What does it actually cost to charter a private boat in Phuket? Here are realistic price ranges for every boat type and duration, with clear notes on what is and is not included.
All prices below are in Thai Baht (THB) and represent the full boat — not per person. Divide by your group size to get the per-person cost. Prices are indicative ranges for the 2024–25 season; actual quotes may vary depending on the specific vessel, departure marina, and seasonal demand.
| Boat Type | Duration | Price (THB) | Typical Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat (6–8m) | Half day (4–5 hrs) | 8,000–14,000 | 8–10 pax |
| Speedboat (6–8m) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 14,000–24,000 | 8–10 pax |
| Speedboat (8–10m) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 22,000–35,000 | 10–15 pax |
| Catamaran (44–50ft) | Half day (5–6 hrs) | 22,000–35,000 | 10–14 pax |
| Catamaran (44–50ft) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 35,000–50,000 | 10–14 pax |
| Catamaran (52–62ft) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 48,000–70,000 | 14–20 pax |
| Sailing Yacht (38–48ft) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 25,000–40,000 | 6–10 pax |
| Motor Yacht (40–55ft) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 50,000–90,000 | 10–16 pax |
| Luxury Motor Yacht (60ft+) | Full day (8–9 hrs) | 90,000–200,000+ | 12–20 pax |
| Sunset Cruise (any type) | 2–3 hrs | 8,000–25,000 | varies |
| Fishing Charter (speedboat) | Full day (8 hrs) | 18,000–30,000 | 4–8 pax |
| Fishing Charter (larger vessel) | Full day (8 hrs) | 28,000–50,000 | 6–12 pax |
Exchange rate reference: 1,000 THB ≈ USD 27 / EUR 25 / GBP 21 (approximate, check current rates).
The following are typically included in a standard Phuket private boat charter, but always confirm your specific quote:
If your route includes any national park area, entry fees are charged per person separately from the charter price. Current rates (2024–25):
| Park | Foreign Adult | Foreign Child (under 14) | Thai Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phi Phi Marine National Park | 400 THB | 200 THB | 20 THB |
| Phang Nga Bay National Park | 300 THB | 150 THB | 20 THB |
| Mu Ko Similan | 500 THB | 300 THB | 20 THB |
| Mu Ko Surin | 500 THB | 300 THB | 20 THB |
A basic cooler with water and soft drinks is usually included. A full lunch buffet (Thai dishes, salads, fruit) typically costs an additional 350–600 THB per person depending on the level. Premium catering or a cook on board is available on larger vessels at higher cost. Bringing your own food is generally permitted.
Beer and wine are almost never included in the base charter price. Operators can arrange a drinks package (typically 500–1,500 THB per person for a selection of beers and house wine throughout the day), or you can bring your own.
Kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, and water skis are extras. A kayak or SUP paddle board add-on is typically 500–1,000 THB per session; towed watersports (wakeboard, tube) cost more and are only available from specific motor boats.
If your itinerary includes scuba diving, a dive guide and equipment rental are booked separately. Day dive trips to Racha, Phi Phi, or the Similans can be arranged in conjunction with a private boat charter.
The single biggest factor. A 6-metre speedboat and a 60ft motor yacht serve very different purposes at very different price points. Within each category, size matters — a 55ft catamaran costs 20–40% more than a 44ft catamaran for the same day.
High season (December–March) commands peak prices, particularly the Christmas/New Year period and Chinese New Year. Shoulder season (November, April) is slightly lower. Low season (May–October) can be 15–25% cheaper, though weather is a consideration. Some boats reduce their fleet availability during the worst monsoon months.
Boats based at Ao Po or Yacht Haven on the northeast coast are better positioned for Phang Nga Bay routes but further from the southern islands (Racha, Coral Island). Boats at Chalong are best positioned for south and southeast routes (Phi Phi, Racha). There may be small transit surcharges if you need a boat to reposition.
A fully catered charter with quality food, alcohol, and watersports can add 30–50% to the base boat price. Budget for these separately when comparing quotes.
Longer routes cost more, particularly for speedboats and motor yachts that consume fuel at higher rates. A round trip to the Similan Islands (160km+) will include a significant fuel surcharge for a speedboat compared to a local Phi Phi day trip.
All charter prices are per boat — the whole vessel, for your exclusive use. Divide the total by your group size to get the per-person cost. A catamaran quoted at 40,000 THB costs 4,000 THB per person for a group of 10, which is comparable to many group tours but with full privacy. Smaller groups pay more per head; this is the trade-off for exclusivity.
A quote significantly below the ranges listed here usually means one of three things: fuel is not included, the boat is smaller or older than described, or it is a shared charter (not fully private). Always confirm in writing: (1) is the boat exclusively for your group, (2) is fuel included, (3) what is the boat's licence status. Operating an unlicensed commercial charter in Thailand is illegal and creates real problems if something goes wrong.
Modest negotiation is reasonable, especially in low season, for multi-day bookings, and for repeat clients. Operators have fixed costs — fuel, crew wages, maintenance, marina fees — so deeply discounted quotes often mean corners being cut. A 5–10% discount is realistic in the right circumstances. The better strategy is to compare 2–3 quotes for similar boats rather than negotiating a single operator down.
Standard practice is 50% deposit at booking to secure the boat, with the balance due 48–72 hours before departure or on the day of the charter. Bank transfer is the most common payment method. Credit card payment is available through some operators, sometimes with a 3–4% processing fee. Always get the payment details and booking confirmation in writing before transferring any money.
Tipping is not included in the charter price and is entirely discretionary — but it is genuinely appreciated by the crew. A reasonable guideline is 500–1,000 THB per day for the captain and 200–500 THB per additional crew member, depending on the level of service and size of your group. Cash in Thai Baht, given directly to the crew at the end of the day, is the standard approach.
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