Trip 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.
Our two suggested loops explore Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and Phi Phi, or Maithon, Racha and Phi Phi. Both target 100–120 nautical miles, usually with around four to six hours underway each day and a shorter final return. Weather, stops and the shared training week may change the balance. Active participation in course exercises is optional and no RYA certificate is awarded to cruising guests.
The cruise is compatible with a weekly Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical or Coastal Skipper Practical programme. Onboard accommodation is included, and no previous sailing experience is required.
🌞 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 Trip 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 checks in from 18:00 on Sunday, begins by 09:30 on Monday and finishes with checkout at 17:00 on Friday. 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
Typical Iconic Routes
These routes show the kind of passage the skipper may choose. The final track remains flexible around weather, sea state, park access, international formalities and the experience of the crew.
Sailing Yacht on This Trip
Andaman cruises and Mile Builders may operate aboard Andaman Cruise 2 or Andaman Cruise 1. The assigned yacht is confirmed for each departure according to the programme, crew and operational plan.
Skills in Practice
The training crew may practise these skills during the shared week. Cruising guests can observe life aboard without being enrolled in formal exercises or assessed for a certificate.
Passage planning
Waypoints, pilotage, weather, tides, hazards and realistic alternatives.
Day and night navigation
Position fixing, lights, radar, AIS and maintaining awareness on watch.
Sail handling
Trim, reefing and balancing speed, safety and comfort as conditions change.
Safety and emergencies
MOB recovery, heavy-weather preparation and disciplined onboard routines.
Anchoring and mooring
Choose an anchorage, prepare the approach and manage the yacht as a crew.
Command experience
Practise leadership, communication and decisions through skipper-of-the-day rotations.
What Is Included
Included
- Five days aboard the scheduled yacht
- Skipper-led passage planning and experience building
- Onboard accommodation
- Yacht safety and navigation equipment
- Prepared bedding and one onboard towel
- Simple breakfast and lunch onboard
- Fuel, home marina fees and normal yacht operating costs
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
- Provisions for one simple onboard dinner if the itinerary requires an evening at anchor
Not included
- Flights and transport
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Supporting courses and optional services
- Accommodation ashore
- Non-home marina, park, customs and immigration charges unless expressly included
- Dinner ashore, soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and additional personal provisions
Optional extras
- RYA logbook€20 per book
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
- Onboard air conditioning€5 per generator hour
Bookable extras can be selected on the booking page.
AC charge covers extra fuel, generator running hours and maintenance; settled onboard according to actual use.
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
Local 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.
Mid Oct–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–May
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
July–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Mid Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience do I need for the five-day trip?
No previous sailing experience is required. The skipper adapts participation to the crew, and you can take an active role in helming, sail handling, navigation and normal life aboard.
Are accommodation, meals and cabins included?
Onboard accommodation, prepared bedding and one onboard towel are included for the scheduled trip. Shared cabins or berths are the standard arrangement. A private cabin must be reserved using the applicable private-cabin tariff. Couples or friends may ask to be allocated together, subject to the assigned yacht and existing reservations. A simple breakfast and lunch are provided onboard each sailing day, together with drinking water, tea and coffee. Dinner is normally enjoyed ashore at the student's own cost. If the itinerary requires an evening at anchor, provisions for one simple onboard dinner are included. Soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and additional personal provisions are not included. Students share simple meal preparation, washing-up and normal yacht housekeeping as part of cruising-yacht life.
Is a particular route or mileage guaranteed?
No. The skipper selects a safe and useful Andaman route for the forecast, sea state, crew and available time. The actual distance sailed is recorded, but no route, island stop or mileage total is guaranteed.
Will I have internet access throughout?
Mobile coverage is often available around Phuket and some islands, but it can be weak or unavailable offshore and at remote anchorages. Prepare for periods without a reliable connection.
