- Every price is for the whole boat, not per person: from ฿6,900 for the Luxury Long-tail Boat to ฿75,000 for a full day on the Power Catamaran 72ft.
- Captain, crew, fuel, soft drinks and life jackets are included on every boat, but national park fees are not.
- Groups range from 2 guests on a long-tail to 70 on the largest power catamaran, and extra guests are charged per head on most boats.
- The booking request is free and non-binding: a manager confirms the date and the final price before you pay anything.
It is the evening before your boat day, you are sitting in a café in Ao Nang, and the group chat is full of questions nobody can answer. Is lunch included? Is there a toilet? What happens if it rains? These are the krabi boat charter questions I hear every single week, and most of them have simple answers once you know how private charters work here.
Below are the 20 that come up most, grouped by topic. Prices come from the boat pages and are always for the whole boat.
How much does a private boat charter in Krabi cost?
A private boat in Krabi costs from ฿6,900 for the whole boat (the Luxury Long-tail Boat, half day for 2 guests) up to ฿75,000 for a full day on the 72 ft power catamaran. The price depends on the boat, the route and the length of the day, not on a per-person ticket.
1. Is the price per person or per boat?
Per boat. You pay for the boat, the captain and the crew for your group only. On some boats the price covers a set number of guests and each extra guest adds a fixed amount, which is explained in question 7.
2. What does each boat cost?
Here are the routes and prices as they stand on the boat pages:
| Boat | Max guests | Routes and prices per boat |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Long-tail Boat | 6 | Half day (4 hours): ฿6,900 |
| Long-tail Boat | 8 | Half day morning or afternoon (4 hours): ฿8,900; full day (8 hours): ฿15,000 |
| Lavezzi 40 (sailing catamaran) | 12 | Railay and Poda: ฿20,000; Hong Island and Poda: ฿25,000; Phi Phi and Poda: ฿28,000 |
| Power Catamaran 40ft | 25 | 4 Islands half day: ฿22,000; 4 Islands full day: ฿29,000; Hong Island: ฿32,000 |
| Blue Atoll (Lagoon 400) | 30 | Half day morning: ฿34,500; half day afternoon: ฿39,000; full day: ฿50,000; full day Phi Phi: ฿70,000 |
| Power Catamaran 72ft | 70 | Krabi River cruise: ฿35,000; 4 Islands cruise: ฿55,000; Koh Hong full day: ฿75,000 |
3. Why is the same route cheaper on one boat than another?
Because you are paying for the boat, not the islands. A long-tail is a narrow teak boat with a captain and a butler; Blue Atoll is a 40 ft sailing catamaran with a dinghy, a butler and a beach picnic. The 4 Islands look the same from both, but the day feels very different.
My honest view: for a couple, a long-tail half day is the best value in Krabi. For a family of six who want shade, space and a kayak, the Lavezzi 40 at ฿20,000 for Railay and Poda is hard to beat.
What is included, and what do you pay extra?
Captain, crew, fuel, soft drinks with ice and life jackets are included on every boat. National park fees are not included in any boat price, and a few services on the bigger boats cost extra.
4. What exactly comes with the boat?
It changes from boat to boat, so read the list on each page. A few examples:
- Long-tail Boat: captain, butler, life vests, towels, infused water, soft drinks and ice, a local snack, a beach picnic, a JBL speaker, a sun deck, an outdoor shower and a toilet on board.
- Lavezzi 40: captain and crew, accident insurance, fuel, a dinghy, coffee and tea, soft drinks, fruit and snacks, standard food, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddle board and a kayak.
- Blue Atoll: captain and crew, travel insurance, a butler, fuel, a dinghy, a welcome drink, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, a beach picnic, afternoon tea, snorkelling masks, fishing equipment, towels, a fancy float and BBQ grills.
- Power catamarans 40ft and 72ft: captain and crew, accident insurance, fuel, a dinghy, coffee and tea, soft drinks, fruit and snacks, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board and a kayak.
5. Do we pay the national park fee on top?
Yes, where it applies. Hong Island, Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay are national park areas, and the 4 Islands also lie inside a national park. The fee is not part of the boat price, and the amount can change, so ask the manager what to expect for your route and bring cash on the day.
6. What else can cost extra?
On Blue Atoll, a massage therapist and a bartender are available for an extra charge. On the Lavezzi 40 any island entry fee is extra too. Extra guests above the base number are charged per head, which leads to the next question.
How many guests can come, and can we bring children?
Group size runs from 2 guests on a long-tail to 70 guests on the Power Catamaran 72ft. Children are welcome on every boat, and the power catamarans have a lower extra-guest price for kids.
7. How do extra guests work?
Each boat has a base number and a fixed charge per extra guest:
- Luxury Long-tail Boat: price for 2 guests, then ฿1,000 per guest from 3 to 6.
- Lavezzi 40: price from 2 guests, then ฿2,500 per guest from 3 to 12.
- Blue Atoll: price for 10 guests, then ฿1,000 per guest from 11 to 30.
- Power catamarans 40ft and 72ft: price for 1 to 10 guests, then ฿600 per extra adult and ฿300 per child aged 3 to 12.
- Long-tail Boat: no extra-guest charge is listed, up to 8 guests.
The manager confirms the final price for your exact group when you send the request, so you do not need to work it out yourself.
8. Are boats safe for small children?
Life jackets are on board every boat, and the catamarans are the steadiest choice for kids: two hulls roll much less than a single hull, and there is shade and space to sit. A long-tail is fine for older children who can sit still, but it is low, open and louder. If you have toddlers, tell the manager their ages so the crew can bring the right life jackets.
9. Which boat is right for a big group?
Above 12 people, look at the power catamarans or Blue Atoll. The Power Catamaran 40ft takes up to 25, Blue Atoll up to 30 and the 72 ft up to 70. For birthdays and company days there is more on this in the article on group boat charters in Krabi.
Food, drinks, toilets and snorkelling gear: what is on board?
Every boat has soft drinks and ice, and most have fruit and snacks; full meals depend on the boat. Snorkelling gear is included on all boats except the standard Long-tail Boat, where the list does not mention it, so check the boat page before you rely on it.
10. Is lunch included?
On the Lavezzi 40, standard food is included. Blue Atoll has a beach picnic and afternoon tea, and the Long-tail Boat has a local snack and a beach picnic. The power catamarans and the Luxury Long-tail list fruit, snacks and drinks rather than a full meal, so on those boats plan lunch at a beach restaurant or ask the manager what can be arranged.
11. Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Usually guests bring snacks, a cake for a birthday or their favourite drinks, but rules vary by boat. Ask when you book, especially about alcohol and glass bottles. On Blue Atoll a bartender can be added for an extra charge if you want proper cocktails.
12. Is there a toilet on board?
The Long-tail Boat has a toilet on board, plus an outdoor shower, which is rare for a long-tail. The catamarans have cabins (two double cabins on Blue Atoll, four on the others), and cabin boats normally have a bathroom, but ask the manager to confirm for your boat. The Luxury Long-tail does not list a toilet, so plan beach stops if you choose it.
13. Do we need to bring snorkel gear?
Snorkelling masks or full snorkeling equipment are included on Blue Atoll, the Lavezzi 40, both power catamarans and the Luxury Long-tail. If you wear a prescription mask or want a proper fitting set for kids, bring your own.
Krabi boat charter questions about weather, seasons and cancellations
The calmest months are roughly November to April. From about May to October the south-west monsoon brings swell to the Andaman Sea, and some routes may change or be cancelled on the day.
14. What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain decides on the day whether a route is safe. In rough weather the crew may suggest a more sheltered route instead of the open sea, or the trip may be moved. Phi Phi is the route most exposed to swell; the 4 Islands and the Krabi River are more protected. Talk to the manager about what happens to your booking if the boat cannot go.
15. Is the rainy season worth it?
It can be. Many days in the green season are fine in the morning, and the islands are quieter. But keep your plans flexible, choose a shorter route and do not book a long crossing on your last day. The month-by-month detail is in the guide to the best time for boat trips in Krabi.
16. Will I get seasick?
On a catamaran in the dry season, few people do. On a long-tail or on the crossing to Phi Phi with some swell, sensitive people may. Take a tablet before you leave, sit low and in the middle, and look at the horizon. If someone in your group is prone to it, choose a catamaran and a short route like Railay and Poda.
How do booking and payment work?
You send a free, non-binding request on a boat page or by WhatsApp. No payment is taken at the request stage: a manager checks the boat is free on your date and confirms the final price by WhatsApp or email.
17. How far ahead should we book?
For the popular boats in the dry season, as early as you can, because each boat goes out with one group a day. In the quieter months a few days ahead is often enough. Either way, the request costs nothing, so send it as soon as you know your dates.
18. How do we pay?
The manager explains the payment options and timing when confirming your booking. Nothing is paid when you send the request. If you have a preference, mention it in the special requirements field on the booking request form.
19. Who are we actually booking with?
Charter Krabi is a travel agency licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT 44/00444). The boats belong to local owners and come with their own captains and crews. We help you choose the boat and the route, book it and look after you before and during the trip.
Which boat should you ask about first?
Start with your group size and your route, then pick the boat. That one decision answers most of the other questions on this list.
20. What would you book?
For two people who want a classic Krabi morning, the Luxury Long-tail or the Long-tail Boat half day. For a family or friends up to 12 who want a full day with food, a kayak and snorkeling, the Lavezzi 40 on the 4 Islands and Railay route. For groups above 12, the Power Catamaran 40ft, Blue Atoll or the 72 ft for really big parties.
Couples and small groups should look at the long-tails; families and friends at the sailing catamarans:
Bigger groups who want space, shade and a fixed price for the first ten guests should compare these:
Before you send your request, have these ready:
- Your date and a backup date.
- The number of adults and children, with the children's ages.
- The route you want, or just "help us choose".
- Anything special: a birthday, food needs, someone who gets seasick.
You can browse every boat on the Charter Krabi home page, then send one request. A manager replies on WhatsApp, and the boat is yours for the day.
Questions and answers
Can we change the route on the day?
The captain can adjust the order of stops for tide, weather and crowds, and small changes are usually fine. A completely different route can change the price, so agree it with the manager before the day. Safety always comes first.
Is hotel transfer included in the boat price?
Transfers are not listed in what is included on the boat pages. Ask the manager when you book, and say where you are staying. They will tell you how to reach the pier.
Can we go to Maya Bay on a private charter?
Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is protected by the national park, swimming there is not allowed and it can close for restoration. The Phi Phi routes on the Lavezzi 40 and Blue Atoll follow the park rules in force on the day. Park fees are paid on top.
Do the boats have shade?
The catamarans have covered cockpits or shaded upper decks, which makes a big difference in the afternoon. Long-tails have a canopy or cabin area and a sun deck. Bring a hat and reef-friendly sunscreen anyway.
Can we do fishing on a charter?
Fishing equipment is included on Blue Atoll. On other boats, ask the manager when you book. The crew knows where fishing makes sense on your route.
Is there a sunset option?
Yes, the afternoon slots run into the evening: Blue Atoll 14:00-19:00, the Long-tail Boat 14:30-18:30 and the Power Catamaran 40ft 14:00-19:00 on the 4 Islands. The light on the limestone cliffs at the end of the day is lovely.
Do we need to bring passports?
Bring a photo of your passports on your phone just in case. Ask the manager whether any guest details are needed for the insurance on your boat. They will tell you exactly what to have ready.
Ready to choose your boat?
Every boat page shows the routes, prices and what is included. The booking request is free: a manager checks the boat is free on your date and confirms the price.
Updated 12 November 2026. Prices can change: the boat page always shows the current price.
