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Sunsail's Phuket base

Phuket's glory is its majestic coastline. Thailand's southern isle of paradise is blessed with a wide array of attractive beaches and idyllic islands surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Beaches range from gentle crescents of sand with calm waters to dramatic rocky headlands rising out of the surf.

The Sunsail base is located at the Boat Lagoon in Sapam Bay. The Boat Lagoon is a land locked Marina, originally an old tin mine, and its access to the sea is via a river. This river is tidal with depth restrictions at certain states of  tide. Generally speaking access is restricted to 2.5 hours before high water to 1.5 hours after high water.

During the NE season the cruising area includes the Surin and Similan Island and all Thai waters down to Koh Tarutao. Yachts cannot cross the border into Myanmar / Burma under any circumstances. During the SW Monsoon it is not possible to visit the Surin Islands, Similan Islands and anchorages on the west coast of Phuket.

The island's western shore is dotted with dozens of spectacular beaches, bays, capes, cliffs and coral reefs. Phuket and Krabi are just two of the highlights of the west coast; sophisticated and modern beach resorts with a fine tradition of hospitality. Phuket boasts the stunning Phang Nga Bay and the shady escape of jungle walks, whilst Krabi enjoys the awesome rock formations that tower above you as you swim.

Cruising notes

Phang Nga Bay
To the northwest of the base is Phang Nga Bay, a national marine park and area of beautiful unspoilt scenery. Sailing here is safe all year round and most clients start their charter spending 2 or 3 days exploring the towering limestone islands of Ko Phanak and Koh Hong with their many caves and ‘Hongs’ to explore. Why not anchor at Koh Yang and take a long tail boat to the world famous James Bond island or further to Koh Pan Yi, a typical Muslim Sea Gypsy village built on stilts?

Krabi Beaches
The main beach at Ao Nang is reasonably well developed and has access to Krabi town by local transport. The two bays to the southeast don’t have access to the road system so transport tends to be water-based. The beaches and scenery in the area are fantastic with excellent spots for snorkelling. Charterers can take a 1 hour longtail trip up the river to Krabi town to obtain provisions from the fresh markets and shops.

Ko Dam Group or Chicken Islands
The snorkelling here is excellent with many coral reefs to explore. There is a lovely local restaurant (open during North East Monsoon only) and the island is well worth exploring on foot - look out for the Chicken head! Heading from here to Ko Phi Phi are the Bamboo Islands with more great snorkeling and clients can visit Hin Klang reef by either dive boat or longtail for some of the best diving outside of the Similian Islands.

Koh Phi Phi
The main island in the Koh Phi Phi group is Koh Phi Phi Don where dry goods and beverages can be bought, small shops sell some fruit and vegetables and there are dive trips, big game fishing trips, Internet cafes, masseurs, restaurants and bars. A daily ferry also operates to Phuket.

A visit to Koh Phi Phi Lee is a must to explore the beautiful Maya Bay, a scenic sandy lagoon with white beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs - the location for filming of The Beach. Viking Cave is well known for its bird nests which are harvested by locals to make the famous Birds Nest Soup! We advise visiting Koh Phi Phi Lee by longtail from Koh Phi Phi Don as the anchorages around Phi Phi Lee are very deep - approx. 25 metres.

Koh Lanta
Often described as Phuket 20 years ago, the pace of life on Koh Lanta is relaxed and easy going. There are two lovely beaches along the west coast and good shelter in some pretty anchorages on the east coast. The islands to the South have good snorkeling and the Emerald cave on Ko Muk is a must see if you have the time.

Other sailing areas

You are more than welcome to sail in all Thai waters but you will not be covered by the Sunsail guarantee once you leave Thai chart 308.

Similan and Surin Islands
Situated 34 miles off the west coast of Thailand this marine park is one of the world's top dive destinations. The waters around the Similan and Surin islands are teeming with fish amongst the surrounding coral. During the northeast Monsoon (November to April) entry is allowed to the National Park subject to entry fees. Due to the distance involved charterers are asked to sign a disclaimer. Cruising to and among these islands is not permitted during the southwest Monsoon. Passage in early November and April may not be recommended due to changeable weather conditions and a scarcity of protected overnight anchorages.

Koh Rok to Koh Tarutao
This area offers a wide range of anchorages. Ko Liang and Ko Phetra in the north are quiet and peaceful with the only inhabitants being the local wildlife. Further south is the resort island of Koh Bulon and the towering limestone island of Koh Tarutao. West of Tarutao is the Butang group with totally unspoilt snorkeling and diving worthy of its position in the top ten locations of the world.