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.
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:
- 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
Thailand Pass Update – May 2022
Breaking News:
The Thailand Pass (for international travelers wishing to enter Thailand) has moved from an approval process to a simple registration process. On May 20th the CCSA (Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration) held a meeting to discuss the latest entry rules. You can watch the latest update here, plus we have outlined the changes below for ease.
The New Registration Process:
For international arrivals from June 1st 2022, the Thailand Pass has been eased significantly. So, when you submit your information, you will automatically get your QR code and approval to enter Thailand. Essentially it has moved from an approval system to a simple registration process only. For more information on this, you can visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand dedicated page.
What Is Different?
With the old version of the Thailand Pass, you had to go into the Thailand Pass system and submit more types of documentation. Then you would have to wait to be approved, or otherwise to enter Thailand. It was an approval system vs the new Thailand Pass registration process.
What Information To Submit:
The Thailand Pass has been updated and streamlined in the process. The rules are simple, you only need to show your vaccination status and proof of travel insurance. Please note, that for the Thailand Pass you are not required to be vaccinated, but you do need to declare your vaccination status. You can apply here for the new Thailand Pass.
Streamlined Entry Into Thailand:
So that’s basically it; just enter your vaccination status and proof of travel insurance and your Thailand Pass will be registered, a QR code is given automatically and you can enter Thailand. It really did just get that simple. We are happy to say that this is the end of the more complicated Thailand Pass, although we foresee you will need to pre-register your information to be able to travel into Thailand for the next couple of months; then it could possibly be scrapped altogether.
Why Come To Thailand Now?
It is now easier than ever to enter Thailand, so you get the chance to come on holiday here easily for the first post Pandemic (or even Endemic) low season. Phuket has so much to offer, a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored. There is also lots to see and do, with a good percentage of the island opened up; and with more tourists we expect even more restaurants, bars and tourist attractions to reopen their doors.
Keeping Up To Date:
5 Star Marine has been providing informative and up-to-date information on all aspects of entry rules, from the Thailand Pass updates right back to when they were giving information on the Sandbox schemes and entry measures, since around July 2021.
Holiday Inspiration:
5 Star Marine runs fully customized private tours on their luxury fleet of speedboats. Here’s some inspiration you can plan with them for your upcoming Thailand adventure:
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Phi Phi, including 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 shallow snorkelling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
So, what are you waiting for? With the simple Thailand Pass now in place, we look forward to welcoming you to Phuket.
For bookings or Information:
+66-93-720-6221
Phi Phi Island & Maya Bay Private Boat Tour
Enjoy 5 Star Marine’s Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour, where you and your select group of friends can experience the ultimate and iconic scenery on your very own luxury day trip. Discover this world-famous location in style, onboard a 5 Star Marine VIP and upgraded speedboat.
Maya Bay
The renowned Bay reopened to day trippers earlier this year, on 1st Jan, after being completely closed to tourists for almost 3 ½ years (by order of The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation).
However, for purposes of natural rehabilitation, Maya Bay will once again close for 2 months from August this year. However, fear not – this does not mean you cannot enjoy Maya Bay on your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour. As per the original closure period, you can still take in the beauty of the Bay from our private speedboats, yet you simply cannot walk on the actual beach during this short rehabilitation time.
Maya Bay still remains one of the most iconic areas you should visit on your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour; whether the beach is open to walk on or not.
5 Star Marine will ensure that you enjoy the beauty of Maya Bay, whilst practicing responsible tourism to help keep the area protected and allow it to continue regenerating; all this can be part of your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour.
The Marine Park have worked tirelessly to get Maya Bay back to its previous paradise condition; so, we ensure that our tours adhere to the new rules and help demonstrate respectful tourism.
Phi Phi Islands Private Tour Highlights
- Start your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour by heading to Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley, where you can (August / September 2022) experience this beautiful and famous cove from the comfort of your 5 Star Marine speedboat.
- Cruise around to Loh Samah Bay; a small bay on the other side of Maya Bay which offers some beautiful marine life and makes for a good snorkelling stop.
- Enter into Pileh Lagoon to swim in the clear turquoise waters. Another famous stop on your Phi Phi Private Tour as this lagoon also featured in “The Beach” when Leonardo DiCaprio dived off into the stunning aquamarine waters.
- Explore Small Monkey Beach, where you can see these cheeky little creatures sitting on the karst rocks and relaxing on the beach.
- Your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour could take you to Wong Long Bay, which we can still access despite the narrow entrance.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch, including Thai sharing dishes that we can arrange for you (at an additional charge), on a sandy cove with shallow bay at Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don.
