What Is Included in a Phuket Yacht Charter?

By Phuket Thailand Travel · Local Phuket travel experts · Published August 24, 2026

Know exactly what the price buys — and what you’ll still want cash for.

What is included in a phuket yacht charter? A private charter normally includes the boat with captain and crew, fuel, round-trip hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, water toys such as SUPs and kayaks, and food and drinks on board. National-park fees, premium catering, some water toys and a crew tip are typically extra. Because the exact package varies by boat and operator, the golden rule is to get your inclusions confirmed in writing.

The standard inclusions

What almost every charter covers

A private charter is designed so you can step aboard and relax, so the core package is fairly consistent across reputable operators. Knowing it helps you compare quotes fairly — the cheapest headline price is often the one that has quietly removed something from this list.

• The boat, chartered privately for your group
• A professional 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)
• Insurance per the operator’s policy

The national park fee

The one to check carefully

Most island stops sit inside national parks, so a fee of roughly 400–500 THB per adult applies for foreign visitors, with a lower rate for Thai nationals. Some charters include it; many add it per person on the day, so a lower boat price may not be the full cost. See the national parks portal.

Ask one simple question

When you enquire, ask whether national-park fees are included in the quoted price. If not, add roughly 400–500 THB per person to compare charters on equal terms.

Included vs extra at a glance

Food and drinks in detail

What’s on board

Standard catering is usually a buffet or barbecue with fruit, soft drinks and water, served at anchor in a quiet bay. Luxury charters can upgrade to a private chef and a set menu. Alcohol is sometimes included as a welcome drink and otherwise offered as a package — worth clarifying. Always flag allergies and dietary needs when you book so the crew can cater for them.

Transfers and pickup zones

Standard zones and surcharges

Round-trip transfers are included from the main areas — Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong, Kamala, Bang Tao, Rawai and Phuket Town among them — while hotels further out, such as those near Mai Khao or Nai Yang, may carry a small surcharge for the extra distance to the marina. Give your hotel name when you enquire so this is settled up front rather than on the morning of the charter.

What’s genuinely not included

The exclusions to plan for

• National-park fees, where not bundled in
• Premium catering or a private chef
• Certain water toys such as jet skis and seabobs
• Alcohol beyond any included welcome drink
• A crew tip — customary and discretionary
• Personal travel insurance (the boat’s cover is not the same thing)

Bring some cash for extras and anything not pre-paid, as not every vendor at island stops takes cards.

Questions to ask before booking

Five questions settle almost everything:

• Are national-park fees included in this price?
• Is my hotel inside the standard transfer zone?
• What food and drinks are included, and can you cater to dietary needs?
• Which water toys are included, and which cost extra?
• What happens if the weather is too rough on my date?

A TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294) will answer these in writing. See prices in our cost guide, or browse yacht charters.

Why written inclusions matter

1. They let you compare quotes on equal terms
2. They prevent day-of surprises over park fees or transfers
3. They confirm catering and dietary arrangements
4. They set clear expectations on water toys and extras
5. They document the weather and cancellation policy

When you’re ready, ask us for a written quote with everything itemised.

Frequently asked questions