Yacht charter in Phuket 2026: motorboat, sailboat or catamaran — how to choose
A guide to chartering a yacht in Phuket: day boat vs sailing yacht vs catamaran, what is included in the price, which islands you can reach, and how not to overpay.
Updated: 2026-08-18 · 8 min read · AURA Phuket
Phuket is ringed by dozens of islands, and the best way to see them is from the water. Here is how a motorboat differs from a sailing yacht and a catamaran, what a charter price already includes, and how to pick the right format for your group.
Key facts
- An hourly or day charter on a motorboat is the most flexible format for a group of up to 10.
- A catamaran is more stable than a sailing yacht and suits guests prone to seasickness.
- The charter price usually already includes the captain, fuel within the route, and basic snorkelling gear.
- Crew and fuel beyond the standard route are almost always billed separately — confirm this up front.
- For a calm sunset sail, April to October favours the east coast.
Three formats: motorboat, sailboat, catamaran
A motorboat (speedboat) gets a group to the nearest islands — Coral Island, Racha Yai — fastest, and suits a day trip built around swimming and snorkelling. A sailing yacht is the unhurried, atmospheric option: slower, but quieter and more romantic, especially at sunset. A catamaran combines capacity and stability: two hulls roll less in the swell, and there is usually more deck space for sun loungers and a table — a solid choice for a family with kids or a larger group.
What the price actually includes
A base charter almost always includes the captain, fuel for the stated route and life jackets; often a mask and snorkel too. Food, alcohol, towels and fuel beyond the route are usually billed separately — ask outright before booking, not once you are at sea. A private sea-fishing charter in the AURA catalogue, for example, starts at 16,900 ฿ — a price that already bakes in the captain and tackle, with no surprises on board.
Which islands fit in one day
- Coral Island (Koh Hey) — the closest option, good for a short two-hour outing.
- Racha Yai and Racha Noi — clear water for snorkelling, about an hour away by boat.
- Phi Phi — a full day on a speedboat; start early, ahead of the main tourist wave.
- The Similan Islands — season only (roughly November–April), a full-day trip.
Season and weather
From November to April the sea off the west coast is calmer — the open-water season and the best window for longer routes like the Similans. From May to October the southwest monsoon roughens the west coast, but the east side of the island (toward Phi Phi) stays workable. An AURA partner captain will always tell you whether a given day is worth going out — that is part of the job, not a formality.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to charter a yacht in Phuket?
No — almost every charter on the island comes with a captain and crew; your only job is choosing the route and the company. A crewless (bareboat) charter is rarer and requires a confirmed skipper qualification.
How many people fit on a catamaran?
A standard day catamaran typically takes 10–20 guests depending on size; for a private group of up to 10, a smaller boat with a dedicated crew is more comfortable.
What if I get seasick?
A catamaran rolls noticeably less than a sailing yacht thanks to its two hulls. It also helps to sit near the centre of the boat, look at the horizon, and take motion-sickness medication in advance rather than once you already feel unwell.
Not sure where to start? Tell the AURA AI concierge what you need — it pulls matching options from the live catalogue, and a partner confirms the details personally.