Khai Islands Private Tour
By April 14, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Khai Islands Private Tour

When you book our Khai Islands Private Tour, you get to experience not just one, but a group of three famous, small islands.

Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nai and Koh Khai Nui; each offer something slightly different, and The Khai Islands Private Tour is a mere 15 – 20 minute speedboat ride from our centrally located pier in Phuket, Boat Lagoon.

These three popular and family-friendly islands are situated close together and are especially appealing for beginner snorkellers because you can go straight off the beach on some of the islands to enjoy the underwater vibrant coral and marine life on offer.

With our Khai Islands Private Tour, your day trip is customisable; there is no need to rush to get to the next island, or restrictive time slots for lunch. If you are enjoying your picnic lunch on the beach (which we can arrange for you, including Thai sharing dishes and western favourites) then just let us know and take your time to relax for longer.

With our Khai Islands Private Tour, there is no set schedule; the day is bespoke for you, so it will be very different to the more rigid timings you might find with the group tours.

Therefore, if you are looking for an easy, close by island day trip that is good for families, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach you can’t beat 5 Star Marine’s Khai Islands Private Tour.

Let’s take a look at what the three Khai Islands have to offer:

  • Koh Khai Nok
    The distinctive egg-shaped island of Koh Khai Nok helps to explain its other known name “Egg Island”. It is blessed with soft, sandy beaches, and the water is crystal clear with a pale blue tinge. Simply standing in the water just off this island you will get to see plenty of colourful fish, so it is a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. On your Khai Island Private Tour, you can take your time to enjoy this islands’ sandy beach, relax and take in the sights and experience some off-the-beach snorkelling here.
  • Koh Khai Nui Island
    Khai Nui is another wonderful spot for snorkelling, this time right off the boat. It is another picturesque and small island you can visit on your Khai Islands Private Tour. It boasts pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters abundant with a great variety of coral and marine life making this a great spot for swimming, diving and snorkelling off the boat.
  • Koh Khai Nai
    This is the largest of the three islands and Koh Khai Nai offers clear, shallow waters which makes it popular and a safe choice. This area offers some perfect snorkelling opportunities for families with young children due to the shallow, clear waters. There is also a postcard on a white sandy beach to enjoy a spot of lunch on.

5 Star Marine’s Khai Island Private Tour

Our Khai Island Private Tour is personal and customisable, so your day trip itinerary will take into account what you want to get out of your day, be fully flexible so you can spend more time doing what you enjoy, and be a combined itinerary with our experienced guides. Our guides and captains will ensure that you discover the three islands in the best possible conditions, and understand that timing at Khai Islands can be important to give you the best experience on the day.

private-boat-charter-inclusions

Contact us to book your Khai Island Private Tour:

www.5starmarinephuket.com

+66-93-720-6221

[email protected]

3 Day 2 Night Tour To Koh Mook [Part 2 Of 3]
By April 12, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

3 Day 2 Night Tour To Koh Mook [Part 2 Of 3]

Jump back on board with Jay, Alex, and the crew of Lucus 1 as they continue their 3 days 2 night exploration of Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, Phi Phi, Railay and beyond.

These overnight tours are a special addition that we set up here at 5 Star Marine when the pandemic started. If you are looking for something different, unique, and adventurous then this is the tour for you.

Watch along below:

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]

 

James Bond Island Private Tour
By April 3, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

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:

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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 Breaking News – Updated Test And Go Measures – March 2022
By March 24, 2022 5 Star Marine News Comments Off

Thailand Pass Breaking News – Updated Test And Go Measures – March 2022

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/

The CCSA met last week to discuss the further easing of restrictions and to allow the process of entry into Thailand as a tourist easier. In the announcement after the meeting, there were a number of changes to the entry conditions into Thailand.

These changes include the elimination of the need for a pre-departure RT-PCR test, a reduction in the amount of insurance coverage that is required, and a few other small adjustments

The bigger news is that we expect these to continue easing and that in July the CCSA plans to rule the Pandemic and Endemic which should see rules ease even further. Find out about the latest rule changes here:

Phuket Foodies – Smoking Fish In Jay’s Backyard Restaurant
By March 21, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Phuket Tips Comments Off

Phuket Foodies – Smoking Fish In Jay’s Backyard Restaurant

Once a month we like to highlight a local restaurant or local cuisine and this month Jay took on the cooking himself.

He brined some fish (with his own homemade brine) and then smoked them on his Smoker (what else does he smoke?).

Find out all of this and more in this weeks’ vLog here:

Private Boat Hire Phuket – Reclaim Your Sense of Adventure
By February 25, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

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

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

[email protected]

5 Star Marine Phuket

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Challenge Jay. BJJ on the beach
By March 13, 2022 5 Star Marine News Comments Off

Challenge Jay. BJJ on the beach

This week Jay was with Coach Nando from Gracie Barra Phuket learning Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu on the beach at Surin. As well as learning how to defend himself Jay was challenged to a sparring session with Coach Nando.

See it in full here: