The Hidden Features of Phang Nga Bay
By August 25, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

The Hidden Features of Phang Nga Bay

The Hidden Features of Phang Nga Bay

Having just arrived back from a wonderful day exploring Phang Nga Bay I found myself wondering, is James Bond Island really the Jewel of Phang Nga Bay, or are there other equally stunning locations within the Bay?

The answer it seems was pretty obvious. Prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic when we ran James Bond Island Tours the shortest amount of time that we spent at one spot was at James Bond Island. I was always thought that this was because that James Bond Island was so busy.

Now that Covid 19 has decimated the tourist Industry here in Phuket we found ourselves out exploring bays, islands, and lagoons without the crowds. This means that we are now actually regularly stopping at James Bond Island, spending more time there than we have ever before.

James Bond Island Is Still A Big Draw Card To Phang Nga Bay

But I don’t think It’s the most beautiful location out of the locations in Phang Nga Bay. For Example, canoeing through the Hongs at Koh hong Island at mid to high tide is life-changing. Recently I had two groups of ex-pat travelers tell me that this was the single best thing that they’ve done in their entire life.

Then, of course, there are beautiful green lagoons for swimming. Lagoons like Panak Island, Koh Kudu, or Koh Roi. These lagoons are stunning in themselves and allow for a great place to swim, relax and just let nature rush over you.

You could also add to that list the many caves in Phang Nag Bay. You have the Ice Cream Cave, Mangrove Cave, Elephant Cave, and some caves that I am not even certain to have a name or if they do everyone has a different name for them.

So if you are looking to explore Phang Nga Bay but don’t like the tourist trap of James Bond Island I would suggest to you that you don’t even need to visit James Bond Island to truly enjoy the bay.

Covid 19 Hotel Specials 2020
By July 31, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Covid 19 Hotel Specials 2020

Covid 19 Hotel Specials 2020

Here at 5 Star Marine, we have been lucky enough to help happy travelers from Phuket, Bangkok, and surrounds to reach their intended destination.  With the effect of Covid 19 being felt across Phuket, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Noi, Phi Phi Island, and beyond there are a number of great hotel specials being offered.

We ourselves here have taken advantage of specials at hotels like Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai, Phi Phi Island Village Resort, Rayavadee Resort Krabi, and the Anantara Mai Khao.  If you are supporting local tourism businesses and resorts by booking and staying at hotels offering deals and need transfers please contact us here for discounted transfer rates.

Quite often you will find that we are cheaper than you can find online, through the hotels or at the piers.  Our company policy is to support local tourism businesses and resorts and if we can make it affordable for you to transfer to and from these island destination resorts we are happy to help out.

You can read more about 5 Star Marine Transfers here and Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai transfers here.

5 Star Marine Transfer Service
By July 9, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

5 Star Marine Transfer Service

5 Star Marine Transfer Service

Over the last few weeks as the Covid 19 restrictions in Thailand lift and Domestic Tourism resumes we have had a lot of inquiries about transfer boats from Phuket to Yao Yai / Yao Noi / Phi Phi, Krabi, and beyond.

Here at 5 Star Marine, we offer a Private Boat Transfer service that is catered to your timing, pick-up location, and destination.  Just let us know where you would like to go, at what time and one of our Private Boats will transfer you On Demand.

There is no need to wait at a pier for hours for the next scheduled transfer boat, just simply contact us and we will ensure we are On Time, Ready To Go, and will transfer you in the comfort of one of our VIP Private Speedboats.

One of the most popular transfer destinations that we have been requested is the Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai.  We provide a transfer service to the Santhiya Resort leaving Bang Rong Pier.  Due to the limited transfer schedule that Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai offers we have more timings and options available.

In the last week, we have completed over 15 transfers to and from Santhiya Resort ranging from 9 am through to 6 pm and we have the additional service of even having one of our team take you to the airport.

If you’d like to know more about this service or transfer service to an island or destination around Phuket, Krabi, Lanta, Lipe, or beyond please just contact us on Facebook, via Whatsapp, Line or call us on +6693 720 6221

Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai Transfers
By June 17, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai Transfers

Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai Transfers

Our team was lucky enough to recently visit and stay at Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai as they are offering Post Covid specials which are simply spectacular.  The Santhiya Resort has been one of our dream places to visit and stay as we often do return Private Boat Transfers to the resort as well as Private Boat Excursions from the resort.

