Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina was Phuket’s first marina complex, and has been fully operational since 1994. This circular lagoon was originally a tidal flat at the head of a shallow, meandering two-mile creek, Klong Tha Rua. Today it has 180 berths in the water, 150 on the hardstand and 24 dry stacking bays.
Klong Tha Rua was once the main port of the island, long before Phuket Town was built by the predominantly Chinese tin miners who arrived over 100 years ago. Phuket-based entrepreneur and pleasure-boat enthusiast, Khun Kanit Yongsakul, started the project by damming the stream and digging the basin to a depth of five metres before reopening the entrance. (See ‘Marina Focus‘ for a lot more detailed information about Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina).
Royal Phuket Marina, with only 76 berths mostly filled with long-stay yachts and day trip boats, was opened in 2005 and shares the same approach channel. The entrance is on port, closer to the sea by about half a mile. Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina, further up the channel after a shallow 90-degree turn to port, offers a full range of services.and marine products comparable with facilities elsewhere in the world.
The well-marked channel has concrete pilings set approximately 13 metres apart all the way from Ao Tha Rua, starting at 7°58.650N, 98°24.906E. The channel meanders through the large shallow open bay until it enters the mangrove creek. The depth and width of this tight channel vary along its length.
Keeled or deep-draft vessels up to 35 metres length and draft 2.5 metres can enter either side of high tide, although it is wise to check with the Harbour Master on the up-to-date channel dredging information. The shallowest depths in the channel, at the time of writing, were 2.5 metres at a 2.8 metre high tide.
While in the open water channel, keep the pilings 10-15 metres off the port side all the way in. Allow approximately 45 minutes from the open water channel entrance to arrival in either marina basin (at five knots, which is the speed limit from the entrance to the mangroves onwards).
We strongly suggest deep draft vessels negotiate this difficult channel during the last hour of the rising tide.
15 miles from ao Chalong
The basin has a minimum depth of 4 metres and berths for 76 yachts up to 35 metres. The 60-ton travel lift services a hard stand that can accommodate 40 yachts and a dry stack with capacity for 60 boats up to 12m. Call the marina office on entering the channel on VHF Ch.79 or +66 (0) 76 379397.
Dockside on the ground floor of the condominium blocks are boat charter, brokerage and boat management companies and one bar/restaurant.
Facilities include two travel-lifts up to 60 tons, large concrete areas and hardstand for up to 150 vessels. In the inner basin, there are 160 wet berths and in the approach river another 60 berths. All berths have power and water and there are hot showers and changing room facilities nearby. The Harbour Master is available during office hours on VHF Ch.71 or call +66 (0) 76 239055.
The Boat Lagoon is currently the centre of marine services in Phuket, with many service companies located behind the hardstand. Several boat charter, brokerage and tour companies have joined the more typical marine services, which include haul-out, repair, electrical, canvas, chandlery, cleaning and others.
It’s an interesting and useful mix of water-related industries. Quite a few fascinating characters, some with many years’ experience in Phuket and other ports around the world, can be found running and working in these shops.
A canal complex of condominiums, a hotel, serviced apartments and restaurants, shops and offices surround the marina itself. Short and long-term accommodation is available overlooking the marina.
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