Yacht Charter & Boat Rental in Monaco

Chartering from Monaco

Monaco is one of the world's premier yachting hubs. Port Hercule, nestled below the Rock of Monaco, regularly hosts some of the largest superyachts afloat, and the Principality is home to dozens of professional charter brokers. Whether you want a half-day speedboat excursion along the coast or a week-long crewed superyacht voyage, Monaco is an ideal starting point.

Types of charter

Crewed yacht charter — The most common format for luxury charters. A professional crew handles navigation, cooking, and service while you enjoy the voyage. Rates typically start from around €10,000 per week for a smaller motor yacht and climb well into six or seven figures for large superyachts.

Bareboat rental — For experienced, licensed sailors, some operators offer bareboat motor yachts and sailing boats. You must hold a valid boating licence recognised in Monaco or France.

Day charter — Ideal for a few hours or a full day cruising the coastline. Popular routes run from Monaco to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze-sur-Mer, Cap d'Ail, or along the Italian Riviera toward Ventimiglia and San Remo.

Event charter — During the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monaco Yacht Show, and other major events, yacht berths in Port Hercule are in extremely high demand. Booking six to twelve months in advance is common for event dates.

Where to book

Monaco's charter industry is centred on Port Hercule and the Fontvieille port area. Major international brokers with offices in Monaco include Fraser Yachts, Northrop & Johnson, Moran Yacht & Ship, Bespoke Yacht Charter, and Boat Bookings. Online platforms such as YachtCharterFleet and AnchorsBook also list a wide range of vessels available from Monaco.

For smaller day rentals or RIB (rigid inflatable boat) hire, local operators at the Yacht Club de Monaco and along the Quai Antoine Ier can arrange same-day or short-notice bookings during the summer season.

Monaco's ports

• Port Hercule — The main harbour in La Condamine, accommodating yachts up to 150 m+. Berths here are highly sought-after, especially during events.
• Port de Fontvieille — A smaller, quieter marina on the western side of Monaco, more suited to mid-size yachts and boats.
• Port de Cap d'Ail (bordering Monaco) — Just across the French border, offering additional berthing capacity and often used by charter operators serving Monaco clients.

Practical considerations

• Booking lead time: For peak season (July–August) and event charters, book as far in advance as possible. Day charters in the off-season can often be arranged within a few days.
• Licensing: Bareboat rentals require a valid boating licence. Crewed charters do not, as the captain handles navigation.
• Budget: Day charters for small boats start from roughly €500–€1,500. Crewed weekly charters range enormously depending on yacht size and season.
• Fuel and extras: Most charters operate on an "APA" (Advance Provisioning Allowance) basis, where fuel, food, port fees and tips are billed separately from the base rate.
• Customs: When crossing into Italian or French waters (which happens quickly from Monaco), the captain handles border formalities.

Best time to charter

The Mediterranean yachting season runs from May to October, with the peak in July and August. Spring and early autumn offer calmer seas, lower prices and fewer crowds. Major yachting events — the Monaco Yacht Show (late September) and the Monaco Grand Prix (late May) — are highlights of the charter calendar but require very early booking.