Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Phuket. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
Plan
Before you go
Address
Ao Po Grand Marina
113/1 Moo 6
Tambon Paklok
Amphur Thalang
Phuket 83110
Thailand
Our Phuket base is located at the new Ao Po Grand Marina near Ao Po Bay.
Ao Po Grand Marina has the benefit of 24 hour access independent of the tide. It is also ideally situated at the gateway to stunning Phang Nga Bay and is conveniently close to Phuket's major facilities (15 minutes from the airport) and holiday destinations.
Base hours
The office is open throughout the year, seven days a week from 8am-5pm.
VHF radio watch channel 72 (from 8am-5pm).
Time zone
Thailand is +7 hours ahead of the UK.
Language
The official language is Thai, and English is widely spoken.
Cost of living
Prices vary from restaurant to restaurant, however the following is a guide for your reference.
A bottle of wine costs from about THB 500 in a supermarket and at least twice that in a restaurant. A bottle of beer costs about THB 35-45 in a supermarket and from THB 80 up to THB 150 in a restaurant. Good quality Thai food can cost as little as THB 200 per course in a local restaurant, while a meal in a resort can cost anything from THB 1000 per person and more.
What to bring
Passport and visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
If your child is not already included on a valid British Passport they are required to hold their own passport.
Visas not required for British passport holders for visits less than 30 days. For longer duration holidays you should obtain a visa from the Thai Consulate. You should apply, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope, to the Visa Dept, Royal Embassy, 29-30 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5JB.
Non-British passport holders, please contact your local consulate for advice on visa and passport requirements.
Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information before you leave.
We are not responsible for any requirement changes.
Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear immigration and customs. A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a customs declaration form. Airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles, e.g. food, which may also be confiscated by customs.
Sailing licences
Although no formal sailing certifications are required for pleasure craft sailing or cruising in Thailand, it is strongly recommended that you bring any certificates or license that you may have with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by customs or Port Police.
Luggage + packing list
Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend travelling light and using soft or folding luggage.
Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. Thomson Airways carries no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in checked baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.
We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
Travel notice: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised of an update to the local laws and customs in Thailand. You can’t bring vaporisers, eg, e-cigarettes and e-baraku, and refills into Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated, and you could be fined or sent to prison if convicted. The sale or supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices is also banned and you could face a heavy fine or imprisonment if found guilty.
Incidents
If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.
What's on board
Coolers
One 40-litre ice box is included with all yachts at no additional charge. Please return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Extra ice boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at a cost of THB 50 per day.
Mobile phones
Your mobile phone may work when in the Thailand but please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.
Buying a SIM card once you are in Thailand is an easier and cheaper option. A SIM card can be bought on a pay as you go basis for as little as THB 50. Calls are then cheap to make and free to receive.
The only thing you have to consider is whether your own mobile phone is locked. Many phone providers deliberately lock their phones to make it impossible to use on rival networks. This can be overcome however for a small price at any phone shop in Thailand.
Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.
Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://www.caat.or.th/en/archives/27871
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
It's possible to rent inverters at Phuket for THB 100 a day, in order to get 220 volt power under sail.
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Go
How to get there
Bangkok Savarnabhumi Airport
Savarnabhumi Airportis is approximately 16 miles east of the city centre. From Savarnabhumi, you will require the domestic terminal for your connection to Phuket Airport.
Savarnabhumi Airport offers banking and a selection of bureau de change, bars, coffee shops and restaurants as well as duty free and souvenir shoping. International departure taxes are now included in the price of the flight ticket.
Phuket Airport
Phuket Airport is approximately 30 minutes from the base. Facilities include bureau de change, duty free and merchandise shops, a post office and restaurants.
Airport parking
Save up to 30 percent when you book your airport parking through us. Please call us for more details.
Car rental
At the airport you will find, David Car Rent and Airport Car Rent which is one of the few companies that rent self-drive mini busses.
Airport hotels
We have preferential rates at many hotels at the UK’s major airports. Please call us for more details.
Pre-booking
If you are taking our Thomson Airways flights and wish to enquire about pre booking seats please call the airline direct on 0844 871 1603. Group seats are available for pre booking through Sunsail. Call the team for more details. Please note: Thomson Airways are unable to provide a priority check-in service for your inbound flight. This service operates at London Gatwick outbound only.
Flights
Gatwick information: 0844 335 1802
Heathrow information: 0870 000 0123
Manchester information: 0871 271 0711
Luton information: 0158 240 5100
Glasgow information: 0870 040 0008
Transfers
On arrival in Phuket, a transfer from the airport to the base can be arranged. If you would like to use this service, we just need your flight number and arrival details prior to departure for Phuket Airport. There will then be a Sunsail driver waiting for you with a Sunsail board to bring you directly to the Marina.
