Orca works differently from many other chart providers. While other navigation apps often require a subscription or separate chart purchases before you can access chart data, the Orca App provides online chart access immediately, even on the free version of our App.
Charts Available Without a Subscription
When you download and open the Orca App, you have access to our global chart portfolio and updates without needing a subscription. Most chart areas can be viewed and explored right away using the free version of the app.
For an overview of all chart regions available in Orca, please see the following article: What charts are available in Orca?
Exceptions in the Free Version
A small number of regions require an Orca subscription to see past the first 24 - 48 hours of having the free version of the app due to licensing restrictions from their respective hydrographic offices. These regions are: Australia, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.
You can read more about these specific restrictions here: Why can I not view charts for Australia, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark, or Germany?
Access With a Subscription
Subscribing to Orca Plus or Smart Navigation removes these restrictions and provides access to our complete chart coverage. A subscription ensures that all chart regions, including those with licensing limitations, are available.
You can read about the full advantages of the Orca Plus and Smart Navigation subscriptions, including access to offline charts, here: Subscription prices and functionality
A year of Smart Navigation is included in the purchase of an Orca Core or Orca Display. So, by purchasing one or both of these devices you will have instant access to all chart regions - both online and offline - for one year. After that year you may choose to renew your subscription or not.
Please note that for offline chart access the desired regions will need to be downloaded from the app.