A crewed charter in Phuket can be the best week of the year. The yacht, the crew and the itinerary all play a part, and a little care at the booking stage makes a big difference to the result. This checklist covers what to settle before you sign.
1. Dates and season
Confirm your dates against the Andaman seasons. The high season from November to April has the calmest seas and the highest demand, and the weeks around Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year are booked early. The green season from May to October offers better value and quieter anchorages. Our guide to the best time to sail in Thailand explains the calendar.
2. The right yacht
Match the yacht to the group. Count the guests and the cabins, and check the bed configuration in each. Think about what the group wants from the week: a sailing catamaran for relaxed days in Phang Nga Bay, or a motor yacht for longer runs to the Similan Islands. Our comparison of catamarans and monohulls helps.
3. The crew
Ask about the captain’s experience in Thai waters, the size of the crew and their roles, and the languages they speak. On larger yachts, ask for crew profiles. A good crew is the heart of a good charter.
4. The itinerary
Share your wishes and let the captain propose a route. A realistic plan allows time at each anchorage and leaves room to change course with the weather. Discuss whether the Similan Islands, Koh Phi Phi or the Krabi islands are within reach for your charter length.
5. What the price includes
Ask for the inclusions in writing. Key points to confirm are fuel, food and drinks, marina fees, national park fees, VAT at 7%, water toys and transfers. For larger yachts, confirm the Advance Provisioning Allowance and how it is accounted for. Our guide to what a yacht charter in Phuket costs explains the pricing.
6. Licences and insurance
Check that the yacht is licensed to carry paying guests in Thailand and holds suitable insurance, including passenger liability. For foreign flagged superyachts of 24 metres and above, this means the charter licence introduced by the Ministry of Transport. Your broker or operator should confirm this without hesitation.
7. The contract
Read the charter agreement. Note the payment schedule, the cancellation terms, the policy on bad weather and what happens if the yacht becomes unavailable. Many brokers use standard industry charter agreements, which set out these terms clearly.
8. Preferences
Complete a preference sheet a few weeks before the charter. Include dietary needs, favourite foods and drinks, allergies, the ages of any children and the activities you enjoy. The crew uses it to provision and plan.
9. Arrival
Confirm where and when you will board, and arrange transfers from the airport or your hotel. Phuket International Airport is a short drive from the northern marinas. Our guide to the marinas of Phuket shows where each one is.
10. Gratuity
A crew gratuity is customary at the end of a charter. It is usually handed to the captain to share among the crew. Your broker can advise on typical amounts.
A reputable charter broker handles most of this checklist on your behalf and is a good first call when planning a week on the water.
Questions people ask
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter in Phuket?
For peak weeks in the high season, six months or more is sensible. For the green season, a few weeks is often enough.
What should I pack for a yacht charter in Thailand?
Light clothing, swimwear, reef safe sun cream, a hat and soft soled shoes. Soft luggage is easier to store on board.
Is gratuity included in a yacht charter?
Usually not. A gratuity for the crew is customary and paid at the end of the charter.