Transfers from Phuket Airport to the base takes 25 minutes and can be arranged on request.
The approximate cost of a taxi for up to four people is THB 800, up to 6 people is THB 950 and a minibus for up to eight people is about THB 1100 each way.
The Airport taxis generally do not know where the Sunsail office is in the Ao Po Marina and clients may be dropped off at the wrong place and sometimes even the wrong marina.
If your holiday is flight exclusive, we request that you send your travel arrangements to us prior to departure so we can assist with transfer details where required.
Please note: guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract/invoice.
Boarding time + checking out
On arrival
Charters can start and finish on any day of the week and all charters commence at 4pm on the first day and finish at 9am on the last day. However, we always try to be as flexible as possible and we are happy for clients to contact the base prior to arrival as the yacht may be available earlier so that they may board early.
All boats are prepared as per the booking for boarding time. All clients will receive an individual yacht and chart briefing. This will take up to two hours so you need to allow plenty of time. You will not be permitted to leave without adequate briefing.
The latest that a Sunsail yacht can depart from the marina is 5pm as the nearest anchorage is half an hour away and all yachts must be anchored by 5.30pm. The area and yacht briefings take up to an hour each and provisioning shopping will take around three hours including taxi transfers.
Therefore if you wish to depart on the day your charter starts you should arrive no later than noon if you are doing your own provisioning, or 3pm if you have provisioned online.
Briefings
These are carried out individually for each yacht and are mandatory for all clients. The chart brief describes the cruising area and any potential hazards. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht and its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.
This will take up to 2 hours so you need to allow plenty of time. You will not be permitted to leave without adequate briefing or depart the dock after 5pm.
Out of hours
If you are arriving after 5pm and have requested a transfer you will be met by a member of staff and shown to your yacht. If we have no arrival details and we have not heard from you by 5pm we will put a sign on the door stating your yacht name, location and also the base managers contact number. The yacht will be lit up and have an information sheet listing what is available at the base such as toilets, showers, restaurants, etc.
On departure
You have to disembark by 9am on your last day but it is not essential to return to base the day before as there are anchorages within 30 minutes of the marina. We will always try to allow you to return later than the 9am finish time so you should avoid booking flights that depart before noon on your last day.
Before departing your boat, a member of staff will give you a debrief.
The debrief is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or lost or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.
We also ask that you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and refrigerator of food and throw away any perishables, return snorkel gear and any extra life jackets and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.
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Sail
About the marina
Marina facilities
- Water and electricity are available on the berths at the base and there is a deep water fuel dock.
- Showers and toilets are available from 08:00 to 18:00. There are several restaurants and two nearby resorts for those wishing to spend a night ashore before and after their charter. ATM available.
Dock facilities
Fuel: Approximately THB 38 per litre.
Sailing licences
Experience level
Sailing experience: Level 2 from November to April and Level 3 from May to October.
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.
Get more information on Phuket's sailing conditions.
Sailing grounds
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you've reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.
The skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover: anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you'll provide cash for meals, whether you've included him or her in your provisioning or whether you'll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skippers, it's your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15-20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
Sailing area restrictions
During the NE season the cruising area includes the Surin and Similan Islands and all Thai Waters down to Koh Tarutaoand the Butang islands in the South. Yachts cannot cross the border in to Myanmar/Burma under any circumstances. During the SW monsoon, The Surin islands, and anchorages on the West coast of Phuket cannot be used. The cruising area has a tidal range of three metres at high water springs.
Clients will be asked to complete a waiver of responsibility form prior to departure from the base if intending to cruise to the Similan or Surin islands.
The Sunsail 4-Hour Guarantee applies when within 20 sailing miles distance from the base.
Download Sunsail's Thailand Cruising Guide here.
Night sailing
Night sailing is only permitted when making long offshore passages that cannot be completed in daylight hours. Any night sailing must be approved in advance by the Base manager and you must depart and be clear of all obstructions at least 30 minutes before sunset and arrive at your destination at least 30 minutes after sunrise.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts you will need and a pilot book for the sailing area written by the base manager are on board the yacht.
The pilot book is available in advance via email from the base.
Formalities + taxes
A valid passport and crew list is compulsory for clearance. Crew list for clearance must show date of issue of passports.
Moorings fees + taxes
THB 200 per person per night when cruising in national park areas. THB 400 per person per night, plus THB 400 per yacht per night when visiting the Similan or Surin Islands National Park which are accessible only from November to April.
Overnight stops need to be at anchor as the mooring boys are not well maintained.
Water Refill Stations
The main places you will be able to refill within our sailing area are Koh Phi Phi Don, Port Takola Marina or Krabi Boat Lagoon, as well as Phuket Boat Lagoon/Roya l Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven, and Ao Po Grand Marina. It is sometimes possible at Koh Lanta Old town also, however you will need to use jerry cans to refill the tanks.
