The Best Boat Rentals in Phuket

Private speedboats for day trips typically run from about 25,000–45,000 THB for 6–8 hours, depending on size, season, and route. Sailing catamarans and mid-size motor yachts commonly range from roughly 35,000–120,000 THB per day, while luxury yachts and superyachts can exceed 200,000 THB daily. Most day charters include a licensed captain and crew, fuel for standard itineraries, drinking water and soft drinks, ice, and snorkel gear. Hotel transfers are often available, and lunch is either pre-arranged or paid at a beach restaurant. Expect to pay national park entry fees separately (commonly about 300–400 THB per adult, half for children), and note that premium itineraries, overtime, and specialty water toys are extra.

You’ll find fast, comfortable speedboats for zipping between highlights, spacious sailing catamarans ideal for groups and smooth cruising, and motor yachts for extra comfort and onboard amenities. Traditional Thai longtail boats also operate closer to shore for short hops and photos. Choose speedboats for hitting multiple islands in one day, catamarans for relaxed, social itineraries, and motor yachts for upscale celebrations or longer-range cruising.

No license is needed when you book a captained charter, which is the norm for day trips in Phuket. Self-operated options are limited; to drive yourself you’ll need recognized qualifications and operator approval, and commercial vessels must be run by licensed Thai captains. Bareboat sailing charters exist for multi-day trips, but operators will ask for proof of experience and relevant certifications before releasing a yacht without a skipper.

The busiest departure point for day tours to Coral and the Racha Islands is Chalong Pier on the south coast. Many private charters to Phang Nga Bay and the Khai or Hong islands leave from east-coast marinas such as Ao Po Grand Marina, Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven, and Phuket Boat Lagoon. Ferries and some speedboats to Phi Phi commonly run from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town. Your pickup and route usually determine the most convenient pier.

Classic itineraries include Phang Nga Bay’s towering limestone karsts, sea caves, and hidden “hongs,” with a photo stop at the famous James Bond Island. Clear-water snorkeling is best around the Racha Islands and Coral Island, while the Khai Islands offer easy beach time. Trips toward Phi Phi take in dramatic cliffs, emerald lagoons, and white-sand beaches. Around Maiton Island, lucky crews sometimes spot wild dolphins, and sunset cruises often pass iconic viewpoints like Promthep Cape.

Yes—families charter boats here every day. Vessels carry life jackets for all passengers, including child sizes, and crews provide safety briefings before departure. Infants and very young children should wear properly fitted vests whenever on deck, and many captains may advise against high-speed runs or open-ocean legs in choppy conditions. If anyone in your group is pregnant or has mobility concerns, let the captain know so they can tailor a calm, sheltered route.

Most Phuket charters allow BYO snacks and beverages, and many include water, soft drinks, and ice. You can pre-order picnic sets or plan a stop at a beach restaurant for lunch. Alcohol is generally permitted in moderation; glass is discouraged while the boat is underway, and red wine may be restricted on some decks. If you have dietary preferences or want a cake for a celebration, just share the details during booking so the crew can arrange it.

Pet policies vary by vessel. Some boats accept small, well-behaved dogs with prior approval and a cleaning fee; others do not allow pets due to upholstery, safety, or national park rules. If you’re hoping to bring a pet, ask early, confirm the route avoids restricted beaches, and plan for shade, water, and non-slip paws on hot decks.

Your captain monitors sea conditions and local marine advisories and may adjust the itinerary to sheltered bays or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. During the southwest monsoon (roughly May through October), seas can be choppier on open routes, while Phang Nga Bay often remains more protected. Each listing on Getmyboat has its own cancellation policy; many owners offer flexible rescheduling or refunds for official weather-related cancellations. If conditions are safe but not perfectly sunny, trips typically proceed with a revised route to keep everyone comfortable.

Absolutely. Crews in Phuket handle special occasions every week and can help with decorations, playlists, photographer recommendations, and timing a private cove or sunset view. Share your headcount, cake or catering needs, and preferred vibe—lively or low-key—and they’ll suggest the right boat and departure time. For larger groups, catamarans are the most social layout, and starting early helps you enjoy popular lagoons before the day crowds arrive.

The calmest boating conditions are typically from November through April, with December–March the prime months for clear skies and smooth seas. May–October is the green (monsoon) season, bringing more wind and showers; captains often favor sheltered Phang Nga Bay then. Phuket doesn’t observe U.S. boating holidays, but demand spikes over Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year (late January or February), and Songkran (April 13–15). Weekdays are quieter on the water than weekends, and morning departures are best for calmer seas and fewer crowds. Note that Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands usually closes for conservation from August 1 to September 30, and the Similan Islands close mid-May to mid-October each year.

For most visitors, a captained charter is the easiest and safest choice—crews know local tides, safe passages, and how to time stops to avoid crowds. Self-drive options are limited and require experience and qualifications that meet the operator’s insurance. If you’re an experienced sailor planning a multi-day cruise, bareboat yachts are available with proof of competence; otherwise, adding a skipper lets you relax and focus on the fun.

From Phuket you can comfortably combine Phang Nga Bay sites (sea caves, Hong lagoons, James Bond Island) or pair Coral Island with the Racha Islands for snorkeling. Phi Phi is also doable on a full-day charter with an early start; your captain will sequence lagoons and beaches to dodge peak hour crowds. The Similan Islands are farther and typically visited in season on dedicated trips from the Khao Lak area rather than as a standard Phuket day charter. Share your group’s priorities—snorkeling, sightseeing, or a long lunch—and your captain will match the route to sea conditions and timing.

The Similan Islands are a spectacular marine park north of Phuket that opens roughly mid-October to mid-May and closes during the monsoon for conservation. While private options from Phuket exist, most travelers join trips from Khao Lak for shorter run times and calmer early starts. If Similan is on your wish list between October and May, book well ahead during peak months and remember you’ll also need to budget for national park entry fees in addition to the charter.