Pattaya Guide: Yacht Charter in Pattaya

Just two hours from Bangkok, Pattaya has become a rising star for yacht charters in the Gulf of Thailand. This coastal city blends urban energy with easy access to more than a dozen tropical islands, white-sand beaches, and colourful coral reefs – all within short cruising distances. A yacht charter Pattaya experience delivers the convenience of proximity to Thailand’s capital with the escapism of island-hopping in the Gulf.

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Koh Larn, a weekend island-hopping adventure, or a multi-day voyage to Koh Samet, Pattaya’s yacht charter scene caters to all preferences. From speedboat rentals and party boats to fully crewed luxury motor yachts and superyachts, Boatcrowd connects you with the right vessel and crew for an unforgettable Gulf experience.

Why Charter a Yacht in Pattaya

Proximity to Bangkok

Pattaya’s location makes it the most accessible yacht charter destination in Thailand. Visitors from the capital can be on the water within hours, making it ideal for weekend getaways, celebrations, and time-limited travellers. International visitors flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport can be at Pattaya’s Ocean Marina in under two hours.

Island-Hopping Paradise

The Gulf waters off Pattaya hide a constellation of islands. From the popular Koh Larn just 15 minutes away to the pristine Koh Phai, Koh Rin, and Koh Khram further out, each island offers a distinct personality – from lively beach scenes to utterly deserted shores. The nearest island (Koh Sak) is just 10 minutes from the marina, while the farthest popular destination (Koh Samet) is reachable in a comfortable half-day cruise.

Diverse Experiences

Pattaya caters to every type of traveller. Families love the calm waters and wildlife encounters at Monkey Island. Divers explore the varied marine life around the Near and Far Islands. Party groups enjoy onboard celebrations with the city’s skyline as a backdrop. Luxury seekers find five-star comfort aboard modern crewed motor yachts and superyachts with jacuzzis, sun pads, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

World-Class Marina Facilities

Pattaya’s Ocean Marina Yacht Club boasts 450+ berths and holds the title of Southeast Asia’s largest marina, providing full-service facilities for yachts of all sizes. This established infrastructure makes boat rental in Pattaya seamless, from provisioning to VIP transfers.

Key Islands Near Pattaya

• Koh Larn (Coral Island) – Pattaya’s signature island getaway. White-sand beaches, vibrant coral, water sports, and five main beaches plus secluded coves. Just 15–20 minutes from the city.
• Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) – Navy-protected pristine beauty with powdery white sand, turquoise water, and no hotels. Excellent snorkelling and total tranquillity. About 20–30 minutes from Pattaya.
• Koh Rin – Crystal-clear waters and extraordinary coral reefs. Best snorkelling and diving near Pattaya with excellent visibility and diverse marine life including clownfish, angelfish, and occasional sea turtles.
• Koh Khram Yai – The largest island in the Pattaya area, protected by the Royal Thai Navy. Untouched beaches, a sea-turtle conservation area, and zero development. A slice of old Thailand.
• Koh Ped (Monkey Island) – A unique wildlife encounter where wild macaques swim out to greet boats. A fun, brief stop especially popular with families and kids.
• Koh Samet – About 85 km south, within Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park. Beautiful beaches, walking trails, and a vibrant beachside atmosphere. Ideal for overnight charters.
• Koh Sichang – 20 miles north of Pattaya with Chinese-style temples and a former royal retreat. Best explored by bicycle.
• Koh Sak – The nearest island, just 10 minutes from Pattaya. A relaxed vibe with calm waters for snorkelling.

Best Time to Charter in Pattaya

Cool Season: November to February

The most popular charter window with balmy temperatures (mid-70s to mid-80s °F), minimal rainfall, and calm, clear seas. Peak tourism period – book early. November to February also features northeast winds favoured by sailing enthusiasts.

Hot Season: March to May

Higher temperatures but relatively calm seas. Quieter than peak season with the bonus of Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations in April. Air-conditioned yacht interiors and onboard pools provide midday comfort. March to May is actually the hottest and driest period in Pattaya – ideal for calm-sea boating when the water is smooth and the weather is constant.

Monsoon Season: June to October

Frequent tropical showers and unpredictable sea conditions. Generally not advisable for yachting, though off-season charters offer empty islands and dramatic skies for the adventurous.

Pattaya Yacht Types and Pricing

• Speedboats – From approximately $650 for a half-day, $1,200 for a full day. Ideal for quick island hops to Koh Larn or Koh Sak. Join-in tours from about $100 per person.
• Crewed Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – Full luxury with professional crew, gourmet dining, water toys, and air-conditioned cabins.
• Superyachts (100’+) – The ultimate floating resort with jacuzzis, entertainment systems, sun pads, and VIP-level service.
• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Stable, spacious, and family-friendly with wide decks and shallow draft for tucking into Pattaya’s island coves.
• Party Boats – Perfect for bachelor/hen parties and group celebrations with live entertainment, beverages, and water sports.

Diving Near Pattaya

Pattaya’s dive sites are divided into two categories. The Near Islands (Koh Larn, Koh Sak, Koh Krok) offer 16–50 feet of visibility and are excellent for novice divers. The Far Islands (Koh Rin, Koh Man Wichai, and others) feature vertical walls, better visibility, and encounters with sharks, moray eels, barracuda, stingrays, and hawksbill sea turtles. A dedicated dive boat rental in Pattaya with a guide is recommended for the Far Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions: Yacht Charter Pattaya

How far are the islands from Pattaya?

The nearest islands are very close: Koh Sak is just 10 minutes by speedboat and Koh Larn is 15–20 minutes. Koh Phai and Koh Rin are 20–45 minutes. The farthest popular destination, Koh Samet, is about 2–3 hours by motor yacht. This compact geography makes Pattaya ideal for day charters and weekend trips.

How much is a speed boat rental in Pattaya?

A half-day speedboat rental in Pattaya starts from around $650, while a full-day boat rental costs approximately $1,200. Speedboat join-in tours are available from about $100 per person. Two-way speedboat transfers to nearby islands like Koh Larn run approximately $175 for two people.

Is Pattaya a good yacht charter destination for families?

Yes. Pattaya offers calm Gulf waters, short island-hopping distances, and a variety of family-friendly activities including snorkelling at Koh Larn, visiting the swimming monkeys at Koh Ped, and beach time on the pristine sands of Koh Phai. Crewed yacht charters include safety equipment and experienced crew who look after children.

Can I charter a yacht in Pattaya for a party?

Absolutely. Pattaya is one of Thailand’s top party-boat destinations. Options range from dedicated party boats with DJ setups and drinks packages to luxury motor yachts for more refined celebrations. Pattaya party boats are popular for bachelor and hen parties, birthdays, and milestone celebrations.

What is the best island near Pattaya for snorkelling?

Koh Rin is widely considered the best snorkelling spot near Pattaya, with extraordinary coral reefs and crystal-clear visibility. Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) is a close second with pristine shallow reefs. Koh Larn also offers good snorkelling, particularly on its less-visited eastern bays.

Can I do an overnight yacht charter from Pattaya?

Yes. Overnight and multi-day charters are popular, allowing you to visit further destinations like Koh Samet, Koh Sichang, and Koh Kram. You sleep aboard in luxurious cabin accommodation while your crew handles anchoring, catering, and security. Multi-day charters typically visit 3–5 islands.

When is the boating season in Pattaya?

The best boating season in Pattaya runs from November to May, with the driest and calmest conditions from March to May. The wet season (June–October) brings thunderstorms and unpredictable seas and is generally not recommended for yacht charters.