Phuket Private Boat Charters
Deciding which company to book a Phuket Private Boat Charters with, as well as which tropical paradise you want to explore for the day can lead to a confusing lineup of different options. To help you consider your choices, we have looked at some of the more important criteria to allow you to determine your perfect day out on a Phuket Private Boat Charter.
Experienced Crew:
All of 5 Star Marine’s boats are fully crewed by experienced captains, tour guides, and crew members; so, you get to relax onboard your Phuket Private Boat Charters and enjoy their dedicated services.
Their experienced crew also knows how to miss the crowds and take you to some hidden gems you would not get to experience with other Phuket Private Boat Charters companies. Therefore, by selecting to go on a Phuket Private Boat Charters with 5 Star Marine, they can ensure that you get to discover paradise islands, coves, and viewpoints in the best possible conditions, with the least number of tourists.
Private Versus Group Tour:
When we talk about a Phuket private boat charters, what exactly does this mean versus a group speedboat charter? Here are just some of the benefits to going the private boat charters route:
- Captain and crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board
- We are able to tailor-make excursions to the islands surrounding Phuket
- We can be flexible on pick up and drop off location (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
- You will receive a unique and customized program that is tailored to suit your exact preferences
- We can be flexible on timing; it is your private boat charter after all!
- You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for a longer period if you are enjoying yourself, you won’t have to fit in with a group timetable
- With a small and intimate group of people, you are close with, 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 for your small Phuket Private Boat Charter to enjoy
Safety Is THE Top Priority:
Since 2020, 5 Star Marine have run Phuket Private Boat Charter under their TAT SHA approved status. 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 onboard a 5 Star Marine Phuket Private Boat Charter.
New Rules – No Problem:
It is of utmost importance that tour companies keep updated with the latest rules and regulations, which change frequently here in Thailand. So, here at 5 Star Marine, we do the hard work to understand how new regulations, closures, and new openings affect you getting out on the water.
Management and crew go out to newly opened locations to personally check the requirements for themselves. This means you can be 100% comfortable when you go out on your Phuket Private Boat Charter, knowing that 5 Star Marine’s knowledge of the rules is thoroughly up to date.
Flexible Cancellation Policy:
Payments for your Phuket Private Boat Charter can be made on the day, whereas some group tours take money in advance. 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.
Luxury Inclusions:
To make sure you have the best time on your Phuket Private Boat Charter, 5 Star Marine add in a few little extras for your comfort and convenience during your private trip:
Phuket Private Boat Charter Inspiration:
- Take in the seascape views of the limestone karsts and caves in Phang Nga Bay, and visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Experience world-class snorkeling in the Similan Islands, potentially encountering manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and a plethora of tropical fish
- Visit the caves, beaches, and island paradise around Phi Phi, including Maya Bay – the location of The Beach film starring Leonardo di Caprio
- Escape to white sandy beaches and enjoy quiet walks on Racha Island
- Try your luck spotting dolphins at Koh Mai Ton before heading to Coral Island to enjoy snorkeling and lunch at Banana Beach Club
- Visit Hong Krabi for a swim in the turquoise lagoon before getting your adrenaline pumping by climbing up to the 360-degree viewpoint
- Visit Koh Ha and Ko Rok if you are looking for something a little more exotic and lesser-known. These small islands are situated just south of Koh Lanta in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Contact us to get out and explore, there are so many places to be discovered on your Phuket Private Boat Charter. We look forward to welcoming you on board for once-in-a-lifetime experiences with 5 Star Marine.
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.
Phuket Sandbox Update – Thailand Pass And More!
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/
As Thailand continues to adopt the “Live With Covid” model the national government announced a staged re-opening to Thailand. 63 countries have been announced as being able to enter Thailand quarantine-free.
For those countries on the list, there is still the Sandbox Model as well as the Quarantine Model as well.
All of these can seem confusing, so watch on in the update below to find out what’s happening here in Phuket, Thailand:
Phuket Sandbox Gone? Thailand Open? What Do The Locals Think?
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/
November 1st, 2021 Phuket and greater Thailand are opening without Quarantine to 46 countries. These 46 countries will not have to complete the Phuket Sandbox, just a single covid test on arrival, and then the travelers are free to explore.
Here is the list of countries:
Don’t worry if you are not on the list, then the Phuket Sandbox is open and available to all countries of the world as long as the travelers are vaccinated. If you are NOT vaccinated then there is also Alternate Quarantine.
With these three ways of entering Phuket now officially announced find out the full details in the video below:
Phuket Sandbox Adventures On The 5 Star Marine Snorkelling And Dolphin Experience.
One of our most popular tours during the Phuket Sandbox has been our Dolphins and Snorkelling experience. This is a great family-friendly trip that allows our guests to snorkel the waters of Mai Ton, spend some time spotting the local pod of dolphins, and then onto Coral Island for some lunch.
There are a number of activities available at Coral Island including Parasailing, Banana Boats, and more. Follow along with us as we launch our business into the Dry Season with over 100 guests joining us for this once-off-season launch.
See more here:
Phuket Sandbox Day Tours – TAT SHA Plus Approved
Since the initial opening of the Phuket Sandbox scheme, 5 Star Marine have been operating SHA Plus Approved Day Tours for customers who joined the 14 Day Program and 7+7 Program Sandbox initiative.
As we continue to provide Day Tours to the islands around Phuket, we have been busy making sure we are up to date on Phuket Sandbox Travelers Day Tour rules, as well as which destinations they are able to experience.
Today, we are pleased to launch the “Phuket Sandbox Info” section of our website which is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date news, information, and rules for travelers currently within the Phuket Sandbox. The aim is to answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding taking a Day Tour.
All you need to do is select whether you are visiting Phuket on the 7+7 Program or the 14 Day Program; from here click through to find out the most up-to-date news and information. If you are already here in Phuket and would like to get out on tour and explore, then head straight to our SHA Plus Approved Day Tours and Transfers section.
As one of the first Private Boat Tour companies in Phuket to become SHA Plus approved, we take pride in understanding, translating, and providing the most up-to-date information there is related to the Phuket Sandbox, Day Tours, rules, and restrictions.
We are updating these pages on a daily basis, whenever rules change, we also make sure updates occur. Our YouTube Channel is a great source for the most up-to-date information on rules, destinations, and more!
If you prefer to talk to someone, feel free to contact us as we provide a FREE concierge service for guests traveling to Phuket.
What to Look for in a Sandbox Phuket Private Boat Charter?
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/
Deciding where you want to explore on a Phuket Private Boat Charter, as well as who to book the tour with can lead to a confusing choice overload. To help determine what to look for we have considered the more important criteria, so you can focus on what matters when looking for a Sandbox Phuket Private Boat Charter.
Certified for Safety – TAT SHA Plus
Since 2020, 5 Star Marine have run Phuket Private Boat Charters under their TAT SHA approved status. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) awarded 5 Star Marine with this certification, as a tourism-related business on the island; and the TAT Safety and Health Administration Plus Certificate is proudly held by the company.
As one of the first tourism services to gain TAT SHA Plus status in 2021, this recognized that 5 Star Marine is certified as adhering to all public health measures set up for Covid-19 safety, and as such allows guests to feel safe and secure onboard their fleet of private speedboats.
Responsible Employee Vaccinations
5 Star Marine has gone over and above with 100% of their employees (all crew, captains, and office staff) being fully vaccinated and up to date with boosters. Although TAT SHA Plus status only requires 70% of employees to have been fully vaccinated, the company took the extra steps and preventative measures as your safety on board is absolutely paramount.
Rules – Practice Makes Perfect
It is of uttermost importance that tour companies keep updated with the latest rules and regulations, so here at 5 Star Marine, we do the hard work to understand how new regulations affect you getting out on the water.
Management and crew go out to newly opened locations under the Sandbox rules to personally check the requirements for themselves. This means you can be 100% comfortable when you go out on your Phuket Private Boat Charter, knowing that 5 Star Marine’s knowledge of the rules have been tried and tested in advance.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Payments for your Phuket Private Boat Charter 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.
Luxury Inclusions
To make sure you have the best time on your Phuket Private Boat Charter, 5 Star Marine add in a few little extras for your comfort and convenience during the trip:
- Masks and Snorkels
- Fins (Adults)
- Life Jackets
- Insurance
- Beach Mats
- Tour Photos and Video
- Fresh Fruit
- Soft Drinks and Water
- Picnic or Thai Sharing Lunch (available on request / extra cost)
- Licensed Guide
- Hand Sanitiser
Please feel free to contact us to help you get out and explore your Phuket Private Boat Charter; right now you can experience the stunning islands like never before, with so few tourists around. We look forward to welcoming more international travelers onboard for once-in-a-lifetime experiences with 5 Star Marine.