- Experience snorkelling at Ao Nuoi and discover rich corals and marine life together with a picturesque beach setting.
- Complete your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour by taking in the beauty of Bamboo Island – a stunning setting, with shallow clear blue waters and a picturesque beach. Enjoy some snorkelling in this area and you might even spot a black tip reef shark.
Phi Phi Islands Private Tour Inclusions:
Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour, so you can sit back and relax knowing you are in safe and capable hands.
During your tour you will get the chance to enjoy the stunning coral reefs around Phi Phi which are bursting with colourful marine life, as well as experiencing the natural beauty of the area. Take your time swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear tropical lagoons as our captains guide you around the area.
To book your Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
James Bond Island Private Tour
One of our most popular day trip destinations is the world-renowned James Bond Island Private Tour, which takes you to Phang Nga Bay. This luxury VIP speedboat Private Tour allows you to enjoy famous sights, along with more active pursuits such as exploring caves in the area and taking a canoe out around the formations.
Whilst on our James Bond Island Private Tour, you will get to discover the stunning and vast karst limestone seascapes which jut out of the emerald-green water, giving the Phang Nga Bay area a truly unique and visually stunning location to explore.
Of course, our experienced teams will get you to the famous Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) to enjoy the scenery of probably the most notorious spot in Phang Nga Bay. Boats are not allowed too close, as this is a protected marine area, but you can get snap happy at the famous sight from Koh Ping Ghan; an island with an immensely tall leaning rock and some small caves to explore.
Since the mid-1970s, James Bond Island has been popular with tourists as it became a major attraction following its appearance in the Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun; where it provided the hideout for Bond’s antagonist – Scaramanga.
In fact, this destination has continued to prove so popular that in the pre-pandemic days there were near on 1 million people per year coming to the area. Of course, this helped support the locals, shops, restaurants, and the floating Muslim community of Koh Panyee; where huts, restaurants, and even a floating football pitch are built over the water.
However, Covid-19 brought with it a harsh blow to the community with barely any visitors; on the other hand, it provided the peace and quiet that this area needed so very much. In turn, with more or less no tourists and far fewer boats venturing out to the area, this famous landmark and surrounding areas got their first chance in over 40 years to recover and recuperate.
The James Bond Island Private Tour is certainly something that should be on your bucket list, especially now that it is quieter than ever before. This Private Tour has something for everyone; whether you want to experience stunning seascapes, partake in canoeing, caving or explore famous locations; in more peace and quiet than in the last 40 years.
James Bond Islands Private Tour Highlights
Your James Bond Island Private Tour will accommodate your desires for the day. Our experienced captains and crew will help you beat the crowds and give you a day to remember. Some of the stops you might want to make on your day trip include:
- 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 can be viewed from Koh Ping Ghan.
- Continue on your James Bond Island Private Tour with some sea canoeing or cave exploring before making your way back to base.
- Perhaps you might 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.
James Bond Islands Private Tour Inclusions:
Private Boat Hire Phuket – Reclaim Your Sense of Adventure
Luxury Private Speedboats
5 Star Marine has a growing fleet of VIP, luxury speedboats available for private boat hire in Phuket. Experience stunning seascapes, tropical islands, and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands in absolute comfort. Their entire fleet has been custom built and enhanced to ensure you get the most luxurious time on the sea as a family, couple, or group of friends during your very own customizable private boat hire in Phuket.
5 Star Marine specialize in private tours, whether you want 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; if you book a private boat hire in Phuket with them, they can tailor a bespoke itinerary just for you on your day / multi-night tour.
For the ultimate private boat hire Phuket experience, you can trust 5 Star Marine’s Captain’s Choice to bring you itineraries that are only available to small and private groups, and not offered with any other boat tour company. So, why not sit back and relax whilst you enjoy the bespoke selection of untouched paradise locations on offer with 5 Star Marine?
Private Boat Hire Phuket Advantages
When we talk about a private boat hire in Phuket with 5 Star Marine, you can get so much more out of the experience versus a group speedboat charter:
- Our Captain and crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board
- 5 Star Marine are able to tailor a unique and customized program, to ensure the day exceeds your desires
- We can be flexible on pick-up and drop-off locations to suit you (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
- You have the flexibility on timing; it is your own private boat hire in Phuket
- You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for longer if you are would like; you won’t have to fit in with a group timetable
- With a small and intimate group of people, it is a more Covid-19 safe environment, with fewer people on board and more space to yourselves
- You will get to discover hidden coves and caves that you will not experience on group tours because time does not allow
- We can organize a private beach picnic to enjoy for your private boat hire in Phuket
In 5 Star Safe Hands
5 Star Marine has been providing private boat hire in Phuket under their TAT SHA approved status since 2020. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) awarded this certification, and the TAT Safety and Health Administration Plus Certificate is proudly held by the company also.
As one of the first tourism services to gain TAT SHA Plus status in 2021, 5 Star Marine was recognized as adhering to public health measures regarding Covid-19 safety. This means that all guests can rest assured and feel safe and secure on board a 5 Star Marine during your private boat hire in Phuket.
Luxury Inclusions
To make sure you have the best time on your private boat hire in Phuket, 5 Star Marine add in a few little extras for your comfort and convenience during your trip:
- Tour Photos and Video
- Masks and Snorkels
- Fins (Adults)
- Fresh Fruit
- Soft Drinks and Water
- Picnic or Thai Sharing Lunch (available on request at an extra cost)
- Licensed Guide
- Life Jackets
- Beach Mats
- Hand Sanitiser
- Insurance
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Payments for your private boat hire in Phuket can be made on the day; 5 Star Marine do not take deposits so there is no need to worry about refunds or lost money if the weather turns poor. Obviously, we cross our fingers and toes for smooth seas and bright skies, but in the event that the tour date is predicted to be poor weather, 5 Star Marine will re-schedule with you.
Private Boat Hire Phuket Destinations
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Similan Islands abundant sea life
- Phi Phi, including Maya Bay – the location of The Beach film starring Leonardo di Caprio
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full amenities at Banana Beach Club
- 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 shallow snorkeling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Contact 5 Star Marine now to get out and explore, there are so many places to be discovered on your private boat hire Phuket.
We look forward to welcoming you on board for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From the 5 Star Marine Team
Contact Information:
Location: Boat Lagoon, Pier L, Phuket, Thailand
+66937206221
Andy’s Top Tips – Thailand Pass Hints
ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/
What Is The Thailand Pass?
The Thailand Pass is an online system designed to support the country’s ‘Ease of Travel’ thus making the documentation and process for travelers entering Thailand more efficient than the previous Certificate of Entry (COE).
As per the old COE, the Thailand Pass will collect data for entry forms, however, it is a more concise and efficient system.
How Do You Apply For The Thailand Pass?
You can apply for the Thailand Pass yourself by visiting this website Thailand Pass Application and following the directions given. There is information in Thai and English and is available for Thai Nationals and Non-Thai Nationals alike.
Andy’s Experience:
Andy recently returned to Phuket from the UK and has been updating us on his first-hand experience of the Thailand Pass process. As he has just gone through the process himself, he has offered us some great tips and advice to help you guys get out here more smoothly.
Andy’s Bottom Line:
“With the Thailand Pass it is critical that you provide and load your details in the correct order online. So, you need to go to website (link provided above) and provide all necessary details”:
The hurdles are manageable, and it is all certainly doable, but just take Andy’s advice and remember to do things in the right order– if you think your visa is going to take 2 weeks then apply for this first, then move on your Thailand Pass with all the documents needed. The document process is outlined below for ease:
- Your visa is the first item that needs uploading
- Then upload your Thailand Pass
- You will need Covid insurance for when you are in Thailand, an SHA Plus hotel, and SHA Plus taxi/transportation
- Upload a copy of your passport
- Provide your test from the departure side (in Andy’s case this was the UK), plus your test for the Phuket side:
- For the Thailand side test, there are 2 systems: one in Bangkok which is inclusive so your hotel will arrange the transport, transfer, and test all for you. The other system is for Phuket, where you need to do this yourself individually.
- For the Phuket Side, you arrange everything individually, pay for your test in advance (the actual test will take place at the airport), plus book your SHA Plus transport and hotel.
- Once approved you will get an email notification with QR code (you can print this or just use this on your phone as it is ). There is also a new online system so you can log on and use your reference number to check on your application.
Andy’s Top Tips:
- Insurance – Andy took out a local Thai insurance policy that had the minimum amount of coverage required.
- Have all documents (passport copy, etc.) in JPEG format versus PDF – this will make the upload process faster.
- Use Google Chrome when applying.
- Have a Gmail email address for ease of the application.
What Happens When You Arrive In Phuket?
