Sail the Riviera: Ultimate Superyacht Rentals in Monaco
Introduction
Monaco, the world’s second-smallest sovereign nation, reigns supreme as the ultimate destination for superyacht enthusiasts. Nestled along the azure waters of the French Riviera, this glamorous principality offers an unparalleled yachting experience where Mediterranean elegance meets world-class service. Port Hercule, with its legendary berths shadowed by the Prince’s Palace and the Belle Époque splendor of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, has attracted the global elite since the days of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly. Today, chartering a superyacht in Monaco promises access to the world’s most exclusive maritime playground, from the chic harbors of Saint-Tropez and Cannes to the picturesque coves of the Italian Riviera.
Understanding Monaco Yacht Charter
The Monaco yacht charter market represents the pinnacle of luxury maritime travel. With over 800 superyachts regularly available for charter in the region, prices range dramatically based on vessel size, age, and amenities. Motor yacht rentals in Monaco typically range from €30,000 to €1.6 million per week, plus expenses. The charter fee covers the yacht, crew, and insurance, while an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 25-35% covers fuel, food, berthing fees, and additional expenses. Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all charters starting in Monaco, France, or Italy at the country’s full rate.
The ideal charter season runs from May through October, with peak demand during the Monaco Grand Prix in May and the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show in late September. For the most sought-after vessels, booking six to twelve months in advance is essential, particularly during major events.
TOP 10 LUXURY YACHT CHARTER CATEGORIES
Ultra-Luxury Megayachts (€500,000+ per week)
– Charter Price: From €3,000,000/week + APA
– The pinnacle of superyacht charter, vessels like the 136m FLYING FOX represent the absolute zenith of maritime luxury. These floating palaces feature twin helipads, two-storey wellness spas with professional dive centres, infinity pools, and award-winning interiors. Accommodating up to 22 guests in 11 suites, these megayachts employ crews of 50+ professionals. The German shipyard Lürssen, founded in 1875, has launched some of the world’s most iconic vessels including the 180m AZZAM and 138m RISING SUN.
– Best Season: May to September (Mediterranean), Winter (Indian Ocean/Caribbean)
– Insider tip: Book through established brokers like Burgess, Fraser, or Camper & Nicholsons for access to the most exclusive vessels. Expect a minimum seven-day charter during peak season.
– Charter Enquiry: Burgess | Fraser Yachts | Camper & Nicholsons
– Charter Price: From €1,800,000/week + APA
– Dutch shipyard Feadship represents the gold standard in custom superyacht construction. These vessels, typically 50-100+ metres, feature bespoke interiors by world-renowned designers, cutting-edge stabilisation systems, and the finest craftsmanship available. Feadship yachts accommodate 12-36 guests in impeccably appointed suites with dedicated crews of 25-40.
– Best Season: June to September for the French Riviera
– Insider tip: Feadship vessels hold their value exceptionally well on the charter market. Recent refits often include the latest hybrid propulsion technology and enhanced wellness facilities.
– Charter Enquiry: Edmiston | Northrop & Johnson
Premium Superyachts (€150,000-500,000 per week)
– Charter Price: €280,000-700,000/week + APA
– Italian shipyard Benetti, established in 1873, builds some of the most sought-after charter yachts in the Mediterranean. The flagship models feature full-beam master suites, beach clubs, jacuzzis, and cinema rooms. Recent launches like the Benetti Oasis 40M series emphasize indoor-outdoor living with innovative aft deck designs and plunge pools. Vessels accommodate 10-12 guests in 5-6 luxurious cabins with crews of 12-18.
– Best Season: May to October
– Insider tip: The new MAVERICK (40m Benetti Oasis, 2023) joins the charter fleet at €230,000-260,000/week, offering cutting-edge design from RWD and Bonetti/Kozerski with a beach-club-style aft deck.
– Charter Enquiry: Boatbookings | YachtCharterFleet
– Charter Price: €175,000-400,000/week + APA
– Dutch builder Heesen Yachts specializes in fast, aluminium superyachts combining performance with luxury. Known for their sleek profiles and impressive top speeds (often exceeding 25 knots), Heesen vessels appeal to charterers who value covering distance while maintaining five-star comfort. Models feature contemporary interiors, expansive sundeck areas, and comprehensive water toy collections.
– Best Season: June to September
– Insider tip: Heesen’s aluminium construction allows for faster cruising speeds, ideal for exploring multiple destinations along the Riviera in a single charter.
– Charter Enquiry: CharterWorld | IYC
5. 45-55m Sanlorenzo Superyachts
– Charter Price: €150,000-280,000/week + APA
– Italian builder Sanlorenzo has emerged as a design leader, with vessels showcasing minimalist elegance and innovative use of space. The SL and SD series offer exceptional volume-to-length ratios, while the revolutionary X-Space line features asymmetric designs and beach club areas rivaling much larger yachts. Guest capacity typically 10-12 in 5 cabins.
– Best Season: May to October
– Insider tip: Sanlorenzo’s partnership with renowned designers ensures each vessel has a distinctive character. Request recent builds for the latest in hybrid technology and acoustic comfort.
– Charter Enquiry: Fraser Yachts
Luxury Motor Yachts (€80,000-150,000 per week)
6. 35-45m Azimut|Benetti Yachts
– Charter Price: €80,000-160,000/week + APA
– The Azimut|Benetti Group, the world’s largest luxury yacht manufacturer, offers an exceptional range of charter vessels. Azimut models combine Italian styling with practical layouts, featuring spacious flybridges, well-equipped galleys, and extensive toy storage. The Grande series (35-42m) provides superyacht features at accessible charter rates. Typically accommodating 8-10 guests in 4-5 cabins.
– Best Season: April to October
– Insider tip: Azimut’s fiberglass construction offers excellent fuel efficiency. Consider shoulder season charters (April-May, September-October) for reduced rates and fewer crowds.
– Charter Enquiry: Boatbookings | Moran Yacht & Ship
7. 35-45m Sunseeker Superyachts
– Charter Price: €85,000-175,000/week + APA
– British builder Sunseeker has defined modern motor yacht design since the 1970s, with vessels featured in multiple James Bond films. The 131 Yacht (40m) and 161 Yacht (49m) models offer exceptional charter experiences with beach clubs, jacuzzis, and expansive deck spaces. Known for sporty performance combined with luxury accommodations for 8-12 guests.
– Best Season: May to September
– Insider tip: Sunseeker’s Poole heritage means excellent after-sales support throughout the Mediterranean. Many charter vessels include extensive water toy collections as standard.
– Charter Enquiry: Northrop & Johnson
– Charter Price: €75,000-140,000/week + APA
– Another prestigious British builder, Princess Yachts creates elegant motor yachts combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The Y-Class and X-Class models feature innovative hull designs for improved efficiency and comfort. Vessels typically accommodate 8-10 guests with attentive crews of 5-7.
– Best Season: May to October
– Insider tip: Princess vessels offer excellent value in the 35-40m range. Their hybrid models provide reduced emissions without sacrificing performance.
– Charter Enquiry: Princess Charter Yachts
Entry-Level Superyacht Charter (€50,000-80,000 per week)
– Charter Price: €50,000-95,000/week + APA
– Part of the Ferretti Group (which includes Riva, Pershing, and Custom Line), Ferretti Yachts offers accessible luxury with Italian flair. These vessels feature elegant interiors, efficient layouts, and reliable performance. Ideal for first-time charterers or smaller groups of 6-8 guests seeking quality without excessive scale.
– Best Season: April to October
– Insider tip: Ferretti’s extensive Mediterranean service network ensures excellent technical support throughout your charter. Consider a 10-day charter to explore both the French and Italian Rivieras.
– Charter Enquiry: Yacht IN | CharterWorld
– Charter Price: €45,000-120,000/week + APA
– The legendary Italian builder Riva, founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo, creates some of the most iconic yachts afloat. From the classic wooden runabouts beloved by Brigitte Bardot to modern superyachts, Riva vessels are instantly recognizable. The 100′ Corsaro and 110′ Dolcevita models offer exceptional style for 8-10 guests.
– Best Season: May to September
– Insider tip: A Riva charter is as much about the brand heritage as the vessel itself. Request a visit to the Riva shipyard in Sarnico if your itinerary passes Lake Iseo.
– Charter Enquiry: Fraser Yachts | Excellence Riviera
Reputable Charter Brokers
The superyacht charter market operates primarily through professional brokers rather than standard hotel booking platforms. The world’s leading charter brokerages include:
- Burgess – One of the largest superyacht specialists, headquartered in Monaco and London
- Fraser Yachts – Over 75 years of experience, 21 global offices, portfolio worth €7+ billion
- Camper & Nicholsons – Founded 1782, the world’s oldest yachting company
- Northrop & Johnson – 70+ years of experience, part of MarineMax
- Edmiston – Specialists in larger superyachts and new builds
- IYC (International Yacht Company) – Strong Mediterranean presence
- YachtCharterFleet – Leading online charter comparison platform
- CharterWorld – Over 3,000 yachts in their database
Expert Travel Tips
1. Book Through Established Brokers: Unlike hotels, superyachts are not available on standard booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Work with reputable brokers who have direct relationships with yacht owners and can negotiate on your behalf. A good broker will match you with the right vessel, crew, and itinerary.
2. Understand the True Cost: The charter fee is just the beginning. Budget an additional 25-35% for the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which covers fuel, food, marina fees, and incidentals. VAT applies at 20% for charters in French, Monégasque, and Italian waters. Crew gratuity of 10-20% of the base charter fee is customary.
3. Timing is Everything: For the Monaco Grand Prix (late May) and Monaco Yacht Show (late September), book 12+ months ahead. For general summer charters, 6-9 months is advisable for popular vessels. Consider shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for better availability and potential discounts of 10-20%.
4. Choose the Right Yacht Size: Consider your group dynamics carefully. A 35-40m yacht suits 6-8 guests comfortably, while larger groups of 10-12 require 45m+. Bigger isn’t always better; a well-crewed, appropriately-sized vessel often provides a more intimate experience.
5. Pack Appropriately: Soft-sided luggage is essential as hard cases are difficult to store. Most yachts request no hard-soled shoes on deck (pack deck shoes or go barefoot). Dress codes vary; luxury restaurants ashore require smart casual to formal attire.
6. Communicate Your Preferences: Complete the preference sheet thoroughly. Detail dietary requirements, activity interests, sleep schedules, and celebration occasions. The crew will tailor every aspect of your charter accordingly.
FAQs
Q: What’s included in the weekly charter price?
A: The base charter fee includes the yacht, crew wages, insurance, and standard equipment (water toys, tenders). It excludes fuel, food, beverages, marina fees, customs charges, and communications, which are covered by the APA. Gratuity is additional and discretionary.
Q: Can I charter a yacht for the Monaco Grand Prix?
A: Absolutely, though demand is extraordinary. Port Hercule berths during the Grand Prix are allocated to yachts with trackside positions months in advance. Expect premium pricing (often 50-100% above standard rates) and minimum charter periods. Book 12-18 months ahead for the best selection.
Q: Are children welcome on superyacht charters?
A: Most yachts welcome families, and many have specific family-friendly features including water toys, safety equipment, and children’s menus. Some vessels accommodate nannies in separate crew quarters. Discuss your family’s needs with your broker to find appropriately equipped vessels.
Q: What is the best itinerary from Monaco?
A: A classic one-week itinerary might include Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and the Îles de Lérins. For two weeks, extend to Corsica, Sardinia, or the Amalfi Coast. Your captain will adjust based on weather, preferences, and local events.
Q: Do I need special insurance?
A: The yacht carries comprehensive insurance, but personal travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies, and personal liability is strongly recommended. Your broker can advise on appropriate coverage levels.
Conclusion
A Monaco superyacht charter represents the pinnacle of luxury travel, combining unparalleled freedom with world-class service in one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous settings. From the legendary craftsmanship of Lürssen and Feadship to the iconic Italian elegance of Benetti and Riva, the charter fleet offers vessels to match every taste and budget. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone occasion, hosting a corporate event, or simply seeking the ultimate escape, chartering through established brokers ensures access to the finest yachts, crews, and experiences the Riviera has to offer. With careful planning and expert guidance, your voyage along the Côte d’Azur will create memories to last a lifetime.
