Overview

The Garmin BlueChart g3 Vision HD VAF003R is an electronic chart for Western Africa that you use on a compatible Garmin chartplotter from a microSD or SD card. Coverage runs along the west coast of Africa from El Aaraich, Morocco to Cape Cross, Namibia, with key port areas like Casablanca, Dakar, and Lagos called out for more detail.

This region also includes island passages and approaches with general coverage of St. Helena Island, Ascension Island, and the Azores, plus detailed coverage for the Madeira Islands, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde Islands. Depending on chart version and chartplotter support, you can use layers like Depth Range Shading (up to 10 depth ranges), Shallow Water Shading, and contour detail that can go up to 1-foot increments where survey data supports it.

Key features

• Western Africa coverage from El Aaraich, Morocco to Cape Cross, Namibia, including detailed areas such as Casablanca, Dakar, and Lagos.
• Includes offshore island coverage for route planning and approaches: St. Helena Island, Ascension Island, and the Azores, plus detailed coverage for Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.
• Depth Range Shading supports up to 10 depth ranges, making it easier to highlight the water you normally fish or transit.
• Up to 1-foot contours may be available in supported areas, which helps when you are watching bottom shape near banks, channels, and harbor approaches.
• Auto Guidance can calculate a suggested route on compatible chartplotters once boat dimensions and clearances are set in the unit.
• BlueChart g3 Vision variants add premium layers such as MarinerEye and FishEye 3D views plus photo imagery layers when the chartplotter supports those features.
• Offered as SD Card or Download; download delivery is transferred to a microSD/SD card through Garmin Express, and one chart is installed per card.

Variants

This chart region is offered in multiple configurations so you can match the chart type and delivery format to your setup.

The options that change are the BlueChart version (BlueChart g3 Vision or BlueChart g3) and the format (SD Card or Download). Coverage remains focused on Western Africa for this region.

• 010-C0749-00: BlueChart g3 Vision, SD Card. Supports the Vision layers such as 3D views and photo imagery when those functions are available on your chartplotter.
• 010-D0374-00: BlueChart g3 Vision, Download. Delivered digitally for transfer to a microSD/SD card through Garmin Express before you use it on a compatible chartplotter.
• 010-C0749-20: BlueChart g3, SD Card. Core charting for the region for navigation and fishing, without the extra Vision photo and 3D layers.
• 010-D0337-00: BlueChart g3, Download. Download delivery for loading to a microSD/SD card through Garmin Express for use on a compatible chartplotter.

Compatibility and fit

You will need a compatible Garmin chartplotter that supports the BlueChart version you are buying and has a microSD or SD card slot. Vision layers only display on units that support the BlueChart g3 Vision feature set, so the base charting may appear while certain views or imagery layers stay unavailable if the plotter does not support them.

Installation and updates

For SD Card formats, insert the chart card into the chartplotter and select the chart source from the unit. For Download formats, you load the chart to a microSD/SD card using Garmin Express on a computer, then move that card to the chartplotter for use on the water. If chart updates are available for your version, they are typically handled through Garmin Express, and many chartplotters can also manage updates through the ActiveCaptain app.

Use on board

This coverage is a good match for coastal cruising, offshore hops, and commercial or sport fishing along the Western African coast, especially when you are moving between major ports and planning safer approaches. It also fits passagemakers and sailors who want chart coverage that extends to common Atlantic stopovers like the Canaries, Madeira, and Cape Verde.

Auto Guidance routes are suggestions and still need a skipper check against local conditions, notices, and what you are seeing outside, especially in areas with shifting bars, river mouths, or heavy traffic.