Top 5 Snorkeling Tours in Phuket, Thailand
By December 23, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Top 5 Snorkeling Tours in Phuket, Thailand

The islands around Phuket are known for their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making them ideal for exploring and snorkelling. The region is home to a wide variety of coral reefs and other underwater habitats that support a diverse array of sea species, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks.

The warm, shallow waters and good depth visibility around many islands that are conveniently accessible on a day trip with 5 Star Marine, making it easy to see the underwater world and explore the reefs up close. In addition, trained guides can provide vital information about the aquatic ecosystems and help ensure a safe, memorable and enjoyable experience on your private speedboat tour.

1. Phi Phi
There are many reasons to consider a day trip to Phi Phi Island, which is located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand. One of the main attractions of Phi Phi Island is its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and exploring. The island is home to several stunning beaches, including Maya Bay, which was made famous by the movie “The Beach,” and Bamboo Island, which is known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.

A small selection of good spots for snorkelling in Phi Phi Island, include:
• Maya Bay: This is a popular spot for snorkelling, as the bay is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and is home to colourful tropical fish and sea turtles. Please note that you cannot snorkel directly from Maya Bay beach but can just beyond the bay from the boat.
• Loh Samah Bay: This bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and colourful coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.
• Bamboo Island: This small island is located a short boat ride from Phi Phi Island and is known for its stunning soft sand beaches and clear waters. It is a great spot for snorkelling where you might get the chance to see tropical fish and sea turtles, as well as an idyllic lunch picnic spot.

2. Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are well-known for their striking crystal clear seas and varied marine life, making them an excellent snorkelling destination. The islands are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park, which is home to a diverse array of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems. With these reefs you will encounter a wide variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and potentially whale sharks.

With a variety of dive sites and snorkelling areas to select from, the Similan Islands are particularly renowned worldwide. Elephant Head Rock, famed for its massive underwater rock formations and colourful coral reefs, and Shark Island, which is home to a variety of sharks and other marine life, are two prime examples.

Overall, the Similan Islands are a fantastic snorkelling location, with pristine seas, rich sea life, memorable scenery, and a broad range of snorkelling spots to explore.

3. Koh Rok / Koh Ha
These islands are for you if you are searching for somewhere a little more exotic and are perhaps as breath-taking as the Similan Islands. These tiny islands are in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, immediately south of Koh Lanta.

These two islands provide some of the greatest snorkelling options available due to their exceptional water clarity, rich marine life, and colourful reefs, which make for a very unique experience. In season, whale sharks are also frequently observed swimming between these islands.

Visiting Koh Rok and Koh Ha makes for a perfect multi night experience, and will provide some of the greatest snorkelling, beautiful soft sand beaches, and less crowds than the more popular Similan Islands. Compared to most other day trip destinations from Phuket, this one is a little further out, but the assured natural beauty makes the journey worthwhile.

4. Raya / Racha Islands
Raya or Racha Islands are renowned for their pristine seas and rich underwater sea life, making them a popular snorkelling destination. The islands are situated in the Andaman Sea and are home to a multitude of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems that are teeming with marine life, such as vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles.

Around Racha Island, there are several excellent snorkelling locations, including Siam Bay, which is located on the south side of the island and is renowned for its magnificent coral reefs and aquatic species including colourful tropical fish and sea turtles.

Patok Beach is located on the north side of the island and has a beach which is known for its clear waters and divers’ underwater life, teeming with tropical fish and other marine life. In addition to snorkelling, these islands are home to noteworthy diving locations, have 5 star hotels and restaurants to select from for a tropical lunch.

5. Coral Island
Coral Island, commonly known locally as Koh He or alternatively Koh Hae, is located close to Phuket so lends itself to being conveniently located and extremely family friendly.

This Island is renowned for its crystal blue seas and abundant marine life, making it another popular snorkelling destination to add to your list. It is situated south of Phuket and is home to a multitude of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems.

There are a number of excellent snorkelling locations around Coral Island, including the coral reefs that encircle the island and the shallow seas along the beaches. In addition, the island is home to various snorkelling and diving locations, including Koh Hae Yai, which is renowned for its vibrant reefs.

Coral Island also lends itself to being a family friendly day trip; not only is it located near to Phuket, but because a trip to Banana Beach Club on the island serves a good selection of dishes, has clean facilities plus offers massages, canoes and plenty of Instagram-worthy set ups.

