How To Avoid the Crowds – Early Bird Phi Phi Tour or Sunset Tour?
By April 5, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter, Uncategorized Comments Off

How To Avoid the Crowds – Early Bird Phi Phi Tour or Sunset Tour?

So, as we start to see trickles of tourism return to the island, we have been answering lots of questions from many of our 1st time bookers as well as our return guests. Let’s explore some of the most common questions we’ve been asked:

Q: What is the tour itinerary?

When you hire a private boat with 5 Star Marine, you get sent a proposal with a suggested itinerary. Now, we stress the ‘suggested’ part, and this is why; when you arrive at the pier for your private luxury tour, we will talk through the plan for the day. We make suggestions because there are variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, tide, etc. Our concept is a joint idea between you and your guide on the day, for the best experience.

We take into account your requirements for your day out, and we apply the variables to come up with the best tour itinerary for the day. For example, if the tide is high on your Phi Phi private luxury tour date, we suggest you go to Phi Phi Ley first (explore Maya Bay, Pi Ley Lagoon, go snorkeling near the Viking cave), and then in the afternoon head over to Phi Phi Don.

However, on another day there will be low tide in the morning and high tide in the afternoon; therefore, the itinerary would need to change in order to see Maya Bay at its most beautiful, for example.

This is why the itinerary is suggested, not set in stone. We allow for you to add in more snorkeling stops if you please, and take your time; there are no set schedules of rushing for the next stop like you might experience on group tours.

Q: How long do we get for lunch?

The answer is simple, it is however long you want it to be. As it is a private boat, essentially the boat is yours and your captain and crew on the day are there to give you the ultimate day out so they will take into account your requirements and help guide you.

Q: Should we leave super early to avoid the crowds?

We are starting to see a slight uplift in tourism, and hope that towards December we will see further recovery.

We get asked a lot; how do we avoid the crowds? As a private boat hire you do have the option to go out early, however, this isn’t the only way to avoid the crowds. What we suggest is that we help you retime your tour.

Our experienced guides know that Maya Bay, for example, will be busy between 10 am -11 am but afterward, when the group tour boats leave to go for lunch you can take the opportunity to miss the crowds then. We might suggest you leave the pier at 10 am and get to Maya Bay at 11 am, as other group tours will go to lunch between 12:30-2:30 at Phi Phi Don, so you can find quieter spots by retiming – not necessarily by leaving super early or later.

Out teams know how to create better timings for the destinations, which we refer to as “reverse timing” so we are not following the group tour timings/program. With our private boats, you get the ultimate flexibility and privacy to allow for this.

Although there are now more crowds than during the peak of international shutdowns with Covid-19, there are still plenty of stunning and beautiful places to explore, so now is a great time to get out and see for yourself whilst tourism isn’t back at the same level as before.

Watch Full Vlog Here:

Contact us to book your private tour:

www.5starmarinephuket.com

+66-93-720-6221

[email protected]

 

Phi Phi Island Private Tour
By March 29, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Phi Phi Island Private Tour

Enjoy our Phi Phi Islands Private Tour, where you get to experience the ultimate and iconic scenery on your very own private day trip. With 5 Star Marine, you can discover this world-famous location in luxury, onboard one of their VIP, upgraded speedboats.

Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour, so you can sit back and relax knowing you are in safe and capable hands. During your Private 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 experience 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.

Hello Maya Bay

Maya Bay only just reopened in January 2022 (and is definitely one of the most iconic areas you can visit on your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour); made famous after being featured in the 2000 movie, “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

This widely-known bay was completely closed to tourists for 3.5 years, by order of The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation. This was necessary after sadly mass tourism destructed the coral life, reefs and marine ecology.

However, during this time the whole Maya Bay area underwent a significant and impressive rehabilitation project, which included planting new corals on the reefs over more than 4 acres in and around the bay. Parts of the beach were regenerated and protective walkways were constructed.

