Ask what a yacht charter in Phuket costs and the honest answer is that it depends on four things: the size and type of the boat, the length of the charter, the season and what is included in the price. Once you understand those, the quotes start to make sense.
This guide explains how charter pricing works in Phuket so that you can compare offers on a like for like basis.
Day charters
A day charter is the most popular way to experience the water around Phuket. Most run from around 9am to 5pm and head for Phang Nga Bay, the islands off the south of Phuket or, on a faster boat, Koh Phi Phi.
The boat sets the price. A skippered sailing catamaran for a small group sits at the entry point, a larger motor yacht with a full crew costs more, and a superyacht day charter is priced on its own scale. Most day charter prices include the crew, fuel for a standard itinerary, soft drinks and lunch. National park fees, alcohol and special requests are often extra.
Week long charters
Longer charters are usually priced by the week. The quoted rate normally covers the yacht and its crew. Running costs are handled in one of two ways.
Some smaller yachts offer an inclusive rate that covers food, fuel and drinks for a set itinerary. This is simple and easy to budget.
Larger yachts usually work on a base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance, known as the APA. The APA is a deposit, commonly between 25% and 35% of the charter fee, that pays for fuel, food, drinks, berthing and other running costs during the charter. The captain keeps a record of spending, and any balance is returned at the end.
The season
Rates in Phuket follow the Andaman seasons. The high season from November to April, and especially the weeks around Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, commands the highest prices. The green season from May to October brings lower rates and more availability. Our guide to the best time to sail in Thailand explains the calendar.
Taxes and extras
Thai VAT of 7% applies to charter fees, and quotes may or may not include it. Check the wording before you compare two offers. Crew gratuity is customary at the end of a charter and is usually given to the captain to share with the crew. Water toys, diving, transfers and a chef for special menus can add to the cost.
Getting good value
Match the boat to the group. A sailing catamaran for eight friends in Phang Nga Bay is a very different proposition from a motor yacht heading for the Similans, and both are good value for the right trip.
Be clear on what the rate includes. Ask about fuel, food, park fees, VAT and gratuity so there are no surprises.
Book early for peak weeks. The best yachts and crews are taken first. Our checklist for booking a crewed charter in Phuket covers the questions to ask, and our comparison of bareboat and crewed charter helps you choose the format.
Questions people ask
What is included in a Phuket day charter?
Most day charters include the crew, fuel for the itinerary, lunch and soft drinks. Park fees and alcohol are often charged separately.
What is APA on a yacht charter?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance is a deposit, usually 25% to 35% of the charter fee, that covers running costs such as fuel, food and berthing. Unspent funds are returned.
When is the cheapest time to charter a yacht in Phuket?
The green season from May to October has the lowest rates and the widest choice of yachts.
