Sailing and Boating in Phuket: Marinas, Clubs, Lessons and Charters

Marinas and anchorages

Local guides name several marinas: Royal Phuket Marina and Phuket Boat Lagoon on the east coast at Koh Kaew, Yacht Haven at Mai Khao in the north, and Ao Po Grand Marina on the north-east coast. Much of the casual sailing scene centres on Ao Chalong, a protected anchorage on the south-east coast with mooring buoys and the Ao Chalong Yacht Club.

One guide describes Boat Lagoon as suited to long stays and refit work, with berth costs around 30,000 to 60,000 baht a month for a boat of roughly 10 to 14 metres, while another lists monthly ranges from about 10,000 to 35,000 baht by marina. Because guides disagree, ask each marina for a written rate for your boat length, and check whether utilities, security and haul-out are extra.

Clubs and racing

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club is described as the social centre for sailors, with regular club racing in the season and annual membership quoted at about 5,000 to 8,000 baht. Informal racing at Ao Chalong is described as running through the dry season, and you can often join a crew without owning a boat by asking at the club. Phuket also hosts large regattas that welcome spectators. Check the club's current page, as schedules and fees change.

Learning to sail

• Sailing schools and charter companies run Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper courses, with one guide quoting about 25,000 to 35,000 baht for a five-day course.
• Clubs run informal learn-to-sail sessions, which are the cheapest way to get started.
• Dinghy sailing is available at some beaches and at Nai Harn on a smaller scale.
• Ask about the certification body, instructor qualifications and how many hours are on the water.

Chartering

Charter options range from shared day sails to private skippered trips and bareboat charters. Guides quote shared day sailing at about 2,500 to 5,000 baht a person, a private sunset sail at about 4,000 to 8,000 baht for a small yacht, and bareboat charters at about 15,000 to 75,000 baht a day depending on size. Bareboat charter requires a boating licence or equivalent qualification, according to charter listings. Luxury crewed charters are priced far higher and by the week.

Check insurance, the skipper's experience, safety equipment and the cancellation policy before you pay a deposit.

Buying or living on a boat

Phuket has an active liveaboard community, but owning a boat in Thailand involves registration, customs and visa questions that depend on your situation. Ask a specialist about import status, insurance, annual costs and where you can legally keep and use the boat, and read the visa hub for the stay options that fit. Do not buy a boat before you understand the paperwork, and inspect it with an independent surveyor.

Seasons and safety

The dry season from about November to April offers the calmest conditions, while the monsoon from about May to October brings rougher seas and squalls. Check the forecast, carry lifejackets, tell someone your plan and respect marine park rules. For general sea hazards see the health hazards guide, and for diving see the diving guide.