LATEST NEWS: Maya Bay Will Close Again in 2024.
Full Details Here MAYA BAY CLOSING 2024
Maya Bay Closing August 1st 2022
Maya Bay is due to close again on the 1st of August 2022 for 2 months. This is part of the National Parks revised plan to maintain the newly restored marine environment. This closure is in line with the closure of other National Parks, for example, the Similan and Surin National Park areas and the Koh Ha and Koh Rok National Park areas.
While Maya Bay will be closed to walk on, sightseeing, swimming, and taking photos from behind the roped line will continue to be available. These are the exact same rules that were instigated during the multi-year closure.
Here at 5 Star Marine we fully support the sustainable nature of closing the park. While some visitors will be sad to realize they can not walk on the iconic beach, it is for the long-term health of the Bay.
Prior to the initial closure a few years ago Maya Bay had a significant amount of reef damage and the Marine Life was scarce to nonexistent. Since the closure the reef has started to restore, Marine Life has come back in abundance and Maya Bay is now the home to some reef sharks.
If you are visiting Phi Phi during the closure period you can still visit the Iconic Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island, Camel Rock, Phi Phi Don, and more. While Phi Phi is well known for Maya Bay it is not all it has to offer.
Best Islands to Visit Around Phuket Koh Khai Islands and Phuket’s Famous Floating Restaurants
White sandy beaches, crystal clear water, a private boat, and then an amazing seafood lunch, what more can you ask for on a Phuket Private VIP Boat Tour.
When looking for an easy, close-by island day trip from Phuket, that is good for families, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach you can’t beat the Khai Islands.
YouTube host Jay Leshark heads out on 5 Star Marine’s newest boat Lisa 1, to show you how close by and how beautiful Khai Islands are and then invites you for lunch with him at one of his favorite restaurants, the floating Restaurants, which are between Phuket and Coconut Island.
The Khai Islands are made up of 3 separate islands:
- Khai Nai
- Khai Nau
- Khai Nok
Each of the three Islands offers something slightly different for you to experience; Khai Nai offers clear, shallow water and snorkeling which is perfect for families with young children. Khai Nau is also an excellent spot for some snorkeling right off the boat and has a great variety of coral and marine life to explore. Finally, Khai Nok has some good off-the-beach snorkeling and offers you the opportunity to relax on the beach.
The 3 Khai Islands are located in Phang Nga Bay, which of course is most famous due to James Bond Island, named after “Khao Phing Kan” the real name of the island, was used in the James Bond movie “The man with the golden gun”. Phang Nga bay boasts 100 islands to visit as well as hidden lagoons and caves that can only be accessed by canoes at only some tide levels.
The Famous Floating Restaurants
The floating restaurants are located between Laem Hin (On Phuket) and Coconut Island and are only accessed by boat. There are a few to choose from, but generally, they all offer the same amazing experience for anyone looking to have a dining adventure with super fresh seafood. The menus cover every type of seafood you can think of, and once you have made your choice its then time to choose your fresh seafood, most of which is kept in large nets which are built into the restaurant, so you can walk around and see which red snapper you want to have. Then your next choice is done you want it steamed, fried, or BBQ, with lemon, chili, Thai herbs, and garlic…. The choice is yours. Oh and this is not just for the fish, you can choose the seafood of your choice, the way it’s cooked, and the flavors. As we said, this is a dining experience.
If you are a seafood lover then these restaurants are a MUST to visit while you are in Phuket, and when added to a Khai Island VIP boat tour, well let’s just say you will have created an experience that you will remember for a very long time.
Thailand News | No More Masks | 1st July 2022
In the latest Breaking Thailand News, as of the 1st of July 2022, the national mask mandate was lifted and the wearing of masks in most places has been dropped.
In our latest YouTube video Shaun Stenning the founder of 5 Star Marine Phuket and the host of the 5 Star Marine YouTube Channel Jay Leshark, discuss this and then go out and about Phuket to find out what people on the street know about the NEW mask rules.
Why the relaxation?
