Yacht Charter in Phuket

Destination Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is located in the southern area of the country. Amazing weather, welcoming people, fresh seafood, and plenty of attractions draw millions of tourists each year to spend their time on the island. Although it is infamous for its party scene, the island is also known to have a wide range of beautiful beaches and nature. Called as “pearl of the Andaman,” tourists will find an abundance of hidden white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters.

The island boasts more than 30 beaches that tourists can explore. Every beach has its own incredible scenery, different atmosphere, and facilities. All offer a cool breeze, warm water, and a lot of sunshine. Tourists can find their own definition of a good beach on the island, from beaches with wild parties to quiet ones. Come to Patong Beach for a variety of activities and nightlife or avoid the crowd and relax on Mai Khao Beach.

Take a boat ride to discover the high limestone rocks and hidden caves of Krabi and Phang Nga Bay is a popular activity. Go to Racha and Phi Phi Islands to snorkel and dive. Charter a private yacht and cruise to the Similan islands archipelago, 89km north of Phuket. Cruise further north and find the Surin islands, close to the border of Myanmar. Both will give tourists a private-island feel since the archipelagos do not have frequent visitors. Travel south from Phuket and visit Langkawi Island in Malaysia.

Main Attractions in Phuket

Phuket offers the clearest water and beautiful landscape. Tourists can charter a boat or a yacht to do any beachside activities, island hopping, and explore the marine life of the surrounding sea.

1. Koh Dok Mai is a small island with jungle on the top and the Island is a sky-high limestone rock that rises out of the sea. Take an hour boat ride from Phuket and see it up close. Dive and observe how magnificent it is beneath the water. It has a hard coral reef full of colorful sea creatures.

2. Kata Noi is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The water is very clear and blue. At each end are the rocky areas with abundant beach life. With premium visibility, tourists can snorkel and see the corals.

3. Phang Nga Bay is lined by limestone karsts, caves, and completed with sparkling emerald-green sea. Its scenic landscape made it a popular destination for sailing. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are two of the most famous spots in the bay.

4. Phi Phi Islands is an island group located around 40km from Phuket. It’s made of six islands with Phi Phi Don as the largest. The islands are magical. Most tourists come to May Bay, Khai Nok, and Pi-Leh Lagoon.

5. Similan Islands is a little archipelago that consists of 9 protected islands. The islands are covered in thick forest, picturesque white-coral sand beaches, and surrounded by the most spectacular diving site. It is a favorite destination for yachts and boats. This island can only be visited during the dry season.

Ports and Marinas in Phuket

1. Boat Lagoon, located on the East Coast of Phuket, is the island’s first marina complex. The marina offers a wide range of services such as boats repair and maintenance, a fuel dock, dry stack storage for 20 speedboats, a concrete boat ramp, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, as well as changing rooms. It’s a full resort complex equipped with a hotel, restaurants, and even weekend parties. It is also an important port for island-hopping trips.

2. Royal Phuket Marina is Thailand’s first luxury lifestyle marina with high-tech yachting infrastructure. It is situated in the center of Phuket’s seaboard. The marina has 350 berths for yachts and 400 luxury villas, penthouses, and condominiums. There are many restaurants and shops in the marina. It’s one of Asia’s premier boating hub.

3. Phuket Yacht Haven has 150 berths for vessels up to 60 meters. The marina is located at Laem Phrao and can be accessed from the east on all tides. It’s close to an international airport. Its proximity to Phang Nga Bay is a great advantage. There is a Restaurant and Bar, showers, toilet, and lockers all available at this marina.

4. Patong Bay is Phuket’s main tourist destination and the most popular anchorage on the west coast. Cruise ships can anchor and tender to the pier from November to April. This bay provides hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and all the basic needs of a yacht. Note that it’s a noisy anchorage especially around Christmas and New Year.

5. Ao Makram is located approximately 8km from Phuket Town. This is where ships usually dock for an overnight stay. The dock is available to use during summer or rainy season which lasts from May to October.

Weather and Seasons in Phuket

Phuket has a tropical climate. It’s mostly warm and humid throughout the year April to May and September to October are the hottest months. The northeast monsoon or the dry season starts in November and ends in April. The average temperature is around 30 °C. It is usually sunny and dry during this season, making it the best time for sailing. The winds are stable with speed ranging between 5 and 20 knots (1 knot is equivalent to 1.852 km/h).

May to October is the southwest monsoon (rainy season). The average temperature is between 24 °C to 32 °C.  September and October usually see heavy rains. Wind speed is 10 to 30 knots. Remember that it’s not possible to anchor on the west coast of Phuket during this season.

How to Get to Phuket

Phuket International Airport is situated north of the island, 32km from the center of Phuket Town. It serves domestic flights to other airports in Thailand such as Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Ko Samui, and Pattaya. The Airport also has an international connection with major cities in Asia and seasonal flights to Europe. To travel around the country, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways, and several other airlines are available.

Metered taxis are the best options to move around the island. It is affordable, with the average fare starts from 400 Baht. However, drivers usually charge flat rates during peak hours. Tuk-tuks or Songtaews can be more expensive than metered taxis, it is advisable to negotiate and fix the fare before taking the ride. Tourists can opt for motorbike taxis or rent motorbikes for quicker travel.

Additional Information

1. Thai is the official language. Many people in Phuket can speak English. However, it’s not as common if you travel outside of the main areas.

2. The currency in Phuket is the Thai Baht. 1 US dollar is worth around 31.79 Baht. ATMs are widely available and tourists can use credit and debit cards in most restaurants, hotels, and shops.

3. Buddhism is the main religion in Phuket, but there are many Muslims on the Island. The Island follows the lunar calendar, so religious holidays fall on different dates every year. Visakha Bucha, Queen Sirikit’s Birthday, and Constitution Day are some of the more important holidays.

4. Pad Thai Goong, Hokkien Mee, Kao Pad, and Tom Yum Goong are some of the more popular cuisines in Phuket and fresh seafood is used as the ingredients. There are many major restaurants on the island including Mor Mu Dong, Laem Hin Seafood, Piang Prai, and One Chun Restaurant.

5. Citizens of 64 countries including the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and many other European countries can enter and stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa. Passport holders of 28 countries such as China, India, and Russia needs to get a visa on arrival.