Starlink on Yachts

(As of January 2026)

Anyone considering the possibilities of connecting their yacht to the internet has had a new option for several years: Starlink.

A fast internet or telephone connection at “affordable prices” was previously only possible for private users to a very limited extent via Iridium, Inmarsat or Thuraya. All three alternatives have significant limitations compared to Starlink and will not be discussed further here.
If you are interested in these systems as a backup, I recommend contacting Matthias Cramer. His company is a specialist for satellite communication in Germany and offers truly well-founded advice.

Facts

Starlink is a satellite network operated by the US space company SpaceX with currently (as of January 2026) around 9,395 satellites. Approximately 22,000 are planned. This makes Starlink by far the most extensive satellite network in the world.

The core business is providing internet connections with speeds of up to 400 Mbit/s – worldwide, including on the oceans and in remote regions. The only requirement is a clear view of the sky.

Since 2020, Starlink has offered internet access in the USA, and since 2023 worldwide (in many countries, on oceans and in remote regions). This makes Starlink ideally suited for sailors – even on long offshore passages.

Before I go into my practical experiences during two transatlantic crossings, here are some technical details.

Hardware

There are currently four different hardware options for connecting to Starlink:

1. Performance Kit (formerly Marine version)

This version is still offered as a solution for ocean voyages in conjunction with global tariffs.
Price: approx. €1,300–1,800

Tip: This version is not absolutely necessary to use Starlink on yachts.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Standard Kit with Motor

This kit automatically aligns the antenna and offers very good conditions for installation on board thanks to the stand and motor.
Price: approx. €350 (if still available)

 

 

 

 

 

3. Standard Kit without Motor

Also well suited for yachts. With appropriate accessories, it can be mounted on a stand. The lack of automatic alignment is not a real problem in practice.
Price: approx. €350

 

 

 

 

4. Starlink Mini

Significantly smaller than the other versions, no external router required and can be operated directly with 12 V. Ideal if permanent installation is out of the question or occasional connection interruptions are acceptable.
Very useful as a mobile solution for charter yachts or professional skippers and crews who frequently travel on different yachts.
Price: approx. €250

 

 

 

 

Conclusion Hardware

The optimal hardware for extreme areas is also the most expensive: Kit No. 1. If you want to sail around Cape Horn or Iceland, you should take a closer look at this kit. It is temperature-resistant from –40 to +60 °C, shock and vibration-resistant and very robust thanks to the aluminum housing.

For all other sailors, Kit 2 or 3 is perfectly adequate – even for transatlantic or Pacific crossings.

For sailors without their own yacht (charter) or professional skippers, Kit No. 4 is ideal as luggage. It is designed for 12 V as standard (pay attention to the power consumption – normal USB ports are usually not sufficient).
All other kits require 110/220 V or a corresponding conversion to 12/24 V.

Tariffs

Both the hardware and the tariffs from Starlink are (as of 01/2026) significantly cheaper for sailors than previous alternatives (e.g. Iridium GO! from approx. €980).

Travel Tariffs (as of 01/2026)

1. TRAVEL – 50 GB | €40/month

Ideal for sailors who do not leave the 12-mile zone, rarely change ports and hardly cross any national borders. Additional volume can be booked.

2. TRAVEL UNLIMITED | €89/month

The basic tariff for long-distance sailors. Unlimited data volume near the coast, additionally bookable offshore tariffs outside the 12-mile zone.

There are country-specific restrictions (e.g. prohibition of Starlink or use “in motion”). The latest information can be found on the Starlink website.
Currently, the private offshore tariff is limited to 60 days per year. Regulations are subject to change at any time.

3. Business Global Priority – 50 GB | €241/month

Actually intended for companies, this tariff offers more stable conditions for long-distance sailors. Not limited in time, additional volume can be booked (+50 GB = €96/month).
Definitely worth a look for round-the-world sailors or ARC World participants.

Conclusion Tariffs

• Travel tariff 1: sufficient for coastal sailors within a country

• Travel tariff 2: ideal for long-distance and offshore passages

• Business tariff: Option for round-the-world sailors living permanently on board

Important: Tariffs and conditions are subject to change at any time.

Practical experiences

Transatlantic 2023

In mid-2023, as skipper, I was able to check in with Starlink on board for the first time – on a Bavaria 46 Cruiser with the then marine version. The installation went smoothly, and we were online after about 10 minutes.

Initially, the yacht was in the marina of A Coruña, where Starlink did not yet offer any real added value. However, this changed abruptly on the route to Las Palmas:
In the harbor we reached up to 218 Mbit/s, offshore constantly 150–200 Mbit/s – significantly more than my DSL at home.

During the ARC 2023, we only used Iridium GO! for testing purposes. Weather data via Starlink was available in real time – a real quantum leap for routing and safety.

A learning moment: An accidentally activated offshore tariff led to high additional costs in Las Palmas. Lesson learned.

Transatlantic 2025

In 2025, a perceived 95% of yachts used Starlink – almost all with the standard version. Our standard antenna also worked absolutely reliably despite 28 kn trade winds and demanding conditions.

The continuous access to weather data was particularly valuable, especially in squall areas with winds of up to 40 kn.
Starlink once again proved to be a major safety gain.

Conclusion

Starlink on board is a massive gain in safety and comfort on offshore trips.
Of course, a piece of offline romance is lost – but I no longer want to miss the added safety provided by unlimited, up-to-date weather information.

Starlink on yachts offers an innovative solution for reliable internet connections at sea. With its advanced satellite technology, it enables users to enjoy a stable bandwidth even in remote waters. This not only promotes communication, but also access to information services and weather information. In view of the increasing demand for digital connectivity in the maritime sector, Starlink represents a valuable addition to modern yachts.

Fair Winds Thomas

P.S.: Telephoning via Starlink also works without messenger apps. With activated WiFi calls on your smartphone, normal phone calls are possible.

P.P.S.: Many greetings to Michael and Martin (SY Wilma) as well as to Claudia and Michael from the catamaran Ckebulan.

Article first appeared on: skipper-service.eu