The relaxation is in line with the fact that over the past few weeks there has been a steady decline in the number of new COVID infections as well as the decline in severe cases and fatalities, which enables the people of Thailand to start to resume a life close to how it was back in 2019.
So, no more masks?
Well, not 100% no more masks, and the Ministry of Public Health recommends that people consider the benefits of wearing them, which can reduce the risks of contracting COVID-19 or other respiratory diseases when they are in a crowded venue.
Regarding mask-wearing in Thailand:
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) recommends that people with underlying conditions, the elderly and pregnant women who have yet to get boosters to keep wearing masks. Those who are healthy can discard the mask when alone, exercising, eating, drinking, or in an open space where social distancing can be practiced, the DDC said.
Due to the decline of COVID-19 cases and fatalities, there has also been a relaxation in other restrictions, the main one for Phuket being the revocation of the “Thailand Pass” requirement for international arrivals effective July 1, which will have huge benefits for Phuket being it so heavily dependent on travel and tourism.
All in all, this is all fantastic news for Thailand
Private Speedboat Phuket
For the ultimate, luxury experience, why not hire a Private Speedboat in Phuket with 5 Star Marine? Gather your friends and family together and create memories that last a lifetime. Explore stunning seascapes, tropical islands, and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands; the choice is yours when you opt for our Private Speedboat Phuket option.
All of 5 Star Marine’s Private Speedboat Phuket tours leave from their pier in Boat Lagoon. Consider a multi-night experience, which the expert crew can help plan with you, to see more of the surrounding islands; or alternatively book your Private Speedboat Phuket for a day trip, with so much to see around Phuket you will be spoilt for choice
Your Private Speedboat in Phuket is 100% flexible, so you have the ability to customize your day or multi-night trip with the help of our experienced crew and captains. After understanding your requirements, 5 Star Marine will be able to put together a suggested itinerary, giving you an experience, which is exactly what you are after
With your Private Speedboat Phuket tour, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary and can enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for the perfectly balanced experience.
On your Private Speedboat Phuket charter, you might select to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breath-takingly high viewpoints.
Private Speedboat Phuket Inspiration:
A few examples of tropical journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Phuket Private Charter include:
James Bond Island Private Tour
360 Viewpoint
Pileh Lagoon
Coral Isalnd Private Tour
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Phi Phi, including getting photos of Maya Bay from the boat- the location of The Beach film
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches and abundant marine life
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full beach club, massage and restaurant amenities at Banana Beach Club
- Krabi, Hong Krabi lagoon and the 360-degree viewpoint
- Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser-known
- Easy to access and family-friendly shallow snorkelling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Private Speedboat Phuket Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Private Phuket Speedboat charter will include the following:
Explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Private Speedboat Phuket day or multi night tour.
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
Raya Private Tour
Introduction:
With a 5 Star Marine Raya Private Tour, you get the opportunity to discover two idyllic Raya Islands; Koh Raya Yai and Koh Raya Noi, which are also referred to as the Racha Islands. This is one of our most popular private charters, as the Raya Private Tour provides the ideal destination to enjoy nature and boasts some of the best snorkelling reefs in Thailand. This destination has quiet, tropical white powdery beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, providing a balanced combination of relaxing, tranquil locations and breath-taking sea life.
The Two Islands:
When you hire one of 5 Star Marine’s private VIP speedboats for your Raya Private tour, the most popular island to explore is Koh Raya Yai (situated and a mere 45-minute speedboat ride away). It has stunning white powdery sand beaches and good snorkelling available straight off the beach. If you want to venture a little further, to Koh Raya Noi you can also experience the plethora of marine life on offer, around this smaller island. As an uninhabited rocky island, you cannot go onshore, but you can enjoy snorkelling around it as it has plenty of fantastic bays.
Expert Crew and Captains:
The Raya Private Tour allows you to discover these stunning destinations for relaxation, fantastic beaches and plenty of snorkelling. 5 Star Marine knows exactly where to go for the best bays, quiet beaches and coral reefs in this area, and can also suggest some idyllic restaurants to stop at with fantastic views.
