Are you planning a boating adventure but still want to get an internet connection while you’re in the middle of the sea? No worries! You don’t have to disconnect while at sea.
So bring along your laptop and smartphone, and surf the net as long as you want! You can even go live and have video chats while you’re miles away from the land.
How to get internet on a boat at sea? To get internet on a boat at sea, you’ll have four choices:
- WiFi extender for Marina WiFi Connection – Wave Wi-Fi EC-AP-HP High-Performance Access System – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Amplifying Cellular Data
- Satellite Internet
- Portable MiFi Device – GlocalMe G4 LTE Global Mobile Hotspot Wi-Fi – Click here to see it on Amazon
Read on to learn more about how to get internet on a boat at sea, including the details for each of our four recommended choices.
Also, for excellent internet on a boat at sea, take a look at our top pick, the WiFi extender for Marina WiFi Connection:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
How to Get Internet on a Boat at Sea?
1. WiFi Extender for Marina WiFi Connection
Most Marinas offer WiFi connections (it’s the cheapest internet connectivity for your boat), but this is only good if you are close by the shore to get a good signal. So, to move away from the shore and still surf the net, you will need a WiFi extender.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
When it comes to how far this WiFi extender provides you with a strengthened signal, it will depend on the product/company’s claim.
To get the maximum distance or the maximum range claimed by the company, you must have a much stronger hotspot signal, direct-line-of-site, low intrusion, and good weather conditions.
Below are some of the top marine WiFi extenders that we recommend. Additional tools might be required to finish the installation. Antenna and cables are included in the kit.
The Wave WiFi Rogue Pro is a compact, ultra-small Wireless Bridge and Ethernet Converter. Every component of the EC-Series (similar to the user-friendly registered Web-based Wave WiFi line) is offered in this simple installation kit.
The Rogue Pro has an essential 1″-14″ base for several standard marine extender supports.
Besides the improved dust and moisture protection, the stainless steel covering provides humidity and impact protection. It is easy to mount and can be connected directly to any WAN Ethernet-enabled device, router, or switch.
The Wave Wi-Fi EC-AP-HP High-Performance Access System creates the maximum allowable output power of 1 Watt. It lets WiFi signals be connected up to 12 miles from a solid hotspot with a continuous sightline. It also lets a wireless hotspot be generated within the boat.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The D-Link AC1200 Mesh Wi-Fi Range Extender is an ideal solution for enhancing and extending Wi-Fi coverage on boats.
With dual-band Wi-Fi offering speeds up to 1200 Mbps (300 Mbps + 867 Mbps), this extender strengthens and extends existing Wi-Fi networks, covering an additional 1550 sq. ft.
It supports mesh smart roaming, following the 802.11k/v standard, ensuring seamless connectivity as you move around your boat. The device eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones, providing uninterrupted gaming, web browsing, and movie watching with high-gain internal antennas.
It can operate in various modes, serving as a Wi-Fi Extender, Access Point, or Wireless Bridge, and includes an Ethernet port for wired connections. The D-Link Wi-Fi app simplifies setup, and the LED smart signal indicator aids optimal placement for connectivity.
With compatibility across Wi-Fi standards and support for WPA2/WPA3 wireless encryption, this range extender works seamlessly with any Wi-Fi router or gateway, making it a versatile and effective choice for boat Wi-Fi extension.
2. Amplifying Cellular Data
If you do not want to get into the hassle of installing a WiFi extender, you can always use your cellphone and surf the net. All you have to do is switch to a cellular plan and boost your phone’s signal with a cellular booster and get connected for as far as 8 – 10 miles from land.
Do not forget to buy a sim card that can be used outside your country or a specific area (if you are traveling internationally, like going to the Bahamas or Hawaii).
Other than switching to a cellular data plan, you can also boost your cellular signal with the use of either of the following signal boosters:
The Cell Phone Booster is the best continuous gain antenna on the market with no fine-tuning or adjustment required and all the gain you can handle.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It can also work on a multitude of bands such as Cellular, LTE, 5G, GSM, ISM, CDMA, UMTS, 2G/3G/4G/ WiFi, Homeland Security, Wi-Max, GPS, Homeland Security, Military, Satellite, Aerospace exploration, Radio Telescope, and more.
