Yacht WiFi in Indonesia has improved sharply since Starlink became available on boats, and a growing number of yachts on our board now carry a Starlink terminal that gives genuine internet speed even far from shore, in Komodo, Raja Ampat and the more remote crossings in between. Not every yacht has it yet, and where it is fitted it is usually charged as an extra rather than bundled into the nightly rate.
Why connectivity used to be so patchy
Before satellite internet became affordable for smaller boats, connectivity at sea relied on local mobile signal, which drops out entirely once a yacht is more than a few kilometres from a populated coastline. Komodo and Raja Ampat both include long stretches of open water and remote anchorages far from any signal, so a charter without satellite internet could mean days with no connection at all. Even a short crossing between islands could mean a full day with no way to send a message or check in with home, which some guests found freeing and others found frustrating, depending on the trip.
Yacht wifi and what Starlink changes on board
A Starlink terminal gives a yacht its own satellite internet connection, independent of local mobile networks, with speeds that can support video calls, streaming and normal browsing rather than just basic messaging. On boats that carry it, it is usually the single biggest change to how connected a charter feels compared with a few years ago. Speeds are generally good enough for a video call in calm conditions, though heavy rain or a poor satellite angle at a particular anchorage can still slow things down temporarily.
Which boats have it, and which do not
Starlink and similar satellite systems are becoming more common on larger and newer yachts in our fleet, but plenty of boats, including well-equipped ones, still rely on local SIM cards and mobile signal near the coast. Tiger Blue's rate card, for example, lists Starlink WiFi as an exclusion from the standard rate, meaning guests can typically add it for an extra charge rather than it being automatically included. If reliable internet matters to your trip, tell us when you enquire and we will check which yachts on your shortlist have it fitted. Newer builds and recent refits are the most likely to have added Starlink, since it requires a dedicated terminal and a stable power supply that older yachts sometimes need to be upgraded to support.
Working from a yacht charter
Some guests combine a charter with remote work, and Starlink has made this genuinely possible on the boats that carry it, though we would still suggest treating any work days as a backup plan rather than the main purpose of the trip. Signal and speed can vary with weather and satellite coverage, and a charter is not a substitute for a dedicated workspace if your job needs guaranteed uptime. If a work call is genuinely unmissable, it is worth planning it for a day when the boat is likely to be at anchor rather than moving between islands, since a moving vessel can affect signal stability.
Local SIM cards as a backup
Near the coast and in port towns like Labuan Bajo and Sorong, a local Indonesian SIM card with a data plan is a cheap and reliable way to stay in touch before and after your charter, and can supplement onboard WiFi if the boat's signal is patchy at a particular anchorage. It is worth buying one on arrival regardless of what connectivity your yacht has. Coverage drops away quickly once you are more than a short distance from a populated coastline, so treat a local SIM as useful for the start and end of a trip rather than throughout the whole charter. For more on preparing before you go, see what to pack for a yacht charter.
Setting expectations before you go
The most useful thing to do before a charter is ask directly what connectivity your specific yacht offers and what it costs, rather than assuming every boat has fast internet as standard. We list this in your quote, along with the other inclusions and exclusions for your chosen yacht. If connectivity is important for work or for staying in touch with family, it is worth confirming it in writing as part of your quote rather than assuming it is included.
Plan your charter
If staying connected matters to your trip, mention it when you send your dates, or check which yachts are open and ask about WiFi before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do all yachts in Indonesia have WiFi?
No. Some larger and newer yachts carry Starlink or another satellite system, but many rely on local mobile signal near the coast, which does not reach the more remote anchorages. Ask us about your specific boat if this matters.
Is Starlink WiFi included in the charter rate?
Usually not. Where a yacht carries Starlink, it is typically offered as an add-on rather than bundled into the standard nightly rate, similar to how Tiger Blue's rate card lists it as an exclusion.
Can I work remotely during a charter?
It is possible on boats with Starlink, and many guests do check emails or join calls during a trip. Treat it as a backup rather than a guarantee, since signal and speed can vary with weather and location.
Should I buy a local SIM card as well?
Yes, it is a sensible backup for before and after your charter, and useful in port towns like Labuan Bajo or Sorong where mobile coverage is reliable and cheap.