Kata Bay
Ao Kata · Kata Noi · Kata Beach
7°49.2'N 98°17.8'E
Depth
3–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
Set 75m radius. Both Kata Yai (main bay) and Kata Noi (southern cove) offer anchorage. Kata Noi provides slightly better protection from N winds. Monitor swell from SW.
About This Anchorage
Kata Bay on Phuket's west coast offers two anchorage options: the larger Kata Yai to the north and the smaller Kata Noi to the south. Both have beautiful white sand beaches and clear water. The anchorage is scenic and less crowded than Ao Chalong but exposed to SW swell. Best visited in the NE monsoon season (November–April). Good snorkeling around the rocky headlands.
Protected From
N · NE
Exposed To
SW · W · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Hazards
- !Exposed to SW swell — avoid May–October
- !Jet ski and speedboat traffic near the beach during daylight
- !Rocky headlands at bay entrance — enter in good visibility
Skipper's Tips
- →Kata Noi (southern bay) is smaller but slightly better protected
- →Anchor in 4–10m on sand well clear of the swimming zone
- →Beautiful snorkeling around the headlands at the bay entrance
- →Water taxi to shore is easiest — dinghy landing can be awkward in small surf
Facilities
Numerous beach restaurants and bars on both Kata Yai and Kata Noi beaches
Nearest provisions: Kata Beach town (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon season (November–April) only. SW monsoon (May–October) makes this anchorage dangerous. The flat calm days of February–March are ideal.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, the 2–3m Andaman tidal range means your boat's position changes dramatically with the tide. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the hongs, beaches, and karst formations with complete peace of mind.
Download Free for iOS