Many regard the island of Phuket as the sailing mecca of Asia for a variety of reasons. Rife with pristine landmasses and sparkling waters that seem straight out of a storybook, the undeniable nautical appeal of the region is evident for all to see.
Additionally, the sailing scene on its coastal waters is held in high regard because of the different yacht marinas of Phuket. From breathtaking scenery, top-grade facilities, and luxurious waterfront establishments, we have listed down the four harbors that are considered as the island’s crème de la crème of marinas.
Royal Phuket Marina
The world-class Royal Phuket Marina, or RPM, is situated at the entryway of the iconic Phang Nga Bay, and neighbors the Phuket Boat Lagoon. Its strategic location makes it a portal to some of the island’s most stunning scenery such as Phang Nga Bay’s limestone cliffs, the pristine beaches of Phi Phi, the diving haven of Similan Islands, and the island of Kho Yao Noi. Established under the banner of ‘luxury lifestyle marina,’ the size of the marina spans 30 hectares, and it has 350 berths for yachts up to 35 meters long. It stands out as the only marina on the island with private doorstep moorings, a non-tidal deepwater basin, and boat locks.
The Royal Phuket Marina, as its name would suggest, has a heavy inclination towards providing a grandiose package. Around the marina are 400 lavish waterfront villas, spacious penthouses, and high-end condominiums to add to the luxurious accommodation of the 5-star hotel that features a tennis court, swimming pools, and fitness facilities. Moreover, the 250-meter long and 8-meter wide promenade provides opulent specialty stores, a gourmet supermarket, restaurants, and boutiques.
Website: www.royalphuketmarina.com
Check out Villa Kalyana, a luxury holiday home right by the very waters of the Royal Phuket Marina.
Phuket Boat Lagoon
Bearing the distinction as Phuket’s first premier marina complex, Phuket Boat Lagoon has been tending to water vessels since 1994. Its location, which is on the periphery of Phuket Town in Koh Kaew, gives it excellent proximity to a lineup of swanky condominiums, serviced apartments, offices, boutique shops, and a wide array of dining options. Most notably, it is only a stone’s throw away from the similarly named resort, where one can enjoy an array of fitness and leisure activities including swimming, tennis, and jogging.
Phuket Boat Lagoon was at first a tidal flat on the creek of Klong Tha Rua before it became the premier lifestyle and residential village that it is today. Its facilities and services include a trio of service cranes with a lifting power of 80 tons and dry stack storage that can cater to 20 speedboats. There’s also enough hard-standing space for 144 vessels and it has 180 berths, each with water and power provisions. Other conveniences include changing room facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a swimming pool.
Website: www.phuketboatlagoon.com
Phuket Yacht Haven
Phuket Yacht Haven Marina opened its doors in 1997, with 150 berths for water vessels of any kind. The marina is usually accessible from the east even despite a tidal situation, but extra attention is necessary for deep-draft vessels during low tides. Berthing can accommodate vessels that are up to 60 meters in size. The minimum depth available is at two meters, while their outer berths have depths ranging from four to five meters.
Yacht Haven’s close proximity to Phang Nga Bay also appeals to many, with it being one of the most significant yachting locations in the country. The bay sees constant sailing activity throughout the year, bringing together the country’s ritzy water vessels every so often. What’s more, the marina is also just a short distance away from the international airport, making it a convenient location for those fancying regular trips in and out of the country.
Website: www.pyhmarina.com
Ao Po Grand Marina
The Ao Po Grand Marina, or sometimes abbreviated as APGM, opened for business in August 2008 and has since grown by 100 more berths from its original 200. This marina looks to stretch the standards of vessel allowance, ensuring generous berths with up to 10-meter wide walkways and taking in vessels even beyond 100 meters in length. Within the basin, three meters is the maximum docking depth, and towards the seaward part, the lowest dock depth holds at seven meters.
Its state-of-the-art reverse osmosis system ensures an abundance of clean water within the docks while its underground fuel tanks provide 20,000 liters of gasoline and diesel, thrice as much. Hauling power reaches 80 tons thanks to a 100-foot Roodberg trailer lift. Ao Po Grand Marina’s massive expanse warrants a well-engineered breakwater that shields vessels from weather and swells.
Website: www.aopograndmarina.com
Check out Villa Leewadee, a 5-bedroom hilltop luxury villa just a few minutes from the Ao Po Grand Marina.
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Rivaling some of the world’s best in terms of equipment, range of services, and quality of accommodation, these yacht marinas in Phuket are undoubtedly top-notch. Each has helped placed Phuket as one of the go-to destinations for yachting adventures and is mostly responsible for a significant share of sailors who frequent the island’s waters. At the end of the day, whichever one you opt to go with, you are guaranteed to have a fun nautical holiday amidst a sophisticated and high-end complex in Phuket.
