Phuket Pretty Aileen Catamaran Private Charter Tour by Perfect Pie

The best part of this Phuket charter is having the boat to yourselves. You choose from island routes or a short Promthep sunset cruise, then spend your time aboard with your own group rather than sharing the day with strangers. For families or friends, that privacy can be worth more than a fancier boat.

I like two things here: the flexible, private format gives your group room to set its own pace, and the included gear makes it easy to mix snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding, and fishing. Guides Sandy and Jenny have helped groups with snorkeling and family needs, though you should not assume you’ll have a particular guide.

The main catch is that the route name does not tell you every stop or how long you’ll stay there. Island fees and some meals cost extra, and the boat’s maximum capacity of 20 may feel different from a charter for five or six.

At a glance

• A private boat for up to 20: The charter is booked for your group, so you do not have to share the catamaran with other parties.
• A three-hour sunset option: Package C runs from 16:00 to 19:00, with a 15:45 meeting time at Chalong Pier.
• Gear for time on the water: Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and a paddle board or kayak are included.
• A choice of eight routes: Options range from Coral Island trips to routes combining Racha, Maiton, Koh Lon, and sunset sailing.
• Some costs are separate: Coral Island has a 100 THB per-person fee; Racha Island requires a 500 THB round-trip long-tail transfer fee.
• The starting price needs a check: The supplied prices show a $667.75 headline rate, while Package C is separately listed from $607.05. Confirm the final price for your date and group.

A private catamaran changes the pace

The Pretty Aileen is a private charter departing from Chalong, in the Rawai area of Phuket. Its 1-to-20-person capacity makes it a possibility for a couple, a family, or a larger group, but the value works best when you can divide the charter cost among several people.

Privacy is the central benefit. You can share the trip with your own family or friends, rather than adapting to a boatload of unrelated groups. That matters if you have young children, want space to relax between activities, or simply prefer to decide together when it is time to swim or head on.

There is some evidence of practical flexibility in how the day is run. Guides have helped families settle in, assisted with snorkeling, and suggested how to use time aboard. One group also found the departure time flexible, though the listed Package C schedule is specific. Treat flexibility as something to confirm with the operator, not as permission to arrive whenever you like.

The boat is described as clean and spacious by people who have chartered it, including a group of nine that appreciated being able to move between the front, middle, and back. A group of 14 also found the boat roomy. Still, 20 is the maximum, not a promise that every group size will have the same amount of elbow room.

Choosing a route that fits your day

There are eight package choices, and each suits a different idea of a Phuket boat day. The names tell you which islands or sunset are involved, but they do not provide a full stop-by-stop schedule. If a certain beach, amount of snorkeling time, or departure hour is essential, ask for the details before paying.

Package C: Promthep Sunset is the shortest listed option, scheduled for 16:00 to 19:00. It is the practical pick if you want a private boat outing and sunset views without giving up most of your day. Meet at Chalong Pier at 15:45. The schedule can change with weather and traffic, so the sunset timing is not a guarantee of a particular view or arrival moment.

Package A: Coral Island Half Day Morning Trip is the morning Coral Island option. Its shorter format may suit you if you want an island outing while keeping the afternoon free. The 100 THB per-person Coral Island fee is not included.

Package B: Coral Island Half Day Afternoon Trip with Sunset combines a Coral Island visit with sunset time. It gives you a longer arc than a simple island visit, but you should confirm the actual schedule and how much time is allocated to each part.

Package D: Full Day Coral Island with Koh Lon is the full-day choice, with two named destinations. One group found a full day on the islands enjoyable; another would have preferred less time at Coral Island and more time fishing. That is a useful reminder: a private boat can make the day comfortable, but it does not mean every activity gets equal time.

Package E: Coral Island and Sunset puts the island outing and an evening view in one trip. This may be a good fit if you want both without selecting the full-day Koh Lon route. Coral Island’s entrance fee still applies.

Package F: Maiton Island and Coral Island combines two island names and is priced above the shorter options. Confirm the route details, timing, and any applicable fees before booking, since those specifics are not set out here.

Package G: Racha Island and Coral Island is a two-island route. A group reported that visiting two islands in one day felt comfortable rather than rushed, though your pace depends on conditions and the final schedule. Racha has an extra 500 THB fee for the round-trip transfer by long-tail boat, and Coral Island has its own fee.

Package H: Racha Island and Sunset pairs Racha with sunset sailing. As with Package G, the Racha transfer charge is separate. Check how the sunset portion fits with the island visit before choosing it.

What you can do aboard

The included equipment supports a mix of activity and downtime. You get snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and either a paddle board or kayak. Those are useful options for groups with different ideas of a good day: one person can go snorkeling while another stays aboard, fishes, or takes a turn on the paddle board or kayak.

Snorkeling is a frequent part of these trips, and guides have helped people in the water. That hands-on support can be reassuring if you are with children or are not confident in the sea. Life jackets are included. Even so, snorkeling conditions depend on the day, and the equipment does not promise clear water or a particular number of fish.

Fishing time may be more limited than some people hope, especially on a route with long island stops. If fishing is a priority, ask how much time the crew expects to allow for it. The same goes for beach time: do not assume the boat will spend a fixed number of hours at any one stop unless the operator confirms it.

Refreshments and seasonal fruit are included, along with meals for one to ten people. If your group has more than ten, extra meals are 350 THB per person. The exact meal offering is not specified, so ask about the menu and whether it suits your group before departure. Bring any personal snacks or drinks you particularly want, and check with the operator about what you may bring aboard.

Price, fees, and what the charter buys you

The price needs a little care. The overall experience is shown from $667.75, while the package list gives Package C from $607.05. Other listed starting rates range from $678.45 for Package A to $999.85 for Packages F, G, and H. These are starting prices, not a clear per-person rate, so check the live checkout total for your chosen date and group size.

The charter’s value is not just the boat ride. You are paying for exclusive use of the catamaran, crew and guide support, safety equipment, and a set of water activities. For a larger family or a group of friends, splitting the cost can make the private setup appealing. For a small party, compare the total against other ways to reach the islands and consider how much you value privacy and control over the pace.

Add the costs that are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded, as are personal expenses and tips. Coral Island costs 100 THB per person. Racha Island has a 500 THB round-trip long-tail transfer fee. Extra meals beyond the included allowance cost 350 THB per person.

There is also a THB 2,000 surcharge if you use air conditioning, payable onsite. Since air conditioning is not included in the base price, ask how it works on your selected trip and whether you need it. A small question before booking can prevent an awkward surprise at the pier.

Getting ready at Chalong Pier

The meeting point is 46/20 Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130. For Package C, arrive at 15:45 for the 16:00 start. The general instruction is to arrive 15 minutes early; late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, and latecomers cannot join once the activity has started.

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or hat. Those basics matter on a boat trip where you may swim and then spend time in the sun. Your voucher is valid only for its specified date and time. Confirmation is due within 24 hours; if no confirmation email arrives, contact customer support.

The operator provides insurance and life jackets, but the tour is not recommended for anyone with impaired mobility, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy. If a health concern applies to you, ask the operator before booking rather than trying to sort it out at the pier.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would look first at this charter if you are traveling with family or friends and want a shared day that does not require negotiating with a larger tour group. Families may especially value the ability to move at their own pace, plus a guide’s help with children and snorkeling. For a group of around five to fourteen, the boat has been described as clean and roomy, although comfort depends on the group and gear aboard.

It can also suit a group that wants several ways to spend time on the water. Snorkeling, fishing, and a kayak or paddle board give you more to do than simply sit on deck. If your group wants a quiet sunset outing, Package C keeps the commitment to three hours.

This may be less suitable if you need step-free access, are pregnant, or have a listed medical concern. It is also not the best choice if you want a rigidly detailed schedule without confirming the stops in advance, or if you are traveling alone and the private charter price is hard to justify.

Should you book the Pretty Aileen?

Book it if privacy is a real part of the holiday you want, and your group will make good use of the boat, crew, and water gear. For a family or a group of friends, the ability to snorkel, kayak or paddle board, fish, and relax together can make the charter feel like more than transport between islands.

Before you commit, confirm the exact route, timing, final price, meal arrangement, and extra island charges. Pay particular attention to the conflicting displayed starting prices and the separate fees for Coral and Racha. If you want a clear, short outing, Package C is the simplest choice; if you want a fuller island day, compare the routes and ask how the time is divided.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The meeting point is Chalong Pier at 46/20 Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130.

How many people can join the private charter?

The Pretty Aileen can take groups of 1 to 20 participants.

What time is Package C, Promthep Sunset?

Package C is scheduled from 16:00 to 19:00. The meeting time is 15:45 at Chalong Pier.

Which island routes are available?

Options include trips to Coral Island, Koh Lon, Maiton Island, and Racha Island, as well as packages that combine an island route with sunset sailing.

What equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and a paddle board or kayak are included. Life jackets are also provided.

Are meals included?

Meals are included for one to ten people. Additional meals cost 350 THB per person.

Are island fees included in the price?

No. Coral Island costs 100 THB per person. Racha Island requires a 500 THB round-trip transfer by long-tail boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 72 hours before the activity date, using destination local time.