Everything you need to know about booking a private boat in Phuket. Prices, what's included, safety, cancellations, and practical details — answered plainly.
Private boat charter prices range from around 8,000 THB for a half-day speedboat to 90,000 THB or more for a full-day luxury motor yacht. The price is for the entire boat — not per person. A popular choice, a 44–50ft catamaran for a full day, typically costs 35,000–50,000 THB. Divide by your group size to get the per-person cost. National park fees, food, and alcohol are usually extra.
On a private charter, the entire boat is booked exclusively for your group — no strangers share the vessel. You control the route, the timing, and how long you spend at each location. If a beach is perfect, you stay. If it is crowded, you move. A group tour puts you on a boat with up to 40 other passengers, follows a fixed itinerary with no flexibility, and typically allocates 20–30 minutes at each stop before moving on. Private charter costs more per person for small groups but delivers an entirely different quality of experience.
The right choice depends on your priorities:
Standard inclusions on most private Phuket boat charters:
National park entry fees, food, alcohol, and watersports equipment are almost always extra. Always confirm exactly what is included when you receive your quote.
Yes. National park entry fees are charged per person and paid separately at collection points managed by the Thai Department of National Parks. They are not included in the charter price. Current rates (2024–25): Phi Phi Marine National Park 400 THB/foreign adult, Phang Nga Bay 300 THB, Mu Ko Similan 500 THB. Children pay roughly half. Your captain will advise when and where fees are collected during the trip.
Pack light and practical. Essential items:
Water and soft drinks are usually provided. Bring additional food and snacks if you want more than standard catering. Most boats have somewhere to store bags and cool food items.
Prevention is much more effective than treatment once symptoms start. Take motion sickness medication the evening before and morning of the trip — Dramamine, Bonine, or a scopolamine patch all work well. On the boat: stay on deck in fresh air, fix your gaze on the horizon, avoid reading or looking at screens, and stay near the centre of the boat where movement is least. Ginger chews or ginger capsules provide additional relief for some people. If you feel unwell, tell the crew immediately — the captain can often adjust speed or course to reduce motion. Choosing a catamaran over a monohull is the single most effective preventive measure for people who are prone to motion sickness.
If the operator cancels due to unsafe conditions (Beaufort 5+ wind or significant wave height), you are entitled to a full reschedule or refund — operators do not want to sail in genuinely dangerous conditions either. If you choose to cancel independently, standard cancellation terms apply. Most operators use a tiered policy: full deposit refund if cancelled 7+ days out, 50% refund 2–7 days out, no refund within 48 hours. Always confirm the weather cancellation terms in writing before paying the deposit. Overcast or rainy weather that is not a safety risk typically does not qualify for cancellation.
In high season (November–April), aim for 2–3 weeks minimum for standard dates. Christmas week, New Year, and Chinese New Year are extremely busy — the best boats are often booked 2–3 months out for these periods. In low season (May–October), a week's notice is usually fine. For corporate groups of 20+ or bookings requiring multiple boats, allow more lead time regardless of season. A provisional hold is usually possible while you finalise guest numbers.
Children of all ages are welcome on private boat charters. Child-size life jackets are provided on all licensed vessels. The minimum practical age is really about comfort and safety for that specific child — most families bring children from toddler age without problems. A catamaran is strongly recommended for families with young children due to its stability and the low stern platform that makes getting in and out of the water easy. Infants under 2 typically travel free. Inform the operator of the ages and number of children when booking so the crew can be prepared.
Tipping is not included in the charter price and is entirely at your discretion — but the crew genuinely appreciate it and work hard to make the day good. A practical guideline: 500–1,000 THB for the captain and 200–500 THB per additional crew member for a full-day charter, scaled to the quality of service and group size. Give cash in Thai Baht directly to the captain or crew at the end of the trip. There is no pressure and no tip tray — it is purely voluntary.
Yes. Bringing your own food and alcohol on a private charter is standard practice and welcomed by most operators. There are no restrictions on alcohol consumption on private vessels in Thai waters. You can bring beer, wine, spirits, and whatever food you prefer. Let the crew know what you are bringing so they can help with storage and ice. Some groups bring birthday cakes, champagne for celebrations, or specific dietary items — all of this is easy to accommodate with a brief heads-up. If you prefer not to organise food, the operator can arrange catering as an add-on.
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