Your own boat, your own route, your own pace — the Andaman on your terms for a day.
Booking a private yacht charter phuket for a day means renting a whole boat with captain and crew just for your group, then choosing your own islands, timing and pace. Charters run half-day (~4 hours), full-day (~8 hours) or as a sunset cruise, depart from marinas like Ao Po Grand and Royal Phuket, and start from around THB 15,000 per boat for a small catamaran — so the more people you bring, the better the value.
What a private yacht charter for a day means
A whole boat, just for you
A private charter means you hire the entire boat and its crew exclusively for your group — no strangers, no fixed group schedule. You decide where to go, how long to linger at each stop and when to head back, within the crew’s guidance on weather, tides and national-park rules. It’s the difference between a set menu and cooking your own — the flexibility is the whole point.
Crewed as standard
Almost all day charters in Phuket are crewed: a captain and crew handle the boat, navigation and catering while you relax. That also means you don’t need any boating licence or experience — a common first question we answer in our crewed charter guide.
Half day, full day or sunset
| Option | Duration | Typical reach | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half day | ~4 hours | Coral, Racha, nearby bays | Short on time, families, budget |
| Full day | ~8 hours | Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Maiton | Seeing the most, best value per hour |
| Sunset cruise | ~3 hours | South coast, Promthep Cape | Couples, groups, celebrations |
Durations are typical; exact timing depends on your route and marina.
We cover each in depth: the full-day charter, the half-day charter and whether a sunset cruise is worth it.
The boats you can charter
Catamaran, motor yacht or sailing yacht
- Sailing/power catamaran — stable, spacious, social; the most popular day charter
- Motor yacht — faster and more luxurious, with more range for distant islands
- Sailing yacht — quieter and more traditional, a gentler pace
- Superyacht — premium, on-request charters for special occasions
Not sure which suits you? Our catamaran vs yacht comparison breaks it down.
Where charters depart from
Phuket’s main marinas
Most private charters leave from 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 or the south. Your hotel’s location can influence which marina and boat make the most sense, so mention it when you enquire.
Popular day-charter routes
- Coral (Koh Hey) & Racha — close, clear water, easy snorkelling
- Maiton Island — quiet beaches, a 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
- South-coast sunset — Promthep Cape at golden hour
Chartering to the islands is very doable — see can you charter to Phi Phi and the James Bond Island page.
What’s included and what it costs
Typical inclusions
A private day charter usually includes the boat with captain and crew, fuel, hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, water toys, and food and drinks, with national-park fees often added per person on island stops. Full detail is in our what is included guide.
Price at a glance
Because you pay per boat, cost depends on the boat and duration more than headcount. Smaller catamarans start from around THB 15,000, with luxury and superyachts much higher. The per-person cost drops sharply as your group grows — see how much a yacht charter costs.
Who a private day charter suits
- Families — a stable catamaran, shallow islands and your own schedule
- Couples — a private sunset cruise or a quiet cove
- Groups of friends — best value per person on a full boat
- Celebrations — birthdays, proposals and anniversaries on the water
- Corporate groups — incentives and team days (see the incentive page)
When to go
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 (May to October) are cheaper and quieter but more weather-dependent, and Phang Nga Bay is a good sheltered choice on breezier days. Whatever the season, book a licensed operator with a clear weather policy. More on visiting Phuket.
How to book the right charter
- Decide half day, full day or sunset
- Pick a boat type to match your group and priorities
- Choose a route the crew confirms is suitable for the season
- Get inclusions and the all-in price in writing
- Book with a TAT-licensed operator and confirm the weather policy
Ready to plan? Browse our yacht charters or tell us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
What does a private yacht charter in Phuket for a day include?
Typically the boat with captain and crew, fuel, hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, water toys and food and drinks. National-park fees are often added per person on island stops. Confirm exact inclusions when you book.
How much is a private yacht charter in Phuket for a day?
Because you pay per boat, smaller catamarans start from around THB 15,000, with motor yachts and superyachts higher. The per-person cost falls as your group grows, so charters suit families and groups well.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht for a day?
No. Almost all Phuket day charters are crewed, so a captain and crew handle everything and no licence or experience is needed. A licence only matters for bareboat charters, which are far less common.
Where can you go on a one-day yacht charter from Phuket?
Close options like Coral, Racha and Maiton suit half days, while full days reach Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island. Sunset cruises head to the south coast and Promthep Cape.
Is a full day or half day better?
A full day (~8 hours) reaches farther islands and offers the best value per hour, while a half day (~4 hours) suits families, tighter budgets and travellers short on time. Sunset cruises are a shorter ~3-hour option.
When is the best time for a yacht charter in Phuket?
November to April is calmest and clearest, with December to March the prime months. Green season is cheaper and quieter but more weather-dependent; Phang Nga Bay is a good sheltered choice on breezier days.
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