Phuket is the yachting capital of Thailand, and its marinas are the reason. The island has more berths, more boatyards and more marine services than anywhere else in the country, and almost all of them sit on the sheltered east coast facing Phang Nga Bay.
Each marina has its own character. Some are built around superyachts, some around haul out and maintenance, and some around the restaurants and apartments that have grown up beside them. For an owner choosing a base, or a charter guest wondering where the boat will be waiting, it helps to know the difference.
Phuket Yacht Haven
At the northern tip of the island, a short drive from Phuket International Airport, Yacht Haven is one of the largest marinas in Thailand, with more than 300 berths and room for yachts well over 100 metres. It is the closest marina to the airport and a natural base for anyone heading north to Phang Nga Bay, the Similan Islands or Khao Lak.
Ao Po Grand Marina
On the north east coast, Ao Po Grand Marina looks straight out over the islands of Phang Nga Bay. It has around 230 berths and was built with superyachts in mind, with deep water and a quiet, resort feel. It is the quickest route into the bay from any Phuket marina.
Royal Phuket Marina
Halfway down the east coast at Koh Kaew, Royal Phuket Marina combines wet berths with a covered dry stack for smaller boats and a hardstand for maintenance. It is surrounded by residences, restaurants and offices, and it is a popular base for owners who live on the island.
Phuket Boat Lagoon
Next door, Phuket Boat Lagoon was the first full service marina in Thailand and remains the centre of boat maintenance on the island. It has wet berths, a large hardstand and a haul out facility, with engineers, riggers, sailmakers and upholsterers all within walking distance. The approach channel is tidal, so arrivals and departures are timed around high water.
Cape Panwa and Ao Chalong
In the south east, the marina at Cape Panwa serves yachts up to around 120 feet and is close to the southern anchorages and Koh Phi Phi. Round the headland, Ao Chalong is a large, protected anchorage. It is where many visiting yachts complete customs and immigration formalities when they arrive in Thailand, and it has a lively community of cruising sailors.
Beyond Phuket
On the Andaman coast, Krabi has a marina at Krabi Boat Lagoon and another at Port Takola, which offers deep water at all tides. On the Gulf, Ocean Marina Jomtien near Pattaya is one of the largest marinas in South East Asia, and there are smaller marinas around Hua Hin and the Koh Chang archipelago.
How to choose
The right marina depends on how you use the boat. Owners who fly in and out value Yacht Haven for its closeness to the airport. Those who cruise Phang Nga Bay most weekends favour Ao Po. Anyone with a refit or a heavy maintenance season ahead will spend time at Boat Lagoon whatever their home berth. Our article on choosing a marina berth in Phuket goes into the practical questions in more detail.
Questions people ask
How many marinas are there in Phuket?
There are five main marinas on Phuket: Phuket Yacht Haven, Ao Po Grand Marina, Royal Phuket Marina, Phuket Boat Lagoon and the marina at Cape Panwa. Ao Chalong is a major anchorage.
Which Phuket marina can take superyachts?
Phuket Yacht Haven and Ao Po Grand Marina both accommodate large superyachts.
Where do yachts clear customs in Phuket?
Many visiting yachts complete arrival formalities at Ao Chalong in the south of the island. An agent can confirm the current procedure before you arrive.
