A private yacht can become one of the best family experiences in Phuket - when the boat, the route and the pace are chosen with children in mind. Here is how to plan a comfortable day at sea that children and adults will genuinely enjoy.
Taking children on a yacht often sounds more complicated than it really is. Parents naturally wonder whether the boat will be safe, whether the children might get tired, which route to choose and how to keep everyone entertained through the day.
In practice, a private charter is one of the easiest ways for a family to explore the islands around Phuket. You travel only with your own group, choose how long to stay at each stop and adjust the day to the children's energy and mood.
There is no fixed group-tour schedule, no waiting for other passengers and no need to rush a child away from a beach they love.
Why a catamaran works so well for families
For families with children, we usually recommend a catamaran.
Its two-hull design gives it excellent stability and creates far more usable space than many boats of a similar length. There is room to move around, a shaded cockpit for meals and rest, indoor areas and cabins where younger children can relax.
While some guests are swimming or snorkelling, others can stay comfortably on deck, have lunch or simply watch the islands pass by.
Children especially love the wide front nets of a catamaran. At anchor, they are a wonderful place to lie above the water, watch the waves and feel like a real explorer.
Children should, of course, remain under adult supervision and follow the crew's instructions, particularly while the yacht is moving or guests are entering the water.
Choosing the right family route
The secret to a successful family charter is not trying to visit as many islands as possible.
Children will usually enjoy two relaxed stops much more than a day spent constantly moving from one destination to another. The best route depends on their age, their confidence in the water and whether this is their first experience at sea.
Coral Island
Coral Island is close to Phuket and makes an excellent choice for younger children or a first yacht trip.
The crossing is relatively short, and the island offers beaches, shallow water and easy swimming. Children can play on the sand, try snorkelling or return to the yacht whenever they need a rest.
It is also a good option for parents who are not yet sure how their children will feel during a longer journey at sea.
Racha Yai
Racha Yai is ideal for families who want clear turquoise water and beautiful snorkelling.
In calm conditions the crossing from Phuket is comfortable, and the island has several sheltered bays suitable for swimming. Older children can explore the reef with a mask and snorkel, while younger ones stay closer to the beach or swim beside the yacht with their parents.
For a full-day charter, Racha Yai can also be combined with a second stop near Coral Island.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay offers a completely different kind of family adventure.
Here the main attraction is not beneath the water but all around you: enormous limestone cliffs, sea caves, mangrove forests and hidden lagoons. Children often love exploring the caves by canoe and emerging into a quiet hong enclosed by jungle-covered rock.
The bay is sheltered from the open sea, so the water is often calmer than on longer routes to the south. Charters to Phang Nga Bay are best arranged from Ao Po Grand Marina on Phuket's northeast coast.
Our family-friendly catamarans
Lagoon 42 Silver Moon is based in Chalong and is well positioned for the southern routes to Racha Yai, Coral Island and Maiton. She offers generous deck space, shaded seating, comfortable cabins, SUP boards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Bali Catspace Siva departs from Ao Po Grand Marina. She is an excellent choice for Phang Nga Bay, including Panak Island, Hong Island, James Bond Island and the Koh Khai islands.
Both catamarans welcome groups of up to 12 guests. The entire yacht is reserved exclusively for your family and comes with a professional crew.
What a family yacht day looks like
A good family charter should feel spacious and unhurried.
The day usually begins with a relaxed cruise to the first island. Once the yacht is anchored, there is time for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or simply resting on deck.
Lunch is served on board after everyone has worked up an appetite in the water. Afterwards the captain can move to another bay, or stay longer if the children are enjoying the first stop.
That freedom is one of the greatest advantages of a private yacht. If a child is happily swimming, there is no guide calling everyone back to the boat. If the children become tired, the programme can be simplified and the return journey can begin earlier.
What to bring for children
Let us know the children's ages when booking. It helps us recommend the most suitable yacht, route and length of charter.
For a comfortable day, bring:
- swimwear;
- sun hats;
- high-protection sunscreen;
- light clothing that covers the shoulders;
- a dry change of clothes;
- favourite snacks;
- a small toy, book or comfort item for younger children.
There is no need to bring too much. A small soft bag is easier to store on board than a large suitcase - there is a fuller list in what to pack for a yacht day.
If it is a child's first time at sea, a light breakfast and fresh air at the beginning of the journey may help them feel more comfortable. Parents who already know that their child is prone to motion sickness should speak to a doctor or pharmacist in advance about an age-appropriate option.
Safety on board
Before departure the crew explains the essential safety rules. Children's life jackets are available, and adults should always remain close during swimming and water activities.
A few simple rules keep the day safe and relaxed:
- children should never enter the water without an adult;
- young children must remain supervised on deck;
- everyone should use the handrails while the yacht is moving;
- running on wet surfaces should be avoided;
- the captain's and crew's instructions must always be followed.
The crew will help guests enter and leave the water, use the equipment and return safely to the yacht.
Food and drinks
Family meals are best discussed before the charter.
We can prepare Thai or European dishes, fresh fruit, drinking water and soft drinks. If a child has an allergy, special dietary requirements or simply refuses certain foods, let us know before the trip.
Families are also welcome to bring their own food, drinks and favourite children's snacks on board.
For a birthday we can arrange a cake, balloons, flowers and other yacht decorations to turn the day into a private celebration. What the rate covers and what is billed separately is set out in what's included and what costs extra.
Full day or a shorter charter?
For a first trip with a very young child, a shorter programme or a nearby destination may be the easiest choice.
Families with older children usually enjoy a full day, as it allows enough time for swimming, lunch and rest without rushing between the islands.
The number of hours matters less than the rhythm of the day. A memorable family charter is not a race across the map. It is time spent together - swimming, laughing, eating lunch with a sea view and enjoying the rare feeling that nobody needs to hurry.
The memories children take home
Children may forget the name of the island, but they will remember jumping from the yacht into clear water, seeing tropical fish through a mask, paddling a kayak or lying on the catamaran nets above the sea.
Tell us the children's ages, your group size and your preferred date. Star Sailing Club will help you choose the yacht and route that best fit your family. You can also browse the full fleet first.