Bespoke Itinerary:
When you book our Raya Private Tour, you get a luxury speedboat all to yourself, which means that you get to decide on an itinerary that suits you; unlike with group tours when you often get rushed with other tourists on a pre-determined timeframe. With a Raya Private Tour, you get to carve out your bespoke itinerary and can enjoy collaborated planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience. Our team of the crew might even discuss a few suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition and tide on the actual day of your Raya Private Tour.
Sample Itinerary:
All of our VIP tours are private, so you can customise to get an experience which is perfect for you. However, to give you an idea, a sample day trip itinerary for our Raya Private Tour could be:
- Snorkel the clear waters off Coral Island
- Relax on the sandy white beach of Patok Bay
- Enjoy a beach picnic lunch or head to one of the restaurants with a stunning view
- Discover amazing marine life at Siam Bay
- Go dolphin watching at Mai Ton island on your way home
Raya Private Tour Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Raya Private Tour will include the following:
Explore the best spots on and around the two idyllic Raya Islands, in ultimate luxury with your bespoke Raya Private Boat Tour.
Contact us to book your Raya Private Tour:
+66937206221
Hong Krabi Private Boat
With 5 Star Marine, you can hire one of our luxury VIP speedboats for an exclusive Hong Krabi Private Boat tour. Take the opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of Ko Hong Krabi and the smaller Krabi province archipelagos in deluxe comfort. Plus, you get to enjoy all of this at your own pace when you book a Hong Krabi Private Boat tour with us.
The sheer natural beauty you encounter on our Hong Krabi Private Boat trip is breathtaking. This area provides you with everything you could want from a day out. Indulge in a swim to cool off in the emerald green lagoons, try a spot of snorkeling, discover the white sandy, private beaches, or take a hike to enjoy an incredible 360o viewpoint and sightseeing – there is something to keep everyone happy.
Our Hong Krabi Private Boat VIP tour is completely flexible, so you can customize your day with the help of our expert crew and captains to get an experience that is perfect for you.
Ko Hong Krabi is the perfect stop on your Private Boat tour; it sits in-between the Koh Yao Islands and Krabi mainland and boasts a remarkable emerald green lagoon which you enter through a narrow passageway. Once inside you are greeted by the scenic and mesmerizing Ko Hong Lagoon. This striking turquoise body of shallow water is surrounded by high rock walls lined with lush mangroves giving a forgotten world feeling to it. Only accessible by small boat or longtail, some areas are so clear and shallow you can easily see your feet underwater on the soft sand.
For a little more on the adventurous side; why not make your way around to the more recent addition to the island on your Hong Krabi Private Boat. The breathtaking 360o Viewpoint has an impressive metal staircase structure which was just built in 2020. It gives panoramic 360o views of Krabi and the surrounding islands and is arguably one of the best seascape views of the Krabi island sets, Phang Nga Bay and surrounding islands in the national park that you can get.
With so much to offer at Ko Hong Krabi, you might get your fill just here. However, if you feel inclined to, then after enjoying these stunning panoramic seascapes, you can make your way to Railay Beach for a walk around, discover some caves or stop for a spot of lunch. Alternatively, we can arrange a private western or Thai menu lunch on the beach during your Hong Krabi Private Boat day. In the afternoon, you could enjoy some snorkeling at Chicken Island or explore the nearby Ko Poda beach.
The choice really is yours, because when you book your Hong Krabi Private Boat with us you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary with the help of our professional and knowledgeable guides. Enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience.
Why Book a Hong Krabi Private Boat?
With so much to see and do, the Hong Krabi Private Boat tour is a perfect mix of sightseeing, adventure, snorkeling, and some of the best beaches in the area. 5 Star Marine are experts when it comes to the wide selection of islands and sightseeing spots around Krabi, and can sometimes get you to stunning locations with nobody else around.
Krabi Private Tour Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Hong Krabi Private Boat will include the following:
Explore the best spots on and around Hong Krabi in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Hong Krabi Private Boat.
