Principality of Monaco · French Riviera
- Position
- 43.7°N · 7.4°E
- Region
- Principality of Monaco
Overview
A tiny principality, a grand harbor
Monaco is a sovereign city-state on the Mediterranean coast, bordered on three sides by France's Alpes-Maritimes department and around 13 km northeast of Nice. Its districts, from Monaco-Ville on the Rock to Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille, wrap around two small harbors.
Port Hercule, at the foot of the Rock, is a famous yacht harbor and the stage for the Monaco Yacht Show each September. Port de Fontvieille, on the other side of the Rock, is smaller and quieter. Both are operated by the state-owned SEPM, and visitor berths are limited.
That is why many "Monaco" charters actually depart from, or end at, nearby French ports such as Cap-d'Ail, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, Antibes or Cannes. From any of them, the coastline between Monaco and Cap Ferrat offers beautiful cruising, with Italy only a few miles to the east.
Ports
Monaco's harbors and their neighbors
Port Hercule
The main harbor in La Condamine, with around 700 berths, a deep sea wall for cruise ships and stern-to mooring. Only a small number of berths are reserved for visitors, subject to availability.
La CondaminePort de Fontvieille
A smaller harbor in the residential Fontvieille district, beside the French port of Cap-d'Ail.
FontvieilleRiviera ports
Cap-d'Ail, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Nice, Antibes and Cannes in France, and Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia, Italy, operated by Monaco's port company.
France & ItalyThe Yacht Club de Monaco on Quai Louis II is a private members' club and is not a charter departure point.
Riviera cruising
West to Cap Ferrat, east to Italy
A Monaco day charter usually follows the coast in one direction or the other, with swim stops in sheltered coves along the French shore.
Cap-d'Ail
Small beaches such as Plage Mala and Plage Marquet beneath the cliffs, linked by a coastal path.
Èze
The famous hilltop village above the coast, seen from the water; Èze-sur-Mer lies below.
Cap Ferrat
A wooded peninsula with Paloma and Passable beaches and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild above the water.
The Rade de Villefranche
One of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean, sheltered between Cap de Nice and Cap Ferrat.
Menton & the Italian Riviera
Menton at the Italian border, then Ventimiglia and Sanremo with its Portosole harbor, for a day that crosses into Italy.
Antibes, Cannes & the Lérins Islands
For longer charters, Antibes's Port Vauban and Cannes, gateway to the Lérins Islands, extend the Riviera itinerary.
Events
Grand Prix week and the Yacht Show
Monaco Grand Prix. From 2026, the race moves to the first weekend of June; the 2026 edition ran from June 5 to 7. Berthing in Port Hercule during race week follows special procedures, and demand for yachts along the coast is very high, so plan as early as possible.
Monaco Yacht Show. Held at Port Hercule in late September, with around 120 superyachts on display; the 2027 edition is scheduled for September 22 to 25. The harbor becomes the show venue during the event.
Yacht Club de Monaco events, including the Monaco Classic Week for traditional yachts, add to the sailing calendar.
Protected waters
Monaco has two marine protected areas: the Larvotto reserve, with its Posidonia meadow, and the Tombant des Spélugues coralligenous wall. Fishing and anchoring are prohibited in both, and navigation is generally prohibited, although it is tolerated in the Spélugues area next to Port Hercule.
In French waters, anchoring rules protect Posidonia meadows and mooring zones are expanding. Your captain plans swim stops accordingly.
Current fleet & availability
Ask about yachts in Monaco
Tell us your dates, group size and whether you are planning a Riviera cruise, a celebration or an event week. We will check the yachts available in Monaco and along the coast.
Related destinations
More of Europe and beyond
Monaco FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Monaco
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Monaco. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Can we charter a yacht from Port Hercule itself?
It depends on where the vessel is berthed. Port Hercule has only a small number of visitor berths, so many charters start from nearby French ports such as Cap-d'Ail, Villefranche or Nice. We confirm the departure point for your vessel.
When is the Monaco Grand Prix?
From 2026, the Grand Prix is held on the first weekend of June; the 2026 race ran from June 5 to 7. Demand for yachts is extremely high, so plan early.
When is the Monaco Yacht Show?
In late September at Port Hercule. The 2027 show is scheduled for September 22 to 25.
Can we anchor or swim off Larvotto?
No. The Larvotto marine reserve prohibits anchoring and fishing, and navigation is generally not permitted. Swim stops are planned along the French coast instead.
Can we visit Èze or Cap Ferrat by boat?
Yes, as part of a coastal cruise. Èze's hilltop village is seen from the water, and Cap Ferrat has beaches and coves for a swim stop.
Can we cruise to Italy?
Yes. Menton, Ventimiglia and Sanremo on the Italian Riviera are within easy reach of Monaco.
Is the Yacht Club de Monaco open to charter guests?
The Yacht Club de Monaco is a private members' club and is not a charter base.
What is the best time of year for a Monaco charter?
Charter activity is concentrated from about May to October, with the warmest sea, around 23–24 °C, in July and August. The Mistral wind is most common in winter and spring.
Can a charter yacht berth in Port Hercule during Grand Prix week?
It depends on the yacht. Berthing in Port Hercule during race week follows special procedures set by the port operator, SEPM, and visitor berths are limited at any time, so whether a particular vessel can be in the harbor is confirmed for each charter.
What is the difference between Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille?
Port Hercule, in La Condamine at the foot of the Rock, is Monaco's main harbor, with a deep sea wall for cruise ships and stern-to mooring. Port de Fontvieille, on the other side of the Rock beside Cap-d'Ail, is smaller and quieter, and both are run by the state-owned SEPM.
How far is the Rade de Villefranche from Monaco?
About 10 km southwest. The Rade de Villefranche, between Cap de Nice and Cap Ferrat, is one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean and is sheltered from easterly winds, while anchoring rules in French waters protect the Posidonia meadows.