Phi Phi Yacht Charter
Reach Maya Bay before the day boats
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Phi Phi sits about 27 nautical miles east of Phuket. On a private yacht you set your own timings, so you can reach Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon before the day-tour fleet arrives — or stay overnight and have the beach almost to yourself at 7am.
We've run charters out of Phuket since 1997, with a zero-accident record and crew who know these waters in every season.
Featured Yachts for Your Phi Phi Yacht Charter
Featured boats for your Phi Phi charter from Phuket. Full inclusions, specs, capacity and per-boat terms live on the cards.
Hot Chilli
from34,900 THB
Details
Mozart
from76,000 THB
Details
Sail La Vie
from99,900 THB
Details
Bilgin 98 ft.
from350,000 THB
DetailsHow Much Does a Phi Phi Yacht Charter Cost?
Quality private day charters to Phi Phi start at 34,900 THB (about US$1,050). Overnight charters start at €2,000 (about US$2,300 / 76,000 THB). Prices scale up from there by vessel size and comfort.
All prices below are “from” rates for private charters. Conversions are approximate and change daily.
| Tier | Vessel | From |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hot Chilli — power catamaran | 34,900 THB (~US$1,050) |
| Premium ⭐ Best value | Sailing catamaran overnight charter | €2,000 (~US$2,300 / 76,000 THB) |
| Luxury ⭐ Best Seller | Power catamaran — Sail La Vie | 99,900 THB (~US$3,000) |
| Ultra-luxury | Bilgin 98 ft. | 350,000 THB (~US$10,500) |
At the very top of the market, superyacht charters run well beyond US$50,000 a day. Almost anything in that range can be arranged.
Note on the premium tier: the overnight charter includes four meals and gets you into Phi Phi Leh in the early morning before the crowds. It's the trip we recommend most often.
Why Phi Phi Costs More Than Closer Destinations
Phi Phi is further out, so a charter there burns more engine hours and more fuel than a daycharter to Racha, Maithon or Coral Island. On most boats that shows up in the price.
The exception is a small, light boat like Hot Chilli. Its fuel use is low enough that the price is much the same wherever you go.
What's Included in Your Phi Phi Boat Charter
Every crewed charter includes the crew, fuel, food and snorkelling gear. You board, and everything else is handled.
The more you spend, the more you get. Higher tiers add a private chef cooking fresh on board, better cabins and a larger crew. Full inclusions for each boat are listed on its card above.
Not included on any charter:
National park entry fees (cash, Thai baht only — see below)
Alcohol
Crew gratuities
Private Phi Phi Yacht Rental vs Shared Speedboat Tours
A shared speedboat tour is cheaper per head. A private charter is a different trip altogether — and once your group hits about eight people, the price gap narrows a lot.
Shared speedboats are cramped and narrow, and they slam hard in any chop. Thailand's tour-speedboat safety record is poor. You're on a fixed route with a fixed schedule, arriving at Maya Bay at the same time as everyone else.
On a private charter you choose the route, the timings and when you leave. There's shade, space, a real galley and a crew looking after your group only.
What You're Actually Paying For
Boats maintained properly.
Every vessel goes into the shipyard once a year for renovation. Most operators here don't do this.
Crew who are trained and stay.
Our crews retrain two to three times a year and are paid 30–40% above typical tour-boat wages. Tour crews often have limited English.
A zero-accident record since 1997.
Cheap private speedboats exist. But without crew, chef, food and shade, we don't think it's the same product.
Sailing Time from Phuket to Phi Phi
Phi Phi is roughly 27 nautical miles from Phuket. We only send power vessels there — nothing slower than 12 knots.
Sailing yachts would need five to seven hours each way. That leaves almost no time at the islands, so we don't offer it. We'd rather do fewer stops and give you longer at each one.
~2 hours
Chalong
closest, our recommendation for visiting Phi Phi islands
~2.5 hours
Boat Lagoon / Royal Phuket Marina
~2.5–3 hours
Ao Po / Ao Po Grand Marina
~3–3.5 hours
Yacht Haven Marina
Chalong~2 hours
closest, our recommendation for visiting Phi Phi islands
Boat Lagoon / Royal Phuket Marina~2.5 hours
Ao Po / Ao Po Grand Marina~2.5–3 hours
Yacht Haven Marina~3–3.5 hours
These are averages only. Wind, waves and current change them, and a headwind can stretch the crossing to three or four hours. We won't quote an exact time, because nobody honestly can.
