Private Speed Boat Transfer – The Coral Reef Cabana

The Coral Reef Cabana private speedboat charter gives you your own boat and crew from Phuket, with programs covering Banana Beach, Promthep Cape, Racha Island, Maiton Island, the Phi Phi Islands, Khai Island and Phang Nga Bay. Boats range from one-engine (up to 5 guests) to three-engine (up to 25 guests). Charters are arranged by Chang Thai Tour & Travel, a TAT-licensed local agency in Chalong, Phuket.

Why charter a private boat instead of joining a tour?

One answer: the schedule is yours. On a join-in speedboat you share the day with thirty strangers and a fixed clock. On a private charter you decide when to leave, how long to stay in the water, and when lunch happens. Guests tell us the difference is biggest with young children, grandparents, and anyone who gets seasick — the captain can slow down, change angle to the swell, or simply wait out a squall in a calm bay, which no group tour will ever do for you.

It is also the honest fix for the crowd problem. A private boat can reach Phi Phi’s famous corners before or after the group-tour wave, or skip the famous names entirely for a quiet beach the big programs never visit.

Which boat and which program should you choose?

The Coral Reef Cabana fleet comes in three sizes: a one-engine boat for up to 5 guests, a two-engine boat for up to 15, and a three-engine boat for up to 25. For anything beyond nearby Banana Beach we recommend two engines minimum — the extra power matters on open water.

Programs you can charter:

• Banana Beach — round trip or full day on Phuket’s quiet north-east coral beach.
• Banana Beach + Promthep Cape — beach day plus Phuket’s famous viewpoint from the sea.
• Banana Beach + Racha Island or + Maiton Island — with sunset versions of both.
• Phi Phi Islands + Maiton or Phi Phi Islands + Khai Island — the classic icons, on your own clock.
• Phang Nga Bay — limestone karsts, caves and James Bond scenery.

Not sure which fits? Tell us your group size, dates and what you want from the day on WhatsApp, and we will match you honestly — we are a family-run shop in Chalong and we do this all day.

Is a private charter right for you?

We send families with small kids, groups celebrating something, photographers chasing light, and travellers who simply cannot face a 7am group pickup. Split between 10–15 friends, a two-engine charter often costs each person surprisingly close to a join-in ticket — message us and compare for your dates.

It is not the right pick for solo travellers or couples on a tight budget; a shared trip like the SeaStar Phi Phi – Maya – Khai tour or the Phi Phi Cruiser big boat will serve you better value. Browse everything on our Phi Phi Islands tours page.

What should you know before chartering?

If your route enters a national park (Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and some islands), park fees apply per person and are paid in cash on the day — they are separate from the charter itself, same as on every group tour. Maya Bay keeps its post-reopening rules even for private boats: mooring at the back, walking in, and no swimming inside the bay. From June to October the west-coast swell can affect Phi Phi and Racha crossings; short-notice route changes are a safety feature, not a failure. Our Phi Phi price guide for 2026 explains the fee structure in detail.

Frequently asked questions

How many people fit on a private speedboat?

Up to 5 guests on the one-engine boat, up to 15 on the two-engine boat, and up to 25 on the three-engine boat. For open-water routes like Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay we recommend at least two engines.

Can we set our own departure time?

Yes — that is the point of a charter. Most guests leave early to beat group-tour crowds or late for a sunset run, and the itinerary can flex on the day with the captain’s advice.

Are national park fees included in the charter?

No. Park fees are charged per person and collected in cash on the day, separate from the boat. We will tell you on WhatsApp exactly which fees your chosen route involves.

Is a private boat better if someone gets seasick?

Usually, yes. The captain can adjust speed and course to the swell, and you can shorten or reroute the day — flexibility a fixed group tour cannot offer. Calm-sea months are November to April.

How do I get a price?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999 with your date, group size and preferred program. Charter prices in Phuket change with season and fuel, so we always quote today’s best price — no online payment.