No strangers, no fixed schedule, no waiting for the group — that’s what you’re actually buying.
Booking a private yacht Phuket charter means the entire boat and its crew are yours alone — no shared seats, no fixed group timetable, and no waiting for other passengers. In practice you’re buying three things: privacy, control over the itinerary, and the ability to reach popular sights at quieter times. Private charters start from around 15,000 THB per boat for a half day and 20,000–35,000 THB for a full day, and because pricing is per boat rather than per person, they become progressively better value as your group grows.
What ‘private’ actually gets you
Three concrete advantages
Private charter is often sold on luxury, but the real benefits are practical. First, exclusivity: only your group is aboard. Second, control: you choose the route, how long to linger at each stop and when to return, guided by the captain on conditions. Third — and most underrated — timing: you can leave at first light and reach places like Maya Bay in a quieter national-park slot instead of arriving with the mid-morning fleet.
What it doesn’t mean
Private doesn’t mean you’re driving. Nearly all Phuket charters are crewed, with a captain and crew handling navigation, safety, mooring and catering — so no licence or experience is required. It also doesn’t mean unlimited freedom: national-park rules, tides and weather still apply, and the captain has final say.
Private vs shared: the honest maths
Where the break-even sits
| Group size | Private full day (~30,000 THB) | Shared tour (~1,900 THB pp) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 15,000 THB each | 3,800 THB total |
| 6 people | 5,000 THB each | 11,400 THB total |
| 10 people | 3,000 THB each | 19,000 THB total |
| 16 people | 1,875 THB each | 30,400 THB total |
Illustrative only. Private becomes competitive from roughly 6–8 people upward.
For a couple, a shared tour is far cheaper and there’s no getting around it. From around six to eight people the gap narrows sharply, and beyond that a private charter can cost the same or less per head while giving you the whole boat.
Boat options
What you can charter privately
- Catamaran — the popular all-rounder; stable, spacious, sociable
- Motor yacht — faster and more upscale; good for couples and occasions
- Sailing yacht — quieter and more traditional, at a gentler pace
- Superyacht — premium and on request, for VIP groups
- Speedboat charter — a cheaper private option if you want speed over space
For the speedboat alternative, see the speedboat charter page; for boat-type detail, our catamaran vs yacht comparison.
What a private day looks like
A representative full day
- ~08:00 — hotel pickup and transfer to the marina
- ~08:30 — board, briefing, depart ahead of the group boats
- Morning — first island and snorkelling in relative quiet
- Midday — lunch on board, anchored in a sheltered bay
- Afternoon — second island, swimming and water toys
- ~16:30 — return to the marina and hotel drop-off
The full-day charter guide covers itineraries in more depth.
Who books private
Typical groups
- Families — own schedule, stable catamaran, shallow islands for kids
- Groups of friends — best per-person value on a full boat
- Couples marking an occasion — proposals, anniversaries, honeymoons
- Photographers — early light and empty beaches
- Corporate groups — incentives and client entertaining
- Crowd-averse travellers — the main reason people upgrade
Costs and what’s included
Per-boat pricing
Private charters start from around 15,000 THB per boat for a half day, 20,000–35,000 THB for a full day, and 12,000–18,000 THB for a sunset cruise, with luxury boats and superyachts quoted on request. Standard inclusions are the boat with captain and crew, fuel, hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, water toys and food and drinks. National-park fees are typically added per person. Full detail in our cost guide and inclusions guide.
Where you can go privately
Route options
A half day reaches Coral (Koh Hey), Racha, Maiton and nearby bays. A full day opens up Phi Phi and Maya Bay, or Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island, sea caves and hongs. Sunset charters run the south coast toward Promthep Cape. Overnight charters extend further, including seasonally to the Similans. The captain will steer you toward what suits the day’s conditions — see sunset cruises and Phi Phi charters.
Booking a private yacht
What to settle before paying
- Duration and boat type matched to your group
- Licensed capacity confirmed for your headcount
- Route agreed with the captain for the season
- All-in price including or excluding park fees, in writing
- TAT licence, deposit terms and weather policy confirmed
Browse private yacht charters or send us your dates and group size.
Frequently asked questions
What does booking a private yacht in Phuket include?
The entire boat and crew exclusively for your group, plus fuel, hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, water toys and food and drinks. National-park fees are usually added per person at island stops.
How much is a private yacht in Phuket?
From around 15,000 THB per boat for a half day, 20,000–35,000 THB for a full day, and 12,000–18,000 THB for a sunset cruise. Luxury yachts and superyachts are quoted on request.
Is a private yacht worth it compared with a shared tour?
For a couple, a shared tour is much cheaper. From around six to eight people the per-head cost narrows sharply, and for larger groups a private charter can match or beat shared pricing while giving you the whole boat.
Do you need a licence for a private yacht charter?
No. Almost all private charters in Phuket are crewed, so a captain and crew handle navigation, safety and catering. No boating licence or experience is required unless you specifically book a bareboat charter.
What’s the main advantage of going private?
Control over timing. Beyond having the boat to yourselves, you can depart early and reach popular sights like Maya Bay in quieter national-park time slots rather than arriving with the mid-morning group boats.
Where can you go on a private yacht from Phuket?
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; sunset charters run the south coast toward Promthep Cape.
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