You pay for the boat, not the seat — which is why the maths rewards a full group.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in phuket? As a rough guide, a half-day catamaran charter starts from around THB 15,000 per boat, a full day from roughly THB 20,000–35,000, and luxury motor yachts and superyachts run higher and are usually priced on request. The key thing to remember is that you pay per boat, not per person — so cost per head drops sharply as your group grows, and national-park fees are added separately.
The short answer
Per-boat price ranges
Charters are priced per boat, and the two biggest factors are the type of boat and how long you have it. A half-day catamaran typically starts from around THB 15,000, a full day from roughly THB 20,000–35,000, and luxury motor yachts and superyachts climb well beyond that on request. Sunset cruises, being shorter, sit at the lower end.
Why per-person cost varies so much
Because you’re renting the whole boat, the price per person depends entirely on how many of you there are. The same THB 20,000 full day is THB 4,000 each for five people or THB 2,000 each for ten — which is why charters reward families and groups.
Price ranges by boat and duration
What each boat costs
| Boat / duration | Typical price (per boat) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset cruise (~3 hrs) | From ~THB 12,000–18,000 | Couples, small groups |
| Half-day catamaran (~4 hrs) | From ~THB 15,000 | Families, budget, tight schedules |
| Full-day catamaran (~8 hrs) | ~THB 20,000–35,000 | Groups, farther islands |
| Luxury motor yacht | On request (higher) | Premium day, occasions |
| Superyacht | On request (premium) | VIP, large groups, events |
Indicative 2026 ranges; confirm current pricing when you enquire.
What drives the price
The main factors
- Boat type — catamarans are the value pick; motor yachts and superyachts cost more
- Duration — half day, full day or sunset
- Route — farther islands (Phi Phi) use more fuel than nearby ones (Coral)
- Season — high season (Nov–Apr) can price higher than green season
- Catering — a buffet is standard; a private chef is a premium upgrade
- Group size — doesn’t change the boat price, but changes cost per person
Extras to budget for
Beyond the boat price
A per-boat quote usually covers crew, fuel, transfers, snorkel gear and basic catering, but a few things are commonly added:
- National-park fees — roughly 400–500 THB per person for island stops
- Premium catering or a private chef
- Some water toys (jet skis, seabobs) on certain boats
- Alcohol packages beyond included soft drinks
- Crew tip — customary and discretionary
For the full picture of what is and isn’t covered, see our what is included guide.
Is a charter good value?
When it beats a shared tour
For a couple, a shared speedboat tour is cheaper. But once you’re a family or a group, the maths shifts: split across a full boat, a private charter can match or beat per-seat tour prices while giving you the whole boat, your own route and no crowds. The break-even is usually somewhere around six to eight people, depending on the boat. Compare in our catamaran vs yacht guide and the speedboat charter page.
How to get an accurate quote
- Tell the operator your date, group size and preferred route
- Specify half day, full day or sunset
- Ask whether national-park fees are included or added
- Confirm catering and any water-toy extras
- Request the all-in total in writing before paying a deposit
Want a figure for your group? Ask us for a quote or browse yacht charters.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Fill the boat — more people means less per head
- Choose a catamaran over a motor yacht for the best value
- Travel in green season for lower rates (accepting more variable weather)
- Pick nearby islands (Coral, Racha) to save fuel over a Phi Phi run
- Confirm the all-in price so park fees don’t surprise you
For seasonal timing, see our note on the best months in the day-charter overview. General park-fee info is on the national parks portal.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Phuket?
As a guide, a half-day catamaran starts from around THB 15,000 per boat, a full day from roughly THB 20,000–35,000, and luxury yachts and superyachts run higher on request. You pay per boat, not per person.
Is a yacht charter priced per person or per boat?
Per boat. That means the price per person depends on your group size — a THB 20,000 full day is THB 4,000 each for five people or THB 2,000 each for ten — so charters reward families and groups.
What extra costs should I budget for?
National-park fees of roughly 400–500 THB per person on island stops, plus optional extras like premium catering or a private chef, some water toys, alcohol packages, and a discretionary crew tip.
Why are some charters so much more expensive?
Boat type and duration drive most of it — a standard catamaran costs far less than a luxury motor yacht or superyacht, and a full day costs more than a half day. Route, season and catering also matter.
Is a charter cheaper than a shared tour?
For a couple, a shared speedboat tour is cheaper. For families and groups, splitting a private boat can match or beat per-seat tour prices, usually breaking even around six to eight people.
How do I get an accurate charter quote?
Give the operator your date, group size, route and duration, and ask whether national-park fees and catering are included. Request the all-in total in writing before paying a deposit.
Charter with confidence
Yacht and catamaran charters are marine activities, and itineraries can change with tides, wind and sea conditions. Departures may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety when the weather turns. For a smooth day on the water, book with a TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294), confirm the boat, route, crew and inclusions in writing, and reconfirm current prices and availability at the time of booking. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and note that national-park fees may apply on island stops.
Charter your yacht with Phuket Thailand Travel
Phuket Thailand Travel is operated by True Design Holidays Co., Ltd., a TAT-licensed travel agency (License No. 34/02294) based in Kathu, Phuket, with more than 15 years of experience arranging private yacht and catamaran charters across the Andaman.
- Address: 113/297, Soi 10, M A, 7 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu, Phuket 83120
- Phone: +66 (0) 96 469 0456 · WhatsApp · LINE
- Yacht charters: view yacht charters & enquire or contact our team