Port Hercule — berths and logistics
Port Hercule is Monaco's principal harbour and one of the most recognisable yacht addresses in the world. The port is compact by Mediterranean standards — it occupies less than two hectares of water — but its position at the centre of the principality gives it a visibility and prestige that no larger marina can replicate. Every significant yacht that berths here is visible from the streets above, the hotels, and the casino terrace.
Berth management is handled by the Société d'Exploitation des Ports de Monaco, with the Yacht Club de Monaco playing a central role in the allocation of premium positions. For superyachts above 30 metres, advance reservation is essential outside of the general summer season — peak periods (Grand Prix week in May, Yacht Show week in September) require booking 3–6 months in advance. During the Monaco Yacht Show, Port Hercule is exclusively allocated to show exhibitors; private visits during this week must use the nearby port of Fontvieille or anchor offshore.
The port infrastructure is excellent — shore power to superyacht standards, fuel available, full provisioning services available through the principality's network of specialist suppliers. The Yacht Club de Monaco, founded in 1953 under the patronage of Prince Rainier III, provides reciprocal facilities for visiting yacht club members and organises a full events calendar throughout the season. Official visitor information is available from the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Superyachts in Monaco right now
Live vessel positions in and around Port Hercule, updated every few minutes via AIS transponder data.
Loading live vessel data...
Monaco Yacht Show
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) takes place annually in the last week of September and is the most important event in the superyacht industry calendar. Unlike the Cannes Yachting Festival or the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the MYS focuses exclusively on superyachts above 30 metres — new builds, brokerage listings, and concept presentations from the world's leading yards and design studios.
For the industry, the MYS is where the most significant deals are discussed, where new build commissions are announced, and where the year's most important deliveries are shown publicly for the first time. For buyers and charterers, it is the most efficient way to see a large number of significant vessels in a single location — a week at the show provides more market intelligence than months of individual visits to yards and brokerages.
Port Hercule during show week hosts up to 120 superyachts. The most significant brokerage listings are positioned on the outer quays for maximum visibility; new builds are typically on the inner quays where access can be more controlled. Entry to the show requires registration through the official MYS website. Boat International provides comprehensive editorial coverage of each show.
Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix — held annually in late May — is the event that most acutely demonstrates Monaco's dual role as a racing circuit and a superyacht gathering. Port Hercule transforms into the most valuable viewing platform in motorsport: the outer breakwater, the quaysides, and the superyachts moored along the Quai Antoine 1er provide direct sightlines over the harbour section of the circuit, including the famous tunnel entry and chicane.
Grand Prix week berths are the most valuable in the Mediterranean — premium positions command rates of €5,000–20,000 per night for the race weekend alone, and allocation requires relationships with the port authority established well in advance. Charter yachts positioned for the Grand Prix are typically booked 12–18 months ahead at charter rates significantly above standard summer pricing.
Anchorages and nearby stops
Cap Ferrat — the peninsula between Monaco and Nice — is the first choice for charterers who want Monaco's proximity without the port's costs and activity. The anchorage off Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat village provides clear water, good holding, and a 20-minute tender to Monaco. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild gardens, the Plage Paloma, and several excellent restaurants make Cap Ferrat a fine destination in its own right.
Villefranche-sur-Mer's deep bay, 8 kilometres from Monaco, is one of the most dramatic anchorages on the Riviera — a natural deepwater harbour surrounded by limestone hills with the perfectly preserved medieval village above. The bay accommodates vessels of any size and is one of the few Riviera anchorages that is genuinely sheltered from the east. It is also used as a tender destination by vessels based in Monaco that want an alternative dining environment.
When to visit
Monaco operates year-round, but the superyacht season runs from May to October. The calendar has three distinct peaks: Grand Prix week (May), peak summer (July–August), and Yacht Show week (late September). Each has different character and different logistics implications.
Outside these peaks, June and early September offer the best combination of good weather, available berths at standard rates, and the full Monaco experience. The principality's restaurants, casino, and general luxury infrastructure are available year-round — Monaco in October, outside the show, is a genuinely peaceful and beautiful destination. For South of France charter planning that includes Monaco, see our dedicated charter guide. For further destination intelligence, see the full destinations hub.