Why wavecres
What sets a private charter apart
Private departures, crew who know the Gulf, and nothing hidden in the pricing. Here's what choosing wavecres actually means in practice.
Back to HomeOverview
Six reasons guests choose to sail with us
Private departures
Your group sails alone. No shared deck space with strangers, no compromising on pace or schedule.
Local route knowledge
The crew has sailed the northern Gulf for years and knows where the snorkeling is best, where it's quiet, and which bays to avoid when wind picks up.
All-inclusive pricing
Fuel, crew, provisions, park entry fees — it's all in the quoted price. There are no additions waiting at the gangway.
Adaptable itineraries
Routes are planned but not fixed. If the group wants more time at a snorkel spot or prefers to skip a viewpoint hike, the crew adjusts.
Onboard catering
Meals are prepared fresh for each trip. Multi-day charters include full onboard catering. Day trips include snacks and a selection of cold drinks.
Safety-first decisions
If conditions are not right, we say so and find another date. Commercial pressure doesn't factor into weather decisions.
Expertise
A crew that has done this many times
Captain Thanapol has sailed the Gulf of Thailand commercially for eighteen years. The passage to Ang Thong, the anchorage approaches at Koh Phangan, the shallow reef spots off the north Samui coast — these are routes the crew knows without consulting a chart. That familiarity translates to better decisions on the water, more interesting stops, and a calmer experience for guests.
- 18+ years of Gulf of Thailand sailing experience
- Thai Marine Department commercial skipper licence
- Certified dive instructor on deck crew
Technology
Navigation and safety equipment
Every yacht in the wavecres fleet carries updated charts, VHF radio, GPS, and safety equipment inspected before each departure. Multi-day passages use AIS tracking so guests' families can follow progress on their phone.
- GPS and updated electronic charts
- VHF marine radio on all vessels
- AIS tracking on multi-day passages
Service
Attentive without being intrusive
The wavecres crew is there when you need something and out of the way when you don't. Drinks are refilled without being asked. Snorkel equipment is prepared before the boat anchors. Meals come out when the timing suits the group, not the kitchen schedule. It's a straightforward approach to hospitality — read what's needed, and deliver it quietly.
Value
Pricing that reflects what you actually get
Charter prices cover the full experience — vessel, crew, fuel, food and drinks, and park entry fees where applicable. There is no entry-level price that strips out the crew or the meals. What we quote is what you pay. We think that's the only fair way to present a charter.
- No fuel surcharges added after booking
- Park entry included in Ang Thong price
- Mooring fees included in multi-day rate
Results
What guests typically take away
The guests who come back or send their friends tend to mention the same things: they saw parts of the Gulf they wouldn't have reached on their own, the crew made good calls about where to go and when, and the day or passage felt genuinely unrushed. That's what we're aiming for — not a product that ticks a box on a trip itinerary, but time on the water that's worth having.
Comparison
wavecres vs. shared tour boats
| Feature | Shared tour boats | wavecres private charter |
|---|---|---|
| Group composition | Shared with strangers (20–40 people) | Your group only |
| Itinerary flexibility | Fixed schedule | Adjusted to your pace |
| Meals and drinks | Basic buffet or extra charge | Fresh, included in price |
| Crew attention | Divided among many guests | Focused on your group |
| Park entry fees | Often added at the gate | Included (Ang Thong trip) |
| Fuel surcharges | Common at time of booking | All-in quoted price |
| Departure timing | Fixed, non-negotiable | Arranged to suit your group |
What Sets Us Apart
Things we do that aren't standard
Weather rescheduling without penalty
If conditions are not suitable on your charter day, we reschedule at no extra charge. We don't push the decision onto the guest.
Northern Samui departure
Mae Nam pier is less congested than the Nathon or Chaweng area. Less time motoring out of a crowded harbour, more time sailing.
Thai-prepared meals onboard
Napat's onboard cooking uses local ingredients and is prepared that morning. It's not reheated catering from a box.
Certified snorkel instruction on request
Somsak is a qualified open-water instructor. For guests who've never snorkeled before, he can give a proper orientation before the boat anchors.
Milestones
A few things we're proud of
800+
Private charters completed from Mae Nam pier
4.9
Average guest satisfaction rating across all charters
8yr
Operating from Koh Samui under the wavecres name
0
Safety incidents on record across all charters to date
Thai Marine Department
Commercial charter licence — current and in good standing since registration.
Koh Samui Tourism Association
Member operator contributing to responsible marine tourism standards in the Gulf.
Ang Thong Marine Park Partner
Recognised for operating within Department of National Parks guidelines since 2019.
Ready?
Your charter starts with a conversation
Tell us when you're on Koh Samui, how many people are in your group, and which charter interests you. We'll come back with availability and details.
Get in Touch