Contact us to book your Krabi Private Tour:
+66937206221
Phang Nga Bay Phuket Private Boat
With 5 Star Marine, you can hire one of our luxury VIP speedboats for an exclusive Phang Nga Bay Private Boat tour. Phang-Nga Bay, (or Ao Phang Nga National Park), has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the world and consists of numerous, beautiful islands.
Phang Nga Bay was a famous destination long before hit movies that were filmed there came out, including the 1974 Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, which made ‘James Bond Island’ a world-renowned site.
With a custom Phang Nga Bay Private Boat, you will get guided around hidden coves and lagoons, as well as have the chance to stop off at the iconic James Bond Island if you wish. Our Phang Nga Bay Private Boat VIP tour is completely flexible, so you can customize your day with the help of our expert crew and captains to get an experience that is perfect for you.
On your Phang Nga Bay Private Boat day trip, you will see some stunning seascapes, including the huge jutting-out limestone formations and numerous caves. The whole area is a spectacular bay that offers a multitude of natural wonders just waiting to be explored.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous on your Phang Nga Bay Private Boat trip, why not do a little spot of sea kayaking and explore the incredible caves inside the towering karst formations in the area. Our crew knows exactly where to take you for these types of experiences, and are experts at beating the crowds too.
While on your Phang Nga Bay Private Boat trip, you will be taken on a tropical journey, and we would suggest making a stop off at the picturesque Gypsy Village (the floating Muslim community of Koh Panyee) during your day, perhaps for lunch. Here you will get to see huts, restaurants, and even a floating football pitch which are all built over the water.
Experience nature’s spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location on your luxury Phang Nga Bay Private Boat. However please note this is not for those looking to go snorkeling, the Phang Nga Bay trip is all about the seascapes, canoeing, caving, and exploring.
5 Star Marine’s Phang Nga Bay Private Boat tour creates an unforgettable time at this world-renowned destination. By selecting this day trip, you will get the opportunity to discover Phang Nga Bay in the best conditions, with the least number of tourists and also see parts of Phang Nga Bay that you will not experience on group tours.
Although our Phang Nga Bay Private Boat day trip is customizable, here is an idea of a sample itinerary you might enjoy:
- Visit a hidden cave around Panak Island
- Swim in clear turquoise waters at Ko Kudu Yai
- Lunch and sightseeing at Koh Panyee floating village
- James Bond Island tour (from Koh Ping Ghan)
- Canoeing/caving in the Phang Nga Bay area
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
Phuket Private Charter
Introduction:
With 5 Star Marine, you can hire one of our luxury VIP speedboats for an exclusive Phuket Private Charter. Take the chance to experience stunning seascapes, tropical islands and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands on board your very own Private Charter.
Your Phuket Private Charter is completely flexible, so you can customize your day with the help of our expert crew and captains to get an experience that is absolutely perfect for you. After understanding your requirements, we are able to put together a suggested itinerary.
Bespoke Itinerary:
The choice really is yours with our custom Phuket Private Charter offering; because when you book with 5 Star Marine, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary and can enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience. Our experienced crew might also discuss a few suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, and tide on the actual day of your Phuket Private Charter trip.
On your Phuket Private Charter, you might select to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breathtakingly high viewpoints. When you book a Phuket Private Charter with 5 Star Marine, we are able to tailor a bespoke day trip or multi-night tour for you.
Phuket Private Charter Inspiration:
A few examples of tropical journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Phuket Private Charter include:
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Phi Phi, including getting photos of Maya Bay from the boat- the location of The Beach film
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches and abundant marine life
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full beach club, massage and restaurant amenities at Banana Beach Club
- Krabi, Hong Krabi lagoon and the 360-degree viewpoint
- Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser known
- Easy to access and family friendly shallow snorkelling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Premium Phuket Private Charter Features:
- Our crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board; attending to your requirements for the ultimate Phuket Private Charter
- We tailor a unique and customized program, to ensure the day exceeds your desires
- We are flexible on pick-up and drop-off locations to suit you (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
- You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for longer if you would like; you never have to fit in with a tour group timetable with 5 Star Marine’s tours
- With a small and intimate group of people, you get the flexibility to make the day what you want
- You will get to discover hidden coves and caves that you will not experience on group tours
- We can organize a private beach picnic for your Phuket Private Charter
Phuket Private Charter Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Phuket Private Charter will include the following:
Explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Phuket Private Charter.
