Columbus gained practical navigational skills through years of seafaring experience in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. He learned to navigate by observing the stars, using the compass, and studying wind and current patterns. This hands-on training was essential to his success as an explorer.

Columbus worked as a cartographer and bookseller, which allowed him to study maps and charts of the known world. He learned to create and interpret maps, gaining a deeper understanding of geography and navigation. However, his understanding was based on incomplete and often inaccurate information.

Columbus used various navigational instruments, including the compass, astrolabe, and quadrant, to determine his position at sea. The compass provided direction, while the astrolabe and quadrant were used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, enabling him to calculate latitude. Though skilled, his calculations were often inaccurate, leading to errors in his estimation of distances.

Columbus relied on celestial navigation, using the position of stars and constellations to determine his location. He was familiar with the North Star and other key celestial markers. This knowledge was crucial for navigating across the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Columbus understood the prevailing wind patterns in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly the trade winds. He used these winds to his advantage, sailing westward with the trade winds and returning eastward with the westerlies. This knowledge significantly reduced the duration of his voyages.

Despite his navigational skills, Columbus made significant miscalculations regarding the size of the Earth and the distance to Asia. He underestimated the circumference of the Earth and overestimated the size of Asia, which led him to believe that the Indies were much closer to Europe than they actually were. These errors played a crucial role in his decision to sail westward.