WiFi Availability in the ABCs ?

[LifePart2]

We like to anchor in bays, rather than going into marinas. We have one of those booster antennas for our wifi, so if there are local hotspots available, we can usually connect to them.

The big issues is whether they are available. For example we had the devil of a time trying to connect out in Simpsons Bay, St Maarten, but had great connections in St George's, Grenada.

Can anyone tell us what availability we can find in the ABC's?

Are there free connections, either unsecured, or secured for which we can get a password from the bar (ie without being a registered hotel guest)?

If so, can you please tell me which bays and harbors we can find them?

Failing that, are there commercial services available - eg Boingo?

Any help would be appreciated, as we would like to spend a few weeks in the ABC's but do need to be able to connect.

Thanks

Noel

[YOGAO]

ABC WiFi:

A brief and incomplete overview of WiFi going from East to West. As usual, ask the other cruisers that are around for what they do.

Bonaire - No anchoring in Bonaire. It's either into a marina or a mooring ball for $10 US/day. There is both free and pay for WiFi available while you are in the mooring field, also Karel's Bar has WiFi that is password protected (secured). The free is not as reliable as the various pay services. Karel's is pretty good if you get one of the moorings close by - you have to get a drink to get the password. Some of the hotels offer pay as you go to non-guests, but they are pretty expensive.

Curacao - Essentially no free WiFi in Spanish Waters. In this main anchoring area, you buy WiFi from one of the locals who lives on his catamaran. In the capital, Willemstad, lots of the bars offer it on the "buy a drink" plan.

Aruba - Depending on where you anchor, you can get free WiFi near the airport, check with us when you get in (if we are still there!). As you work your way up towards the touristy and hotel area, you will see a variety of pay sites as well as some hotel sites where you have to be a guest.

Fair Winds,
Mike

[LifePart2]

Thanks so much, Mike, that is really helpful.

It will be a few weeks before we get there so you will probably be long gone. Oh well, next port, maybe!

Noel