We were not disappointed by Santhiya Resort.  The infinity pool looking out into Phang Nga Bay and over to Phuket has to be the highlight of the entire resort.  Relaxing in the pool, having a quiet drink, and watching the sunset in one of the most picturesque areas of Phuket cannot be missed.

yao yai
Resort view

Also, all rooms at the resort have fantastic views out into Phang Nga Bay, and the rooms we stayed in all held spas on the balconies making for a nice touch.  The resort has some amazing woodwork making it all have a very authentic Thai feel.

The beach that affronts Santhiya Resort Koh Yao Yai is always quiet.  It’s not an extremely well-known tourist destination but it is fantastic for swimming and young children.  Lucus, our 7-year-old, had a great time playing on the beach, chasing crabs, and swimming in the calm seas.

Being a Private Boat company here in Phuket we are happy to offer the services of our boats and crew for anyone looking to get away from the mainland and have a break.  Santhiya is offering amazing deals right now.  Contact us to find out how we can offer you a Private Boat Transfer to Santhiya Resort or combine a day trip with a stopover at Santhiya Resort.

beach view
5 Star Marine view
What Is 5 Star Marine Doing To Make Private Boat Hires Safe Post Covid19?
By May 29, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

What Is 5 Star Marine Doing To Make Private Boat Hires Safe Post Covid19?

What Is 5 Star Marine Doing To Make Private Boat Hires Safe Post Covid19?

We are very aware of how the Covid19 pandemic has affected us locally here in Phuket but also all of our international friends and customers.  Being parents of a 7-year-old boy we are as equally concerned as any other parent about ensuring every activity we undertake is safe, clean, and the right healthy choice.

With this in mind, during this slow down in tourism, we as a company have taken a number of steps to make sure we provide a clean and virus-free environment for all of our customers.

Boat Renovations and Deep Cleaning

We were one of the first companies in Phuket to pull our boats out of the water and book them in with the island’s best renovation team.  During the renovation of both of our VIP Private Speedboats, we had a deep cleaning undertaken.

All paint was sanded back to its original layer, new paint was applied, all surfaces were disinfected and cleaned.  This disinfection and cleaning happen on a weekly basis while the boat sits idle at our parking.

lucus1
boat

Equipment Disinfection

All of the equipment that we use onboard inclusive of life jackets, fins, ice boxes, ropes, and more were all disinfected, cleaned, and sealed in storage containers.  When we resume regular tours we will complete the disinfection process again prior to our first travelers joining us.

Single-Use Masks / Snorkels

If you follow us regularly on Facebook you will notice that we have opted to change our process of providing masks and snorkels to customers.  Instead of providing them, we will offer a “Covid Kit” to our customers that include a full face mask and snorkel which you can take home at the end of the tour.

Our Covid Kit will include a number of other items to ensure cleanliness and safety from the virus while onboard and visiting the islands.  Just contact us to ask what the kit includes.

boat view

Quarantine Of Staff

All of our Guide Team, Captain Team, Crew Team, and Admin Team undertook a 28-day Quarantine to ensure as the virus spread they were not in contact with anyone that was at risk of having the virus.

Additionally, our staff are all required to wear masks, carry hand sanitizer, and complete Airborne Pathogen Training so they know how to limit the risk of spreading a virus like Covid19.

Accreditation

The Thai Government is offering an accreditation program that allows businesses like ours to develop a set of guidelines for our employees, suppliers, and customers to follow to ensure the safe use of our private boats.

We are one of the first 1442 tourism businesses in all of Thailand to adopt this accreditation program.  We believe from our research we may be one of the only 2 Private Speedboat Tour companies in Phuket to adopt this accreditation process.

Additionally we have mandated our staff to undertake Airborne Pathogen accreditation and training as well.

first response

5 Star Marine Providing Safe, Health Conscious Private Boat Tours

Once travel is allowed to resume and it’s safe for you to join us on Private Boat Tours we look forward to welcoming you onboard and having a great, safe time with us.  We take pride in being industry leaders and hopefully you can see we have been taking major leaps forward to ensure you have a safe and fun time with us.

Family Celebrations and Experiences Done The 5 Star Way!
By May 28, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Family Celebrations and Experiences Done The 5 Star Way!

Family Celebrations and Experiences Done 5 Star Way!

You probably don’t know it, but the team here at 5 Star Marine are extensively experienced in creating and executing family celebrations, romantic experiences, and wedding receptions that integrate amazing scenery, beautiful blue water, and private islands.

Let me give you a few examples:

New Years Day Serenade –

We had a client join us from Spain and as part of his plans for New Years Day, he hired one of our VIP Private Speedboats for a custom program tour that included James Bond Island, Canoeing through the Hongs, and snorkeling at a quiet spot in Hong Krabi.

The client had specifically requested a Private Island Sunset Dinner complete with a live acoustic band.  To make this happen we split our teams up, we had the “on boat team” of Guide, Manager, Captain, Engineer, and Host looking after the customer as they did the tour.

The second team went to the private island, set up a romantic sunset dinner location, prepared their custom meal, set up the band, and did a sound test.  On arrival the band played a very special song that was specifically requested by the client, dinner was served as was a custom drinks menu.

After sunset, the band played into the evening and we transferred the client back via our VIP Private Boat.  This is just one example of a unique and special experience we can craft upon request.

50th Wedding Anniversary  –

We had a family group of 20 people join us on a private custom Phi Phi Island tour.  The tour was to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary of our client.
We organized Snorkeling, Diving, Jet Skiing, and more while on tour.  While our “on tour team” were looking after the clients at Phi Phi we had our “Island Team” setting up a private island dinner for 20 people complete with a sound system for music and speeches.

A custom dinner menu was created, drinks were served, our DJ played an array of old and new songs and the speeches were moving.  At the end of the evening, we transferred the clients safely back to their hotels.  This is just one example of a unique and special experience we can craft upon request.

Post Wedding Tour –

We were delighted to have an Australian Bride and Groom select a Private Custom Tour to James Bond Island, Hong Island, Panyee Island, and more as part of their wedding plans.

Upon completing the wedding ceremony we transferred the Bride and Groom and their guest to our pier where we took them on a private tour complete with a wedding reception lunch.

Drinks were flowing on board as was a custom playlist on our VIP Private Speedboat sound system.  A truly unique way to have a post-wedding celebration and one that will be remembered by all who attended for years to come.

If you have a dream, an idea, or a plan that you would like to implement contact our team here at 5 Star Marine about how we can any dream come true and design a memorable experience for you and your friends, family, or even team members.

Cheap Phi Phi Island Tours
By May 10, 2020 Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Cheap Phi Phi Island Tours

Prior to providing Private Boat Tours to island sets like the Phi Phi Islands we were heavily involved in the resale and promotion of Cheap Phi Phi Island Group Tours.  The kind of tours where 35 to 50 people are on a boat and they quickly move from stop to stop.

As a reseller of these tours we were frequently changing providers as our clients often came back dissatisfied with the Phi Phi Island Group Tour.  Complaints we often received were:

  • Cheap Phi Phi Island ToursTravel Time – Due to the nature of a group tour the bus that transfers you to the pier has to stop at multiple hotels to pick up other guests. Sometimes those guests are late and you stuck waiting on a bus adding an extra 1hr each way onto your travel.
  • Boat – The quality of the boat is poor and has too many people on the boat for you to really enjoy the sights. Additionally when snorkeling it takes some time to get into the water as too many people are trying to get off at once.
  • Equipment – The equipment on the boat is faulty. Life jackets don’t close properly, masks leak, snorkels are broken, no fins are available.
  • Snorkeling – The area where they are snorkeling is too crowded as multiple boats with 35 – 50 people are in the same area and they keep getting kicked in the head.
  • Lunch – The buffet lunch is of poor quality with the food lukewarm and of a low quality.

These are just some of the complaints we heard and helped to solve.  Out of the frustration of sending customers to companies that really didn’t care about delivering quality experiences we created 5 Star Marine.

5 Star Marine Private Boat Tours to Phi Phi Island

The 5 Star Marine team, boats, and equipment are all high quality.  Our boats are some of the newest and best-maintained on the water.  Our crew and guides are constantly receiving training and are instructed to avoid the crowds.

So while 5 Star Marine Private Boat Tours to Phi Phi Island may be more expensive than Cheap Phi Phi Island Group Tours the difference in experience is not comparable.  Decide to make your Phi Phi Island trip memorable for all the right reasons and chat with the team at 5 Star Marine today.

You’ll be amazed at how affordable we are!

5 Star Marine Helping The Local Community During Covid 19 Pandemic
By April 28, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

5 Star Marine Helping The Local Community During Covid 19 Pandemic

If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram you’d notice that the team at 5 Star Marine are working closely with the local community to help get support to those who need it.

Over the last few weeks, we have been donating rice, water, chicken, beef, and more to communities that have been significantly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.  To understand Phuket is a tourism town.  When our government made the decision to lock our borders almost all of the people of Phuket were out of work.

This led to a lot of people running out of money and food.  Seeing this need our team snapped into action and started organizing food and supplies for families that needed it.  Through our work, over the last few weeks, we have donated over 4000 Kilograms of Rice, over 3000 bottles of water, more than 200 Kilograms of Chicken and so much beef we lost count.

All these donations have been financed by the team behind 5 Star Marine.  We have not sought donations from our customers we have worked with our team and the team from Sutai Muay Thai to put these donations together directly.

We don’t write this to hope for praise, what we hope for is your support.

Support The Businesses That Support The Community With Your Custom!

When travel restrictions are lifted, and they will be lifted, we hope that those of you who do choose to travel to Phuket that you choose to support businesses like ours that helped out in the time of need.

Don’t get me wrong, we are not the only business helping, there are restaurants, dive shops, hotels, and more helping out.  What we hope to see is that you choose to eat at those restaurants, dive with those dive shops, stay at those hotels and go on private boats with companies that are helping.

These are the companies that are working with heart during these hard times and we should reward those companies with our custom.  Just like we plan to.  When we can we will visit these restaurants, eat there and we will repay there kindness with the thing that counts to them, customers.

5 Star Marine Giving Back To The Community

Private Boat Lucus 1 Renovation And Covid19 Deep Cleaning
By April 13, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Private Boat Lucus 1 Renovation And Covid19 Deep Cleaning

During the Corona Virus (Covid19) period we here at 5 Star Marine Phuket decided it would be ideal to take our Private Boat, Lucus 1 out of the water for yearly maintenance.  During this maintenance period, we did a deep clean on Lucus 1.

What Is A Deep Clean?

All fixtures and fittings from the private boat were removed.  This includes seats, roofs, masks, snorkels, life jackets, and more.  We removed everything off the boat and cleaned all of these fixtures and fittings in anti-bacterial solutions.  Once they were cleaned in the anti-bacterial solution we then cleaned them again per our normal process.

We wanted to be 100% sure that we had completely removed any risk of contamination.  Now while we say this it’s important to note that we have no record of any guests, staff, or crew contracting Covid19 and we stay regularly in contact with our guests.

In addition to cleaning the fixtures and fittings of the private boat, we also took the time to use an anti-bacterial solution to clean the boat itself.  This combined with the fact that we sanded back to our base original paint and then re-painted the boat means that Lucus 1 is one of the cleanest and newest looking Private Boats in Phuket.

 

Lucus 1 Private Boat Refurbishment Photos

private boat lucus 1 renovation and covid-19 deep cleaning
private boat lucus 1 renovation and covid-19 deep cleaning
private boat lucus 1 renovation and covid-19 deep cleaning
private boat lucus 1 renovation and covid-19 deep cleaning

We look forward to seeing you all back onboard Lucus 1 and conducting Private Boat Tours once this Covid19 period has passed.

Stay Safe and Stay Healthy.

What Are The Best Private Boat Tours For Young Children?
By April 5, 2020 Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

What Are The Best Private Boat Tours For Young Children?

As a father of a 7-year-old boy, I understand what it’s like to take Children out on tour as a parent.  Lucus, my son, has been coming out on boats since he was 6 months old and I’ve found that as he gets older the kinds of tours that he can join the change.

Based on my personal experience with my son Lucus and the children we’ve had on board here is what we would recommend in terms of Private Boat Tours for young children.

 

Lucus On A Private Boat
Lucus On Board At 7 Years Old

Age 6 Months to 2 Years Old – Private Boat Tours

At this age, your child is most probably too young to really experience any of the tours so the tour selection should come down to something that you would like to see and is safe for your child as well.

Generally, this means you should consider a tour into Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island as the water is calm, the speed of the Private Boat slower, and the chance of bumps during your ride considerably less.  Also, Phang Nga Bay tours can be done in as little as 3hrs if you wish to push through the tour between nap and feeding times.  In our experience, though you can have your child nap on our large outdoor cushions or in your pram/stroller.

A secondary location that also offers a similar level of safety and sea conditions would be Hong Krabi.  This location also offers the ability for you to snorkel whereas Phang Nga Bay does not.

 

Kids On A Private Boat Tour
Some Fun On Board Lucus 1

Age 2 Years Old – 6 Years Old – Private Boat Tours

At this age, your child needs to be kept engaged with multiple new things to see, explore, and do otherwise they may become agitated on tour.  My son from 2-4 years old, personally loved the Phang Nga Bay Private Tour, Khai Island Private Tour, Raya Island Private Tour, and Hong Krabi Tour.

As he got older, around 5-6 Years old his preference moved towards Phi Phi Island Private Tours as there was more to see and he was a confident swimmer.  Again it’s important for her to time stops frequently and use our outdoor cushions for nap time.

 

7 Years And Above – Private Boat Tours

Generally, any tour would be suitable for a child of 7 years and above.  Just check on sea conditions prior to departing as one negative experience with a child could ruin any future chances of going on a Private Tour.