Route overview
An indicative Andaman passage
Designed only for a suitable high-season weather window, this route offers the clearest offshore character of the seven-day programmes. The indicative plan totals about 223 nautical miles, with approximately 205–225 nautical miles expected depending on permitted moorings and the actual sailed track. Long outward and return passages are combined with inter-island navigation, watchkeeping and marine-park pilotage. Park opening dates, e-ticket rules, vessel permissions and mooring restrictions must be checked for every published run. Koh Tachai is treated only as a routing area unless current official permission explicitly allows access; the programme never promises a beach landing there.
Route map
Day by day
Indicative passage plan
Each day is a planning framework, not a promise of a particular anchorage or activity. At five knots, a 50-mile leg requires roughly ten hours underway before pilotage and manoeuvring.
Approx. 55 nmCommit to the open-water passage
- Complete the yacht, safety, weather and park-entry briefing at Yacht Haven
- Establish a watch system and navigation log
- Sail west for approximately eleven hours at an average of five knots
- Approach the assigned park mooring or permitted overnight position before dark when possible
The exact island and mooring depend on current park instructions, availability and conditions.
Approx. 10 nmPractise precise island pilotage
- Review mooring restrictions, charted hazards and the day's weather
- Navigate north through the Similan group using short pilotage legs
- Rotate helming, lookout and position-fixing duties
- Use a permitted mooring selected for overnight shelter
Swimming, snorkelling or a viewpoint visit may be possible after the yacht is safely secured and only where current park rules allow.
Approx. 28 nmExtend the passage north
- Plan the route through the Koh Bon area toward Koh Tachai
- Monitor weather, traffic and progress in exposed water
- Practise watch handovers and accurate navigation records
- Use only an anchorage or mooring that is currently permitted and safe
No Koh Tachai beach landing is promised. The island has been subject to long-term access restrictions and is included only when current official rules permit the intended operation.
Approx. 27 nmReach the northern marine park
- Depart after a full route, safety and arrival briefing
- Continue north while rotating command and navigation responsibilities
- Prepare the approach using current park guidance
- Secure to a permitted mooring or approved overnight position
A respectful Moken-community visit or shore activity is possible only when invited or permitted and when passage timing allows.
Approx. 27 nmBegin the southbound return
- Review the return forecast and alternative plans
- Sail south under a student-led watch system where appropriate
- Consolidate sail trim, course keeping and logbook routines
- Position the yacht for a manageable return through the Similans
The overnight location is deliberately flexible because access, mooring availability and sea state can change.
Approx. 21 nmPrepare for the final offshore leg
- Navigate south through the archipelago
- Practise arrival planning and safe mooring procedures
- Inspect the yacht and review the following day's passage
- Rest and prepare provisions for the long return to Phuket
Any leisure activity is secondary to securing the yacht and protecting the return window.
Approx. 55 nmComplete the return passage
- Depart early for approximately eleven hours underway at five knots
- Maintain watches, weather monitoring and navigation records
- Plan the final approach into Yacht Haven
- Secure the yacht, debrief and record mileage actually sailed
The instructor may begin the return earlier or change the final park stop when the forecast requires a larger safety margin.