Garmin Explore™
Garmin Maps & Navigation
A complete mobile trip planning solution for compatible Garmin devices
- Rating
- 3.5
- 5.6K ratings
- Downloads
- 1M+
- on Google Play
- Price
- Free
- No in-app purchases
- Updated
- Aug 18
- 2026 · v4.15
Screenshots
About Garmin Explore™
Map, Track, Sync, and Share Your Trek From Anywhere
For adventure seekers, explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Garmin Explore ecosystem offers a complete mobile navigation solution that — when paired with compatible Garmin devices1 — lets you map, track and navigate your trek from anywhere with unlimited cloud storage.
Garmin Explore provides basic trip planning or viewing of maps you’ve preloaded on your device. Or you can use the mobile app to pair your smart device via Bluetooth® technology2 with a compatible Garmin GPS device1, so you can do and see even more.
Access Online Connectivity
Garmin Explore provides free online access to a wide range of additional capabilities. For example, you can download detailed topographic maps, color aerial imagery and other navigation aids directly to your mobile device. The maps and navigation data loaded onto your device can be used anywhere, anytime — even when you’re out beyond the reach of cellphone towers or internet connections.
Organize Your Data with Collections
Review and edit your waypoints, tracks, routes, and activities in your library. Add them to a collection to keep all the recorded data from a certain trip together in one place. For example, if you’re taking a long trip, you can plan different waypoints, tracks and routes for each day of the trip and combine them into one collection.
Your Mobile Cloud Connection
The Garmin Explore app will send and store the waypoints, planned routes, GPS tracks and Garmin activities you've recorded in the cloud, allowing you to access and use that data on the Garmin Explore web site to plan or review your adventures. You can also sync your cloud-stored data with a compatible Garmin device. A Garmin account is needed to store your data in the cloud. Your activities (e.g., runs, walks, hikes, etc.) include data such as distance, pace, activity time, location, etc. that were recorded by your device.
More Off-grid Capability with inReach® Technology
Use Garmin Explore with your inReach enabled devices, such as the GPSMAP® 66i navigator and satellite communicator, to turn your mobile device into a true off-the-grid satellite companion. In an emergency, you can trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team. Two-way messaging and LiveTrack location tracking via the 100% global Iridium® satellite network let you stay in contact globally. The Garmin Explore app allows you to access your phone’s contact list for easier messaging and sharing when connected.
What You Get with Garmin Explore
• Unlimited map downloads; access topographic maps, USGS quad sheets and more
• Aerial imagery
• Waypoints, tracking and route navigation
• High-detail GPS trip logging and location sharing
• Unlimited cloud storage of routes, waypoints, tracks, and activities
• Online trip planning
1 explore.garmin.com/appcompatibility
2 explore.garmin.com/bluetoothrequirements
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.
What’s new
Version 4.15 · Updated August 18, 2026
• Explore trails with new 3D Maps. • Plan your courses and preview elevation changes in 3D. • Review your activities with immersive 3D views. • Bug fixes and performance improvements.
User reviews
greate offline map.
Cool
Works great with Fenix 6
I purchased the 66ST and I am having a much better experience than with the 64st. The explore app works great and syncs with the explore website. The next thing I want to is export the waypoints to a route optimizer and import the route in to my gps. Very exited to start hiking with my garmin.
Do this app is compatible with Vivoactive 4 ?
It works fine with Fenix watch. The sync and organisations of waypoints and routes are fine.
Alternatives to Garmin Explore™
Looking for apps like Garmin Explore™? Here are 6 similar Android apps on Google Play. The highest rated is Garmin Connect™ (4.5/5), and all 6 are free to download.
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Garmin Connect™ 4.5
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Tacx Training 4.1
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Gaia GPS: Offroad Hiking Maps 4.3
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BackCountry Navigator XE: Topo 4.0
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Garmin Dive™ 4.0
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| App | Rating | Price | Installs | Last updated | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Explore™ | 3.5 / 5 | Free | 1,000,000+ | Aug 18, 2026 | |
| Garmin Connect™ | 4.5 / 5 | Free | 50,000,000+ | Sep 7, 2026 | Compare |
| Tacx Training | 4.1 / 5 | Free | 1,000,000+ | – | Compare |
| Gaia GPS: Offroad Hiking Maps | 4.3 / 5 | Free | 1,000,000+ | – | Compare |
| BackCountry Navigator XE: Topo | 4.0 / 5 | Free | 100,000+ | – | Compare |
| Garmin Dive™ | 4.0 / 5 | Free | 100,000+ | Jul 24, 2026 | Compare |
| Hiking Project | 4.1 / 5 | Free | 100,000+ | Oct 6, 2026 | Compare |
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