Plans are underway to develop a brand-new marina along the waterfront at Sapam Bay on the east coast of Phuket, as the island positions itself to capture a greater share of the luxury marine tourism market. The site lies less than 30 minutes from historic Phuket Old Town, offering swift road access to shopping districts, hotels, and cultural attractions. The development plan envisages approximately 61,000 m² of prime waterfront land plus an adjacent 78,000 m² of land to the rear, designed to accommodate up to 200 yacht berths, luxury residences, a marina clubhouse, and retail space.
A Strategic Move Into the Luxury Marina Market
The chosen location in Sapam Bay is motivated by several market and strategic drivers. Demand for premium berth space in Southeast Asia is growing rapidly as high-net-worth individuals seek luxury marine and lifestyle assets. Yacht arrivals of 24 meters or more in Phuket reached 148 in 2023, with 159 departures reported—nearing pre-COVID levels, according to Asia Pacific Superyachts. At the same time, the island’s established reputation as an upscale holiday destination, including its relevance for luxury property such as Phuket holiday homes, strengthens its proposition.
Sapam Bay offers a rare deep-water site with direct access and room for large-scale development. The waterfront parcel is described by local authorities as one of the last opportunities of its kind on the island. Its close proximity to Phuket Old Town further enhances its attractiveness for a mixed-use development combining leisure, residential, and marine services.
The specific plans for the project are expansive. The marina will provide around 200 berths, supported by luxury residences, a clubhouse, and retail amenities. From an economic perspective, industry commentary notes that each berth can support up to four skilled jobs across engineering, hospitality, and service sectors—meaning a 200-berth facility could generate around 800 direct skilled jobs, and many more across ancillary businesses.
In addition to job creation, the project is designed to attract a high-spending international clientele, boosting local tourism and real estate values. The availability of adjacent development land for luxury residences creates further investment opportunities. The site already holds a Marine Operating License and a pre-approved environmental impact assessment, significantly reducing development lead time.
Through this initiative, Phuket aims to compete with established regional marinas. For example, Singapore’s ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove features 270 berths, while Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya accommodates around 380 vessels. The Sapam Bay development is expected to rival or even surpass these benchmarks, leveraging its deep-water site and integration with luxury lifestyle amenities. If realized, the project is expected to strengthen Phuket’s position as Asia’s premier luxury yachting hub—bringing together marine tourism, high-end retail, property investment, and lifestyle experiences at one world-class waterfront destination.
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Featured Image by International Boat Industry
