Getting a good WiFi signal on land can be tricky sometimes, so what do you do when you’re on a boat? Luckily, there are several options that range in expense, equipment needs, and effectiveness.
The first things you’ll need to consider before deciding what will work best for you are what you’ll need the internet for, how much data you anticipate using, how far from shore you plan to travel, and how long you’ll be out of range of a marina or cell tower, how many users will need to have access to the internet at one time, and how much you are ready and willing to spend.
This all sounds like a lot, and choosing the right option for your needs can be overwhelming, so I’m breaking down the basics of how to get WiFi on a boat.
Internet Options: What Are There?
Internet Hot Spot
Most marinas offer free WiFi, so if you’re close to one, this is always the easiest and cheapest way to access the internet, scroll through social media, or stream your favorite movie. Chances are, however, if you’re on a boat, you plan to leave the marina area at some point.
The signal will eventually fall out of range depending on the strength of the signal at the marina. So what other options are there? It’s not uncommon to download movies or other entertaining content so they can be enjoyed without WiFi. But what about calling in case of an emergency or just chatting with your loved ones while you’re on the water?
Most cell phone companies offer internet options. You’ll want to have a plan with unlimited data, and you can set up your phone as a hot spot. This will allow you to use WiFi as long as you’re within range of a cell tower.
There is also equipment available that can boost your signal quite a lot, but these antennas can be a bit expensive. It might be worth the investment if you’re sailing or boating between a group of islands where your Hot Spot isn’t quite enough, but the antenna can still reach the cell tower signals.
WiFi Extender
A WiFi extender is an inexpensive option if you’re planning to leave the marina. The extender does just that- it extends the WiFi signal out farther so you can take advantage of the on-shore WiFi signal longer.
Every WiFi extender is different, so do your research into the different manufacturers and the distances they claim their extender will work.
The signal will eventually die out even with the best extender. So if you plan to sail between countries or where you can no longer see the shore, this option may not be what you’re looking for.
It’s easy to find the many options for a WiFi extender by searching in your browser. Prices for extenders range from less than $100 to around $1,000.
Another great option is a marine WiFi router that allows multiple users to connect to the internet at the same time. The distance range is about 20 miles from the shore, so it’s sure to help your friends and family stay content in between stops.
A great benefit to the router is that these usually have an option that allows you to switch the marina’s free WiFi once you’re within range, making it convenient. A good router for the boat starts at a few hundred dollars and can go up from there.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet requires equipment being installed on your vessel, like a satellite dish and all the cords and wires it requires. It works like this: the satellite provider has a satellite at their hub, which sends a signal to the second satellite in space.
That satellite picks up the signal and beams it back down to your boat’s dish, providing the signal to use.
The benefits are that satellite companies have specialized equipment specifically for boats, knowing the challenges that can come with getting that signal to your boat. The downside to this is that satellites need a target, and a boat is a constantly moving one.
Like trying to shoot an arrow to a bullseye from the back of a galloping horse, the signal could have a difficult time staying on target to your satellite dish in stormy weather and strong winds.
This option is most likely to be used on boats going across the ocean between continents where no land can be found.
The equipment can be expensive, anywhere between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands of dollars, just to set up the satellite dish and what it requires. Providers also require monthly subscriptions, which can be pricey.
To get an idea, 4GB of data costs, on average, about $2,000. Knowing where you’re going to be, how much internet you’ll actually need, and how long you’re going to need it for will be helpful when you’re ready to set up this service.
There are ways to minimize the size of emails and documents, which can help keep data usage lower as well.
Cheaper Alternative to Satelite
Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
It’s a big commitment to install your own satellite dish on your boat. If you aren’t quite convinced, it’s okay. There’s another option that is also less expensive. Broadband Global Area Network, or BGAN, is a company that offers you a terminal that connects to one of many satellites.
The terminal is about as big as a laptop and can connect several different ways: WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or USB. You’ll need to have a GPS system, and it won’t work if you don’t have a direct sky view, making it ideal for large bodies of water where your boat is away from land.
The initial set-up is affordable compared to your own satellite internet system, starting around $2,500. The monthly subscription is necessary and will provide a small amount of data comparable to an inexpensive cell phone plan.
Before you invest in this option, be sure to know how many users you’ll need to accommodate and how much data you anticipate needing so your plan can cover it without ending up with unexpected data expenses that add up.
Data Usage-How Much Do You Need?
How do you know how much data you’ll need? This can be tricky since marine internet can make technology seems like the dial-up internet of the 1990s. So let’s take a look at what standard streaming data looks like.
Netflix suggests that watching a one-hour episode in Standard Definition uses about 1GB of data. Most of us don’t remember what SD even looks like since most TVs and cell phones stream in at least HD, or High Definition, nowadays.
If your setting is running at the HD level, that one-hour episode is using closer to 3GB. Now, there is a thing called 4K which provides insanely clear pictures and much higher resolution.
This level of quality will take over 7GB of data and quickly run down your data bank, leaving you with extremely slow connectivity.
On-Demand and other video platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime usually default to a 4K or higher resolution, so you’ll want to take the time to ensure your settings are where you’d like them to be to maximize your data usage.
As mentioned before, downloading your favorite movie or shows before you leave the marina would be the best way to watch without sucking your data dry when you’re on the water.
But if you can’t, the data usage should help you decide on how much data you’ll need to invest in for your boat.
Other helpful information to know is that downloading a photo usually takes about 1GB of data, downloading documents could be about 1GB for every page, and downloading a movie takes about 5GB, so keep those numbers in mind as you consider what you’re really going to need.
Final Word!
Hopefully, this information is helpful to give you a good starting point in deciding what internet options are right for you and your boat. If you’re planning on a quick getaway for a long weekend, you may not even want any, so you can unplug and enjoy your time without worrying about emails, texts, or social media.
But if you plan to stay close to shore or travel between islands that are less than 10 miles apart, you may just want to work with your cell provider and make your phone a Hot Spot. Getting a WiFi extender is a great option here as well if you’re willing to invest a little more money.
Unless you’re going out to sea across the ocean or other large bodies of water, a satellite probably isn’t necessary. If you feel like this is an option you might need, looking into BGAN first could provide what you’re interested in without breaking the bank.
As long as you are able to calculate approximately how much data you’ll need and how much you want to pay, you’re halfway to having the world at your fingertips while you continue to see the world on your boat!
More articles to read:
- Best ways to stay cool on a boat
- Best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat
- Fun boat accessories to have on a boat
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Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Thanks for the info! It used to be so expensive to use the phone or internet but your information makes me optimistic that things have improved drastically. Using broadband and satellite are great options and hopefully our carriers are more cost effective today, Looking forward to traveling again post Covid and your data is valuable to those ends.
Thank you!
Hi there,
I am glad you found the article useful:) If you have any questions, please, don’t hesitate to ask. I am always happy to help.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day!
It must be difficult to be out at sea without internet for the majority of us who are not used to not having it. Great article to give us ways in which we can still connect if we have to. I suppose one day we will have more ways to access the internet when out far at sea. But for now it is a great idea to have a Wi-Fi extender as you recommended, as satellite can be pricey.
Hi Michel,
Yes, as you said, who knows, maybe there will more ways in the future to get internet at sea:)
If you need any help, please, let me know. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day.