Our 5 Star Marine Phuket Private Boats

Check out our Private VIP Speedboats

Here at 5 Star Marine Phuket we have a fleet of 15 private VIP Speedboats and Luxury Cruisers (and our fleet is still growing). All our fully customised boats are TAT SHA Plus approved, and adhere to the highest levels of comfort for your ultimate tailor-made experience.

We get lots of questions all the time about the 5 Star Marine Phuket boats. So let’s talk about our boats. Our boats are all the same. So we have Lucas 1 to 15. Same style, same fit out, same layout, same inclusions. Everything’s the same.

So as you step onto the boat from the pier, at Phuket Boat Lagoon, you’ll see that there’s a back deck. This back deck that’s there is to enable easy access on and off the boat. A lot of guests ask us, can the boat come all the way up to the, beach? And the answer is yes, we can back all the way up to the beach. And then you can just step straight off onto the beach. And another great thing is while you’re snorkelling, there are two long ladders there. One that you can go down and one that you can go up.

All our boats have two engines which are better for safety and a nice deck that you can get up and down on nice and easy. And it also protects you from the engines. So when you go snorkelling, you are nowhere near the propeller, which is good.

So as you go inside the boat you’re going to see that actually we just upgraded the cushions inside our boat. Nice big fat cushions. To make it comfortable for you, there is a shaded back area where you can sit and an open front area as well. Both of these are available for you throughout the tour. And inside we also have a cooler full of ice, soft drinks, and water. And if you like, you can bring anything else onto the boat and put it inside the cooler. Also every boat has a toilet.

Now, some of the other questions that we also get asked is there a smaller boat available? The answer to that question is these boats that we’ve just talked about are specifically built here in Phuket for Phuket sea conditions. Now we don’t run smaller boats because we think that it’s unsafe. So all of our boats are two engine boats. They’re all 39 foot long and they’re designed for Phuket specific sea conditions that allows you to have a nice safe trip.

We’re often asked our boats suitable for young kids. The answer to that is yes, of course. And that’s why the boat is so big. That’s why it’s got two engines. We feel very comfortable about it. In fact, all of our boats are named Lucas after my son, who’s been going on board with us since he was 6 months old.

Our crew are well trained and experienced in making sure that you have a safe journey. So who’s going to be on the boat with you? Well look, if you’d like Jay our YouTube host, Jay will be there with you. But typically on our boat, we’re going to have 3 crew on board with you. We’re going to have a captain, an engineer, and an English speaking guide.

Now the captain, his job’s to take care of the boat and make sure that you get from A to B, nice and safely. The guide is there to customize the tour prepare you for each of the stops, help you with your snorkelling, maybe organize where you’re going to go and have lunch and your engineer will be there on the boat helping with your experience as well.

If you’re considering a private boat tour in Phuket we would love to have you on board with us. Whether you’re one passenger or you’re a family group we can customize the program and the tour to suit you. Any questions at all, feel free to drop a comment below. And we’d love to see you on board.

Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Hotel Walk Through

Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Hotel is one of Phuket’s best hotels. The 5-star Marriott Bonvoy beachfront lifestyle resort comes with a unique design. Situated on the beautiful Mai Khao Beach, and only a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.

5 Star Marine Phuket YouTube host headed up to the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Hotel to have a look around the stunning resort and check out the rooms and the facilities at this beautiful Phuket 5-Star Resort.

The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Hotel offers spacious Deluxe rooms (46 sqm.), homey One Bedroom Suites (97 sqm.), and contemporary, tropical design private Pool Villas starting (117 sqm.).

One of the distinctive design elements of the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Hotel is the Renaissance Phuket’s signature lobby and villas roofing inspired by the shape of the Leatherback Turtle shell as Mai Khao beach is one of the few Phuket beaches that continue to have nesting turtles.

What about food and drink?
Well lucky for you the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa has a wide selection of onsite restaurants and bars to choose from.

The Sand Box Beachfront Bar & Eatery at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is one of the most exclusive beachfront dining spots in Phuket with a modern tropical design, a cool open-concept kitchen, and a brand-new Italian imported wood-fired pizza oven, and all this with stunning views over Mai Khao Beach.

Then there is the multi-award-winning Takieng restaurant. Serving classic Southern Thai and Phuket’s favorite dishes with premium local ingredients, Takieng is in the top 25 Phuket restaurants in 2022. Takieng means ‘lantern’ in Thai, referring to the local fishermen’s daily routine of taking the longtail boat with their fishing nets and lanterns to catch fish at night to avoid the heat from the day’s sun.

Many of the ingredients used are locally sourced, some of which are hyper-locally sourced, such as mole crabs and Lin Harn leaves that can be found exclusively on Mai Khao beach.

There is so much more to The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, including the stunning Quan Spa, a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center with daily recreational activities such as Thai boxing, yoga, beach volleyball, and water sports, and a fully staffed Kids Club.

To be fair the best thing to do now is to watch the video of Jay’s walk-through so you can get a full idea of this beautiful 5 Star Phuket Resort.

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.

The Best Phuket Islands Private Boat Tour to Khai Islands

Are they worth visiting?

There are many beautiful islands to visit around Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, and Krabi. Yet a 15 minutes Private Boat ride from Phuket’s East Coast Boat Lagoon Marina there are three islands that offer superb white sandy beaches and clear water where colourful and friendly fish come to swim around you.

The three Khai Islands are perfect for those visiting Phuket with young families, if you don’t wish to travel far on a Private Phuket Boat Tour, or if you are new to snorkeling and looking for snorkeling straight off the beach.

The Khai Islands are made up of 3 separate islands:

  • Khai Nai
  • Khai Nau
  • Khai Nok

Each of these three Islands off Phuket’s East Coats offers something different for you to enjoy while out on a 5 Star Marine Phuket private boat tour. The larger two islands, Khai Nai and Khai Nok are similar, each hosting some small beach bars, and restaurants, sun loungers with umbrellas, souvenir shops, and jet ski rentals. The major difference between these two tropical islands is the snorkeling.

Both offer great snorkeling off the beach, yet if you have small children or you are new to snorkeling then Khai Nok is the best option for you. Walking 1 or 2 steps into the warm tropical waters off Khai Nok and hundreds of colourful tropical fish come straight up to you and swim around you.

Now don’t get me wrong, Khai Nai also has amazing snorkeling, and you can again walk straight from the beach into the sea, and if you swim out only a few meters you will find a beautiful tropical coral reef with clown fish swimming around.

Khai Nau is the smallest of the three Khai Islands and it doesn’t have any beach bars, restaurants or even a beach, BUT it is an excellent spot for fantastic snorkeling, right off the boat and has a huge variety of coral and marine life to explore, such as moray eels, clown fish, parrot fish, sea stars and so much more.

So, to answer the question: Are they worth visiting?

The simple answer to this is YES.

The three Khai Islands are perfect for those visiting Phuket with young families, if you don’t wish to travel far on a Private Phuket Boat Tour, or if you are new to snorkeling and looking for amazing snorkeling straight off the beach.

Which Islands Open in October 2022?

This October brings renewed excitement as our guests will be able to enjoy a number of re-openings giving access to more tropical beach destinations.

This time of year also marks the transition from the Monsoon to the dry season, when calmer winds and sea conditions make for an ideal mix. As these destinations are perfect for either day or multi-night private speedboat trips from Phuket, we have pulled together a list of the top 4 places to visit from October 2022 to help inspire you:

  1. Maya Bay (Reopens 1st October 2022)

Maya Bay, located on Phi Phi Ley, is one of the most iconic sites in the Phi Phi islands. It became renowned after featuring as the main location for the 2000 film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The plot focuses on a group of travellers wanting to create their own haven from the outside world at Maya Bay.

The stunning Bay will now reopen this October after being shut for two months (August and September 2022). Tourists were originally allowed to return in January 2022 after Maya Bay was closed for almost three and a half years.

This year’s closure was put in place in order to rebuild the island’s infrastructure and give the protected area a respite from visitors who had already returned to its beautiful bay. The shutdown of the stunning location serves as a reminder that an enormous amount of work has gone into repairing this bay.

From October when Maya Bay reopens, you will be able to see how the wildlife has returned and thrived; the bay is now home to clownfish, lobsters, and blacktip sharks!

  1. Similan Island – (Reopens 15th October 2022)

The breathtaking Similan Islands will also reopen in mid-October again this year. A fantastic island-hopping site off Phuket’s west coast, the islands are teeming with incredible aquatic life, lush coral, and sandy white beaches.

Enjoy a spectacular private speedboat excursion to the legendary Similan Islands, a picturesque archipelago of 9 islands in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand. These islands are only accessible for six months of the year – from the middle of October to mid-May; which means that everyone here at 5 Star Marine is extremely excited about this year’s reopening.

This is one of the most well-known island groups in the region, and it is famous for having some of the world’s most stunning coral reefs. When you first arrive you will see large rocks on the coasts of numerous islands, which form a particular characteristic of this location.

