Private catamaran at anchor in a tropical bay, with guests swimming and paddleboarding
Charter Guide

Things to Do on a Yacht in Phuket: Snorkelling, SUP, Swimming and Time on Board

November 2026 · 7 min read
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The best part of a sea trip often begins when the yacht drops anchor. There is an island in front of you, water all around, and before the next passage there is time to swim, try a SUP board or simply settle in the shade with a view of the bay.

On a private catamaran, everyone can have their own plan. Some take masks, others stay on deck, and later everyone gathers for lunch. Here is what you can do on a yacht charter in Phuket and how to put these activities together into a day the whole group will enjoy.

Swimming: The Sea a Few Steps From the Deck

At anchor, the yacht becomes a convenient place to come back to after a swim: climb the ladder, grab a towel, drink some water and rest for a while.

For this kind of day, it is especially nice to leave plenty of time at each stop. Then you can swim at an easy pace, take a break and go back into the water whenever you like.

The captain chooses where to swim based on the sea conditions and what is going on around. Before you go in, the crew explains where you can swim and how to get back on board. If you are not confident in the water, tell us in advance so we can discuss a suitable way to enjoy the day.

For a trip focused on swimming, consider the southern islands with a departure from Chalong. We choose the specific stops for your yacht, the weather and your wishes.

Snorkelling: See What Happens Under the Water

Two adults snorkelling at the surface above a tropical reef
Snorkelling gives a stop at an island a completely different feel.

A mask changes the way you see the sea. From the deck you notice the colour of the water and the shore; in the water you see the shape of the seabed, corals and small fish moving between them.

For snorkelling, the right spot and the conditions on the day matter. Water clarity and currents change, so a beautiful island in a photo does not decide what the underwater swim will be like.

If you want to try it for the first time, tell us when you book. Before getting in, check that your mask fits, get to know the gear and listen to the crew's advice. Swim with a buddy and stay within the agreed area.

Marine life is watched from a distance: corals and animals are not touched, and fish are not fed. A meeting with a particular species cannot be promised in advance, and that is the charm of a living sea.

We wrote in detail about choosing where to go in our article on snorkelling spots near Phuket.

SUP: A Short Paddle Near the Yacht

Guests in buoyancy vests paddleboarding next to a catamaran
On a SUP board you can see the yacht and the bay from a new angle.

A SUP board is another way to spend time at anchor. You can paddle not far from the yacht, look at the island from the water and come back to your group.

Some people already stand up with confidence, while others are more comfortable starting on their knees. There is no need to turn it into a competition: a short paddle can be an enjoyable part of the day in itself.

Wind and current matter even when the water looks calm. Where and whether you can paddle is agreed with the crew. For SUP you need a suitable buoyancy vest and a safety leash chosen for the conditions.

If SUP is one of your main wishes, mention it when choosing a yacht. We will confirm whether boards are available and how many there are for your charter.

Inflatable Pool and Time by the Water

Floating pool moored by the stern of a catamaran in a sunny bay
Water equipment helps vary your time at anchor.

Our Lagoon 42 Silver Moon has a floating pool. For your group, it is one more way to spend time next to the yacht and relax in the water between other activities.

The inflatable equipment differs from boat to boat. If you liked a pool or a particular water toy in a photo, send it to us when you book, and we will check whether your yacht has exactly that option.

Setting up the equipment and using it is agreed with the crew. The floating pool is still part of being at sea: it does not replace a suitable life jacket or constant adult supervision of children.

Fishing: A Little Excitement on the Trip

On Silver Moon, fishing can be part of the day along with stops for swimming and snorkelling. This works well for groups with different interests: some want to try the tackle, while others prefer to watch from the deck.

If it is your first time fishing, tell the crew. If you already have experience and specific wishes, discuss them before booking, as they may affect the plan.

The catch is never known in advance. Fishing adds anticipation and a bit of excitement to the day, and the rest of the trip goes on whether or not the fish are biting today.

More about this format in our article on fishing aboard Silver Moon.

Lunch, Music and Time on Deck

Group of friends having lunch in the shaded cockpit of a catamaran with a sea view
Lunch at anchor is a chance to gather at one table and share the day.

After the water, it is nice to change into something dry, settle in the shade and have lunch. Everyone already has a story to tell: who got the hang of the SUP, who spotted fish on the reef and who took their favourite photo of the trip.

Lunch on board is included in the offers for our Silver Moon and Siva; we confirm the exact menu and services for your chosen plan. Food preferences, allergies and a children's menu are best discussed in advance.

There is plenty to do for a relaxed day too. Listen to music, read, talk with friends, watch the islands go by during a passage or simply lie down in a comfortable spot on deck.

On a shared trip, everyone can choose their own pace. While some of the group swim, others can spend time on board, and everyone gathers again for lunch.

How It All Fits Into One Day

A full day lets you alternate activities with breaks. To keep the stops unhurried, leave enough time for them when planning.

Part of the tripWhat you can plan
Passage to the islandGetting to know the yacht, views from the deck, photos
First stopSwimming and snorkelling at a suitable spot
Break on boardLunch, drinks and rest in the shade
More time at anchor or the next baySUP, the floating pool or another swim, depending on the yacht's equipment and conditions
Return passageRest and time together on deck

This is one example of how activities can be combined. We discuss their order, places and duration when preparing your plan; the captain may adjust it to the conditions on the day.

If swimming is what you want most, tell us in advance. Then, when choosing the route, we will pay special attention to the time at each stop.

What Our Catamarans Have

Our catamarans Lagoon 42 Silver Moon and Bali Catspace Siva carry snorkelling gear, SUP boards, a kayak and fishing tackle. Silver Moon also has a floating pool, and Siva has inflatable toys.

When choosing a yacht, tell us which activities matter most to you. We confirm the specific equipment, the number of sets and the terms of use before booking.

The equipment goes hand in hand with the route: snorkelling needs the right underwater conditions, SUP needs suitable water and wind, and swimming needs a stop chosen by the captain.

What You Can Add to the Trip

If you want to try something more, you can request an iAQUA underwater scooter or an eFoil electric board. These are ordered separately, with availability and delivery to your yacht confirmed.

The choice depends on the participants' experience, the route and the sea conditions. We discuss the requirements for preparation, briefing and use of the equipment before you order.

The options are collected on our water toys page.

A Day That Suits Your Group

For a family, a couple or a group of friends, a good plan can look different. Some want more time with a mask, others want to try SUP, and others want lunch with an island view and a rest on the yacht.

When booking, tell us which activities you enjoy, how confident your guests are in the water and whether you will have children with you. We will help you choose a catamaran and a route with time for your main wishes.

Plan your day on the water

Send us your date, the number of guests and what you would like to try: snorkelling, SUP, swimming, fishing or a relaxed day on board.