A Guide to Internet Access While Sailing

Maritime technology is constantly evolving. Until recently, long ocean crossings with a small sailboat meant accepting that there would be minimal or no internet access onboard. But nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice staying connected when you set sail. 

Internet at sea is still more costly and complicated than it is on land, and the power draw of Internet devices must be considered as power is restricted on sailboats. Thankfully, these challenges are becoming easier to overcome with advancing technology, improving the quality of time on board. 

Installing the internet on a sailboat has several advantages. It allows sailors to be up to date on weather forecasts, use navigation apps, and stay in touch with emergency services and other vessels. Additionally, having internet access can also make time aboard more productive and enjoyable, facilitating remote work, streaming, and interacting with friends and family through social media. Our useful guide will help you navigate the internet at sea so you can choose the best system for your voyage:

Land Based Wi-Fi

The most inexpensive and convenient option for the internet at sea is to use Wi-Fi on land. You may even be able to access it for free if you are docked at a marina that offers it. Yet, the range of land-based Wi-Fi is limited, so investing in an extender can allow Wi-Fi on boats significantly farther from the shore.

Cellular Data

Another option is to use a cellphone’s mobile hotspot. Using cellular data is relatively inexpensive, and everyone already has a cellphone. Unfortunately, you can only access cellular data as long as you are in the range of a cellphone tower, which is usually not more than a handful of miles offshore. However, that distance can be stretched much longer with a mobile router and signal booster.

Satellite Internet

For longer trips, the only option is satellite internet, which utilizes constellations of satellites in low-Earth orbit. Using satellite internet at sea requires the purchase of both a dish and a subscription service. While there are several providers to choose from, the most common is Starlink by SpaceX. 

Satellite internet like Starlink for boats can be pricey because the satellites that are needed to transmit data to remote locations are larger and more expensive. Likewise, these satellites need a stable location to form a connection, and sailboats are constantly in motion. But they tend to be high-speed and low latency, which is essential for remote workers.

Useful Tips

It is no surprise that internet connectivity on a sailboat is not yet as reliable as it is on land. If constant access is important, it is a good idea to have a backup method in case your primary one is down. Also, try to save high-use projects for when you are closer to shore and can access Wi-Fi, and download shows and movies while connected to Wi-Fi instead of streaming while using data. 

If you’re ready to improve your sailing abilities to be able to take longer voyages while staying connected online, Go Sail Virgin Islands offers liveaboard courses to become ASA certified. We’d be happy to discuss your internet access options while sailing more when you join us aboard!