so many features fit into this durable and rugged watch, but it sure does. So, you have everything from a blood oxygen saturation sensor and heart rate monitor to complete map and chart support. What’s more, it all comes with Galileo, GLONASS, GPS reception along with a compass, barometer, and altimeter. If that wasn’t enough, you even have an in-built contactless payment system and space for some 500 songs! So, you can listen to songs and plot your position on a chart all at the same time.

The watch might be on the pricier side, but it works for all sorts of outdoor activities. This is thanks to the in-built full-color TOPO U.S. maps, as well as other outdoor navigation features such as routable cycling maps. So, whether it’s kayaking, fishing, or even cycling and hiking, this watch is one hell of a buy. Fun fact: Garmin’s 6 and 6S watches even feature on the list of Best GPS Watches for Hiking!

Specifications

• Screen size: 1.2 inches diameter
• Waterproof rating: 100 meters (328 feet)
• Mapping package: Comes with WAAS.

Pros:

• GLONASS and PPS sensors for accurate tracking.
• 3-axis barometer, gyroscope, and compass.
• Full-color navigation and mapping features.

Cons:

• Pricey at $300.

Garmin eTrex 22X

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An excellent waterproof Garmin GPS for kayaking is the Garmin eTrex 22X, which is yet another fine unit from the brand that features so prominently on this list. The compact, affordable, and yet high-quality water-resistant device will tell you everything – how fast you got to your destination, how far you’ve gone, and where exactly you’ve been. In fact, it’s not a surprise that the Garmin brand is almost synonymous with GPS. if that wasn’t enough, this system features a combination of GLONASS and GPS, along with the HotFix Satellite predictor. Together, these three keep you well-located and on the map, even if you’re in a verdant forest or a deep canyon.

The memory card slot can also store a wide range of maps, and the unit’s display is easily readable even in bright light. For an entry-level device, this one is effective, durable, and does what you expect it to do.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.2 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with a preloaded worldwide base map.

Pros:

• The display is high-resolution for easy and clear reading.
• Comes preloaded with worldwide base maps.
• Acquires satellite quickly.

Cons:

• Since it’s handheld, you can’t fish and hold it simultaneously.

Garmin GPS 73

5

This waterproof Garmin kayaking GPS might be the most basic product on this list, but by no means is the Garmin GPS 73 any less value-for-money. What the unit lacks in functions, more than makes up for it in durability. While its IPX7 water resistance matches many others on this list, unlike others this unit actually floats! That, combined with the IPX7 rating means that even if it goes into the water, you have one hour before you need to fish it out of the water before any damage. Its highly sensitive GPS receiver can receive satellite communication even in the most challenging of weather conditions, such as deep canyons and heavy tree cover.

Going further, the device also comes with information about the sun and moon, a fishing calendar, and an in-built hunting calendar too. Finally, its internal memory can also hold up to 100 routes and 1000 waypoints.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.6 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with a worldwide base map.

Pros:

• Sun and moon information, as well as fishing and hunting calendar.
• GPS receiver is highly-sensitive.
• IPX7 water resistance.
• Floatation.

Cons:

• Not compatible with Bluechart or GLONASS.
• Low internal memory.

Garmin eTrex 10

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The eTrex range of Garmin kayaking GPS units is one of the brand’s most popular GPS devices. Not only are they accurate, but they’re also simple to use, durable, and inexpensive. This rubberized Garmin eTrex 10 case is one of the best, being both IPX7-rated water-resistant and extremely durable too. Thanks to the monochrome, transflective, and backlit display, it’s easy to read even in low-light conditions. Going further, the interface is easy and simple to master too, despite some users finding the navigation button slightly challenging to use with gloves on.

The eTrex 10 is ideal for geocachers too, especially since it supports GPX files. In fact, you can download up to 2000 geocaches and details directly to your GPS. Rounding up the features is the 25 straight hours of battery life, which means you won’t have to worry about clearing the cache for a long time.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.2 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with a worldwide base map.

Pros:

• Excellent battery life.
• Easy to read even in low light conditions.
• Excellent for geocaching.
• Water-resistant and durable.

Cons:

• Not Bluechart or GLONASS compatible.

Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro

3

The USP that makes the Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro the best GPS for kayaking is that it can be connected to up to as many as five Bluetooth compatible devices at once. So, if you’re out kayaking with a group of friends or family, then this single nifty device allows your entire group to use the GPS and data tracking functions. If there was an unbelievably cool group kayaking vacation, then this would be it. That said, the entire group must have iPhones, since the connection software requires an iOS 8 platform minimum for compatibility.

Even though the device only provides basic GPS data recording and route tracking, it’s one of the most lightweight devices on this list, In fact, it fits in the palm of your hand. Finally, the IPX4 rating even makes it splash-proof.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.1 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX4
• Mapping package: Data only.

Pros:

• WAAS enabled.
• Compact and lightweight.
• Can connect with up to five Bluetooth devices.
• Easy and simple to use.

Cons:

• Not compatible with Android devices.
• Only IPX4 resistant.

Garmin Foretrex 401

2

The Garmin Foretrex 401 is one of the best waterproof Garmin GPS for kayaking on this list, as it’s wearable on your wrist, lightweight, and small. It might lack the detailed visual maps that come with the other options, but it has all the navigational support you’ll ever need. if you’re a beginner, then we’d highly recommend the Foretrex 401 for you. To begin with, the unit features a TracBack feature that allows you to retrace a route that you’ve already gone on before. So, if you paddle into a dead end, this one is ideal and will tell you where you should go, or rather where you shouldn’t.

Moreover, the Hotfix-assisted GPS receiver receives signals even when the kayak is beneath a heavy cover, whether it’s the lush, verdant jungle or even inside a canyon. It can also be paired wirelessly with Garmin’s cadence sensors and heart-rate monitors for better utility. Finally, the device also has enough in-built memory for 20 routes and 500 waypoints.

Specifications

• Screen size: 1.6 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes preloaded with a worldwide base map.

Pros:

• TracBack feature.
• Strong GPS receiver.
• Wearable and lightweight.
• Water-resistant.

Cons:

• Low internal memory.
• Small screen.

Garmin GPSMAP 78sc

1

It’s only fitting that the best waterproof GPS for kayaking happens to be a Garmin one. Behold the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc, which is the nearest thing you’ll get to a unit that’s designed specifically for kayaking. Thanks to its rubberized, rugged shell that boasts an IPX7 rating, the unit is water-resistant for up to one hour and up to a depth of 1 meter. The transflective display is nifty enough to be used even with your gloves on. Plus, the in-built memory allows you to store up to 200 routes and 4000 waypoints.

However, what makes the GPSMAP 78sc stand out is the option for adding BlueChart aquatics maps. When they’re combined with the Marine Mount from Garmin, you have all the navigation information you’ll need. Rounding up its features is the three-axis tilt-compensated barometer and electronic compass for knowing the weather, altitude, and heading.

Specifications

• Screen size: 2.6 inches
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Mapping package: Comes with a worldwide base map and preloaded US topographic maps.

Pros:

• Geocaching and geotagging support.
• Bluechart compatible.
• 20 hours of battery life.

Cons:

• Slightly heavy.