Sandbox Seascapes & James Bond Island
Sandbox Day Tour
Enjoy a day sightseeing, caving, and even experiencing a picnic lunch minus the hordes of tourists around the fantastic seascapes of Phang Nga Bay and the world-famous James Bond Island – this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience James Bond Island in peace and quiet.
Here at 5 Star Marine, we have a tried and tested Sandbox day tour to get you out enjoying the islands surrounding Phuket. In fact, we were once again the 1st company in Phuket to take sandbox guests out to surrounding islands; this time it was Phang Nga Bay
So if you are in Phuket and part of the Sandbox program, contact us to make this iconic day trip possible.
The Experience
- Depart from our main pier at Boat Lagoon and head to Koh Yao Noi (which is part of Phang Nga Bay) to take a quick but necessary covid test (along with our crew also)
- Head onto Koh Panak for some sightseeing and stunning stalagmites
- Get your adrenalin fix canoeing and cave exploring at Koh Hong Phang Nga
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at the renowned James Bond Island
- Make a stop at the famous floating village of Koh Panyee floating village
- Make a quick stop to pick up the test results
- Then finally enjoy swimming at Naka Noi before the stunning sunset views captured whilst returning to the pier at Boat Lagoon
Requirements
We are on hand to help you through each step of the process, but as an overview we simply need:
- ID card or passport per passenger (required the day before the tour)
- Vaccination record copy per passenger (required the day before the tour)
- We require this information to register you with the national park and local gov in Phang Nga Bay
- The MorChana application should be on your phone to check in and out
- 1 x Antigen Covid-19 Test per passenger (our fully vaccinated crew will take this test also)
How Many Nights?
- You can enjoy this fantastic day tour from day 15 onwards of the Sandbox Program
- You will need to provide proof that you have completed 14 nights in Phuket to qualify
- It is not possible to go pre-day 15; however, there are different day tours to Coral Island, Racha Islands, or Mai Ton you can still enjoy
Please Contact Us for our free concierge service to help with all requirements.
You NEED to Know This: Can you go to Phi Phi?
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/
“Can I go to Phi Phi?” Well, with some requirements to be aware of, 5 Star Marine have broken these down for you. We know the rules, we have been through the process so that we know exactly what to do and how to do it. . so here is the lowdown:
WHO is allowed to go to Phi Phi National Park areas:
- Sandbox customers cannot go to Phi Phi during the first 14 days after they arrive in Phuket. From day 15, Sandbox customers can go to Phi Phi with 5 Star Marine.
- Expats living in Phuket are allowed to visit Phi Phi if they are fully vaccinated.
What are the REQUIREMENTS to go to Phi Phi?
- Anyone going to Phi Phi needs to pre-register with the National Park one day prior to going to get approval.
- 5 Star Marine will take care of the approval process for you, they simply need a copy of your passport and vaccine certificate.
- When arriving at Tonsai Bay, 5 Star Marine staff will manage the process with the National Park and will hand over the relevant paperwork where vaccination documents will also be checked.
What about CHILDREN coming into the Phi Phi National Park?
- Children 12 – 18 years old will need to show a negative Covid-19 test within the last 72 hours.
- Under 12-year-old children are allowed into the National Park, as long as they are with a fully vaccinated parent.
How LONG does it take to get there?
- It takes 45 minutes from our pier in Boat Lagoon to reach the Phi Phi Islands.
WHERE is open?
- Phi Phi Don has re-opened, where you can explore a number of coves, snorkeling spots, and even hidden lagoons. The water right now is stunning and turquoise with abundant marine life after having some time to rest.
- You are allowed to access most of Phi Phi Don – including Laem Tong Bay, Monkey Beach, and Tonsai Bay, and the village itself. However, please note that Tonsai village itself is quiet with little open at the moment.
It’s the perfect time to get out there and support the island and small community, and the fact that it is still quiet is an added bonus. With only a few small requirements needed prior to departure which the team at 5 Star Marine can help you with, what are you waiting for? Book your Phi Phi adventure now and experience it like never before!
