Your own boat, your own route, your own pace — the Andaman on your terms.
A Phuket yacht charter means hiring an entire boat with captain and crew exclusively for your group, then choosing your own islands, timing and pace. Charters run as half-day (~4 hours), full-day (~8 hours), sunset (~3 hours) or overnight trips, departing from east-coast marinas including Ao Po Grand, Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven and Boat Lagoon. Prices start from around 15,000 THB per boat for a half-day catamaran, and because you pay per boat rather than per seat, larger groups get better value.
What a Phuket yacht charter involves
The whole boat, exclusively yours
Chartering means you hire the entire vessel and its crew for your group — no strangers aboard and no fixed group schedule. You decide where to go, how long to stay at each stop and when to head back, guided by the captain on weather, tides and national-park rules. That flexibility is the core difference from a shared tour, and it’s why charters suit families, groups and celebrations.
Crewed as standard, no licence required
Nearly all Phuket charters are crewed: a captain and crew handle navigation, safety, mooring and catering while you relax. You need no boating qualification or experience whatsoever. Self-skippered bareboat charters exist but are uncommon and require a licence — more in our crewed charter guide.
Boat types available
Catamaran, motor yacht, sailing yacht or superyacht
| Boat | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing / power catamaran | Stable, spacious, social | Families and groups — the popular all-rounder |
| Motor yacht | Fast, upscale, longer range | Couples, occasions, distant islands |
| Sailing yacht | Quiet, traditional, slower | Sailing enthusiasts, relaxed cruising |
| Superyacht | Premium, on request | VIP groups and events |
Catamarans dominate day charters for their stability and deck space.
Unsure which to pick? Our catamaran vs yacht comparison breaks it down in detail.
Charter durations
How long to book
| Option | Duration | Typical reach |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset cruise | ~3 hours | South coast, Promthep Cape |
| Half day | ~4 hours | Coral, Racha, nearby bays |
| Full day | ~8 hours | Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Maiton |
| Overnight / multi-day | 1+ nights | Phi Phi, Phang Nga, seasonal Similan |
Full days offer the best value per hour and the widest island choice.
See the full-day charter guide, the half-day guide or our sunset cruise verdict.
Where charters depart from
Phuket’s marinas
Most charters leave from the east-coast marinas — Ao Po Grand Marina, Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven and Boat Lagoon — which give the fastest access to Phang Nga Bay and the eastern islands. Sunset cruises often depart from Chalong or the south coast. Your hotel location can influence which marina and boat make most sense, so mention it when you enquire so transfers are planned properly.
Popular charter routes
Where to go
- Coral (Koh Hey) & Racha — close, clear water, easy snorkelling
- Maiton Island — quiet beaches, relaxed half or full day
- Phi Phi & Maya Bay — iconic scenery, a full-day trip
- Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island — sheltered water, sea caves and karsts
- Khai and Bamboo Islands — shallow swimming stops
- South-coast sunset — Promthep Cape at golden hour
For the Phi Phi run specifically, see chartering to Phi Phi, or the James Bond Island page.
What it costs
Per boat, not per person
Half-day catamaran charters generally start from around 15,000 THB per boat, full days from roughly 20,000–35,000 THB, and sunset cruises from about 12,000–18,000 THB. Luxury motor yachts and superyachts are higher and usually quoted on request. Since pricing is per boat, the per-person cost falls sharply as your group grows — full detail in our charter cost guide.
What’s included
Typical inclusions
- The boat with captain and crew
- Fuel for the agreed route
- Round-trip hotel transfers within standard zones
- Snorkelling gear and life jackets
- Water toys such as SUPs and kayaks (boat dependent)
- Food and drinks on board; lunch on full days
National-park fees are usually added per person at island stops. See our what is included guide for the full checklist.
Best time to charter
Season matters
November to April is the calm, clear high season and the best window for a day on the water, with December to March the prime months. Green-season charters from May to October are cheaper and quieter but more weather-dependent; sheltered Phang Nga Bay is often the smarter route on breezier days. Whatever the season, book a licensed operator with a clear weather policy.
Booking checklist
Five things to settle
- Duration: half day, full day, sunset or overnight
- Boat type matched to your group size and priorities
- A route the crew confirms suits the season
- Inclusions and the all-in price in writing
- TAT licence, deposit terms and weather policy confirmed
Browse our yacht charters or tell us your dates and group size for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Phuket yacht charter include?
Typically the boat with captain and crew, fuel, hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, water toys such as SUPs and kayaks, and food and drinks on board with lunch on full days. National-park fees are usually added per person.
How much is a Phuket yacht charter?
Half-day catamarans start from around 15,000 THB per boat, full days from roughly 20,000–35,000 THB, and sunset cruises from about 12,000–18,000 THB. Luxury yachts and superyachts are higher and quoted on request.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Phuket?
No. Almost all Phuket charters are crewed, so a captain and crew handle everything and no licence or experience is needed. A licence only applies to self-skippered bareboat charters, which are uncommon.
Where do Phuket yacht charters depart from?
Mainly the east-coast marinas — Ao Po Grand Marina, Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven and Boat Lagoon — which give the quickest access to Phang Nga Bay and the eastern islands. Sunset cruises often leave from Chalong.
Which islands can you visit on a charter?
Half days reach Coral (Koh Hey), Racha and Maiton; full days reach Phi Phi and Maya Bay or Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island. Overnight charters can extend to seasonal destinations like the Similans.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Phuket?
November to April brings the calmest seas and clearest water, with December to March the prime months. Green season from May to October is cheaper and quieter but more weather-dependent.
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. 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
- Next step: view yacht charters & enquire or contact our team