5 Star Marine’s fleet of luxury VIP speedboats has already been granted permission to visit the Similan Island National Park area, so you get to appreciate the natural marine richness and crystal-clear blue seas that this area has to offer.

  1. Surin Island – (Reopens 15th October 2022

The Surin Islands are the ideal underwater playground for scuba diving and snorkelling in Thailand thanks to the beautiful coral reefs and soft, white sand beaches. Mu Ko Surin National Park houses the Surin Islands; which consists of a group of five islands located around 100 kilometres north of the Similan Islands.

Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai are the two main islands which have several unspoilt bays and are separated by barely 200 metres of clear water, which creates a shallow and popular snorkelling spot. These islands are still undeveloped, making this a natural habitat for an array of marine life and pristine coral gardens. The area is also known to attract whale sharks, which you might get the chance to see whilst out snorkelling with 5 Star Marine.

As with the Similan Islands, Surin Islands are also only accessible for six months of the year (from mid-October to mid-May).

  1. Koh Ha and Koh Rok – (Accessible 15th October 2022)

By the middle of October, the Monsoon season is ending and the dry season begins, bringing with it more favourable wind and sea conditions. This is a great time to get out and explore, especially if you are searching for something a little more exotic and less well-known.

A private day or multi-night private trip to these magnificent locations will provide some of the greatest snorkelling in the world, combining spectacular water purity with a broad variety of colourful marine life and reefs for a truly unique experience. Whale sharks may also be seen between these islands throughout the season.

Koh Ha and Koh Rok are small islands located immediately south of Koh Lanta, situated within the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. By selecting to explore these islands you will be assured of fantastic snorkelling, lovely soft sandy beaches and fewer crowds than some of the more well-known islands. A bit longer to go compared to most of our other day trip options (which is why many happy clients select a multi-night approach); yet well worth every minute for the assured natural splendour.

We hope you are just as excited as we are about the opportunity to discover the reopened and accessible islands from October 2022!

For Bookings / Enquiries:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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Private Phuket Sunset Cruise

Making Memories

Get together with your loved ones for a day on the water that will never be forgotten. Our private Phuket Sunset Cruise gives you the freedom to explore the islands surrounding Phuket at your own pace on one of our luxurious 5 Star Marine speedboats.

An ideal combination of snorkelling, dolphin watching, and a private beach BBQ at sunset sets this luxury trip apart from the others. Each reservation is unique and we work with you to ensure you have the best experience possible. Our Phuket Sunset Cruise typically involves setting sail from our Boat Lagoon dock and spending the day cruising around the beautiful islands in the waters that surround Phuket. Enjoy snorkelling in pristine seas teeming with tropical marine life. To make the day seamless, there is no need to worry about bringing snorkelling gear along, as it is all provided onboard for you.

Private Phuket Sunset Cruise

Unlike on group tours, when you may feel pressured to rush through attractions in order to keep to a strict timetable, you may take your time and see everything at your own pace while travelling with 5 Star Marine on your Phuket Sunset Cruise.

In the afternoon, you will get to participate in our respectful dolphin spotting. We at 5 Star Marine know how lucky we are to have the chance to watch dolphins in their natural environment. Due to the fact that dolphins are curious by nature, they frequently approach our luxury speedboats during the Phuket Sunset Cruise to have a closer look, and so this special itinerary allows you the opportunity to enjoy an up-close encounter with these amazing animals.

Sunset Beach BBQ

Just before sunset, indulge in the late afternoon sun by relaxing on a private, tropical beach as our dedicated staff grill beef and chicken satay in the traditional Thai way, right on the stunning soft sands. In between invigorating swims in the turquoise water, enjoy our “Mocktail of the Day” on the beach, while the sun sets in a tropical kaleidoscope. Photo opportunities are abundant as you snap away to remember your truly special Phuket Sunset Cruise.

Phuket Sunset Cruise Inclusions:

Private boat inclusion

Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds and make your Phuket Sunset Cruise a truly memorable experience.

Book Our Luxury Phuket Sunset Cruise:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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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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Phuket to James Bond Island

Phuket to James Bond Island

Our Phuket to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay is one of the most talked-about day trips in all of Thailand. Phuket to James Bond Island by speedboat is a luxurious day excursion that offers both iconic views and more athletic hobbies, such as cave searching and canoeing among the striking rock formations.

