Yona Beach Club Phuket: The Ultimate Floating Oasis Guide
I’ll be honest, I almost skipped Yona Beach Club. A beach club on a boat sounded like something made for Instagram and not much else. But Phuket has a way of making you curious about the strange options, and a pool floating in the middle of the Andaman Sea is definitely strange. So I booked it, August 2026, and here’s what I’d tell a friend who asked me whether it’s worth the money and the effort.
So what is it, exactly?
Yona calls itself the world’s first floating beach club. It’s a big multi-level vessel parked in the sea off Phuket, and it can hold around 500 people. You don’t walk on from a beach. You check in at a pier, then a shuttle boat takes you out.
Once you’re on board, it’s laid out in three levels. The main deck has a 22-meter infinity pool, loungers, daybeds, sofas and cabanas. Upstairs there’s a sunset terrace with a smaller lounge pool, and the top floor has a cocktail bar and a rooftop where you get a full view of the bay. Four bars and a restaurant in total.
It’s not a quiet place. There’s a DJ, there’s a crowd, and it’s built for people who want a social day. If you’re after peace and empty sand, this isn’t it, and I’d rather say that now than have you find out halfway through the afternoon.
Getting there (read this part twice)
This is where people slip up, so pay attention.
Right now, in the low season, you check in at Royal Phuket Marina. That arrangement runs until mid-November 2026. In earlier high seasons the club has moved its departure to Patong Pier, so if you’re visiting after mid-November, look at your booking voucher before you leave the hotel. Don’t assume. I’d also message the club or check their official site the day before, because berths can change.
The shuttle boat from the pier to the club is usually part of your ticket and runs every 15 to 20 minutes. Getting to the pier from your hotel is on you. Phuket taxis aren’t cheap, so I’d compare Grab with a pre-booked transfer.
My advice is to reach the pier 30 to 45 minutes early. Check-in has a queue, and you don’t want to spend the first part of your day stressed.
Opening hours
The schedule isn’t the same every day, which confused me at first:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM
So if you want morning swimming plus sunset in one trip, you need one of those first three days. Special events can shift things, so check before you commit.
Which pass should you pick?
There are basically two styles of day.
The morning pass (only on the early-opening days) is calmer. Fewer people, easier to get a spot by the pool, and you generally need to leave by early afternoon. The afternoon or day pass is the livelier one. The music gets louder, the pool fills up, and you stay through sunset.
If you care about having a guaranteed seat, there are reserved poolside beds and cabanas for small groups. On a weekend I wouldn’t gamble on finding free loungers. Standard passes usually come with the shuttle, towels, a locker, a welcome drink and a food and drink credit. The credit amount depends on the package, so read what your ticket says.
Prices: Standard passes start from 3,000 THB for the Morning Pass (includes 1,500 THB credit) and 4,000 THB for the Day Pass (includes 2,000 THB credit). Reserved pool beds and cabanas range from 4,000 THB to 14,000+ THB. I’d book online ahead of time. Several platforms offer free cancellation a few days out, which takes the stress out of a weather change.
What the day actually felt like
The first thing I noticed was the size. From the shuttle it looks like a yacht. Up close it feels like a small resort that happens to float.
The infinity pool is the main attraction, and it earns it. Swimming toward the edge with open sea beyond it is a weird, nice feeling. Get a spot early if you can, because later in the afternoon it gets crowded.
I liked the upper decks more than I expected. The sunset terrace is where I’d settle in when the light starts to soften. The rooftop has the best view, but it’s the place where you’ll stand around taking photos, so don’t expect to relax there for hours.
The music builds as the day goes on. It’s lively but you can still talk, and if the main area is too loud you can move to a quieter corner.
Food and drinks
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a sea view, and the third-floor cocktail bar is the nicer spot if you want something properly made. Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed on board, so you’ll be buying everything there.
Two things worth knowing. The kitchen runs on set hours, so order food earlier and don’t wait until you’re starving. And prices are resort prices, so expect to spend more than your credit. Decide on a rough budget before you go so the bill doesn’t surprise you.
Dress code and rules
Smart casual or elegant beachwear. Swimwear is fine by the pool, but bring a cover-up for the restaurant and upper decks. Leave the towel-and-flip-flops look for a public beach.
A few rules to know about:
- Pregnant women and guests over 70 are advised not to attend, mostly because of the boat ride and the movement on board.
- Pets aren’t allowed.
- Some packages have strict leaving times, so check yours.
When to go
November to April is the easier season: calmer sea, clearer skies, smoother boat ride. In the rainy months you can still go, but rough weather can affect boat services, so keep your plans flexible and check the forecast the day before.
Whatever the season, sunset is the moment. If you’re picking a pass, pick the one that lets you stay for it.
Things I’d do differently
- Book earlier. Weekends and holidays fill up fast.
- Reserve a bed or cabana if sitting down matters to you.
- Pack light: swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cover-up and a small bag.
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch for the pool.
- Get to the pier early.
- Set a spending limit for drinks and food.
So, is Yona worth it?
If you want a lively, good-looking day with a pool in the middle of the sea, yes, I think it’s worth doing once. If you prefer quiet natural beaches and lower prices, skip it. Phuket has plenty of both kinds of day, and Yona only suits one.
Quick FAQ
Where does it leave from?
Royal Phuket Marina in the low season. Check your voucher for the high-season pier.
Is the shuttle included?
Usually, yes, from the pier to the club. Your hotel transfer isn’t.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No.
Is it okay for kids?
Age rules can change, so check the official site before booking.
Do I need to book ahead?
I’d strongly say yes, especially on weekends.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I went in expecting a social media gimmick, but I ended up having a surprisingly great time. It’s definitely not going to replace a quiet day on a real beach, but floating in an infinity pool right in the middle of the ocean is just one of those weirdly cool experiences you don’t get every day. Catching the sunset from the top deck made all the pier logistics and high drink prices feel worth it.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to what kind of trip you want. If you go in looking for a party or a unique afternoon on the water, you’ll love it. Just double-check your departure pier, show up early, and watch your bar tab—do those few things right and you’ll have a fantastic day.
If you’re exploring island hopping options around Phuket, be sure to read our Ultimate Maya Bay Travel Guide to make the most of your trip.
The GlanceAsia Verdict
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8/10 |
| Location | Floating beach club off Phuket, Thailand |
| Departure Point | Royal Phuket Marina (low season, until mid-November 2026). Check your voucher for the high-season pier. |
| Opening Hours | Tue, Thu, Sat: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun: 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Entry Price | Standard passes start from 3,000 THB (Morning Pass) to 4,000 THB (Day Pass), including F&B credit. |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April (calmer seas, clearer skies). Sunset is the best moment year-round. |
| Dress Code | Smart casual or elegant beachwear |
| What We Liked | 22-meter infinity pool, sunset views from the upper decks, smooth shuttle system, wide choice of seating |
| What Could Be Better | Resort-level prices, crowded on weekends, departure pier changes by season, strict time limits on some packages |
| Best For | Couples, friend groups, first-time visitors, music and social atmosphere lovers |
| Skip It If | You are on a tight budget, get seasick easily, or want a quiet, secluded beach |
| Our Advice | Book an afternoon pass, reserve a bed or cabana, and stay for sunset |
