Bareboat Sailing Phuket — Sail Your Own Yacht on the Andaman Sea

Yes, Phuket is an excellent destination for bareboat sailing, offering consistent trade winds, stunning coastal landscapes, and easy access to iconic locations like Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and Koh Lipe. With its sheltered bays and variety of islands to explore, Phuket provides the perfect conditions for independent sailing, whether you're a seasoned skipper or setting out on your first bareboat adventure.

The most popular sailing routes from Phuket include Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, and the remote Koh Lipe and Butang Islands, each offering a completely different and rewarding experience on the water. Phang Nga Bay is particularly dramatic, with towering limestone karsts and hidden sea caves to explore. For a more challenging passage, the Similan Islands and Koh Rok offer pristine reefs and secluded anchorages well worth the extra miles.

The best time for bareboat sailing in Phuket is November to April, during the dry season, when calm seas, steady trade winds, and clear skies create the most favorable conditions for smooth, enjoyable sailing. The peak period runs from December to March and offers the most reliable weather. If you prefer quieter anchorages with nearly identical conditions, November or April are excellent alternatives with fewer boats on the water.

Sailing in Phuket offers a more exotic, tropical alternative to the Mediterranean, with warm Andaman Sea waters, untouched islands, and remote anchorages that feel a world away from the busier European sailing hubs. Unlike the Mediterranean's crowded summer season, Phuket's islands remain relatively peaceful, especially outside peak months. The lush, jungle-covered landscapes and rich marine life give the area a character that's genuinely hard to match anywhere in Europe.

Sailing a catamaran in the Andaman Sea is a smooth and comfortable experience, thanks to the vessel's stability, shallow draft, and spacious layout — ideal for island-hopping across Phuket's stunning cruising grounds. The twin-hull design allows access to shallow lagoons that monohulls cannot reach, making it easier to explore hidden corners of the coastline. Whether you're after leisurely cruising or more spirited passages, a catamaran performs beautifully in these waters.

Yes, the Similan Islands are easily reachable on a bareboat from Phuket, with the passage taking around 3–4 hours depending on wind conditions — a manageable and rewarding offshore sail. The Similans are one of Thailand's most celebrated diving destinations, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The open-water passage itself is a highlight, offering excellent sailing conditions throughout the dry season.

In Phuket's high season, expect calm seas, steady northeast monsoon winds, warm temperatures, and excellent visibility — ideal conditions for cruising between islands and snorkeling along the way. This is the most popular time on the water, so busier anchorages around Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay can fill up quickly. Arriving early at your chosen stop is always a good idea to secure the best position.

The King's Cup Regatta is one of Asia's most prestigious sailing events, held annually in Phuket each December, attracting international sailors across multiple classes including a dedicated bareboat category. The event has a strong following among competitive racers and sailing enthusiasts alike, and it's a wonderful opportunity to experience Phuket's vibrant sailing culture first-hand. Even if you're not racing, the atmosphere around the regatta is well worth being part of.

A bareboat charter means you sail the yacht independently, while a crewed charter includes a professional crew to handle all sailing, navigation, and onboard services throughout your trip. Bareboat charters suit experienced sailors who want the freedom and autonomy of running their own voyage. A crewed charter offers a more relaxed holiday where everything is taken care of — ideal for those who want to enjoy the destination without the responsibility of skippering.

To sail a bareboat in Phuket, you need a valid captain's licence such as RYA, ASA, IYT or an equivalent qualification, along with a VHF radio certificate and at least two weeks of experience on a similar vessel. This ensures you are fully prepared for the challenges of sailing independently in the Andaman Sea. Once you have your qualifications in order, you'll be ready to take on Phuket's beautiful cruising grounds with confidence.

Bareboat sailing in Phuket starts from €1,770/week for a Bavaria 33 and from €4,790/week for a Lagoon 42, with prices varying depending on vessel size, specification, and time of year. Rates are higher during peak season from November to April, while discounts are available during the low season from May to October. Contact us directly for an exact quote based on your preferred yacht and travel dates.

Your bareboat charter in Phuket includes a fully equipped yacht, safety gear, outboard tender, navigation charts, snorkeling equipment, and a full pre-departure briefing so you're ready to set sail with confidence. Everything is prepared and checked before you board, so there's no need to worry about the setup. You simply arrive, complete your briefing, and head out to explore the islands entirely at your own pace.

Yes, you can hire a skipper for your first day on the water — a popular option for sailors who want to settle into the boat and get comfortable with local conditions before taking full independent control. After the first day, you continue sailing entirely on your own terms. It's a great way to build confidence, learn the yacht's systems, and get familiar with the key navigation points around Phuket before heading off solo.

If bad weather arises during your trip, our team will work with you to find sheltered routes or reschedule your plans. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, we will offer a full refund or rebooking at no penalty. Your safety is always the priority. We monitor weather conditions closely throughout your charter and stay in contact to ensure you're never caught out. Phuket's sailing season is generally very reliable, but we're always prepared to act quickly if conditions change.

To sail a bareboat in Phuket, you must hold a valid captain's licence such as RYA, ASA, IYT or equivalent, along with a VHF radio certificate and at least two weeks of sailing experience on a similar vessel. Once you submit your documents, our team will review them and confirm your eligibility to set sail, ensuring everything is in order well before your departure date.