Boat Rental in Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's most popular tourist destination, located on the Andaman Sea, with plenty of beautiful nearby islands offering pristine white beaches and incredibly beautiful crystal clear waters. With great sailing conditions all year round, renting a boat on your holiday on the island is truly the best way to experience its natural beauty. While staying at a 5-star resort in Phuket is a luxurious experience in itself, visiting nearby islands is truly what makes Phuket a top tourist destination. Avoid crowds, hop on your private boat, explore Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, and many dive spots scattered all around the Andaman Sea.

Speedboats are quite popular in Phuket as they're fast and perfect for island hopping day trips. You can choose to rent a private speedboat or join a group tour, or if you want to hop from one island to another on a week-long resort binge, you can also rent a boat for private charters between the islands. Private speed boat transfers between islands are also available. If you're staying at a resort in Phuket and would like to transfer to another Krabi, Koh Ph Phi, or Koh Lanta, prices range between $300 for a one-way transfer.

Renting a speed boat for an entire day can cost between USD1,500 to $2,000 depending on the size of the speedboat, and the number of people on board. This price range is for a group of 6 to 8 people, with speedboats that range from 30 to 40 feet in length. For a join-in full-day speedboat tour, prices usually start around $100 per person. Most popular destinations for Phuket speedboat day trips are Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island, the islands around Krabi coastline such as Koh Hong, as well as world-famous Phi Phi Islands.

Catamaran rentals are very popular in Phuket because they offer better stability and more space on its deck. A 42-foot motor catamaran can cost about $800 per day, while a sailing catamaran can range between $300 to $600 for a full day's rental. Sailing catamarans are great for anyone who loves the classical feel of cruising, as well as its slower speed. They're great for short distances, while power catamarans have a motor and are faster, and can reach further destinations, including Racha islands and Phi Phi islands. There are many sailing and power catamarans available for rent in Phuket, while the choice depends on your needs and budget. Sailing catamarans are best for sunset cruises along the coast, while power catamarans are more ideal for full-day island hopping activities.

An island-hopping activity in Phuket is a must. You can visit nearby islands on a private boat starting early in the morning and get back to the mainland before dusk. A private boat rental is perfect if you want to veer away from the touristy spots in Phuket, allowing you to discover hidden gems and kayak the secret lagoons. You can visit the waters of Phang Nga Bay, with its limestone cliffs, and the famous James Bond Island. A scenic floating village on Koh Panyee nearby is also worth exploring.

A bit further away from Phuket, and one of the best destinations for speed boat or catamaran rental, are Phi Phi islands. Here you can head to Monkey Beach, play with the primates, and explore the beautiful scenery of Viking Cave in Koh Phi Phi Don. And of course, a visit to Maya Bay, made famous by the movie "The Beach". Bamboo Island is a must-visit for sightseeing and snorkeling, while the island of Ko Phi Phi Leh is a must-visit for its beautiful beaches. Many private boat rentals in Phuket offer extra activities on board, including water toys, floating jacuzzi, paddleboards, banana rides, tube rides, and water slides

Phuket is blessed with so many nearby islands that a weekend spent island hopping and sleeping under the stars or inside your cabin is an adventure you shouldn't miss. A weekend island-hopping itinerary in Phuket can look like this:

Day 1: Koh Yao Islands

Only a short one-hour boat ride away, the islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi offer breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into local life. You can explore the island by renting a motorbike, and marvel at the pure beauty of life on an island, with its rice paddies, rubber plantations, and buffaloes working the field. And of course, plenty of unspoiled beaches and natural scenery.

Day 2: Phang Nga Bay

About an hour of cruising, you will reach Phang Nga Bay, world-famous for its limestone cliffs and beautiful crystal blue waters. You can hop off the boat and kayak towards James Bond Island, then make your way back to the boat to head to Phi Phi Islands.

Day 3: Phi Phi Islands

A weekend island hopping in Phuket is never complete without a visit to the Phi Phi Islands. Head over to Maya Beach and marvel at the beauty of this beach embraced by towering limestone cliffs. Enjoy a day out swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling before heading back to your boat and spending the night on board. Head back to Phuket in the morning as soon as the sun rises.

Phuket is a diver's paradise, hence renting a boat for diving is in much demand. You'll find plenty of world-class dive spots around the archipelago. Some of the most popular destinations for diving boat rentals include:

This island, located 90 minutes from Phuket, offers great spots for both beginner and advanced divers. You can see an abundance of marine life underneath its surface, from lionfish to scorpionfish, barracuda, damselfish, puffers, triggerfish, and moray eels. There are even a couple of shipwrecks found here.

About 45 minutes south of Koh Racha Yai, this island features underwater boulders with marine life, including barracuda, eagle rays, and marbled stingrays. There's a strong current here, so it's only ideal for advanced divers.

Located northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands is considered to be one of Thailand's best dive sites. You will see manta rays, vibrant marine life on the seabed, and fascinating rock formations. March to April are the best months to encounter whale sharks in Similan Islands.

Party boat rentals are popular in Phuket and perfect for party animals and active young travelers. You can choose from half or full-day trips, private boat charters, or join an open party boat cruise. Party boats typically involve entertainment such as a DJ or live music, with plenty of water sports equipment such as jet skis, trampolines, and a lot of chilling and lazing around on beanbags and lounge chairs. If you don't drink, don't worry, there's still plenty of activities onboard a party boat in Phuket. You will cruise along the coast or visit nearby islands, where you get to swim, snorkel, paddle board and kayak.