Andy explained that when he got off the plane in Phuket, he thought the new system has been improved dramatically. There were supervisors and people to help in each area, whose role is to guide you to the correct area and be on hand for any questions you might have. On arrival, the Thailand Pass is more organized and guided, compared to the previous more confusing methods.
- You wait 1-2 minutes whilst they check you have all the correct paperwork and then you are free to head over to the desk to present your negative Covid-19 test, your hotel booking plus transportation information.
- Next, you head over to Immigration who check your paperwork.
- Then you move straight through to baggage reclaim to collect your luggage.
- The last airport stage requires you to line up for your Covid-19 test, which took Andy just a few minutes only.
- Lastly, you get into your SHA Plus transport and go directly to your hotel to check in.
- The RT – PCR test results will be back with you anywhere from 4 – 24 hours.
- And that’s it – you are then free to go out and explore.
- The only remaining item is that you must test on day 6 days, (a self-antigen test)
See For Yourself:
Watch the video for more information, handy tips, and helpful advice from Andy and Shaun on the Thailand Pass process.
Andy and Ann:
Andy is married to Ann, the owner of Ann’s Kitchen in Boat Avenue, which serves Thai and Western dishes. Ann has been serving up great food in Phuket for over 9 years, and the menu has evolved over time. 5 Star Marine us Ann’s Kitchen for their picnic menus for private boat day trips, where you can order from a selection of Thai dishes, vegetarian options, sandwhiches, wraps, and salads to take on board.
For any further information on the Thailand Pass, or private speedboat bookings please contact us.
Thailand Pass Fun With Lucus, Aswa and Jay!
Watch our latest video to see the adventures of Lucus, Aswa, Jay, and cameraman Sunny as they head out fishing, snorkeling, freediving, and more around Phuket.
After leaving the 5 Star Pier at Boat Lagoon the excited team makes a stop at Koh Mai Ton. This is normally part of our dolphin spotting tour and is also a great snorkeling spot. Apart from one longtail, they had the whole place to themselves, and Lucas was straight in there showing off his freediving skills. Then the boys enjoyed some cannonball jumping off the boat before heading off to the next stop.
Fishing was on the cards next, so the private VIP speedboat stopped at Koh Doc Mai, which means flower island. This is a great diving spot too, but today was all about a spot of fishing. In only 1 hour, 4 fish were caught, including a grouper and snapper, (please note that all hooks were removed and the fish were released back into the ocean straight away).
Fishing is available onboard all our private charters, and our experienced crew can be on hand to help get all the gear ready if you need it.
Next, the gang of boys made their way to Ko He, or Coral Island to grab lunch from Banana Beach Club. This beach club serves a good selection of dishes, plus offers massages, canoes, and plenty of Instagram-worthy setups. You can enjoy some decent snorkeling from the shore there also. It is both kid and adult-friendly with big loungers, tables in the shade, and fun areas to explore for all.
With snorkeling, boat jumping, freediving, and fishing all ticked off, they headed back to base in Boat Lagoon.
If you would like to book a snorkeling and fishing experience, please contact us. All of our tours are private and fully customizable to suit your requirements.
Shaun Stenning moved to Thailand in the early 2000’s after successfully exiting a business in Sydney, Australia. After moving to Thailand he based himself in Phuket, Thailand right on Bangtao Beach.
During the first 6 months that Shaun was in Phuket, he started exploring the islands by hiring private boats from beach vendors. Shaun Stenning instantly fell in love with the islands, snorkeling, and boating, and started researching the market.
Shaun did not have any real boating experience. In his earlier days, he used to Ski on the Murray River and owned a Jet Ski while in Australia, but he did not have experience operating a large-scale Private Boat Charter business.
Prior to investing in his first boat, Shaun Stenning rented over 1,000 private boats for himself, friends, family, and clients. In this process, Shaun discovered what he wanted in a boat he was going to purchase.
This led Shaun to his first-ever boat purchase which was Lucus 1. This was a 39-foot private speedboat. In the early days of owning Lucus 1, Shaun Stenning went on every single private tour training his team and staff on how he wanted his private charter business to operate.
After successfully operating Lucus 1 and learning more about the private boat business in Phuket Shaun purchased Lucus 2. This was his first step into operating multiple boats on a single day that he owned.
Shaun Stenning found that he loved doing this and as such moved towards purchasing, renovating, and operating more Private Boats. This is where 5 Star Marine now operates and is the business that Shaun Stenning loves the most out of the assets in his portfolio.
You will meet Shaun and his wife Lisa on the pier at departure and return from your tour and Shaun still regularly goes out on tour with his crew.