5 Star Marine will ensure that you enjoy the beautiful sandy Maya Bay, whilst practising responsible tourism to help keep the area protected and allow it to continue regenerating; all this can be part of your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour experience.  The Marine Park has 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 Islands Private Tour by heading to Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley, where you can now actually walk on the “beach”, and experience this beautiful and famous cove for yourself.
  • Cruise around to Loh Samah Bay; a small bay on the other side of Maya Bay that offers some beautiful marine life and makes for a good snorkeling stop.
  • Enter Pileh Lagoon to swim in the clear turquoise waters. Another famous stop on your Phi Phi Private Tour is 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 Tour could take you to Wong Long Bay, which we can still access despite the narrow entrance.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch, which can include Thai sharing dishes that we can arrange for you, on a sandy cove with a 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 snorkeling in this area and you might even spot a blacktip reef shark.

Phi Phi Islands Private Tour Inclusions:

private-boat-charter-inclusions

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

Phi Phi Island

Looking For A Memorable Experience? – The Official Monthly Newsletter
By March 27, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Looking For A Memorable Experience? – The Official Monthly Newsletter

It’s been another great month of tours. Seeing the smiling faces of our team, our guests and reading the amazing reviews online has really inspired us all to keep fighting forward. We are moving now into some of the best sea conditions of the year so it’s time to get out explore and find new places.

One of my new favorite places to visit is Koh Mook, with our team heading over there almost weekly at the moment. Swimming into Emerald Cave, exploring Koh Kradan (arguably the best beach in the area), and seeing the Dugongs.

Hoping to see you on board again soon!

–  Shaun

IN THIS MONTH’S NEWS!

  • Tours Of The Month – Bond, James Bond!
  • Volunteerism And How You Can Get Involved.
  • 5 Star Vlogs.

Tours Of The Month – Bond, James Bond!

  • With a custom Phang Nga Bay tour, 5 Star Marine will guide you around hidden coves and lagoons, as well as stopping off at the iconic James Bond island which became a major attraction after featuring in the 1974 Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun.

Volunteerism And How You Can Get Involved.

  • One of our very good friends (who started out as a Guest) Amy Tan writes this wonderful monthly newsletter highlighting what we like to refer to as “Volunteerism“. In her newsletter this month she focused on the Life Bag project that we have run here at 5 Star Marine.
5 Star MarineLife Bags

5 Star MarineLife Bags

READ HERE:

Staff Profile of The Month

  • Name: Alex
  • Position: Tour Guide
  • Favorite tour to go on: Koh Rok/Koh Ha
  • Favorite activity to do in Phuket when not working: Relaxing at the beach and spending time with family.
  • Favorite food: Any Phuket seafood. Phuket seafood is the best.

5 Star Vlogs

Have you liked and subscribed?

Stay up to date with the latest Phuket News, see one of our tours, and find things to do in Phuket.

We also have challenges for our YouTube host Jay Leshark who last month learned how to do Brazilian Ju-Jitsu on the beach. Well, we say learned, it was more of a… well best watch to find out what happened.

Go to our YouTube page and make sure you like and subscribe.  Join the 5 Star Universe.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST NEWS:

THE SEA IS CALLING!

Jump On Board On One Of Our VIP Private Speedboats And Explore The Amazing Islands Of Phuket – At A Discount – Contact Us To Discuss Our Discounted Returning Guest Rates.

Email

[email protected]

Phone

+66 93 720 6221

WhatsApp

+66 93 720 6221

Thailand Pass Adventures: Fishing With Jay, His Family And Camera Man Charlie (Or Was It Alex?)
By February 26, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Thailand Pass Adventures: Fishing With Jay, His Family And Camera Man Charlie (Or Was It Alex?)

Join Jay and his family on board with Camera Man Charlie (Or was it Alex?) as they head out on a 5 Star Marine Private Boat Tour.

In this week’s video Jay is fishing, snorkeling, and exploring the closer in islands around Phuket.

See it all here:

What Happened At 5 Star Marine In The Last 12 Months?
By February 12, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

What Happened At 5 Star Marine In The Last 12 Months?