We look forward to welcoming you for a trip of a lifetime, snorkelling amongst the rich coral and marine life we are lucky enough to have around the islands surrounding Phuket.

Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
www.5starmarinephuket.com
[email protected]

Thai Food Cooking Class in Phuket | Learning to cook Thai food with Authentic Thai Recipes
By November 17, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Thai Food Cooking Class in Phuket | Learning to cook Thai food with Authentic Thai Recipes

Where Can I Learn to Cook Thai Food in Phuket? How can I learn to cook Thai food from the locals? Where is the best Thai authentic cooking class? Which is the best Phuket cooking class?

These are a few questions that many people ask us when they are coming to Phuket, and we 100% understand why you would want to learn to cook Thai food.

CNN recently updated its list of the “World’s Best Food” with 50 of the most delicious dishes ever created. The number one was Massaman Curry, described by CNN as “The king of curries and perhaps the king of all foods”. Also on the list were many other Thai dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Nam Tok Moo, Somtam, and of course Thai Green Curry and the classic Thai dish Pad Thai.

With all these amazing dishes it makes perfect sense that when coming to Thailand you take some time out to go on a Thai Cooking Course, and that’s what we did. Jay Leshark headed to the awesome Brasswok Thai Cooking class to learn how to make some authentic Thai Food.

On the menu was three more traditional style Thai Foods, not the standard dishes thats for sure, such as a spicy Jungle Curry with underdeveloped chicken eggs, or a Tom Yum style dish with chicken feet and a stir-fried prawn with lotus stems. Now, these were special dishes prepared by the awesome Chef Pui the owner, chef, and teacher from Basswok Thai Cooking, just for Jay’s visit. These dishes are the times of Thai food that the Phuket locals would eat at home, they are more like Thai comfort food.

Now on most Thai food cooking classes menus, you will get the standard dishes to cook, you might even get a choice, and if you do then try something different. Of course, Green Curry, Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, and even Massaman Curry are on most Thai cooking schools’ lists and are all fantastic to learn to cook, and of course, eat, but after the experience at Brasswok Thai Cooking Classes, cooking new dishes with ingredients that you may have never used, or even known about is a must.

So yes, when you are in Thailand, you must take a morning or afternoon to go on a Thai Cooking class.

Favorite Locations
By November 10, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Favorite Locations

If you are looking for the best Phuket Island destination to visit then I am sure you would just go on your phone and search in Google “Best Phuket Islands to visit”

Yes, that is great, and Google, Alexa, and Siri are all great resources to get multitude of information, BUT I was taught, when visiting a new country or a new city, that if you want to know where the best food is or the best bars and restaurants are, or the best places to hang out or even the best Phuket Islands to visit then you should ask a local.

Our 5 Star marine Phuket team, has over 40 years of experience running Phuket Boat Tours, and not just that many of the 5 Star Marine Phuket Team grow up in Phuket or Phi Phi, or Phang Nga Bay so they have more than just the years of experience out on Boat Tours, they have their whole life living and experiencing the wonders of this beautiful area.

We had one simple question to ask the 5 Star Marine Phuket team and that was; What is your favorite Phuket Tour Destination?

The top 4 Phuket Island Tour destinations from the 5 Star Marine Phuket Team were:

Koh Ha (Including Koh Rok)

If you are looking for something a little more exotic, lesser known, and arguably as beautiful, (if not more), than the Similan Islands, then Koh Ha and Koh Rok are perfect. These small islands are situated South of Phuket. The stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colourful marine life and corals, therefore make Koh Ha and Koh Rok some of the best snorkelling opportunities you can find

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Phi Phi

Phi Phi is a really well know location and of course has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Maya Bay made famous after being featured in the 2000 movie, “The Beach” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. While many people mistakenly believe that Phi Phi is made up of just one Island, in fact, it is a group of 6 islands in total. Phi Phi also offers you experiences such as Monkey Beach and Viking Cave, as well as opportunities to swim with Black Tip Reef Sharks.

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James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay truly is one of nature’s spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location, and the most famous island in the whole of Phang Nga Bay is James Bond Island. This famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay found its way onto the international tourist map through its starring role in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.

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Racha

Lying about 20kms south of Phuket, the Racha Islands comprise two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. To confuse matters they are also known as Koh Raya Yai and Koh Raya Noi. Raya Islands provide the ideal destination to enjoy nature. With some of the best snorkelling reefs in Thailand and quiet, tropical white powdery beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, they provide a balanced combination of relaxing, tranquil locations with amazing sea life.

