Private yacht hire in Phuket — sailing yachts, motor yachts, and catamarans. Choose your destination, set your pace, and spend the day on the Andaman Sea without sharing it with strangers.
Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's most active charter markets. The fleet available here is broad — from compact sailing monohulls to large luxury motor yachts — and most of it operates out of three main marinas: Ao Po Grand Marina on the northeast coast, Royal Phuket Marina in Koh Kaew, and Yacht Haven Marina near Cape Yamu.
Monohull sailing yachts in the 38–55ft range are the classic choice for couples, small families, and anyone who wants an authentic sailing experience. These boats heel (lean) as they sail, which some guests love and others find unsettling. Under sail, you get the peace of having the engine off — just wind and water. Most sailing yachts in Phuket carry 6–10 passengers comfortably. They are not the fastest option, but they offer something the others do not: the experience of actually sailing.
Catamarans have become the dominant choice in Phuket for good reason. The twin-hull design eliminates nearly all rolling, making them the most stable option on the water. They have more deck space, more interior volume, and shallower draft — which means they can anchor closer to beaches. A 45–55ft catamaran can comfortably carry 10–16 passengers. They sail and motor, giving the captain flexibility depending on the day's wind and destination. For families, groups, and anyone with seasickness concerns, a catamaran is almost always the right call.
Motor yachts — typically 40–70ft — trade the sailing experience for speed and luxury. They travel at 18–25 knots compared to a catamaran's 8–10 knots, which means Phi Phi is 90 minutes away rather than 2.5 hours. They typically have multiple decks, air-conditioned saloon areas, full galleys, and larger cabins for overnight use. For client entertainment, overnight trips, or groups that want to cover significant distance in a day, a motor yacht earns its premium.
A common question. The honest answer is that it depends what you want from the day.
A speedboat (6–10 metre fibreglass dayboat) gets you places fast and costs less. A 4-island itinerary that would take a catamaran a full day can be done in half a day by speedboat. The tradeoff is comfort: no shade except a canvas bimini, no toilet on most smaller models, more engine noise, and a rougher ride on choppier days.
A yacht charter — whether sailing or motor — is about the quality of time on the water, not just the destinations. You have space, shade, a proper toilet, somewhere to sit comfortably for lunch, and the ability to anchor somewhere beautiful and just stay there. If your group includes children, older guests, or anyone who wants to relax rather than race between islands, a yacht is the better investment.
Most full-day yacht charters run 8–10 hours from marina departure to return. A typical day might look like this:
The exact itinerary flexes based on your preferences. If you want to spend the whole day at one anchor point rather than moving, that is equally valid — it is your boat.
Charter prices vary significantly by boat type, size, and season. As a general guide:
These figures are for the boat — the per-person cost drops sharply as the group gets larger. A catamaran at 50,000 THB carrying 10 guests is 5,000 THB per person — comparable to a mid-range group tour but with exclusive use of the vessel. National park fees (where applicable), additional catering, and fuel surcharges may be added separately. See our full price guide for current rates.
The process is straightforward. Contact us with your dates, group size, and preferred destinations. We match you to the right boat from our fleet, confirm availability, and send a quote. A 50% deposit secures the booking; the balance is paid before departure. Most charters require guests to sign a brief terms form covering safety guidelines and liability.
We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance during high season (November–April). For specific dates around Christmas and New Year, 2–3 months ahead is realistic given demand. In low season (May–October), shorter notice is usually fine, though weather windows need to be factored in.
During high season (November to April), 2–3 weeks minimum is advisable for standard dates. For Christmas week, New Year, and Chinese New Year, the best boats are booked 2–3 months out. In low season, a week's notice is often sufficient, though some boats reduce availability during the roughest monsoon months.
For most guests with no sailing experience, a catamaran is more comfortable. It sits flat on the water, does not heel, and has more stable, open deck space. A monohull sailing yacht offers a more traditional experience but moves more in any kind of chop. If sailing itself is part of what you want to experience, a monohull is worth it; if you want a relaxed day on the water, a catamaran is the safer choice.
Yes. Multi-day charters are available on motor yachts and larger catamarans with sleeping cabins. An overnight charter is the best way to reach the Similan Islands (north of Phuket, best accessed by liveaboard), the Surin Islands, or to spend two days exploring the Phi Phi archipelago properly. Prices are quoted as a daily rate; overnight trips typically require 2 nights minimum. Provisioning (food, drinks) is arranged separately or included as an add-on.
Yes, and children are well catered for. Life jackets in child sizes are carried on all licensed charter vessels. The crew are used to family groups. A catamaran is the best choice for families — the wide, stable deck and low stern platform make it much easier for children to get in and out of the water. Children count toward the total passenger number. Infants under 2 typically travel free on most charters.
November through April is peak season — the northeast monsoon brings dry, settled weather to the Andaman coast, with consistent winds and clear water. December to March offers the best conditions overall. May to October is the southwest monsoon season; weather is more variable but the Andaman can still be perfectly navigable, particularly June to August. Operators monitor forecasts closely and will not depart in unsafe conditions.
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