Top Internet Options at Sea – A Detailed Guide

Last month I joined a few friends in Florida for a 3-night cruise trip. While I loved reconnecting with nature and friends, soaked in a great deal of Vitamin D, and got the perfect tan that lasted a week, I also got into a lot of trouble. I got overly optimistic and scheduled a meeting during my trip. Half an hour before the meeting, my phone buzzed with a reminder and it hit me that the internet on our boat was extremely unstable.

Although I may not be in the same situation any time soon, it still convinced me to research internet options at sea.

Despite modern navigation technology in boats, you need an internet connection to get the best results for communication and coordination at sea. For personal boats, you might sail out for fun and require entertainment, like playing your favorite music or enjoying a good show. And, if you’re a workaholic like me, you will require the internet to stay in touch with your co-workers and send or receive important emails along your voyage.

This guide will help you understand the feasibility of installing a good internet connection at sea based on your usage requirements, location, and budget. Read along to explore different types of internet options available and how you can set up your boat with a reliable one.

Types of Internet Available at Sea

There are a number of connectivity options available for boats and yachts at sea. The efficiency and productivity of an internet connection will vary for different users based on their distance to the coast and usage requirements.

Land-based Wi-Fi Connection

For yachts and boats that remain closer to the shore, coastal Wi-Fi may be a good choice. A strong Wi-Fi powered by an advanced router will provide a wider internet coverage to your yacht and will be ideal for on-board entertainment like streaming HD content, surfing music, sending or receiving emails, and messages, or making calls. You can install a Wi-Fi signal booster on your yacht to maximize signal strength and make the most out of local coastal Wi-Fi.

Cellular Data

Cellular data can be used for boats and yachts that sail farther from the shore. You can create a mobile hotspot on your phone to access multiple devices on your boat. However, you can only get access to cellular data if there is a cell tower in range. The farther away you go the less chances you have of getting strong signals on your boat.

Cellular data is not a reliable form of internet to use on a boat since you may not get signals everywhere you sail. Secondly, cellular data plans are expensive compared to other internet types and usually come with limited data.

Marine Wi-Fi

Another alternative internet solution on a boat is Marine Wi-Fi. Marine Wi-Fi systems work through 4G technology with the help of dedicated equipment that catches signals from phone towers. A special high-range 4G router installed on the boat connects multiple devices and allows internet activity like navigation, communication, and entertainment.

Some marine Wi-Fi devices also come with technology that automatically shifts to a coastal Wi-Fi connection when in range. This helps save money and provides an efficient internet connection on the yacht.

A great option for Maritime Internet is Weconnect, which offers secure 4G and 5G solutions for ships.

Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)

Unlike traditional satellite internet, which is fixed in one place, a broadband global area network (BGAN) is portable and can be taken along for satellite internet connectivity anywhere you go. Inmarsat is globally renowned for providing a reliable BGAN internet connection for data and voice communication.

Now let’s explore traditional satellite internet.

What is Satellite Internet?

Just as the name suggests, Satellite internet provides access to the internet through satellites that orbit the earth in space. Internet providers send their satellites up in space that transmit internet signals back to Earth. These signals are received through dishes installed wherever you require a satellite internet service.

Unlike Cable, Fiber, or DSL internet, which requires wiring to transmit data, Satellite internet is pretty much like a wireless internet connection, which makes it the ideal internet connection for boaters.

However, you will need a satellite receiver dish on your yacht or boat to catch signals, and a modem to transmit signals to your devices.

Here’s a quick overview of using a satellite internet connection on your boat.

Top Satellite Internet Options for Boats

Although multiple satellite internet providers offer reliable services to residential customers, satellite services for boats are ranked on completely different metrics. Starlink, KVH, and Iridium are popular marine satellite internet services that provide dedicated equipment for large ships with extensive internet usage. These service providers are better suited for cargo ships that need the internet for constant communication, navigation, and other business activity on board.

Consequently, these providers also tend to be very expensive. With higher-priced plans, and professional equipment and installation charges, your investment and monthly bill are expected to reach thousands of dollars.

On the other hand, personal yachts and smaller boats that sail closer to the shore for entertainment, or inter-city travel do not require extensive internet at all times. These boats can be supported by affordable satellite internet options like Hughesnet, Viasat, and Verizon.

Internet Requirements at Sea

1. Communication and Navigation

Imagine being stranded on an island with no communication with the world. Could be the plot of an amazing movie, but doesn’t sound fun when you’re the protagonist. To make sure you don’t get lost in the endless sea, you need modern technology that helps you navigate your voyage. Whether you’re a professional sailor, or you own a boat for inter-city waters, having internet on board for communication is a must.

2. Entertainment

Many people like to sail on their small boats or yachts in scenic lakes to relax and reconnect with nature. On one of these trips, entertainment is a key factor. You can unroll your picnic basket, connect your phone to the stereo, and listen to your favorite music with friends and family aboard. For longer trips or nightouts, you can stream a movie and stay up all night for fun.

And not to forget the tech-savvy influencers on your yacht. We all know that person who needs to post a story of every moment there and then!

3. Work

As for people like myself, who are constantly needed at work, having a stable internet connection on the boat will reduce the stress of being unable to get tasks done remotely. For small tasks like sending or receiving emails, uploading small files, and communicating via messages, a satellite internet connection would be sufficient.

If you have the internet on your boat, you should ensure it is optimized for usage and consumption. It is more annoying when you have internet but you can’t access it because of reasons like bad signal strength.

How to optimize your Satellite Internet Connection at Sea

1. Install your dish at the right position

You can optimize your satellite internet connection on the yacht by installing it on top of your boat where you get maximum clearance. If you plan to anchor your boat in a lake, choose a spot that has an open sky above you where your satellite dish can catch the best signals. Avoid any obstructions near or around the dish to get the best signal strength.

Moreover, make sure the position of your satellite dish is optimal. You can maneuver the dish to check which direction offers the best signal strength and set it up there.

2. Manage your data usage

Secondly, make sure you manage your data well. You do not want to consume the entire allowed data limit within the first few days. To save yourself from a hefty bill, you should know how to optimize your internet usage. You can download a data-monitoring tool that monitors your data usage and keeps you updated on how much data you have left. You can also set time limits for data access or limit the number of devices you want to give access to.

3. Choose the right Internet plan

Thirdly, while choosing an internet plan for your boat, you should look for providers that offer contract-free plans so you do not limit yourself. If you sail for leisure, you might not need internet on the boat all year long.

Moreover, if you are not satisfied with the service, you can cancel the plan and switch your provider anytime.  You can also save your cost by bundling up your internet plan with a phone package. Find out all about internet speeds before choosing the right plan for your boat.

Let the Internet Sail Your Boat!

All in all, sailing will be double the fun if you’re connected to the internet for all the essential and secondary reasons. Invest in an internet connection on your boat for advanced navigational technology, instant communication, and all-rounded entertainment, or, whatever sails your boat!