Phuket is surrounded by some of the most spectacular sailing water in Southeast Asia. The Andaman Sea, Phang Nga Bay, the Similan and Surin islands to the north, the Phi Phi group to the southeast — all within a day sail of Chalong. It's no surprise that boat ownership is a specific expat dream here. It's also a specific expat money pit if you go in unprepared. Let me give you the real picture.
I've known people who owned boats in Phuket and loved every minute. I've also known people who bought a beautiful wooden sailing boat and spent two years and THB 400,000 watching it slowly deteriorate in Chalong Bay while navigating Thai maritime bureaucracy. The difference is almost entirely preparation.
Boat ownership in Phuket — Quick facts 2026
- Foreigners can own recreational boats under 30 gross tonnes — no Thai partner needed
- Main moorings: Chalong Bay (south, community-focused); Royal Phuket Marina & Boat Lagoon (northeast)
- Chalong Bay mooring: THB 3,000–8,000/month; full marina berths THB 12,000–30,000+
- Boat registration: Marine Department (Harbour Department), Rassada pier, Phuket Town
- Sailing season: November–April (northeast monsoon); haul-out recommended May–October
- King's Cup Regatta: late November/December — Phuket's biggest sailing event
Can Foreigners Own Boats in Thailand?
Yes, with important distinctions. Under Thai maritime law, recreational vessels under 30 gross tonnes are fully available to foreign individuals. Registration is straightforward through the Marine Department. This covers virtually all sailing yachts, motorboats, and powerboats used by recreational owners in Phuket.
Vessels over 30 gross tonnes require Thai majority ownership (51%). Commercial charter boats operating in Thai waters for hire need a Thai company structure and Tourism Authority of Thailand licensing. Most expats' recreational boats fall squarely in the simple category.
Where to Moor: Phuket's Main Marinas
Chalong Bay (South Phuket)
Chalong is the heart of Phuket's sailing community and the most popular choice for long-term live-aboards and owner-operators. The Chalong Yacht Club provides facilities, bar, social events, and a tight-knit community. Swinging moorings and some pontoon berths available. Costs: swinging mooring THB 3,000–5,000/month; pontoon berth THB 6,000–8,000/month for a typical 10–12m vessel. The closest residential area is Chalong — our Chalong area guide covers accommodation nearby.
Royal Phuket Marina (Koh Kaew)
Located on the northeast coast, Royal Phuket Marina is the island's most upscale facility — full pontoon berths, on-site boat lift and haul-out, fuel dock, chandlery, restaurants. Berth costs for a 10m vessel: approximately THB 12,000–18,000/month. Attracts long-distance bluewater cruisers and local residents alike.
Boat Lagoon (Koh Kaew)
Adjacent to Royal Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon is arguably the best facility for maintenance and refit work in Phuket. Multiple specialist marine engineering companies on-site. Berth costs similar to Royal Phuket Marina. If your engine needs rebuilding or rigging replacing, you'll find the right people here.
Yacht Haven Marina (North Phuket)
Near the Sarasin Bridge in the far north, Yacht Haven is well-positioned for access to the Similan Islands and offshore passages. Less central but excellent for serious offshore sailors heading north.
| Mooring Location | Monthly Cost (10m boat) | Haul-out | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chalong Bay (mooring) | THB 3,000–8,000 | Nearby yard | Budget, community, live-aboard |
| Royal Phuket Marina | THB 12,000–18,000 | On-site | Larger vessels, bluewater cruisers |
| Boat Lagoon | THB 12,000–20,000 | On-site (best) | Maintenance/refit, long-term |
| Yacht Haven (north) | THB 10,000–16,000 | On-site | Offshore passages, north routes |
Annual Running Costs: The Honest Numbers
| Cost Item | Annual Cost (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mooring fees | 40,000–100,000 | Chalong vs full marina berth |
| Marine insurance | 25,000–60,000 | Depends on boat value and coverage area |
| Annual haul-out & antifoul | 35,000–80,000 | Essential — skip it at your peril |
| Engine servicing | 10,000–30,000 | More for older engines |
| Rigging & safety equipment | 15,000–40,000 | Ongoing; varies widely |
| Registration renewal | 2,000–5,000 | Marine Department annual fees |
| Miscellaneous repairs | 20,000–100,000+ | Unpredictable; budget generously |
| Total annual estimate | 147,000–415,000+ | Budget THB 200,000+/year realistically |
⚠ The wet season haul-out question
Leaving a boat in Chalong Bay through Phuket's wet season (May–October) is risky. Southwest monsoon swells build quickly and mooring gear fails. Many experienced owners haul out for the season — budget THB 15,000–25,000 for storage. This is not optional for older boats or wooden hulls.