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
What Are The Best Wet Season Island Hopping Destinations?
The Wet Season (also known as the Low Season or Green Season) starts in Phuket around May each year and continues through to the end of October. The signal of the change of seasons in Phuket is when the wind changes.
During our High Season or Dry Season, the wind blows from the East, during our Low Season or Wet Season the wind blows from the West. The West blowing winds brings more rain, monsoons, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Does It Rain All Day In Wet Season?
One of the biggest questions we see online and from our emails is whether it rains all day during the Wet Season. The reality is that it does not. We may have a passing shower or a storm for a day, but it is not raining all day every day. In addition to that, it can be raining on one part of Phuket and not another.
We live in a Tropical Climate, so the showers are generally passing and isolated.
Is It Safe To Go On A Private Boat In Wet Season?
It is very rare that we would need to cancel a tour in Wet Season. As I write this post right now we have low wind, blue skies, and calm seas. It’s the end of June and we feel as if this weather is going to continue for at least another week.
Due to the season though we always recommend to our customers to book the earliest available date in your holiday to go out on tour, so that we can then advise if the weather is not good to go another day.
During Wet Season we will time your tours a little differently to High Season. The high season is a great time to do sunset tours, whereas the low season is a great time to do early morning departures.
What Destinations Are Open In Wet Season?
During the wet season, it is safe to visit Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, Hong Krabi, Coral Island, Khai Island, Racha Island.
Destinations like Koh Rok, Koh Ha, and Similan are closed during the wet season for coral rejuvenation as well as due to the rougher sea conditions on the way to these destinations.
Summary: If you are planning a trip during the wet season, feel free to contact us and let us help advise you on the best destinations and the best day and time to get there.
First Aid Training in Phuket – Basic Life Support Training
We were pleased to welcome Vincent Modell from Phuket Basic Life Support to the 5 Star Marine Offices at Phuket Boat Lagoon, to train our team on the latest First Aid Skills.
Getting trained in first aid means that our team will be able to prevent issues that might make and first aid situation worse, especially in the case that one of our guests needs immediate first aid care while out on one of our private boat tours. The main aim of our training was to learn the skills to stabilize the person who is injured until emergency medical attention arrives or until we can get the injured person back to shore.
Safety is our number one priority at 5 Star marine and proper First Aid training is the only way to guarantee that our team can offer all our guests first aid IF the situation arises.
Vincent gave our team some valuable information such as:
- CPR – The most well-known, and most important first aid skill is CPR. CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and it provides artificial ventilation that can preserve brain function, blood circulation, and breathing in a person. In an emergency situation, knowing how to perform CPR is invaluable, and Vincent showed the team how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants.
- Broken bones – If someone has a broken bone then what do you do? Vincent showed the team how to set a splint. If the injury is not set before moving the injured person, it could get worse and cause excessive pain, and imagine that out on a boat. Our staff learned how best to set a splint from items on the boat and how best to keep that split in place.
- Bleeding – Worse case here would be bleeding from a main artery or vein and Vincent showed the staff what to do in this situation as well as how to stop bleeding from other areas of the body.
- Lionfish, sea urchins, and other sea life stings and bites – Of course, our team and our guests come into contact with an array of beautiful sea life here in Phuket, yet, some of these can be beautifully deadly. Vincent gave the staff training on what to do if any other of our guests get stings or injuries from any of these beautiful creatures.
While we hope we never need these skills, it’s important to keep up to date. A big thank you to Vincent Modell from Phuket Basic Life Support