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So, there you have it, the locals have spoken. Of course, there are many more destinations that you can visit and explore while out on a 5 Star Marine Phuket Private Boat Tour. Just drop us a message and we will be happy to guide you to the best destination for your ultimate Phuket Island experience.

James Bond Island and Phang Nag Bay Private Boat Tour
By October 11, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

James Bond Island and Phang Nag Bay Private Boat Tour

Phang Nga bay is a popular Private Phuket Boat Tour including the iconic James Bond Island. The 5 Star Marine Phuket boat tour into Phang Nga Bay from Phuket takes you into some awesome limestone caves and stunning hidden lagoons as well as kayaking up close to the limestone Kasts and visiting the amazing floating football pitch in Koh Panyi at Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, and of course going to James Bond Island, the island used in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”

Before you get to see the amazing James Bond Island, whose name in Thailand as Ko Ta Pu, (Also known Khao Ping Kan, BUT that is a different island, don’t worry I will explain all later), take your time to enjoy the spectacle that is Phang Nga Bay. This stunning bay offers you so much to see and do. The hundreds of caves alone could take you months to explore and that’s not to mention the stunning hidden lagoons and beaches or the stunning limestone Karsts that rise up from the emerald waters which you can explore up close by kayak. Phang Nga Bay is part of what was once a huge coral reef that covered much of what is now Southeast Asia.

One of the other amazing sights to visit when you head out for a Private Phang Nga Bay boat tour is the world’s only floating football pitch. This amazing floating football pitch is at Koh Panyi, which is a fishing village in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, notable for being built on stilts by Malay fishermen. The football pitch was built by children who rather than spend the day fishing, wanted to play football. So, they found some old buoys and slowly made their very own floating football pitch.

James Bond Island is one of the must do’s when you are on holiday in Phuket, as I mentioned earlier it has many names. So, the island that most people take their selfies in front of is what is called Ko Ta Pu, translated into English, which means Nail Island. This was the island that in the James Bond Movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was the backdrop when James Bond and Scaramanga had their duel. The island that your private boat will drop you off is called Khao Ping Kan, but both are more commonly known as James Bond Island.

If you are looking for a real epic day trip, checking out the awesome spectacular scenery that only Phang Nga Bay can offer then book up a Private Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour. You will not be disappointed.

Fun Fact:
Did you know that Ko Ta Pu, was also used in another James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies, BUT it was said to be in Vietnam.

YouTube host Jay Leshark and camera man, and awesome 5 Star Marine Phuket tour Guide Alex head out to spend a day exploring Phang Nga Bay. They float into caves, and find hidden lagoons, before kayaking and getting up close with the stunning limestone rock formations, and then they finally get that perfect Instagram picture at James Bond Island. Oh yes and Jay gets to check out the amazing floating football pitch at Koh Panyi. Must remember to take a football next time.

Private Boat Tour Phuket – Recommended Departure Times
By September 8, 2022 Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Private Boat Tour Phuket – Recommended Departure Times

We take our customer satisfaction seriously; this means that we regularly run staff training.  Only yesterday we had our Guide Team in training and planning sessions for the upcoming high season.

One of the things we like to do as a company is run our private boat tours to avoid the crowds.  After discussions yesterday we would like to update our recommended departure times.

The recommended departure times for our Private Boat Tours are not set in stone, you have the flexibility to select a different time; however, with that said, our Guide Team feels that the best way to avoid the crowds is to depart from your hotel at the following times:

06:30 AM – Beat the Crowds

This departure time means that we depart from the pier before the large group tours, and just after the sunrise tours.  This should allow our Guide Team to build a program that avoids most of the crowds and creates a unique experience for you.

10:30 AM – Behind the Crowds

This departure time means that we depart from the pier after all the large group tours.  This ensures we time our tour to go to the best spots after all the group tours have left them.  It should also allow us to have clear water on the tour.

Both of these suggested departure times will allow our teams to create the perfect program for you, avoiding the crowds, in all tide conditions.  When booking your next private boat tour with us consider these two departure times for the very best experience.

How Long Can You Stay In Thailand For? | Breaking Phuket News | August 2022
By September 8, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

How Long Can You Stay In Thailand For? | Breaking Phuket News | August 2022

How Long Can You Stay in Thailand? New tourist visa rules, plus a brand-new café opening in Phuket and 5 Star Marine Phuket has a brand-new Phuket weatherman (kind of). All this is discussed in this month’s Breaking Phuket News by the owner of 5 Star Marine Phuket Shaun Stenning and YouTube host Jay Leshark, all while drinking coffee at the brand-new café “Next Door” to the 5 Star Marine towers.

