Navily Is the Airbnb of the Boat World — Marinas Should Pay Attention or get left behind

Aug 6

In the world of boating, Navily is fast becoming what Airbnb is to travel: a disruptive platform that’s reshaping how boaters discover, review, and book marinas. With over 700,000 users, thousands of verified reviews, and a growing network of partner marinas across the Mediterranean and Europe, Navily is no longer just a navigation app — it's a powerful marketing and booking tool that every marina should be taking seriously.

What Is Navily?

Navily is a community-driven app and platform that allows sailors and boaters to:

Discover marinas and anchorages across Europe and beyond
Read and leave reviews (much like Airbnb or TripAdvisor)
Book berths directly via the app, often in just a few taps
Share photos, tips, and real-time anchorage info

Navily currently lists over 12,000 anchorages and 5,000 marinas, making it one of the most comprehensive boating platforms on the market.

Why Navily Is the “Airbnb for Boaters”

Just like Airbnb changed how people book holiday stays, Navily is:

User-Driven: Reviews, photos, and ratings from fellow cruisers guide decisions
Mobile-First: Easy booking and search on-the-go via app
Trust-Based: Ports with good reviews see more interest — trust is currency
Dynamic Discovery: Sailors often choose destinations based on Navily ratings, not guidebooks

This user-generated model has shifted decision-making power to the boater, not the port authority — and ports must adapt to stay relevant.

Why Marinas Should Prioritize Their Navily Presence

If you’re a port or marina in the Mediterranean, here’s why Navily should be a core part of your digital strategy:

1. Visibility Where Boaters Actually Search

Traditional port directories and guidebooks are being replaced by apps like Navily and Navionics. If you’re not active on Navily, you’re invisible to a growing majority of your future customers.

2. Reviews = Revenue

Much like TripAdvisor or Airbnb, even a single positive review can generate 10–15 bookings over a season. A few strategic reviews can drive thousands in additional berth revenue.

3. Direct Bookings

Marinas that activate the Navily booking feature gain access to a seamless, app-based reservation system. It reduces call volume, admin work, and friction — especially with international visitors.

4. Reputation Management

If you don’t claim your profile, someone else is shaping your brand. By managing your Navily presence, you can:

Reply to reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave feedback
Add updated photos, amenities, and offers

5. Stand Out in a Crowded Market

There are 15,000+ marinas in Europe. A 4.8-star profile with strong, recent reviews is often the only thing that separates you from a nearby competitor.

How to Win on Navily as a Marina

Here’s how smart marinas are using Navily to attract more boats:

Claim Your Profile (if you haven’t already)
Request Reviews from satisfied visitors (especially after a good experience)
Use Professional Photos that showcase your location
Enable Bookings to reduce missed opportunities
Monitor & Reply to reviews to show you're active and care

Final Thoughts: The Future Is App-Based

Sailors aren’t planning via brochures or websites anymore — they’re checking Navily on their phone at anchor. Ports that adapt to this shift are the ones filling berths, even outside peak season.

If you run a marina and want to attract more boaters, Navily isn’t optional — it’s essential.