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Garmin GPSMAP 556

Product Code: GAR556

Whether you're looking to enjoy a day out boating or you're after the one that got away, the Garmin GPSMAP 556 offers the brightest, sharpest graphics seen on a 5-inch screen.

Garmin GPSMAP 556 is preloaded with Garmin BlueChart g2 UK and Ireland mapping. On the water for easy marine navigation with no compromise - optional BlueChart g2 Vision cartography provides comprehensive marine charting and 3D views above and below the waterline.

Garmin GPSMAP 556 has been discontinued.

View latest Chartplotters

Accessories, spares and parts are still available for your GPSMAP 556, as are Garmin GPSMAP 556 g3 marine BlueCharts.

Garmin GPSMAP 556 is a compact chartplotter that features a high-resolution, super-bright 5-inch VGA colour display along with an improved high-speed digital design for increased map drawing and panning speeds. It’s ready to go with an easy-to-use interface and a built-in, satellite-enhanced basemap preloaded with Garmin BlueChart g2 UK and Ireland marine charts. Garmin GPSMAP 556 also accepts BlueChart g3 cards for added features and functionality such as high-resolution satellite imagery, Mariner’s and Fish Eye views and Auto Guidance technology.

Explore the Seas

The Garmin GPSMAP 556 comes ready to go with preloaded marine charts for the UK and Ireland. For all other areas, the Garmin GPSMAP 556 has a worldwide basemap with satellite images in place of more traditional maps. The Garmin GPSMAP 556 also comes standard with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for superior satellite tracking and quicker acquisition times. And with an SD card slot, it’s easy to add additional maps without connecting to a computer.

Add Extras with BlueChart g3 Vision

With the optional BlueChart g3 Vision SD cards, you can add a whole new dimension of exceptional features to your chartplotter.

‣3D mariner's eye view or fish eye view provides you with a 3-dimensional perspective of chart information, both above the waterline and below it.

‣High-resolution satellite images and aerial photographs help you orient yourself in unfamiliar areas.

‣Auto Guidance technology searches through all relevant charts to create a route you can actually follow - one that avoids obstacles, shallow water, buoys and other obstructions.

The GPSMAP 556s version includes a sounder. The sounder enables the chartplotter to define the depth of the water, define where fish are and find objects underwater up to 610 metres (2000 feet) below the waters surface. However, for the sounder to function you'll need to separately buy a Garmin Transducer. There are three types of transducers available. The specific one to buy depends on type of vessel/boat/rib and where or how you'd like to mount the transducer. The three are:

‣Transom Mount - for outboard powered boats and fits to the transom of the boat.
‣In-hull mount - for non-outboard powered boats for only single skin fibre glass boats.
‣Through-hull mount - for non-outboard powered boats. Ideal for wooden, steel boats, etc.

To find the perfect transducer to partner your Garmin GPSMAP 556s and your boat please complete our online transducer form. Alternatively, if you know which transducer your require (we do however recommend that you complete our online form to find the perfect transducer) you can view the comprehensive range of transducers available buy from ActiveGPS. Pictured below, transom mounted transducer, thru-hull transducer and in-hull transducer.

Garmin GPSMAP 556 Features

‣5-inch bright colour VGA display
‣Preloaded worldwide basemap
‣Preloaded Garmin BlueChart g2 UK and Ireland
‣Built-in GPS Antenna
‣Supports AIS and DSC
‣NMEA 2000 compliant
‣Waterproof to IPX7
‣SD card slot allows upgrade to BlueChart g2 Vision cartography
‣1 Year manufacturers guarantee.

Chart Coverage

Garmin GPSMAP 556 marine chartplotters are preloaded with Garmin BlueChart g2 UK and Ireland.

Coverage of Garmin BlueChart g2 UK and Ireland chart

The chart (pictured above) features detailed marine cartography coverage of the British Isles in their entirety, including the Thames Estuary, Caledonian Canal, Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney Islands, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, and the Irish Sea.

Coverage across the English Channel from Douarnenez, France to Emden, Germany, including the Channel Islands, and the Seine River to Rouen, France Detailed coverage includes Antwerp, Belgium, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the Ijsselmeer in full.

In future years you can purchase a marine BlueChart g3 update SD card to update the preloaded UK and Ireland charts on the Garmin GPSMAP 556.

What's in the box? (when purchased from ActiveGPS.co.uk)

‣Garmin GPSMAP 556
‣Preloaded Garmin BlueChart g2 UK and Ireland
‣Tilt/swivel Mount
‣Protective Front Cover
‣Power/Data Cable
‣Owner's Manual

Garmin GPSMAP 556 Accessories

Looking for Garmin GPSMAP 556 or GPSMAP 556s accessories? Accessories available to purchase include power/data cable and second mounting station. If you'd like to add a transducer to your GPSMAP 556s please see this page.

View all Garmin GPSMAP 556 accessories

Garmin GPSMAP 556 Charts

Add Garmin BlueChart g3 marine charts to your Garmin GPSMAP 556, view the different Garmin g3 Bluecharts you can buy from ActiveGPS.

Garmin GPSMAP 556 Questions and Answers

Question: I own a GPSmap 556 for use on my boat. How do I update the charts. If there was an internet cable which came with it, I cannot find it! If such a cable exists how do I order it or do I need a new card?

Answer: I can confirm that no such update cable exists.

In order to update your Garmin GPSMAP 556 preloaded charts you will need to buy the BlueChart g3 UK Ireland Update SD card.

If you however you want a different region or to upgrade to the g2 Vision HD version you will need to buy a new chart.

Do you have a question about the Garmin GPSMAP 556? Submit your question via our contact page.

Garmin GPSMAP 556 Technical Specification

‣Technology: GPS
‣Display: 5-inch VGA display (480 x 640 pixels)
‣Battery: None
‣Waypoints/favourites/locations: 3,000
‣Routes: 100
‣Track Log: 20,000 points, 50 saved tracks
‣Basemap: Worldwide
‣NMEA input/output: NMEA 0183, NMEA 0183 compatible and NMEA 2000 certified
‣Built-in memory: None (cannot load maps to internal memory)
‣SD card slot: Yes
‣Garmin radar compatible: No
‣Garmin sonar compatible: No
‣Waterproof: Yes, IPX7
‣Dimensions: Width - 150mm, Height - 163mm, Depth - 74mm
‣Weight: 0.8kg
‣Guarantee: 1-year
‣Garmin GPSMAP 556 manual

Manual requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download a free copy here

This product is a sophisticated electronic device which requires that you read, understand, and act upon the information given in the instruction manual (usually available via the above 'manual' link). You will need internet access and, in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations, regularly seek out and accept all firmware or software updates offered by the manufacturer. All GPS devices need to ‘see’ the satellites in the sky. Therefore you will need to know that your vehicle does not have glass that will block or impede the GPS signal.

Updates to this product are via the internet. At this product page we state compatibility with specific versions of current internet connection devices, for example: PC, laptop, MAC, smartphone etc. The Consumer Contract Regulations allow you 14 days, from receipt of purchase, to check compatibility with your internet connection device/s. If you choose to replace or update your PC, MAC etc. neither we nor the manufacturer will be responsible if the new/replacement Operating System (OS) is not compatible with the purchased product.

Why buy from us?

We are official Authorised Internet Retailers for Garmin. We sell genuine Garmin products, accessories and maps. We purchase from assigned Garmin UK distributors. We do not buy on the grey market and we do not sell counterfeit products. You can rest assured that by purchasing from ActiveGPS you will receive the full support of Garmin.

Page updated: 15th November 2024