In Southeast Asia, the emerald-colored waters of Phang-nga Bay and the Andaman Sea shimmer in tropical sunlight along the east coast of Phuket, Thailand. It’s an exotic place, with towering limestone pinnacles jutting from the sea, cave-like rock enclosures open to the stars that the Thai people call hongs (rooms), and white-sand beaches of unparalleled beauty. The waters are sprinkled with uninhabited islands large and small, many of which are protected in the Thai national park system and have superlative anchorages. More than 130 isles lie within the province of Krabi alone, and the offshore marine preserves of the Similan and Surin islands are internationally famous as one of the world’s top scuba diving sites. The Phi Phi Islands are among the most beautiful, a must-see destination during any Phuket powerboat charter. Commingled with the natural splendor of Thailand are upscale resorts, quaint fishing villages, and beachside restaurants where time seems to stand still and the stress of a busy life fades away. The warm, hospitable people of Thailand make a Phuket charter even more of a pleasure in a nation often called the Land of Smiles.
The waters off Phuket’s east coast are sheltered and ensure relaxed yachting all year long. With a luxury Powercat capable of cruising at a fuel efficient 14 to 16 mph, it’s possible to easily cover a lot of ground – from Phang-nga Bay south to the Phi Phi Islands, and out to the marine parks at the Similan and Surin islands. Heavy swells kick up on the west coast of Phuket and at the Similan and Surin islands in the southwest monsoon that begins in May and lasts through October, closing exposed areas to yachts. The northeast monsoon begins in November and lasts through April, ushering in cooler temperatures and drier conditions.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in September and October. In most other rainy season months, it only rains for a couple of hours during the late afternoon. Daytime temperatures average 89°F (32°C) from July through February, and 61°F (16°C) at night. It’s hotter from March through June. The tidal range can exceed eight feet. Taking tides into account when anchoring is essential. Navigation is often line-of-sight. A Phuket powerboat charter is well within the reach of skippers confident in basic coastal navigation.
A Phuket powerboat charter is a voyage into an unspoiled tropical paradise of stunning beauty. Coral reefs, ocean caves, national parks teeming with wildlife, and pristine white-sand beaches are just some of the attractions. The opportunity to become immersed in the intriguing Thai culture, to sample the savory cuisine famous the world over, and to spend time enjoying the resorts and lively nightlife are all part of the adventure of a Phuket charter. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming from a luxury power yacht in Thailand waters is a rare indulgence many boaters only dream about, but it’s not difficult to turn that dream into a reality on a cruising vacation with The Moorings Power.
While enjoying the natural splendor of a Phuket sailing vacation, a visit to the manmade spectacle of the 140-acre Phuket FantaSea theme park is well worth the effort. Essentially, it’s a grand celebration of Thai culture in all of its pomp and glory, featuring Las Vegas-style theatrical productions at the 3,000-seat Palace of the Elephants made all the more dramatic with its reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace and herds of elephant statues. Of particular interest is the Fantasy of a Kingdom Culture-Illusion Show. Special effects, indoor pyrotechnics, acrobatics, and an elephant circus are highlights of the presentation. There is also Carnival Village, replete with shops and gaming activities. The 4,000-seat Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant is a wonderland created in a Himmaphan forest setting, where Thai feasts prepared by world-class chefs tantalize and entice.
Cue the James Bond movie theme and relive in the mind’s eye scenes from the 1974 classic film, The Man With the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore, and a cruise to James Bond Island will be set in perfect context. Although it’s most often simply referred to as James Bond Island, this extraordinary isle within the protected confines of Phang-nga Bay is locally known as Koh Tapu. Its prominent limestone pinnacle helped give the film its exotic look, and it put this part of Thailand on the international map. The island is a major tourist destination, with beachside vendors and beer stands. It’s accessible via longtail boat tours from the anchorage at Koh Yang. The boat tour can also include a visit to the cliff-studded island of Koh Panyee, home to a traditional fishing village built on stilts over the shallow water.
The smaller of the two main isles of the Phi Phi group, Koh Phi Phi Le has an area of just four square miles. It’s one of the most scenic islands in the Andaman Sea, with numerous picturesque bays, gorgeous white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling, and soaring limestone cliffs. One of the most striking features of the island is Maya Bay, where sheer cliffs soar more than 300 feet high on three sides. Several pristine white-sand beaches are ideal places to swim and sunbathe. The snorkeling is superb on the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The blockbuster hit movie The Beach was filmed in Maya Bay and released in 1999, which brought Phi Phi Le international fame for its spectacular setting and crystal clear waters.
About four miles north-northeast of Koh Kai, a rock outcrop rises from the seafloor and just barely breaks the surface of the Andaman Sea. It’s a favorite dive spot locals call Hin Musang. Nurse sharks and ominous looking but harmless leopard sharks thrive in the area, and in February and March enormous whale sharks also put in an appearance. The presence of these creatures in great numbers is how the rock came to be called Shark Point. Giant sea fans, purple soft coral, schools of colorful tropical fish, and crystal clear water that averages about 86°F (30°C) year round make scuba diving at Shark Point a highlight of any Phuket powerboat charter. Anemone Reef and the wreck of the 278-foot King Cruiser ferry that sank in 1997 are nearby.
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