Pattaya sits on the Gulf of Thailand with direct access to islands, hidden coves, and some of the best offshore scenery in eastern Thailand. Whether you want a cheap ferry to Koh Larn, a private speedboat for a day trip, or a luxury yacht charter for a special occasion — this guide covers every option.
The Two Harbors You Need to Know
Bali Hai Pier — Ferries & Day Trips
Bali Hai Pier is Pattaya’s main public pier, located at the southern end of Walking Street. This is where you catch ferries to Koh Larn (Coral Island) and book most tourist-oriented boat trips.
What departs from Bali Hai:
- Public ferries to Koh Larn (30 THB one-way, 45 minutes)
- Speed boats to Koh Larn (200-300 THB, 15 minutes)
- Group fishing trips
- Snorkeling and island-hopping tours
- Sunset dinner cruises
Getting there: Bali Hai is at the end of Walking Street. Any baht bus heading south along Beach Road will pass it. Grab from Central Pattaya costs about 50-80 THB.
Tips: The public ferry to Koh Larn is incredibly cheap but gets crowded on weekends and holidays. The first ferry leaves at 7:00, the last return from Koh Larn at 18:00. Arrive 30 minutes early on weekends to secure a seat.
Ocean Marina Yacht Club — Private Yachts & Charters
If you want to rent a yacht, this is the only place. Ocean Marina Yacht Club is Southeast Asia’s largest marina, located about 15 km south of central Pattaya in Na Jomtien/Sattahip area.
What you’ll find at Ocean Marina:
- Private yacht charters (sailboats, catamarans, motor yachts)
- Luxury speedboat rentals
- Live-aboard diving trips
- Marina berths for private boat owners
- Waterfront restaurants and bars
Getting there: Ocean Marina is on Sukhumvit Road, about 20-30 minutes from Central Pattaya by car. Grab costs 150-250 THB.
Yacht Charter Options
Budget: Speedboat Rental (5,000 – 15,000 THB/day)
The most affordable private boat option. A speedboat with captain can take your group (up to 8-10 people) to Koh Larn, nearby islands, or fishing spots. Usually includes basic equipment but not food or drinks.
Book through tour operators in Pattaya or directly at Bali Hai Pier. Negotiate — prices are rarely fixed, especially in low season.
Mid-Range: Catamaran Day Charter (15,000 – 50,000 THB/day)
A catamaran gives you more space, stability, and comfort for a full day on the water. Most include a crew, basic catering, and snorkeling equipment. Perfect for groups of 10-20 people.
Several operators run from Ocean Marina. Expect to spend a full day (6-8 hours) cruising to Koh Larn, Koh Sak, or Koh Krok with swimming stops, lunch on board, and sunset drinks on the return.
Luxury: Motor Yacht Charter (50,000 – 300,000+ THB/day)
For special occasions, corporate events, or simply because you can. Luxury motor yachts from Ocean Marina come with full crew, chef, premium drinks, water toys (jet skis, paddleboards, inflatables), and white-glove service.
Yachts range from 40-foot day cruisers to 80-foot+ superyachts. Multi-day charters with overnight stays are possible for longer explorations down the eastern seaboard.
Booking tips:
- Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially in high season (November-February)
- During Tomorrowland Thailand 2026 in November, expect premium pricing and limited availability
- Most reputable operators are based at Ocean Marina — avoid random touts on the street
- Ask about insurance coverage, cancellation policies, and what’s included in the price
Koh Larn (Coral Island) — The Essential Day Trip
Koh Larn is Pattaya’s go-to island escape, just 7 km offshore. The water is dramatically cleaner and clearer than Pattaya Beach, with white sand beaches and affordable seafood restaurants.
Getting to Koh Larn
| Option | Price | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Ferry (Bali Hai) | 30 THB | 45 min | Budget travelers |
| Speed Boat (Bali Hai) | 200-300 THB | 15 min | Small groups, impatient |
| Private Speed Boat | 3,000-5,000 THB | 15 min | Families, flexible schedule |
Best Beaches on Koh Larn
- Tawaen Beach — Biggest and busiest. Water sports, restaurants, beach chairs. Crowded on weekends.
- Samae Beach — Cleaner, quieter, better for swimming. Less developed but still has food and chairs.
- Tien Beach — The most secluded. Accessed by a steep staircase. Worth the effort for the privacy.
- Nual Beach — “Monkey Beach”. Small and charming. Watch out for the monkeys stealing food.
Tips for Koh Larn
- Rent a motorbike on the island (200-300 THB/day) to explore all beaches
- The island gets very crowded on weekends and Thai holidays — go on a weekday
- Bring sunscreen — there’s limited shade on some beaches
- The last ferry back is at 18:00 — don’t miss it unless you want to pay for a private boat or stay overnight
- Budget 500-1,000 THB per person for a comfortable day (food, drinks, chair rental, transport)
Other Boat Trips from Pattaya
Island Hopping Tours (1,500 – 3,000 THB/person)
Group tours that visit multiple islands in one day — typically Koh Larn, Koh Sak (snorkeling), and Koh Krok. Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and transfers. Book through any tour operator in Pattaya.
Fishing Trips (2,000 – 5,000 THB/person)
Deep-sea fishing trips depart from Bali Hai and Ocean Marina. Full-day trips target barracuda, king mackerel, and occasionally sailfish. Equipment is usually included. The best fishing season is November to April.
Sunset Dinner Cruises (1,500 – 4,000 THB/person)
Several operators offer evening cruises along the Pattaya coastline with buffet dinner, live music, and sunset views. A popular date-night option. Most depart from Bali Hai Pier around 17:30 and return by 20:00.
Final Thoughts
Pattaya’s location on the Gulf of Thailand gives it genuine maritime appeal that most visitors never fully explore. Even if a luxury yacht isn’t in your budget, the 30 THB ferry to Koh Larn is one of the best-value day trips in all of Thailand.
For yacht charters, Ocean Marina Yacht Club is the professional, legitimate option. Book directly with established charter companies based there rather than through street-level touts in Pattaya — you’ll get better boats, proper insurance, and professional crews.
Pattaya.love Editorial Team
Local Experts since 2019
Our team of Pattaya-based writers, photographers, and long-term residents researches every guide on the ground. We visit venues, test routes, and verify every recommendation so you get actionable, up-to-date information you can trust.