Imagine the wide range it can cover? It is made for outdoor use, so it is waterproof, and most importantly, it can provide you a reliable and strong high-speed cellular connection.
The Digital 288pw 18″ Cellular Ant 9db is suitable for many uses, such as boats, home, office applications, RVs, and many more.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This omnidirectional 9dB gain cellular antenna can transmit and receive signals from all directions. It can boost cell phone signals (810-900 MHz) and PCS (1800-1990 MHz) bands, providing maximum performance in a compact design.
It is made in the USA, tested, and assembled by hand for utmost performance, quality, and durability.
3. Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is a wireless connection with three satellite dishes – one for the internet service provider’s hub, another for space, and the other one is attached to your property or boat in particular.
Satellite internet offers services that are applicable for voice calling and messaging, HD television reception, and for web browsing. Companies have adapted some tools for moving vessels such as boats so that you can enjoy internet services anywhere at sea.
With satellite internet, you’ll have to worry about the cost of the satellite, the movement of the boat, and the distance. Satellite internet requires lesser movement to maintain the connection.
So if there is a strong wind or storm, expect a poor signal. Distance also can be a challenge because the farther you go, the more costly the satellite you’ll need. So, for a stronger and clearer signal, you need to prepare your wallet for the best satellite internet there is.
Satellite internet needs a dish for your connection on the boat. If you do not regularly go out for a boating trip, we won’t recommend getting a pricey satellite dish and subscribing to an internet service plan.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It has high-quality broadband connectivity at sea and built-in network management.
4. Portable MiFi Device
One of the easiest and cheapest ways of connecting to the internet and having a WiFi hotspot on a boat is having a portable MiFi device. This device is ideal for the frequent traveler or if you’re traveling abroad.
It’s very portable that you won’t have to mount anything, and you won’t need any cables and other equipment just to get connected. The only concern is its size – it’s very small. It’s so small that it can slip off the boat, it can get wet, and you may even misplace it – so keep a close eye on it.
We recommend these 2 portable MiFi to carry with you on your boat trip:
This GlocalMe G4 LTE Global Mobile Hotspot Wi-Fi is SIM-free global data, meaning you can still connect to the internet anywhere in the globe without needing a dual-SIM phone or a SIM card swap.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It can connect to up to 5 devices and offers 4G LTE network coverage in more than 100 countries and regions. It has an internet speed of up to 150Mbps download speed, and with 50mbps, you can enjoy watching movies and surf your social media accounts wherever you are.
The Huawei E5577Cs-321 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot offers a fast internet connection with a download speed of up to 150 Mbps 4G LTE as well as 43.2 Mbps 3G downloads.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
You can connect to up to 10 devices, and it can support multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Italian.
In places like Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, you can have a 4G or LTE connection and 3G connectivity worldwide. It has 6 working hours and up to 300 hours of standby. Also, the device is unlocked to all networks, meaning you can use the SIM card of your choice!
Conclusion – How to Get Internet on a Boat at Sea?
Hopefully, we’ve provided you enough details on how to get internet on a boat at sea. There are plenty of internet solutions while you are on a boat. So, do not worry at all about disconnecting from the internet world when you set sail.
Just remember these 4 choices on how to get internet on a boat at sea:
- WiFi extender for Marina WiFi Connection – Wave Wi-Fi EC-AP-HP High-Performance Access System – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Amplifying Cellular Data
- Satellite Internet
- Portable MiFi Device – GlocalMe G4 LTE Global Mobile Hotspot Wi-Fi – Click here to see it on Amazon
Before buying one of these internet-connected devices, remember that you have to purchase what suits your needs. Consider how often you will use the device and how much budget you have to get connected.
I hope this guide helps you narrow down the best option for staying connected at sea.
Related reading:
How to Text on a Cruise Ship for Free?
How to Get Free WiFi on a Cruise Ship?
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