Our Phuket to James Bond Island speedboat tour will take you to a region of Phang Nga Bay that is unlike any other in the world because of the striking karst limestone seascapes that rise dramatically from the emerald ocean.

The Famous Island

If you choose our Phuket to James Bond Island private speedboat tour, our skilled crews will take you to the famous Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) so that you may take in the sights of Phang Nga Bay’s most iconic location. Since this is a marine protected area, boats cannot go too close, but nearby Koh Ping Ghan is an island with a huge leaning rock and several caves to explore and serves as a great vantage point for taking pictures of the renowned site.

Tourists have flocked to James Bond Island since the 1970s when the island played host to Bond’s villain Scaramanga in the film The Man With the Golden Gun. Because of this well-known film, many satisfied customers have chosen the James Bond Island Speedboat Tour offered by 5 Star Marine.

Phuket to James Bond Island Tour Highlights

Whatever your needs may be, 5 Star Marine will do its very best to meet them. In order to give you a day to remember, our seasoned captains and crew will assist you in avoiding the masses. Some possible places to visit during a speedboat tour from Phuket to James Bond Island are:

  • Stop by Panak Island to float along gently inside one of the hidden caves surrounded by mangroves, before enjoying a peaceful golden bay all to yourselves.
  • Move onto Ko Kudu Yai to take in the exquisite beauty of the clear turquoise water in this stunning lagoon.
  • At lunchtime why not make your way to the small island community of Koh Panyee; where huts, houses, and restaurants are built on stilts over the water?
  • Then get your Bond Instagram to pose ready as you make your way to James Bond Island, which is viewed from Koh Ping Ghan.
  • Continue on your James Bond Island Speedboat Tour with some sea canoeing or cave exploring before making your way back to base.
  • Make a final sunset stop at Koh Pear, a small strip of an island that looks and feels like you are walking on water – a perfect end to the day.

Phuket to James Bond Island Tour Inclusions:

Private boat inclusion

In order for you to have a Phuket to James Bond Island private speedboat tour that will make lasting memories, we are looking forward to having you join us on board a luxury speedboat provided by 5 Star Marine.

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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Phuket To Phi Phi Island

Phuket to Phi Phi Island with 5 Star Marine

Enjoy travelling from Phuket to Phi Phi Island with 5 Star Marine, where you and a chosen group of friends or family members may have a luxurious day excursion to see the famous area. Explore this well-known site aboard one of the brand-new, completely updated VIP speedboats when you choose to explore from Phuket to Phi Phi Island.

Exclusive Phuket to Phi Phi Island Tour

When you take a day trip from Phuket to Phi Phi Island, you can spend your time exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and snorkelling among the vibrant marine life found in the island’s coral reefs. Soak up the sun and swim about in tropical lagoons while our captains show you the sights.

Booking our Phuket to Phi Phi Island tour grants you exclusive use of a high-end speedboat, so you may explore the islands in whatever order that best suits you. Unlike on group excursions, where you may feel hurried along with other visitors to meet a set schedule, you won’t have to worry about missing anything.

In order to ensure that your Phuket to Phi Phi Island tour with 5 Star Marine is precisely suited to your needs, you will be able to create your own personalised itinerary and interact with your guide on the day of your trip. On the day of your Phuket to Phi Phi Island tour, the sea, wind, and tide may all play a role, and our crew may provide some advice depending on these and other factors.

Maya Bay & Conservation

On January 1, 2022, after over three and a half years of being closed to visitors, the world-famous Bay once again welcomed day-trippers (by order of The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation).

For natural restoration efforts, however, Maya Bay will be closed for two months beginning August 1, 2022. Even so, a visit to Maya Bay is still possible on your Phuket to Phi Phi Island excursion. You may still enjoy the Bay from your own, chartered 5 Star Marine speedboat as per the initial closure period; however, you will not be permitted to stroll on the actual beach itself for the duration of this brief rehabilitation time.

Whether the beach is available for walking or not, Maya Bay is always a must-see on any Phuket to Phi Phi Island tour. 5 Star Marine is an ethical business that will make sure you get to experience 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 it a point that all of our Phuket to Phi Phi Island tours follow the guidelines and do our part to show how responsible travellers can help preserve this precious resource.

Phuket to Phi Phi Island Tour Inclusions:

Private boat inclusion

Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Phuket to Phi Phi Island tour, so you can relax in the knowledge that you are in safe and capable hands.

To book your Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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The Stunning Maya Bay Is Closed

LATEST NEWS: Maya Bay Will Close Again in 2024.

Full Details Here MAYA BAY CLOSING 2024

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: