By Phuket News Property Editorial Team · February 13, 2026
Boat ownership has long been part of daily life for many residents in Phuket. The island’s geography, sheltered bays, and marina infrastructure provide natural conditions for mooring, sailing, and coastal exploration. Over time, certain locations have become well established among local boat owners for their convenience, protection, and access to surrounding waters.
Mooring patterns change with the seasons, but a network of marinas and bays supports year-round boating activity across the island.
East coast marinas as year-round bases
Most permanent marina facilities are located along Phuket’s east coast, where waters remain calmer throughout the year. These marinas provide berths, maintenance services, fuel access, and marine support. They form the operational base for many private vessels and charter boats, particularly during months when west coast seas become rough.
This concentration of infrastructure has made the east coast the backbone of Phuket’s boating community.
Chalong Bay and Ao Yon as everyday anchorage areas
Chalong Bay is widely used by boat owners for anchoring and mooring due to its broad, sheltered waters and proximity to marine services. Nearby Ao Yon, within the Cape Panwa peninsula, offers a quieter setting, with smaller boats and long-term residents favouring its calm bay and easy shore access. Practical departure points such as CoCo Pier also operate in this area, supporting everyday vessel movement and island trips.
Both locations are closely linked to daily boating routines rather than seasonal tourism activity.
High-season mooring along the west coast
During the high season, when west coast seas flatten, mooring activity expands along Phuket’s western shoreline. Nai Harn Bay becomes one of the island’s most popular anchorage areas, with sailing boats and yachts gathering offshore. Kata Bay also attracts seasonal mooring, particularly during sailing events such as the King’s Cup in December.
Other southern coast locations, including Rawai, see occasional anchoring activity during suitable weather conditions, though on a smaller scale than Nai Harn and Kata.
Seasonal movement between coasts
Many boat owners adjust mooring locations throughout the year. East coast marinas and bays serve as stable all-season bases, while west coast anchorages become active during predictable high-season weather patterns. This seasonal movement has become part of Phuket’s established boating rhythm.
It reflects both the island’s geography and the experience of long-term marine residents.
An island shaped by marine access
Easy access to surrounding islands, fishing areas, and sheltered bays continues to reinforce Phuket’s identity as a boating destination for residents. Mooring locations are not only functional spaces. They form part of social networks, weekend routines, and long-term lifestyle choices for those who live on the island.
