7 Day Phuket Bareboat Itinerary – SW Season

Ao Po Grand Marina to Koh Nakha Yai - East

A gentle first sail from Ao Po Grand Marina brings you to the tranquil shores of Koh Nakha Yai. This peaceful island is known for its long stretches of sandy beach, shallow turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for easing into your charter and enjoying your first night at anchor.

The Day’s Sailing

• 30 Mins Sailing time
• 2 Nautical miles

Mooring

• Free Anchoring (good holding in الرمل/sand in settled conditions)
• Mooring Buoys (limited; check availability on arrival)

Notes: Best anchorage is on the east coast with protection from prevailing SW winds. Keep an eye on tidal depth when approaching closer to shore.

Things to do

Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Sunbathing, Exploring

Facilities

Water, WiFi ,Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Chandlery, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Ice, Gift Shop

Discover Koh Nakha

Koh Nakha Yai is home to a small beachfront resort where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner or sunset drinks with views across Phang Nga Bay. The island’s quiet beaches and palm-lined shoreline make it a perfect spot to unwind after embarkation, while the shallow waters are ideal for water activities straight from the yacht.

Koh Nakha Yai - East to Paradise Resort, Koh Yao Noi

Sail into the dramatic limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay as you make your way to Koh Yao Noi. Paradise Resort offers a serene anchorage surrounded by towering karst formations and lush jungle, creating a true tropical escape with a laid-back, boutique feel.

The Day’s Sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 15 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

• Mooring Buoys (resort-managed; preferred option)
• Free Anchoring (in designated areas, sand/mud seabed)

Notes: It’s recommended to pick up a resort mooring buoy where possible. Staff may assist on arrival. Depths can vary with tide, approach with caution.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Exploring

Facilities

WiFi, Taxi, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Fuel, Ice, ATM

Discover

Step ashore to enjoy the tranquil setting of Paradise Koh Yao, where you’ll find a beachfront restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine. The surrounding area is perfect for kayaking through mangroves or hiking to scenic viewpoints. For a unique experience, explore the nearby limestone formations and hidden lagoons that define this iconic part of Phang Nga Bay.

Paradise Resort, Koh Yao Noi to Ao Nam Mao (Drunken Water Bay)

Cruise south toward the Krabi coastline and drop anchor in Ao Nam Mao, a quiet bay offering a more authentic and less crowded alternative to nearby tourist hotspots. With scenic views of limestone cliffs and local longtail boats dotting the shoreline, this is a great stop to experience traditional coastal Thailand.

The Day’s Sailing

• 4 Hr Sailing time
• 20 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

• Free Anchoring (mud/sand seabed with generally good holding)

Notes: Anchor well clear of longtail boat channels and be mindful of tidal variations. The bay is open in places, so conditions can be affected by weather.

Things to do

Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Exploring

Facilities

Restaurants & Bars, WIFI (local establishments), ATM, Supermarket/ Provisioning, Trash

Discover

Ao Nam Mao serves as a gateway to the Krabi mainland and nearby islands. Take a dinghy ashore to explore local restaurants and beachfront cafés, or arrange a short trip to Ao Nang for a livelier atmosphere, shopping, and additional dining options. The area also offers access to inland excursions, including temples and viewpoints if you wish to venture further afield.

Ao Nam Mao (Drunken Water Bay) to Koh Phi Phi Don - East

Arrive at the iconic Koh Phi Phi Don, anchoring on the quieter eastern side of the island. Here, you’ll enjoy a more scenic setting, with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs, offering a perfect balance to the island’s more vibrant western side.

The Day’s Sailing

• 4 Hr Sailing time
• 20 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

• Mooring Buoys (limited; first come, first served)
• Free Anchoring (sand seabed, good holding)

Notes: The east coast provides better shelter during the SW season. Avoid anchoring too close to reef areas and be mindful of changing depths.

Things to do

Swimming, Paddleboarding, Snorkelling, Diving, Exploring, Sunbathing

Facilities

Restaurants & Bars, WIFI, Toilets & Showers, Dive Shop, Trash

Discover

The eastern side of Koh Phi Phi Don offers a more laid-back atmosphere with beachfront restaurants and bars perfect for a relaxed evening. Snorkelling straight from the boat reveals vibrant marine life, while nearby dive sites are among the best in the region. For a livelier scene, you can take a short boat ride across to Tonsai Village, known for its nightlife, shops, and dining options.

Koh Phi Phi Don to Koh Racha Yai - East

Continue south to Koh Racha Yai, famed for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches. The east coast offers a better anchorage compared to the busier west, with excellent visibility and calm conditions ideal for water activities.

The Day’s Sailing

• 5 Hr 20 Mins Sailing time
• 27 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

• Mooring Buoys (limited; recommended where available)
• Free Anchoring (sand seabed with excellent holding)

Notes: The east side provides better protection during the SW season. Take care to avoid coral patches when anchoring.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Exploring

Facilities

WiFi, Taxi, Rubbish, Restaurants, Bars, Gift shop

Discover Ko Racha Yai

Underwater sculpture park
Dive Koh Racha Yai’s submerged sculpture park to come face to face with giant stone elephants and other incredible underwater art.

Suggested lunch spots
Break up your journey through the Andaman with a rest stop at Koh Tu Kon Li Ma. This tiny island is one of the most dramatic and unspoilt in the Andaman, so anchor here and soak up the tranquillity.

Ko Racha Yai - East to Koh Rang Yai - East

A short sail brings you back toward Phuket to Koh Rang Yai, a peaceful island known for its long sandy beach and calm, shallow waters. It’s an ideal final anchorage to relax, enjoy water activities, and soak up the last full day of your charter.

The Day’s Sailing

• 4 Hr 30 Mins Sailing time
• 22 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area

Mooring

• Mooring Buoys (available; recommended)
• Free Anchoring (sand seabed, good holding)

Notes: The east side offers good protection in the SW season. The anchorage is straightforward, but watch for day trip boat traffic during peak hours.

Things to do

Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Sunbathing, Exploring, Biking

Facilities

Water Refill & Ice, Restaurants & Bars, WIFI, Toilets & Showers, Trash

Discover

Koh Rang Yai is home to a laid-back beach club and restaurant where you can enjoy lunch or sunset drinks. The island is also known for its pearl farm, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship. For something more active, explore the island by bike or take a stroll along the expansive beach before your final night onboard.

Koh Rang Yai - East to Ao Po Grand Marina

With Ao Po Grand Marina such a short distance away, you’ll have the opportunity to spend the last day of your bareboat adventure exploring everything that Phuket and the Andaman Sea has to offer. Arrange a dive trip to spot magnificent manta rays and gentle whale sharks, head for deeper water for a spot of game fishing or enjoy some exciting water sports nearer to shore.

The Day’s Sailing

• 1 Hr 30 Mins Sailing time
• 7 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

• Berth / Marina Dock (pre-assigned slip)

Notes: Follow marina instructions on approach and contact ahead on VHF for berth allocation. Staff are available to assist with docking.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Exploring

Facilities

Water, WiFi ,Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Chandlery, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Ice, Gift Shop

Discover

Ao Po Grand Marina is a full-service marina with everything you need before disembarkation. Enjoy a final meal overlooking the bay or relax at one of the marina’s restaurants. Its convenient location also makes onward travel to Phuket International Airport or nearby hotels quick and easy.