Deep Week Thailand 2022
By December 6, 2022 Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Deep Week Thailand 2022

November 26 – December 3, 2022

Phuket Thailand

Deep Week Thailand is the world’s premier Freediving Education Event and the world’s largest freediving festival! Some of the world’s best free divers assemble in Phuket for a week of freediving activities in one of the most scenic locations in the world.

Led by Adam Stern and Bangkok Freedivers, in partnership with 5 Star Marine Phuket, the event welcomed over 100 free divers from across Asia, Europe, the US, and Australia, making it the world’s largest freediving festival.
What is Deep Week?

Deep Week is a one-of-a-kind experience! There is no other event like this! Deep Week brings the best freedivers, freediving instructors and experts from all over the world, where they can share knowledge and improve their freediving skills. Deep Week Thailand was created by Adam Stern who also created the Freediving Family. Adam is an Australian champion and 8-time Australian record holder in the sport of freediving. He’s not just an athlete, but also a leading educator in this sport.

Along with Adam, 8-time French National Record Holder one of the top freediving educators in the world Thibault Guignes and Ploy Scott, a central figure in the Thai freediving scene and competitive freediver, were on hand to pass over their knowledge and skills to 100’s of free divers.

Phuket is a perfect place to host Deep Week Thailand due to the water clarity and sea conditions which are perfect for Freediving, and working with 5 Star Marine Phuket is ideal due to the short distance from Phuket Boat Lagoon to the dive sites at Racha Yai and Racha Noi.

Along with the day’s Freediving, there were also daily workshops on a variety of freediving topics as well as pool sessions, static sessions, and all the Wave theory sessions needed to complete the Molchanovs freediving course. They also hold free yoga, meditation, and HIIT classes each day.

During Deep Week Thailand, freedivers were able to complete any level of the different courses from Molchanovs freediving.

This was the second Deep Week Thailand and the event is growing with each festival. We are looking forward to Deep Week Thailand 2023

What Are The Best Wet Season Island Hopping Destinations?
By June 29, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

What Are The Best Wet Season Island Hopping Destinations?

The Wet Season (also known as the Low Season or Green Season) starts in Phuket around May each year and continues through to the end of October. The signal of the change of seasons in Phuket is when the wind changes.

During our High Season or Dry Season, the wind blows from the East, during our Low Season or Wet Season the wind blows from the West. The West blowing winds brings more rain, monsoons, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Does It Rain All Day In Wet Season?

One of the biggest questions we see online and from our emails is whether it rains all day during the Wet Season. The reality is that it does not. We may have a passing shower or a storm for a day, but it is not raining all day every day. In addition to that, it can be raining on one part of Phuket and not another.

We live in a Tropical Climate, so the showers are generally passing and isolated.

Is It Safe To Go On A Private Boat In Wet Season?

It is very rare that we would need to cancel a tour in Wet Season. As I write this post right now we have low wind, blue skies, and calm seas. It’s the end of June and we feel as if this weather is going to continue for at least another week.

Due to the season though we always recommend to our customers to book the earliest available date in your holiday to go out on tour, so that we can then advise if the weather is not good to go another day.

During Wet Season we will time your tours a little differently to High Season. The high season is a great time to do sunset tours, whereas the low season is a great time to do early morning departures.

What Destinations Are Open In Wet Season?

During the wet season, it is safe to visit Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, Hong Krabi, Coral Island, Khai Island, Racha Island.

Destinations like Koh Rok, Koh Ha, and Similan are closed during the wet season for coral rejuvenation as well as due to the rougher sea conditions on the way to these destinations.

Summary: If you are planning a trip during the wet season, feel free to contact us and let us help advise you on the best destinations and the best day and time to get there.

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.

Phuket Sandbox Gone? Thailand Open? What Do The Locals Think?
By October 27, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

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: 

Island Hopping Here We Go
By September 29, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Island Hopping Here We Go

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/

We are thrilled to welcome a LOAD of new destinations to enjoy from 1st October; and yes, these are going to be open to both Sandbox and Domestic guests.

With the change in season, the seas become calmer so let’s take a look at the exciting new destinations which now become accessible; working our way out from our base pier in Boat Lagoon:

1. Khai Islands

Three popular and family-friendly islands offering shallow snorkeling only 15 minutes from the pier. These islands are close together and are especially good for beginner snorkellers as you can go straight off the beach and experience a plethora of tropical fish. Also, a great spot for a beach picnic.

2. Mai Ton & Coral Combination

5 Star Marine runs a respectful dolphin spotting program at Mai Ton Island which is around 30 minutes from Boat Lagoon, where you can also snorkel before making your way to Coral Island, with beautiful snorkeling, plus relax on the beach with great vibes on Banana Beach Club, which also offers activities, massages, lunch, etc.

