Course Overview
The 5-Day Andaman Cruise / Sailing Experience is a relaxed liveaboard experience for guests who want to explore from Phuket without enrolling in a formal sailing course. You share the yacht with that week's small RYA training group while enjoying the passages, islands and anchorages as a cruising guest.
The skipper keeps the itinerary flexible around weather, sea state and the needs of the training week. You are welcome to observe life aboard, but active participation in course exercises is not required and no RYA certificate is awarded.
Sailing conditions
Phuket offers year-round tropical sailing. The northeast-monsoon months are generally drier, while the southwest monsoon can bring fresher winds, tropical showers and larger swell on exposed Andaman routes. Phang Nga Bay provides more sheltered water, allowing the instructor to select suitable training areas for the day’s conditions.
Places to explore
Depending on weather and training objectives, the cruising area can include limestone anchorages in Phang Nga Bay, islands near Phuket and, on suitable passages, the Phi Phi Islands. The final route is always set by the instructor and is not a fixed holiday itinerary.
Who Is This Course For?
Couples, solo travellers and relaxed holidaymakers who want a small-group Andaman sailing experience rather than structured instruction.
Prerequisites
- No previous sailing experience required
- Reasonable mobility for moving safely around a cruising yacht
- Minimum age: 12 years old
Typical Itinerary
The cruise runs Monday to Friday, with Sunday-evening boarding and Saturday-morning checkout. The final route is weather-led and coordinated with the week's RYA course.
- Board at Phuket Yacht Haven and meet the skipper and training group
- Cruise through suitable islands, bays and anchorages in the Andaman Sea
- Enjoy time for scenery, swimming and relaxed life aboard when conditions allow
- Observe practical sailing and training activity without being required to participate
- Return at the end of the five-day programme
Sailing Yacht on This Course
Practical courses are currently scheduled aboard our dedicated liveaboard training yacht from Yacht Haven Marina.

Andaman Cruise 2
Jeanneau · Sun Odyssey 42DS
LOA: 42 ft (12.8 m) · 3 cabins · 2 heads
Comfort: air conditioning, electric toilet and a fully equipped galley.
View yacht information →What Is Included
Included
- 5 days aboard the scheduled training yacht
- Skipper-led passage planning and practical experience building
- Onboard accommodation during the published passage
- Use of the yacht's safety and navigation equipment
- Normal yacht operating costs during the passage
Not included
- Flights and transport to or from Phuket
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Meals, drinks and personal provisions unless specifically selected
- Supporting courses, examination fees and optional services
- Accommodation ashore before or after the liveaboard course
Optional extras
- Course textbook€20 per book
- RYA logbook€20 per book
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
- Shore accommodation€50 pp / night
These can be selected on the booking page.
Course Syllabus
- This is a cruise rather than a formal course
- Basic onboard safety briefing
- Optional informal introduction to yacht life
- No examination or RYA certification
Recommended to Bring
- Quick-drying casual clothing
- Non-marking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection, swimwear and a light waterproof layer
- Soft luggage suitable for a shared liveaboard yacht
Supporting Courses
RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC
Learn how to operate a marine VHF radio confidently, including routine calls, distress and emergency procedures, Digital Selective Calling and essential radio protocol.
View course informationRYA First Aid
Practical first-aid knowledge developed specifically for people who go afloat.
View course informationLocal Information
Flights and Arrival
Phuket International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Yacht Haven Marina in normal traffic. Plan to arrive with enough time for Sunday-evening boarding. Airport transfer and accommodation before or after the course can be arranged separately.
Typical Weather
Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.
Nov–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–Apr
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
May–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
Continue exploring the Andaman or return for a formal RYA practical course when you are ready to take an active role aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether 5-Day Andaman Cruise / Sailing Experience is suitable for me?
Send us your recent sailing experience and qualifications. We will check the prerequisites and recommend the most suitable course date.
Will we return to the marina each night?
Normally no. Practical courses operate as a liveaboard training cruise, with the route adapted to weather and learning objectives.
What happens if weather affects the planned route?
The instructor adjusts the route and exercises to keep the course safe while covering the required practical skills wherever conditions allow.
