How Rough Is the Crossing? Sea Conditions Explained
It depends on the season, and the two monsoons behave very differently. This catches a lot of visitors out.
Northeast monsoon (high season, roughly November to April).
Honest weather. It can be rough on the way out, but the return is easy. You can see what you're getting before you commit.
Southwest monsoon (green season, roughly May to October).
This one's a trap. Mornings often look flat calm, then you're punching back into wind and waves all afternoon. A return leg that should take two hours can take three or four if we detour to hold a comfortable angle.
When We Reroute
If the forecast shows waves over about two metres, we move the charter to Phang Nga Bay or Racha Noi instead.
That's a comfort decision, not a safety one. Our boats handle five-metre seas. But most guests find 2 metres genuinely unpleasant, and a miserable crossing ruins the day.
How We Decide
We check the weather at least three times a day, and again every morning before a charter leaves. Our general manager — a captain here for over ten years — makes the call for the whole fleet.
Forecasts near the equator aren't reliable. A one-week forecast tells you very little, and even the day before can be wrong. Conditions shift completely overnight. That's why the morning check is the one that counts.
If you want to follow along yourself, use WindGuru and check both Phuket and Phi Phi.
Nearly 30 years here means we know what these waters do.
Best Time to Visit Phi Phi by Private Boat
The best balance of weather and crowds is shoulder season: November before Christmas, and March to April outside Easter and Songkran. Good conditions, fewer boats, better availability.
High season (November–April).
Best weather, most crowds, highest prices.
Green season (May–October).
Roughly 20–30% cheaper and much quieter. It rains sometimes and a rougher return leg if weather is picking up. Fewer boats at Maya Bay, but no guarantees.
Dates to Avoid If You Want Space
20 December to around 10 January
the peak crush
Chinese New Year
Songkran (10–15 April)
Easter
Is Maya Bay Closed Part of the Year?
Yes. Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay close annually for recovery. In 2026 the closure runs 1 August to 30 September, reopening 1 October.
Maya Bay also closed completely for restoration from June 2018 and reopened on 1 January 2022.
How to Beat the Crowds at Maya Bay and Phi Phi Leh
Phi Phi is never empty. The limestone cliffs rise 140 metres straight out of the water and the place is world-famous — anyone promising you an empty Maya Bay isn't being straight with you.
What you can do is get there before or after the day-tour fleet. That's the whole point of chartering privately.
7:00
The Only Way to Be There at 7am
The park opens at 7am. No day-charter operator leaving Phuket can be at Maya Bay for opening — it's simply too far.
Two things work:
An overnight charter. Sleep on the boat in or near the bay and step ashore at opening.
Stay on Phi Phi Don and take a long-tail out around 6:15am.
That's it. Everything else arrives mid-morning with everyone else.
If You Want Genuinely No Crowds, Don't Go to Phi Phi
We'd rather tell you this upfront. If empty water is what matters most to you, Racha Noi is the better trip. Fewer boats, better visibility, and no ranger whistles.
Phi Phi is worth it for the scenery, which is genuinely unmatched. Just go in knowing you'll be sharing it.
Where We Anchor: Bays, Reefs and Snorkelling Stops
There are three islands in the group: Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited national park, the dramatic one), Phi Phi Don (the main inhabited island) and Bamboo Island a bit further out.
Maya Bay
The famous one. Sheer cliffs on three sides, and a genuine sense of enclosure once you're inside.
There are strict rules here — see the section below before you plan your day around it.
Pileh Lagoon
A near-enclosed pool of turquoise water in the cliffs of Phi Phi Leh. Stunning, and usually busy with long-tails.
On a tight 8-hour charter we suggest a quick pass by dinghy rather than lingering. That frees up time for Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.
Viking Cave
A large cave on Phi Phi Leh's eastern side, still used for harvesting swiftlet nests. You view it from the water.
Monkey Beach
A short stretch of sand on Phi Phi Don with a resident macaque troop. Don't feed them and don't leave belongings unattended as those guys can be nasty.
Bamboo Island
Genuinely beautiful — white sand, clear shallow water, good snorkelling. It sits 20–30 minutes each way beyond Phi Phi Leh, so it needs a longer charter.