How Long Can You Stay in Thailand?

Are you planning a trip to Thailand in the near future? If so, good news for you and good news for anyone working in the tourism industry, Thailand has decided to extend the stay period for those who enter Thailand on a Visa On Arrival. Starting on October 1st, 2022, Thailand CCSA has announced that the Visa extension stay period will be extended from 30 days to 45 days.

“We are looking to extending their stay, This will help boost tourist spending, revive the economy and reduce impact from the coronavirus pandemic.”A CCSA official said.

But Who can take advantage of these new rules?

The Visa extension rule will allow tourists from 64 different countries to come into Thailand without applying for a visa before they arrive. Which countries are on the list? please see below the full list:

The new visa extension is all part of the Thailand government’s efforts to increase economic recovery post-pandemic as it looks to gain 8-10 million foreign arrivals this year. This was the figure reported in The Bangkok Post.

In August, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said some 1.07 million foreign tourists had entered Thailand in July, which is the first time that monthly arrivals have exceeded 1 million since the pandemic.

But even better news for travelers from Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile, as you will receive permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days under Visa Exemption.

New Coffee Shop open in Phuket

Always wanted a have a coffee overlooking the 5-Star Marine Towers, well now you can. The Next-Door Café has opened right next door to 5 Star Marine offices, so when you come on a 5 Star marine private boat tour you can grab a freshly brewed coffee or a snack before you go.

And finally, 5 Star Marine has a brand-new Phuket Weather Station that can accurately tell you what the weather is doing live, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new station has been in creation for many years using NASA scientists to help with the hard stuff, hence why their rocket launch for Artemis I was delayed. Many people may say it’s just a coconut on a string, and well to be honest they might be right.

Here is the full list of countries that can get the NEW 45 days Visa on Arrival.

1          Andorra

2          Argentina

3          Australia

4          Austria

5          Bahrain

6          Belgium

7          Brazil

8          Brunei

9          Cambodia

10        Canada

11        Chile

12        Czech Republic

13        Denmark

14        Estonia

15        Finland

16        France

17        Germany

18        Greece

19        Hong Kong

20        Hungary

21        Iceland

22        Indonesia

23        Ireland

24        Israel

25        Italy

26        Japan

27        Korea

28        Kuwait

29        Laos

30        Latvia

31        Liechtenstein

32        Lithuania

33        Luxembourg

34        Macau

35        Malaysia

36        Maldives

37        Mauritius

38        Myanmar

39        Monaco

40        Mongolia

41        Netherlands

42        New Zealand

43        Norway

44        Oman

45        Peru

46        Philippines

47        Poland

48        Portugal

49        Qatar

50        Russia

51        San Marino

52        Singapore

53        Slovak Republic

54        Slovenia

55        South Africa

56        Spain

57        Sweden

58        Switzerland

59        Turkey

60        Ukraine

61        United Arab Emirates

62        United Kingdom

63        United States

64        Vietnam

What To Do In Phuket When It’s Raining?
By September 4, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

What To Do In Phuket When It’s Raining?

There are many things to do in Phuket and as we are in low season, rainy season, or green season we thought we would show you a few things you can do in Phuket when it’s raining.

Of course, don’t forget that you can still come on a 5 Star marine tour to Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, Phi Phi, or any of our trips. In fact, Phang Nga Bay is stunning in the rain.

1st stop was a trip to the Aquaria Aquarium located in the center of Phuket beneath Central Phuket Floresta. Aquaria is the best aquarium in Phuket and the biggest in Thailand. The aquarium takes you on a magical underwater journey through the wonders of the ocean and the mysteries of the rivers. There are over 25,000 animals and you can also interact with some of them.

Aquaria Phuket

Next to Aquaria Aquarium is Happy Kids Club, which is a high-quality and safe indoor children’s playground where kids connect through play, fun, and educational activities as well as special celebrations. Happy Kids Club also offers both Thai and western workshop activities. They cater to Babies right up to 12-year-old.

The cinema experience in Phuket at SFX Cinema is a must for everyone. Although top tip, make sure you take warm clothes as they have their aircon set on “South Pole”. There are three cinemas in Phuket, one at Central Festival, one at Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong and a brand new SFX Cinema at the new Robinson’s Shopping mall in Talang. All the blockbuster movies are in English and Thai.

Phuket SFX Cinema

If you like to bounce and have a fun indoor adventure then Village Adventure at Blue Tree Phuket is a great place for kids of all ages. Adventure Village is an indoor family entertainment center, with a commitment to bringing fun to everyone. The park includes an incredible wide range of entertainment options including trampoline arena, foam pit, zip line, donut slide, fun slide, roller skating, net climbing, pirate ship playground, Lego zone, carousels and more. Adventure Village brings fun to a new level.

Village Adventure at Blue Tree Phuket

And finally, don’t forget that even when it’s raining you can still enjoy an amazing 5-Star Marine Private Boat Tour. In fact, as I said at the start if this, we often tell people that Phang Nga Bay in the rain is beautiful, and of course, we live in the tropics, so even if it’s raining first thing in the morning then chances are it will not be raining later in the day and in the same way, just because it might be raining in Patong, doesn’t mean it’s raining in Phang Nga or Phi Phi.

 

So rain or shine there are many things to do in Phuket after you have had a fantastic Private Tour with 5 Star Marine.

 

 

Is It Worth Going to Phi Phi Island?
By August 31, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Is It Worth Going to Phi Phi Island?

The Phi Phi Islands

Thailand is home to a group of islands known as the Phi Phi Islands. The islands are conveniently positioned halfway between Phuket and Krabi, making them equally accessible from both. Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are two of the largest and most visited islands in Phi Phi, and in addition, Bamboo Island is another popular destination due to its beautiful beaches and crystal blue water.

Koh Phi Phi Don is a vast archipelago off the coast of Phuket. Visitors are attracted to this stunning island for its pristine beaches and the variety of exciting activities available.

Located in the south, Koh Phi Phi Leh is the island that was made famous by “The Beach.” Maya Bay, located nearby, is a popular destination for tourists looking to relax by the water and take in the scenery. However, in order to protect the natural resources of the area, this beach is closed to the public beginning 1st August 2022 for two months for rehabilitation purposes.

Although it is only a small island, Bamboo Island is a popular picnic lunch and relaxing spot due of its picturesque landscape and romantic atmosphere.

So, Is It Worth Going To Phi Phi Islands?

Well, if you are looking for a private speedboat day trip from Phuket then the islands area ideal for lounging on the beach, snorkelling amongst colourful fish and coral, photographing stunning karst structures made of limestone, and soaking in the breath-taking scenery.

The Phi Phi Islands are home to some absolutely stunning sights that are increasingly difficult to see anywhere else in Thailand. You can conveniently take a luxury private speedboat with your friends and family to day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, and our experienced crew and captains can assist you in planning you perfect day out in paradise.

A Luxury 5 Star Experience

Through the assistance of our knowledgeable crew and captains, your tour to the Phi Phi Islands may be tailored to fit your specific needs, whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay. As a result, you get to craft your own unique itinerary and take pleasure in the results of your collaborative planning on the day of your trip.

Sample Phi Phi Itinerary

  1. For your private trip to the Phi Phi Islands, start at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley as the perfect place to begin your tour. This stunning and well-known cove can be seen from the comfort of your private 5 Star Marine speedboat. Take as many pictures as you like to remember this beautiful bay.
  2. Snorkel in Loh Samah Bay, a small bay on the opposite side of Maya Bay with beautiful fish and coral reefs.
  3. Pileh Lagoon features crystal clear, turquoise waters that are inviting for a refreshing dip. In “The Beach,” Leonardo DiCaprio took a dive into this lagoon, making it a must-see on your adventure.
  4. Visit Small Monkey Beach to witness these mischievous little critters lounging on the karst rocks.
  5. Even though the entrance to Wong Long Bay is somewhat small, it is still possible to see this beautiful spot on your Phi Phi Islands tour.
  6. For an additional fee, we can set up a picnic for you in a sandy cove with a shallow bay at Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don, complete with western style or Thai sharing dishes.
  7. Make a stop in Ao Nuoi for some more snorkelling and explore the area’s beautiful beaches and abundant aquatic life.
  8. Finally, Bamboo Island is the perfect way to round off your private trip to the Phi Phi Islands as it offers a lovely beach and turquoise seas. You can go snorkelling here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a black-tip reef shark

Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket Inclusions

Private boat inclusion

Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds and make it worth your while travelling to the Phi Phi Islands; so, you can rest assured knowing that you are in safe hands.

