For many years having internet at sea was considered a luxury. Yachts relied mainly on radio communication and patchy coastal signals. Today things are changing fast. Services like Starlink have made reliable, high-speed internet on yachts a real possibility, even when you are far away from land. But before you pack a satellite dish on board, it’s worth understanding how it all works, what the options are, and what challenges you might face.
Why internet at sea is different
On land, you connect through cell towers, fiber cables, or standard Wi-Fi. At sea, once you move beyond a few nautical miles from shore, mobile signals drop out completely. That’s where satellites come in. Instead of connecting sideways to a tower, your equipment connects directly upward to satellites orbiting Earth. This allows coverage almost anywhere, but it comes with special requirements.
Traditional satellite internet at sea
Until recently, yacht owners had only a handful of expensive solutions. Maritime satellite providers such as Inmarsat or Iridium offered global coverage, but speeds were low and costs were very high. Data packages were often sold by the megabyte, and streaming video or video calls were nearly impossible. The equipment was also bulky and required professional installation.
Enter Starlink and similar systems
Starlink, created by SpaceX, changed the game by launching thousands of low-orbit satellites. Unlike older geostationary satellites positioned far above the Earth, Starlink’s low-orbit network means faster speeds and lower latency. For yacht owners this translates into internet that feels much closer to what you get at home: streaming movies, video calls, cloud work, and online navigation tools all become practical at sea.
Starlink now offers a dedicated “Maritime” plan designed for vessels. The hardware looks like a flat panel dish, usually mounted on deck or on a mast, and it automatically tracks satellites as the yacht moves. It requires clear visibility of the sky, which is usually easy to achieve offshore.
Costs and equipment
Starlink Maritime isn’t cheap compared to land service, but it’s far more affordable than older marine satellite systems. The hardware itself costs a few thousand dollars, and the subscription can run into hundreds of dollars per month depending on the plan and region. However, considering the speeds—often over 100 Mbps—it’s a revolution in value for sailors who need reliable connectivity.
There are also creative yacht owners who use the standard Starlink residential or “Roam” kit instead of the official Maritime version. While technically less robust, many report good results, especially on coastal or regional voyages.
Installation tips
Mount the dish where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. Avoid placing it too close to tall masts, radar domes, or sails, which can block the signal. Keep in mind that salty air and constant movement put extra stress on equipment, so secure the mount well and consider protective housing. You’ll also need a reliable power supply. Starlink equipment typically draws between 50–100 watts, which means your yacht’s energy system should be able to handle it.
When to use cellular instead
If you’re close to shore, a good 4G or 5G antenna connected to a mobile router can be cheaper and sometimes faster. Many yacht owners combine both approaches: cellular internet in coastal waters, Starlink or another satellite service for offshore passages.
Benefits beyond entertainment
Internet at sea isn’t only about Netflix and social media. It can also be a serious safety tool. With satellite internet you can check live weather data, update charts, receive emergency messages, and stay in touch with land in real time. For those working remotely, it also makes long sailing trips compatible with professional commitments.
Things to keep in mind
Satellite internet still has its quirks. Speeds can vary depending on your location and network congestion. Heavy storms or obstructions can temporarily reduce performance. And while Starlink’s coverage keeps expanding, some remote ocean regions are not yet fully covered. Always check the coverage map before setting off.
Internet on a yacht has moved from being a rare luxury to something achievable for many sailors. Traditional satellite systems are still there for specialized needs, but for most yacht owners Starlink is the most practical and cost-effective option available today. Whether you want to work from the deck, keep in touch with family, or simply enjoy streaming a movie under the stars, satellite internet is making it possible.