Insider tip: Before buying any second-hand boat in Phuket, spend three months in the sailing community first. Join the Chalong Yacht Club, sail on friends' boats, attend the Thursday evening bar sessions. You'll hear which hulls are solid, which brokers are honest, and you'll get an independent marine survey recommendation from someone who has no financial interest in your purchase.
Registering a Boat in Phuket
Boat registration is handled by the Marine Department (กรมเจ้าท่า), with the Phuket office on Rassada Road near the Rassada pier in Phuket Town. For a second-hand boat previously registered in Thailand, transfer requires: previous registration documents, bill of sale, your passport, and a marine survey report. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing. Marine surveys cost THB 5,000–15,000 for a typical 10–12m vessel.
Bringing a foreign-registered boat to Thailand? It can remain on a Customs temporary import permit (up to 12 months, renewable) before re-registration is required. For long-term residence, Thai registration is generally preferable — consult a local marine agent for guidance.
The Sailing Community in Phuket
The Phuket sailing community is one of the island's best expat communities — experienced, internationally diverse, and generous with knowledge. Key events in the sailing calendar include the King's Cup Regatta (late November/December, based at Royal Phuket Yacht Club in Nai Harn — one of Asia's premier offshore regattas) and Phuket Race Week (typically February, more accessible club racing). Crew boards at Chalong Yacht Club and Royal Phuket Marina are the starting point for sailing opportunities before committing to boat ownership. See our expat social clubs guide for more community entry points beyond sailing.
Want to connect with the Phuket sailing community before buying? We can introduce you to the right people.
Get Introductions →Health insurance for active expats and boat owners in Phuket
Cigna Global covers Bangkok Hospital Phuket with direct billing and includes water sports activity coverage (check policy terms). Essential for expats engaged in boating and marine activities on the Andaman Sea.
Get a Free Cigna Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner own a boat in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners can own recreational vessels under 30 gross tonnes outright — no Thai partner or company needed. Boats over 30 gross tonnes and commercial charter vessels require Thai majority ownership (51%). Most recreational yachts and motorboats used by Phuket expats fall well under the 30-tonne threshold.
Where are the main marinas and moorings in Phuket?
Chalong Bay (south, most popular for community and affordability), Royal Phuket Marina and Boat Lagoon (northeast, best facilities), and Yacht Haven (far north). Chalong swinging moorings are cheapest; full marina berths at Royal and Boat Lagoon are better for larger vessels and maintenance.
How much does it cost to moor a boat in Phuket?
Chalong Bay: THB 3,000–8,000/month. Royal Phuket Marina: from THB 12,000–18,000/month for a 10m vessel. Annual total running costs for a 10–12m boat realistically reach THB 150,000–400,000+ per year including haul-out, insurance, and maintenance.
What is the sailing season in Phuket?
November to April (northeast monsoon — dry season, settled winds). The Andaman becomes rough May–October. Most serious sailors haul out or leave during wet season. King's Cup Regatta runs late November/December; Phuket Race Week is typically in February.
What licence do I need to drive a boat in Phuket?
No mandatory Thai licensing for personal recreational boats under a certain size, though regulations change regularly. A VHF radio licence is required if you carry marine VHF radio. Commercial charter operations require Harbour Department licences. Check with the Marine Department for current requirements.
Related Guides
Living by the water? Our Rawai and Nai Harn area guide covers the neighbourhood closest to Chalong Marina. For health coverage on the water, our Phuket health insurance comparison covers policies for active expats. If you want to give back to the marine environment, see our marine conservation volunteering guide. Our lifestyle section covers more ways to get the most from Phuket's coastline.