Is It Worth Going to Phi Phi Island? Yes indeed, and you may book here:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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Instagram

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Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket
By August 24, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket

 Beautiful Spots with 5 Star Marine:

Take a private luxury day cruise Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket with 5 Star Marine and witness the island’s famous landscape with your closest friends and family. Travel in comfort and luxury on one of the VIP speedboats, all of which have been recently renovated.

Highlights:

  • For your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, starting at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley, is the perfect place to begin your tour since it is a stunning and well-known cove that can be seen from the comfort of your private 5 Star Marine speedboat. Take as many pictures as you like to remember this beautiful bay.
  • Snorkel in Loh Samah Bay, a small bay on the opposite side of Maya Bay with beautiful fish and coral reefs.
  • Pileh Lagoon features crystal clear, turquoise waters that are inviting for a refreshing dip. In “The Beach,” Leonardo DiCaprio took a diving leap into this lagoon, making it a must-see on every private Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket.
  • Visit Small Monkey Beach to witness these mischievous little critters lounging on the karst rocks whilst on your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket.
  • Even though the entrance to Wong Long Bay is somewhat small, it is still possible to see this beautiful spot on your Phi Phi Island tour.
  • For an additional fee, we can set up a picnic for you in a sandy cove with a shallow bay at Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don, complete with the western style of Thai sharing dishes.
  • If you’re on a Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, you may stop in Ao Nuoi for some more snorkeling and explore the area’s beautiful beaches and abundant aquatic life.
  • Finally, Bamboo Island is the perfect way to round off your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, as it offers a lovely beach and pure blue seas. You can go snorkeling here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a black-tip reef shark.

Maya Bay Update:

 

After over three and a half years of being closed to visitors, on January 1, 2022, the world-famous Bay reopened to day-trippers (by order of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation).

However, beginning August 1, 2022, Maya Bay will once again be closed for two months to allow for natural recovery. Nonetheless, if you are on our Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, you may still see Maya Bay. You can still enjoy the bay from your own, chartered 5 Star Marine speedboat as per the initial closure period. However, you will not be able to stroll on the actual beach due to the necessary recovery.

Whether or not the beach is accessible, Maya Bay is still a must-see on every Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket. 5 Star Marine is an ethical firm that will make sure you get to see the wonders of Maya Bay without causing any harm to the environment. The Marine Park has put in a lot of effort to restore Maya Bay to its paradisiacal state, so we make sure that our Phi Phi Island Tours from Phuket follow the guidelines and are good examples of polite tourism.

Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket Inclusions:

Private boat inclusion

Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, so, you can rest easy knowing that you are in competent hands.

To book your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

The Stunning Maya Bay Is Closed
By August 3, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

The Stunning Maya Bay Is Closed

On the 1st of August, Maya Bay Phi Phi will close to give the Thailand National Park Authorities time to check and assess the last few month’s effects of tourists being allowed back on the beach.

Jay Leshark and his kids headed down to Maya Bay with Tour Guide Charlie from 5 Star Marine Phuket on the 31st of July 2022, to get the last walk on the sand before it closes for a few months.

Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand IF not the world. The beach was featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio which was filmed over 20 years ago.

Maya Bay Beach was closed for over 2 years by the Thai Government to help the ecosystem recover as it had become ruined by over-tourism. It reopened in January 2022 with new rules and regulations that helped to manage the tourists and how they access the bay.

Maya bay become worldwide known after the 2000 film “The Beach” which was an adventure drama film directed by Danny Boyle and based on the 1996 novel by Alex Garland.

There was some controversy during the making of the film, with the production team accused of landscaping some of the beach and removing some of the coconut trees to make it more like the descriptions in the book.

The bay reopened on 1st January 2022 with the new restrictions in place to manage the thousands of tourists that visit Maya Bay each year. Measures were put in place to protect the local ecosystems and these included, not allowing boats to close into the bay and drop anchor, but they now had to go around to the back of the bay and drop off guests at a newly built pier and stairs.

The numbers of guests visiting each day was also restricted as well as not allowing anyone to swim in the waters or even go too deep into the waters. These changes had made a difference, and when YouTube host Jay Leshark and Tour Guide Alex from 5 Star Marine Phuket, visited Maya Bay back in June, they saw baby reef sharks right next to the beach, you can see that video here:

Is the closing of Maya Bay a good thing? Very simply – YES it is!

If you still wish to visit Maya Bay then our tours do still head down to Phi Phi, and you can see the bay from a distance, and then head to visit the stunning Pileh Lagoon, or check out the monkeys on Monkey beach.

You can book these tours here: