A rapturous melody of Champagne glasses, chandeliers, and pink-pillared exteriors that nod to the principality’s illustrious dynasty, a Monaco yacht charter whispers a world of glamor and fairytale elegance.
This bijou principality offers a hedonistic fusion of fine dining, casinos, nightlife, stunning belle époque architecture and pure unadulterated luxury. It is home to several prestigious yachting, social and sporting events throughout the year including the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters and the Monaco Yacht Show. Whether you are looking to host a corporate charter event, experience one the many events or enjoy a luxury charter of the French Riviera, Monaco holds endless possibilities.
In this article:
- Monaco Yacht Charters: At a Glance
- Popular Destinations for Yacht Rentals in Monaco
- Highlights of a Monaco Yacht Charter
- Who Goes on a Monaco Yacht Charter?
- History and Culture
- Types of Yacht Charters in Monaco
- Motor Yacht Charters in Monaco
- Sailing Yacht Charters in Monaco
- How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Monaco?
- VAT for Yacht Charters in Monaco
- When is the Best Time for Monaco Yacht Charters?
- Local Insight
- How to Book Your Yacht Charter in Monaco
- World-class events
The glamorous Port Hercules plays host to a number of iconic events throughout the year, including the Monaco Grand Prix held annually in May and the Monaco Yacht Show in September, to name a few. - Michelin-starred dining
This tiny principality is home to a number of distinguished Michelin-starred restaurants and top dining options, making this the perfect stop-off for a heavenly meal ashore. - Casino and high rollers
Enjoy the high life at the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino and other illustrious venues where the chance of rubbing shoulders with the world’s rich and famous increases tenfold. - High end boutiques
With its concentration of ultra wealthy Monegasques, the demand for haute couture and big name labels is high, meaning you can truly shop till you drop in this glamorous enclave. - Cultural mecca
Offering up a veritable medley of cultural pursuits; from a night at l’Opéra de Monte Carlo to meandering le Jardin Japonaise, there is so much to see and experience here you’ll be spoiled for choice.
From May, superyachts converge for the Monaco Grand Prix, where yacht-goers waltz from one sun-dappled boat party to the sultry environs of legendary haunts like Sass Café and Jimmy’z in a twinkling instant. Monaco event highlights also include The Rolex Masters, and the phenomenal Monaco Yacht Show in September: the undisputed apex of the yachting calendar.
With Monaco's hills mingled with Michelins, the superyacht elite swoon over Alain Ducasse's offering Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris, La Chèvre d’Or and Restaurant du Métropole. Haute couture boutiques line immaculately-kept lawns in its One-Monte Carlo district, which after a splurging amble you should seek sustenance at l'Hôtel Hermitage.
Afterwards, take afternoon tea sheltered under a shimmering dome crafted by the man behind Paris's towering monument, Gustave Eiffel, and finish off with a balmy walk in Jardin Exotique, drinking up sublime rose-tinted vistas all the way to Italy.
A Monaco yacht rental vacation offers a mesmerizing selection of things to see and do. Here is our top picks of some of the most outstanding:
- Monte Carlo Casino: Founded in 1863, the casino is arguably one of the most iconic buildings on the French Riviera, and has been immortalised on the silver screen several times over, from the likes of James Bond, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and Ocean's Eleven to name a few.
- Salle Garnier opera house: Added in 1878 to offer additional entertainment to visitors, adjacent to the casino the exquisite Belle Époque facade was designed by Charles Garnier and features a grand hall with seating for 524 patrons.
- Le Jardin Japonaise: Designed in 1994 by a Japanese architect at the request of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, the Japanese Garden offers a Zen retreat that spans almost two acres and features a waterfall, small mountain, pond and tea house.
- Monaco Grand Prix: Illustrious sporting fixture held annually in May, drawing the world’s glitterati to its shores for the prestigious race and glamorous yachting scene.
- Le Jimmy’z: Iconic night club which plays host to A-listers and Hollywood ingénues, where international DJs play their sets as the rich and famous mingle outdoors on the terrace and Japanese garden
- Oceanographic Museum: Perched on cliffs overlooking the glittering Mediterranean, the museum is home to an array of fascinating marine exhibits spread over 5 levels, including interactive displays, tactile pool, Whale Room and ImmerSEAve 360º virtual reality transporting visitors to the depths of the ocean.
- Cathédrale de Monaco: Built on a site that dates back to the 13th century, the cathedral has played a significant role in the history of the Monegasque royal family.
- Larvotto Beach: This man-made stretch of pale cream sands offers visitors a relaxing sun-kissed haven where you can enjoy table service as you top up your tan. The newly revamped complex also boasts an array of cafes, bars and restaurants lined along its pine-shaded promenade.
With the grandeur of a bygone era, Monaco's diminutive dimensions belie the rarefied bubble it attracts: long graced by stars, royalty and the SuperyachtSet, the country's iconic marina is a superyacht extraordinaire. Bestowed with bars and boutiques nearby, cradled by soaring hills that are etched with the eye-poppingly ornate royal palace, and the Belle Époque twin glories of Casino de Monte-Carlo and opera house Salle Garnier a mere saunter away, Port Hercule is ablaze with the world's glitterati each summer.
This picturesque coastal nation is the world’s smallest country, after the Vatican, and is renowned as a haven for the rich and famous, who enjoy the Monaco’s tax-free status and glamorous locales.
In 1297, the Grimaldi family settled in Monaco after the land was granted to Genoa by Emperor Henry IV, with ancestors of the family controlling the principality ever since. In 1949, Prince Rainier III ascended the throne, and married Grace Kelly in 1956. The prince played an important role in bringing economic prosperity to the area, while his American actress wife was instrumental in promoting arts and culture and bringing glamor to the small nation.
The principality’s tax-free status and no income tax has attracted many rich residents, who have also played their part in shaping this tiny glittering enclave into the JetSet destination it is today. Monaco’s rich cultural influences can also be attributed to its neighbors France, Italy & Spain, with Roman Catholicism making up over two thirds of its resident’s religious beliefs.
Perched with poise above the cornflower-blue waters of the Mediterranean, motor yacht and sailing yacht charters in Monaco are in prime position to explore the wonders of the encircling French Riviera, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes, as well as venturing further afield to the Italian Riviera. Unsure what type of charter for Monaco to choose? Below we've highlighted the main points of difference.
A crewed motor yacht charter in Monaco beckons guests with its decadent allure, entirely in keeping with the principality's chichi surrounds. Think your own private chef, five-star hotel service and amenities onboard your plush paradise. With a yacht charter itinerary put together entirely to meet your needs, make the most of your freedom at sea and anchor at otherwise inaccessible bays dotted along the glittering shore.
If you are looking to lap up the splendor of Monaco and the nearby cruising grounds of France at a slower rhythm (combined with considerable outdoor deck space) a sailing yacht charter is an ideal fit. Coupled with Monaco's enviable climate, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine per year, you'll bronze in timeless style.
There is a multitude of charter yachts available in and around Monaco, given its prime position on the French Riviera and as one of the most popular West Mediterranean yacht charter destinations among the SuperyachtSet. With so many options available, there’s something to suit every type of budget. For convenience we have listed the average prices for motor yacht and sailing yacht charters in Monaco below;
- For motor yacht rentals in Monaco, prices can range from $31,319 to $1.6m per week, plus expenses
- For luxury sailing yacht rentals in Monaco, prices can go from $30,130 to $542,712 weekly, plus expenses
As well as the Monaco yacht charter fee itself (plus any delivery or redelivery costs), you will need to pay VAT. But how much does VAT cost for yacht charters in Monaco? Below are the main points you need to consider before chartering:
- The new rules, which came into force in 2020, state that VAT on charters starting in Italy, France and Monaco is now applied at the country's full VAT rate at the origin of the charter, i.e. the port of embarkation.
- The standard rate of VAT is 20% for charters originating in either Monaco or France. This applies regardless of the port of disembarkation.
- For itineraries incorporating other countries, VAT will always be applied at the rate of the country of origin. So, if the charter commences in France or Monaco the rate is 20%, if the charter begins in Italy the rate is 22%.
The best time to visit Monaco varies on your intentions. Head out in May or September if you are looking to see and be seen at one of its world-renowned events, but avoid these months if you are after something more tranquil in nature. Opt for June and August when the temperature peaks, or October for clement weather and warm waters but fewer crowds.
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- Monaco is eminently a walkable city, however it can be quite steep with lots of hills and flights of steps. For anyone with accessibility issues, the region offers a series of public elevators (ascenseurs publics) dotted around the various wards.
- Port Hercules is one of the most sought-after berths globally and you will need to book months in advance if you are looking for a slip during the high season.
- At peak times, it's worth visiting popular sites early. Shops and businesses don't tend to open until around 10am, so anytime before this tends to be relatively crowd-free.
- The closest airport to Monaco is Nice, complete with a dedicated private jet terminal. Monaco also has a number of heliports available that guests may take advantage of.
- When venturing through Monaco taxis are the best mode of transport, but can prove hard to come by during high season events.
With its A-lister appeal, rich arts and culture and array of world-class events, Monaco is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, we advise you to book your yacht charter well in advance of your trip to secure your perfect yacht on your preferred dates. If you leave it too late, the selection of yachts at your disposal will be reduced and you may not be able to explore the destinations you have your heart set on. Plus, finding dates when everyone in your charter party is available can be tricky; the longer you leave it, the more challenging it will be.
For more information about renting a private luxury charter yacht in Monaco please contact your preferred yacht charter broker, they can help you plan your perfect yachting vacation itinerary, combining your party's needs with recommendations about the best time to visit.
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