It’s been a crazy 2 years. Unprecedented is the word that comes to mind. Global tourism shutdown, we completely changed our business model, we provided over 610,000 life bags to people in need, we started a foundation, moved offices, and delivered over 1000 memorable boat experiences. And that’s just a few of the things that we did here in the last 12 months. To take a look at the year in review check out this video below:

Phuket Breaking News – Test And Go, Sandbox, Crocodiles And A New Water Park
By February 7, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Phuket Breaking News – Test And Go, Sandbox, Crocodiles And A New Water Park

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/

Join Jay and Shaun from 5 Star Marine as they discuss the latest news stories on Phuket. From the resumption of the Test and Go program, to Crocodiles being found on Bangtao Beach and a new water park opening up.

This is a light-hearted version of the news designed to keep you informed as well as give you some light entertainment to break up the constant negative news cycle. Watch along below:

And That’s A Wrap
By December 24, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

And That’s A Wrap

We are excited to remain open for the entire Christmas and New Year period, and are looking forward to welcoming you on board for a tailor-made and festive private speedboat tour with us during this time!

Reflecting on the last 12 months, we would like to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for the level of support we received from all of our wonderfully loyal, local customers, who have helped us during the past 20 months. Without you, we would not still be operating as we are today, and for that our company, team, captains, and tour guides are immensely grateful.

As a company, we managed to take time to regroup and focus on reprioritizing our efforts, and this meant rolling up our sleeves and getting busy. We keep continuing to support the vulnerable communities and the people around us via our charity efforts, with 5 Star Marine involved in all packing and delivery efforts of essential food relief parcels and bags. We focused on the upside wherever we could see or create one. We wanted to look at where we could add value to our community and what we should be doing during this time.

Living Waters Phuket Foundation was born from this desire to help and continue to support our community; it was set up to build brighter futures for communities in need and provides financial grants for projects around relief areas including sustainable food security, education requirements, renewable energy, and environmental issues. We are excited to report that already in only 6 weeks, 4 major funded projects have been completed and many, many more have applied for funding and are undergoing our impartial review process for approval.

Find out more on the website You can also watch our YouTube video on some of our latest grants:

 

We were thrilled to see many new destinations open back up for our day tours, and now offer over 11 stunning destinations including the Similan Islands, Phi Phi, Racha, Phang Nga Bay, Coral Island, Krabi tours, Mai Ton Dolphin Spotting plus many more tailor-made options to ensure you had the perfect day out. We saw a rise in popularity of our dual tour to Phi Phi and James Bond Island which literally has something for everyone; plus, we are awaiting the much-anticipated opening of Maya Bay on 1st January 2022.

You can watch more on Maya Bay and Shaun’s personal thoughts here:

Our YouTube channel has gone from strength to strength and we appreciate all the love and support we are getting. If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe and follow here:

5 Star Marine Youtube

5 Star Marine was lucky to welcome so much interest and publicity from bloggers and news reporters – we are grateful for the coverage and interest in our community efforts. Chris Parker, (from Retired Working For You), joined to see our food packing and delivery efforts first hand to see exactly what goes on behind the scenes of each vital life bag.

We also gained and appreciate hugely the support of local and international media, including but not limited to:

During the last year, we also had a chance to more than double the size of our fleet; we now have 15 Private VIP Speedboats and a VIP Luxury Cruiser which is a proud extension to our current speedboat fleet and offers a truly unique experience on the water.  In addition, to accommodate our growing fleet size, the domestic market support, and prepare for the return of international tourists, we moved piers and into a new office at Boat Lagoon, Phuket. We love our new glass-fronted office which has been a more welcoming environment for all our loyal VIP customers.

 

So, to wrap it up – it has been a year of highs and lows, of challenges and new opportunities. We are thankful, grateful, and happy to be where we are and we will continue to help those in the community who need it most; and will always be grateful to our loyal customers for making 2021 the year it was for us.

Thank you,

Shaun and the entire 5 Star Marine Team

Phuket Private Boat Charters
By December 10, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

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.