Phi Phi Don, Tonsai Bay and the Viewpoint
Phi Phi Don is the inhabited, lively island — bars, restaurants and nightlife around Tonsai Bay.
The viewpoint hike is worth doing, but it's a lot of steps. Go early, before the heat.
Snorkelling and Diving
Water clarity is best in high season. We carry snorkelling gear on every charter, and the crew will pick the stop based on the day's conditions rather than a fixed list.
Phi Phi National Park Fees and What They Cover
Park entry is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child under 12. You pay once per day.
Fees must be paid in cash, in Thai baht, directly to the park rangers. No cards. No other currency. Bring enough baht for your whole group before you board — this catches people out constantly.
Bamboo Island sits in a separate park (Hat Nopparat Thara) and charges its own 400 THB adult / 200 THB child fee.
Park fees aren't included in your charter price.
Maya Bay Rules You Need to Know
These are enforced, and rangers do whistle people out of the water.
No anchoring. Boats use moorings only.
No swimming from the boat to the swimming zone. The crew transfers you in by dinghy, kayak or SUP.
No swimming directly in front of Maya Beach, or off the beach itself.
There is a dedicated swimming zone inside the bay. Juvenile blacktip reef sharks are often there — harmless, and one of the highlights.
The dinghy transfer isn't us being fussy. Unlicensed long-tail traffic has caused accidents in this bay before. Not swimming across it is a big part of why we've never had one.
Phi Phi National Park hours: 7am to 5pm.
Day Trip or Overnight Phi Phi Boat Rental?
Overnight, if you can. It's the trip we recommend to almost everyone.
A night on a mooring in Maya Bay means no phone reception, cliffs walled around you, sunset off to the west — and the beach at 7am before a single day boat arrives. That last part can't be bought any other way from Phuket.
Guests sleep on the boat. There's no beach camping, and the boat must be on a mooring rather than anchored.
See our overnight charter page and cabin charter page for the boats that do this trip.
How Long Should a Day Charter Be?
Day charters run sunrise to sunset. Eight hours is standard, but it's tight.
| Duration | What fits |
|---|---|
| 8 hours | Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon) plus Monkey Beach — can be rushed on a busy day or with a big group |
| 9 hours | Minimum to add Bamboo Island — can still feel rushed |
| 10–11 hours | Relaxed. Our recommendation. |
| 12 hours | Sunrise to sunset, roughly 6/6:30am to 6/7pm. Breakfast and lunch on board. |
Can You Do Phi Phi and Bamboo Island in One Day?
Yes, with a minimum 9-hour charter. Bamboo is further out and the travel time is unavoidable.
It also works on an overnight trip, but then we'd recommend a minimum of two nights.
Which Yacht Is Right for Your Group?
Match the boat to your group size first, then to your budget.
Hot Chilli (power catamaran)
Day guests: 14
Day charters only
Sailing catamaran
Day guests: 8
4 cabinssleeps 8
Power catamaran (luxury)
Day guests: 20
4 cabins8 guests
Superyacht (ultra-luxury)
Day guests: On request
Overnight: On request
Phi Phi Charters for Weddings, Birthdays and Corporate Groups
Private charter suits occasions well, because the boat is yours and the schedule is yours.
For groups over 14, the luxury power catamaran takes up to 20 for the day. For bigger numbers or a specific date, talk to us early.
A few things worth knowing:
Catering scales. Higher tiers carry a chef cooking fresh on board, rather than pre-packed catering.
Alcohol isn't included in most charters, please check the inclusions of each vessel.
Maya Bay isn't the venue for a ceremony. Park rules and crowds make it impractical. It's a spectacular stop, not a spot to hold an event.
Overnight works better for celebrations. More time, sunset, and no rush back to the marina.
How to Book: Lead Times, Deposit and Weather Policy
How Far Ahead Should You Book?
| When you want to sail | Book |
|---|---|
| Christmas / New Year | 6–12 months ahead. Most boats are gone by 6 months. For a specific date, ask 12 months out. |
| High season, specific date | 6 months minimum |
| Green season | Shorter notice is usually fine |
Last-minute boats can nearly always be found. But the best-value vessels go first, so a last-minute peak-season booking usually means paying more for a boat with weaker service and fewer inclusions.
Hot Chilli is our bestseller — booked around 300 days a year, and typically gone about six months before Christmas.
Large superyachts are the exception. They're often available at short notice.
Deposit and Cancellation
Deposit and cancellation terms differ by vessel, since each boat has its own conditions. The terms for your boat are on its card, and our booking team will confirm them in writing before you pay anything.
Our Weather Policy
If the Thai Marine Department closes the sea to your vessel size for safety reasons, your charter day is refunded.
Separately, if conditions are poor but sailing is permitted, we'll offer to move you to sheltered water — Phang Nga Bay or Raja — rather than run a rough, unpleasant crossing.
Why Charter Phi Phi with Faraway Yachting
We started in Phuket in 1997. Nearly 30 years later we run six catamarans across Thailand, and we still operate the business ourselves.
Zero accidents. Not a marketing line — it's the result of specific choices, like ferrying guests into Maya Bay by dinghy instead of letting them swim across a busy bay.
Fixed crews. Each boat has its own crew, who don't rotate. They know the vessel and they know these waters.
Annual shipyard maintenance. Every boat, every year. Most operators here skip it.
Licensed and reviewed. TAT Outbound Tour Operator Licence #34/02546. TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2026.
No discounting. We price the same year-round for the same product, so the boat and service you're quoted is the boat and service you get.
Phi Phi Yacht Charter FAQs
Be there at 7am, when the park opens. The only realistic way from Phuket is an overnight charter — you sleep on the boat nearby and go ashore at opening. Day boats leaving Phuket can't get there that early. Quieter days also come with green-season rain and a rougher crossing.
For most groups, yes — and at around eight people the price difference narrows considerably. Shared speedboats are cramped and slam hard in chop, and Thailand's tour-boat safety record is poor. A private charter gives you your own timings, shade, space, a chef on the higher tiers, and crew looking after your group only.
About two hours each way from Chalong, which is the closest departure point. Allow roughly 2.5 hours from Boat Lagoon or Royal Phuket Marina, 2.5–3 hours from Ao Po, and 3–3.5 hours from northern island marinas. These are averages — headwinds can stretch the crossing to three or four hours.
Only in the dedicated swimming zone inside the bay, where you'll often see juvenile blacktip reef sharks. Swimming in front of Maya Beach or off the beach itself isn't allowed, and rangers enforce it. Our crew transfers guests ashore by dinghy rather than letting them swim, because long-tail traffic in the bay has caused accidents before.
It's 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child under 12, paid once per day. Cash in Thai baht only — no cards and no other currency accepted. You pay the rangers directly, so bring enough baht for your whole group before you board.
Yes. Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay close annually for recovery, and in 2026 that runs 1 August to 30 September, reopening 1 October. Maya Bay was also closed entirely for restoration from June 2018 until 1 January 2022.
Shoulder season gives the best balance: November before Christmas, and March to April outside Easter and Songkran. You get good weather with noticeably fewer boats. Pair it with an overnight charter to be at Maya Bay for the 7am opening.
Yes. You sleep on the boat, which must be on a mooring rather than anchored — there's no camping ashore. It's the standout experience here: no phone reception, cliffs all around, sunset to the west, and an almost empty beach in the morning.
Yes, with a minimum 9-hour charter, since Bamboo sits further out. Ten to twelve hours makes it relaxed rather than rushed. It also works on an overnight trip, though we'd suggest a minimum of two nights for that.
It varies with the season. In high season the crossing out can be rough but the return is easy; in green season it often looks calm in the morning and turns into a hard slog back. Tropical forecasts are unreliable more than a day or two ahead, so we check the weather every morning before a charter leaves and our channel manager — a captain here for over ten years — makes the call. If waves are forecast over about two metres, we'll move you to sheltered water. You can check conditions yourself on WindGuru for both Phuket and Phi Phi.
Overnight, without question. A night in Maya Bay and the famous beach in the morning without the crowds is unbeatable, and it's the trip we recommend to everyone who can make the time. A day charter works, but you'll arrive when everyone else does.
Quality day charters start at 34,900 THB (about US$1,050) for the whole boat, including crew, chef and food. Overnight charters start at €2,000 (about US$2,300). From there it scales through larger yachts up to superyachts costing over US$50,000 a day. Cheaper private speedboats exist, but without crew, chef, food or shade it's a very different trip.