Health + safety
Illness or injury
If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip please have a member of your party contact the Sunsail base manager as soon as possible. If you will need to make a travel insurance claim please contact your claim insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
SWIM SAFE:
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
Children
- Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
- Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
- Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.
- Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
- Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
- Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
- Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
- Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
Look out for others
- Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
- Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
Do not overestimate your ability
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Diving is popular but you should be aware that the only decompression facility is in Papeete and that in the event of an accident it might take some time to reach there.
Safty
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding - If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
We have a very limited supply of children's life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
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Eat
Provisioning
Sunsail Provisioning
All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. We offer a wide range of food and drinks packages to suit your party’s needs.
Find out more about our provisioning options.
Dining
Restaurants
Port of Call Restaurant (Thai and International cuisine) open daily from 8:30 am till 21:00.
The Gallery 1 minute from the marina and Pier 88 a 5 minute walk.
Pontoon access and convenient car parking.
Eating out
This can be extremely good value. If you eat at a local food stall you can get a meal for as little as THB 100 per person. Even eating in local restaurants you generally pay less than THB 200 per course for delicious Thai food. Alcohol is generally more expensive than food. A small bottle of beer is about THB 80 and a reasonable bottle of wine about THB 1000.
Thai food is all cooked to order using fresh ingredients and lots of chilli. It is quite easy to ask for the meal to be made a little less spicy for western tastes. Seafood features on every menu with chicken, pork and beef also available as well as great vegetarian food. Rice and noodles are also main staples but western food is also easily available.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in restaurants and bars but if you wish to do so 10-15 percent of the amount charged is ample.
Shop
Around the base
Hotels
For those wishing to book accommodation ashore for the night before or after their charter Sunsail Phuket is able to book rooms at discounted rates at the nearby Supalai and Chandara resorts. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and the prices include local taxes and breakfast. To obtain special rates booking should be made with Sunsail Thailand. We suggest you make bookings well in advance, so please contact the base with your requirements.
Currency
The unit of currency in Thailand is the Baht (THB).
Money changing facilities are available at the airport and in most medium sized towns. We recommend that sufficient money is changed before departing into the cruising area. The average would be THB 1000 per person per day.
The airport is easiest and there are banks and ATM machines at the Tesco supermarket. There are moneychangers at Ao Nang Beach and on Phi-Phi, although the exchange rates may not be so good.
Credit card information
Credit cards are accepted only at larger restaurants and resorts.
Shopping
Jatujak Market, the biggest market in Phuket has over 1,000 stalls. On Chaofa West Road from Central Shopping Mall, head south toward Chalong Bay, turn left at the first traffic light. Opening hours are Saturday and Sunday from 4.30pm-8.30pm. This is a typical Thai bazaar, featuring everything from fish to clothing.
Thai silk is on the top of most visitors’ shopping lists. It is sold in a range of colours, and in various widths, lengths and thicknesses, or as bespoke products such as shirts, blouses, men's suits and ladies’ silk jackets, bedcovers and furnishings. Some of the most popular silk items in Phuket include handkerchiefs, scarves, pillow cases, photo frames, handbags, cosmetic bags and evening bags. Jewellery, gold, Thai sapphires and pearls from local pearl farms are available everywhere.
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Play
Things to do
Tours
Sunsail offer a whole range of shore based excursions which are extra to our normal product and are organised through a third party company. Ask at our base or the UK office for further details.
Water toys + sports
Fishing
Fishing with rod and reel or hand lines is permitted in all of the cruising area and there have been no recorded instances of Ciguatera poisoning. Spear fishing is not permitted.
Scuba Diving
Located on Captain Oliver's Marina is the Scuba Diving Center. Here you can rent or buy top-of-the-line scuba diving gear or also purchase marine equipment and supplies.
Snorkelling + diving
The diving in Thailand is excellent. Clients must carry a PADI open water or equivalent qualification to be able to dive. Unqualified divers can do courses or resort dives. Prices range from center to center, but it usually costs between 2,500 Baht and 3,500 Baht per person for two dives and lunch. If a client wishes to dive while chartering with The Moorings, we recommend H20 Sportz.
The Similan Islands are a world-class diving destination and are accessible between November and April, subject to weather conditions. These islands are situated 60 miles Northwest of Patong and require a minimum charter duration of 7 days for a visit. Further information is available from the base on request.
The Surin Islands are another 50 miles north of the Similans and also offer superb diving, but fewer dive operators visit them. The Similan and Surin Islands are National Parks and are subject to a daily entry fee, which will be collected on site.
You will be asked to complete a waiver of responsibility form prior to departure from the base, if intending to cruise to the Similan or Surin Islands.
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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