When you take your yacht to offshore or remote anchorages, cell phones usually don't work very well. That's where satellite phones come in. They are a kind of life insurance back-up that you hope you will never need. Below, we present five important aspects to consider when buying or using a satellite phone on explorer yachts.

Satellite phones are the best option to stay in touch

Satellite phones have the advantage over a VHF marine radio or personal distress beacon in that they are more versatile. They do not use ground-based cell towers, but connect directly to satellites in orbit. Once connected, a satellite phone can make and receive calls, send text messages and transmit data much like a smartphone.

Not all satellite phones are the same

Depending on where you want to travel with your yacht and what your budget is, there are several options for satellite phones. These include the providers Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya, each using their own satellite constellations.

More functions cost more

Depending on what additional features you want, the price of a satellite phone can vary. For example, devices like the Thuraya XT-PRO offer additional features such as a larger lithium-ion battery, PC compatibility, and waterproofing.

Monthly fees vary

As with a mobile phone contract, you also have to pay monthly charges for a satellite phone. However, these can vary greatly depending on which provider and which rate plan you choose.

It's important to remember that satellite phones are an essential safety tool for anyone traveling to remote areas, especially on explorer yachts. With such a phone on board, you can be sure that you will always be reachable, no matter where you are in the world.