Phi Phi and James Bond Combo Day Tour
By November 18, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Phi Phi and James Bond Combo Day Tour

This is one of our most popular VIP private speedboat day trips. This combination tour has a little something for everyone; from snorkeling with rich marine life, swimming in bright turquoise lagoons, seeing famous beaches and coves; to canoeing, spectacular karst rock seascapes, and of course the iconic James Bond Island.

Phi Phi is a particularly well know location in the Phuket region, with one of its iconic islands made famous after being featured in the 2000 movie, “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. The Phi Phi Islands have some stunning coral reefs abound with marine life, ready to give you an unforgettable experience, swimming, and snorkeling in crystal clear tropical waters.

Whereas the second part of the day trip is to Phang Nga which is truly one of natures’ spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location. This area is all about the seascapes, canoeing, caving, and exploring, versus the underwater scenery and beaches around Phi Phi.

With so much to do and see in just one day, we recommend touring from 8 am – 6 pm for the full experience. So, let’s take a look at a sample itinerary (please note all tours are private and fully customizable to your requirements):

  1. Depart from the 5 Star Marine pier in Boat Lagoon and head out towards Phi Phi. Make a stop at Maya Bay, the most notable “Beach” from the 2000 hit movie, on Phi Phi Leh. Although you cannot currently, walk on the beach, it is still a fantastic experience to visit this beautiful and famous cove and take photos from a distance or swim off to the side of the Bay.
  2. Head around to Loh Samah Bay, which is a small bay on the other side of Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh. It offers some beautiful marine life and therefore makes for a good snorkeling stop-off point.
  3. Enter into Pileh Lagoon and enjoy a swim in the clear turquoise waters. This lagoon also starred in “The Beach” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, as a spot where he dived off into the aquamarine waters.
  4. Explore Small Monkey Beach, where you can see these cheeky little creatures sitting on the karst rocks and relaxing on the beach!
  5. Continue onto Wong Long Bay, which is only accessible to smaller boats due to the narrow entrance to a bay. Luckily our private speedboats can fit inside so you get the opportunity to have a quiet bay potentially all to yourselves.
  6. Move onto Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don, which is a great place for a picnic lunch with a soft sand cove beach going into a shallow bay.
  7. Stop for some more snorkeling at Phi Phi Don at Ao Nuoi and discover rich corals and marine life together with a picturesque beach setting.
  8. Take in the beauty of Bamboo Island – a stunning setting, with shallow clear blue waters and a picturesque beach. Enjoy some snorkeling in this area and you might even spot a blacktip reef shark.
  9. Head towards Phang Nga Bay and enjoy some canoeing and exploring amongst the caves and rock formations.
  10. Make your way towards the iconic James Bond island, which became a major attraction after featuring in the 1974 Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun. Then get your Bond Instagram to pose ready as you stand in front of James Bond Island, (Khao Phing Kan); An internationally renowned destination since appearing as the hideout for Bond’s antagonist, Scaramanga.

Please contact us to book your very own Phi Phi / James Bond combination private boat tour.

Phuket Sandbox Update – 7 Day Sandbox, Bars Open, Island Hopping Easier Than Ever!
By October 5, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Phuket Sandbox Update – 7 Day Sandbox, Bars Open, Island Hopping Easier Than Ever!

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 Phuket transitions away from its wet season towards the dry (or high) season, the Thailand Government has made a major and positive update to the Phuket Sandbox program.

Instead of being a 14-day Sandbox Program or the 7+7 Day Sandbox Model, it is now just a simple and easy ‘7 Day Sandbox’.

Along with the reduction in the Sandbox days, the number of RT-PCR Covid-19 Tests required while staying has also come down.  As of now, with the new update, there are just 2 tests required; the first on the day of arrival and the second on day 6 of your stay.

The good news continues as island hopping by private speedboat is now easier than ever before with a wide-ranging 11 destinations now open. Plus, none of these stunning destinations require additional Covid-19 tests for Sandbox Travelers.

The return of the dry season, the reduced Sandbox days model, fewer Covid-19 tests and new island destinations are all pointing in the right direction for our Sandbox Guests.

For full details watch this short video update below: