La Maret was born out of a love for boats and the freedom that comes with being at sea, the joy of breathtaking views, connecting with nature, meeting new people, and escaping the crowds. Cruising at a slow pace gives you the time to truly take in the beauty of your surroundings, with no rush, no noise, just the rhythm of the ocean and the freedom to breathe.
We’re a small, experienced crew who believe the best memories at sea come from comfort, care, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With years on the water, we’ve created something special: a boat that feels like home and a team that treats you like your best friend.
Each of us brings our own passion, whether it’s guiding you to hidden gems, preparing fresh local meals, or making sure your sunset photos turn out picture-perfect. Safety, service, and genuine smiles are at the heart of everything we do. For us, it’s the small details that make all the difference.
Whether it’s your first time or your tenth trip aboard, our goal is simple; to give you a day where you can relax, feel looked after, and enjoy the sea at your own pace.
“Dreams do come true — when you dare to follow them.”
From chaos to calm — how a dream and a boat came to life.
That’s when the dream began to take shape. I didn’t know ‘the how’ or the when, but I knew it would happen. Somehow. Tours where the small details matter. Where the atmosphere stays with you. Where memories are made and talked about.
The beginning of something different.
An idea slowly started to grow in my mind. It turned into something bigger. A vision. My vision.
I dreamed of a tour company with personality, where the small details mattered just as much as the big ones. A tour that wasn’t rushed or scripted, where the boat itself was part of the experience. I asked myself: Why didn’t anyone offer cruises along Phuket’s west coast? With lush green mountains as a backdrop, calm bays, and beaches you can only discover from the sea.
The more I thought about it, the more certain I became. This was what Phuket needed. A calm, beautiful journey where guests could swim, snorkel, and take in views they’d never see from land. And that’s how our first tour, “The Cruise – Day Tour,” was born. My very first step in turning a dream into something real.
From Renting to Creating
All my knowledge and experience from years in the tourism industry started to take shape. I began mapping out new routes with itineraries for every day of the week, including what would soon become our popular overnight tour. The dream was no longer just an idea. It was becoming a real, solid plan. But there were a few ‘small’ problems. No company. No boat. No guests. No money. Still, I believed in my vision.
La Maret
I found a way to borrow the funds and officially created the company. In November 2007, we welcomed our very first guests. For the first four years, we rented a boat during the high season (November–April), learning, listening, and growing with every single tour. And then, it was time to take the next step. We needed our own boat, one built with everything we had learned, felt, and dreamed of. That’s when a new chapter began.
– Lotta
Founder and Managing Director
Meet the Founder
She came to Thailand in the mid-’90s. From running a restaurant on Koh Samui to becoming a dive instructor on the tiny island of Koh Tao, her path eventually led her to Phuket in 2000, where she still calls home. A lifelong journey shaped by the sea, community, and a love for soulful outdoor living.
After a life-changing year in 2004, she felt a powerful urge to create something of her own. With no money, no boat, and no backup plan, just a bold idea and a name inspired by her favourite drink — she launched La Maret in 2005.
In 2010, Lotta rebuilt and transformed an old fishing boat into a warm wooden beauty now known as La Maret. Every curve reflects her vision: comfort, connection, and character. To her, La Maret isn’t just a business. It’s the story of a life shaped by the sea, built with passion, and carried forward with heart and a quiet kind of courage that never gives up.
The Heart of Hospitality
Linn has called Phuket home since 2014 and joined the La Maret crew in 2016. She started as a tour leader and quickly became a guest favourite, thanks to her warm, down-to-earth energy.
Linn genuinely loves connecting with people, whether they’re first-time visitors or returning guests. For her, great service isn’t just a job, it’s a true passion. Today, she’s on board a few days each week, welcoming guests with her signature smile. On land, she’s our anchor, handling bookings, emails, and all the behind-the-scenes details that keep our tours running smoothly.
She’s the kind of person who makes you feel at home the moment you step onboard, and the positive spirit every team dreams of.
Our Bookkeeping Star
K Joy has been keeping our paperwork in order since 2013. As our admin and accounting superstar, she makes sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, from balancing the books to making regular rounds at government offices (and yes, there are a few of them…).
She’s also a proud single mum of two, and when life allows, her favourite way to recharge is at the temple, enjoying quiet moments of meditation and reflection. Joy brings calm, commitment, and care to everything she does, and we feel blessed to have her.
Meet the Captain
Lotta and Captain Lef first crossed paths back in 2000, working side by side. He was part of the team when La Maret was built, and he knows every inch of her. Every bolt, screw, and beam. La Maret is a part of him. Captain Lef prioritises guest safety more than any captain we’ve ever worked with. Calm, steady, and backed by 30 years of experience, he’s always ready to support his crew and ensure every guest feels safe and looked after.
But he’s more than just a captain, he’s the soul of La Maret and a trusted friend. A proud father of four now-grown sons and husband to our lovely onboard maid, Khun Aoom. Having him at the helm is one of the reasons La Maret feels like home.
Our Engineer with the Golden Smile
Taeng is the man with the ever-welcoming smile and a big heart. He brings joy to every corner of La Maret, whether he’s painting railings with care, quietly fixing the little things no one else notices, or playfully entertaining our youngest guests. His calm, positive energy is felt throughout the boat.
But his role goes far beyond cheerful moments. As our trusted engineer, Taeng makes sure everything runs smoothly, from engine checks to snorkelling gear, fresh ice to plenty of drinking water. He’s the quiet force behind the comfort you feel onboard.
The Heart of Our Kitchen
She’s the magic behind every meal and the soul of our onboard kitchen. Guests often say her Massaman curry is the best they’ve ever had, but Khun Aoom’s talent goes far beyond one dish. She moves like a quiet ninja in our compact kitchen, effortlessly preparing fresh meals and making sure no one ever goes hungry.
With an (unofficial but well-deserved) master’s degree in organisation, she’s always one step ahead, prepped, spotless, and ready before the first guest even steps onboard. She’s also Captain Lef’s wife, and together they live aboard La Maret during charter season. As we like to say: We are family — and when you step onboard, you become part of it.
Our Guide and Ocean Soul
Hospitality is in his blood, and the sea is his second home. Khun Ton quite literally grew up with his toes in the sand, raised on the beach in Trang, where his family still runs a charming seaside bungalow resort. A true sea enthusiast, he could happily spend every day out on the water.
He joined La Maret in 2016 and gives our guests an experience that comes straight from the heart. Proudly certified as a Lifeguard, Marine Guide, and trained in Yacht Safety, he’s always eager to grow and you’ll always find him in the front row of any new course.
In May 2024, he became a proud dad to little TinTin — a new adventure he’s embracing with the same calm, steady joy he brings onboard.
Tour Leader
Our newest team member may be fresh to La Maret, but with two seasons under his belt and 17 years of Phuket life, Per is no stranger to the island or the sea. He began his journey as a chef in his family’s restaurant, later transforming it into a charming long-stay bungalow resort.Now part of the La Maret crew, he brings that same care and calm to every tour making sure guests feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for while exploring the sea.
Half Swedish, half Thai, Per is a true blend of both cultures. He speaks Swedish, Thai, and English fluently, making him a natural connector with our international guests. He’s also a proud dad to Theo (4) and Lily (1), and husband to Cissi and we’re so happy to have him as part of our La Maret family.