3. Racha Islands

The two idyllic Racha Islands; Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, provide some of the best snorkeling reefs in Thailand and quiet, tropical white powdery beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. With Manta Rays and Whale Sharks hopefully coming back again this October / November, don’t miss your chance to spot these magnificent creatures.

4. Phi Phi

Phi Phi is a particularly well know location in the Phuket region, and now with the change in season you can take advantage of some stunning location all to yourself – literally, you might just be the only boat out there! Enjoy Phi Phi Ley and Bamboo Island and chance spotting turtles and clownfish.

5. Krabi Islands and Hong Krabi

The turquoise waters of the Hong Krabi Lagoon are to die for, and why not get your adrenaline going with a climb up to the new 360-degree viewpoint on Hong Krabi? This is arguably one of the best seascape views of the Krabi island sets, Phang Nga Bay, and surrounding islands in the national park that you can get from anywhere. It might be a long climb but it is worth the reward. Enjoy the infamous Railay beach for a lunch stop and gorgeous scenery too.

6. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga truly is one of natures’ spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location. This location provides a different type of tour, it is not a snorkeling tour, but more about the seascapes, canoeing, caving, and exploring.

7. Koh Rok

The sea becomes like a lake in high season, making Koh Rok and Koh Ha idyllic destinations to make the most of when the season comes around. This area combines stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colorful marine life and corals and therefore offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities you can find. In season, you can also regularly see whale sharks between here and Koh Ha also.

8. Koh Ha

This offers some of the best snorkeling, stunning soft sandy beaches, and is less crowded than the better-known Similan Islands. A little further to travel compared to most of our other day trip locations; but well worth every minute for the guaranteed natural beauty and a great stop on the way to Koh Lipe.

9. Koh Lipe

This will open up in the next few weeks and boy are we raring to go! Koh Lipe is bursting with things to see and do; enjoy a romantic time at Sunrise or Sunset Beach, explore the coral reefs snorkeling at Red Coral, head to Monkey Beach or Stonehenge Rock. You might even get to spot the odd whale shark, Manta Ray, or turtle.

10. Similan & Surin Islands

Two phenomenal island-hopping destinations are situated off the West Coast of Phuket.  These areas are bursting with amazing marine life, rich coral, and sandy white beaches. Enjoy a memorable boat trip to the renowned Similan Islands; a stunning archipelago in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, which is made up of 9 islands. We can’t wait for it to open from October 15th to May 15th. Further away and only open 6 months per year, due to the monsoon season plus in an attempt to preserve the marine environment.

11. Phuket By The Sea Tour

This unique program leaves from Boat Lagoon and travels under the Sarasin bridge then you make your way down to the banana beach past Surin, Kamala, and Patong for example, where you can stop off at a beach club or two!

So there you have it – 11 amazing tours opening up from 1st or 15th October. There are a few rules and regulations for Sandbox and Domestic customers, but please contact us to find out more, and in most cases just need your passport and proof of vaccination.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and explore while you can!

‘Captain’s Choice’ – A Maximum Flexibility Private Tour
By June 21, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

‘Captain’s Choice’ – A Maximum Flexibility Private Tour

Captain’s Choice is 5 Star Marine’s unique luxury boat tour experience, offering you the perfect combination of maximum convenience plus flexibility. It brings together a new collection of inspired day sea tours tailored to your personal expectations; with an element of surprise thrown in to ensure your day is exactly what you would have wished for. 

So, all you have to do is book your VIP boat experience then, simply turn up on the day for your adventure. That’s literally all you need to do! No worrying about where to stop for lunch, what to do first, which order to sightsee or snorkel, where is best for the sea conditions that day – you can leave the hard decisions to our expert Captains and concentrate on enjoying your trip to the deserted paradise islands around Phuket.

Our experienced team of Tour Managers and Captains will ensure you have the perfect day out on the water, and fulfill your expectations to leave you with special lasting memories of your VIP tour with us. We are also TAT SHA Plus approved, so you know that you and your booking are in safe hands.

For the ultimate travel experience, you can trust 5 Star Marine’s ‘Captain’s Choice’ to bring you itineraries that are only available to small and private booking groups and not offered with any other boat tour company. 

We have already taken a number of international bookings, so don’t delay and book your ‘Captain’s Choice’ luxury day out now, to enjoy the bespoke selection of untouched paradise locations on offer. 

Contact 5 Star Marine on Facebook to book.  

Overnight Sea Life Safari
By February 23, 2021 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Overnight Sea Life Safari

Thailand’s local wildlife has been given a much-needed chance to recover since the disappearance of tourists flooding in. Islands and national parks have seen sea and wildlife populations start to return, making right now a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get out and explore. 

The Sea Life Safari offers a chance to relax and enjoy the abundance of marine animals over 2 days and 1 night, where the 5 Star Marine team uses their experience and expertise to take you to little-known coves, bays, and secret spots to glimpse the fantastic wildlife on offer.  

The two idyllic Racha Islands, (Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi), provide the ideal destination to enjoy nature; with some of the best snorkeling reefs in Thailand, tropical white powdery beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Koh Racha Yai has situated a mere 45-minute speedboat ride away. However, to experience the plethora of marine life on offer, you need to venture a little further to its smaller twin, Koh Racha Noi – An uninhabited rocky island, with plenty of fantastic snorkeling bays. 

During this 2-day trip, you can take your time to relax on stunning deserted beaches, snorkel at both islands and dine at local restaurants in beautiful bays. When you want to explore the local wildlife, 5 Star Marine knows all the best spots. 

You might get lucky enough to encounter a pod of inquisitive dolphins playing near your boat, or even see some Green or Hawksbill turtles who are fundamental to our marine ecosystems.  Look up to the skies to catch sight of the unusual Hornbills, which are characterized by their long, down­curved bill with a bright yellow casque (or horn) on top. 

Get the opportunity to glimpse some smooth-coated sea otters, which have even been known to try to get aboard! How about dragon spotting? OK, not exactly, but Thailand’s Monitor Lizards can grow up to a staggering 2 meters long. 

Last, but certainly not least; the stunning coral reefs around these twin islands are just teeming with aquatic life, and make for excellent snorkeling.  There are opportunities to see giant starfish, pufferfish, or sea turtles, and reef fish like Parrotfish, snapper, and angelfish can be found in the shallow waters just steps from the beach where you have your pick of snorkeling spots. 

Although sightings of these creatures cannot be guaranteed, one thing is for sure; when tourists do return, spotting some of these animals will again become a rarer opportunity. 

2 day / 1 night Sea Life Safari itinerary with FREE round trip private minibus transfers available now.

Raya Island, A Special Place In The 5 Star Heart
By September 22, 2020 5 Star Marine News, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Raya Island, A Special Place In The 5 Star Heart

 

Raya Island also is known as Racha Island or King Island has a special place in the heart of the team here at 5 Star Marine.  You see, the first place that we ever visited on our first ever boat, Lucus 1, was Raya Island.

Raya Island is a favorite location of Shaun and Lisa the Co-Owners at 5 Star Marine.  Prior to owning 5 Star Marine, they would often take short Staycation breaks to the Rayaburi Resort which is located on Raya Island.

When Lucus 1 was coming out of the factory and due to go to water it just happened to be Lisa’s birthday and as a celebration for both the boat and Lisa’s birthday, the very first trip on Lucus 1 was to Raya Island.

Some snorkeling, beach time, and lunch at the Rayaburi Resort were all enjoyed, and then off to Mai Ton where they were lucky enough to see Dolphins.  It was such a wonderful day for the 5 Star team, Lisa, Shaun, and their friends.

This is why Raya Island Private Speedboat Tours have a special spot in the hearts of the 5 Star Marine team here in Phuket.

Can You Still Go Island Hopping During Low (Wet) Season In Phuket
By May 1, 2019 Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter, Weather Update Comments Off

Can You Still Go Island Hopping During Low (Wet) Season In Phuket

Anyone who has been in Phuket the last few days will have noticed that the season is starting to change. For the locals here, that is amazing news considering that our water supplies on the island were starting to run bare.

For Tourists, though this can be concerning. If you had grand plans to visit Phi Phi Island, Raya Island, or James Bond Island you may be wondering if that’s even possible right now.

The answer to the question is simple, YES you can still go island hopping but you need to be careful to select the right day, the right company, and the right tour itinerary.

For example, during High Season when we run our private boat tours most of the time we suggest a later leave and spending sunset on a private beach. This is because typically in High Season we have the very low wind in the afternoon, making it great conditions for being on the sea.

During Low Season though, we recommend a sunrise tour or a tour leave time around 7 am or 8 am because during Low Season we expect a high wind in the afternoon which makes traveling back from the islands a little bumpy and less fun.

This is just one example of how things can change in the Low Season. The reality is that most companies in Phuket will go every day of both High and Low Season as they want to make income.

Here at 5 Star Marine Phuket, we care about making your Private Boat Charter a wonderful experience so we will only recommend going out on tour when the weather is right for your selected tour program.

If you’d like to know what we recommend for you, please get in contact with us!