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A yacht charter in Monaco is the private hire of a crewed yacht, for a day or a week, departing from Port Hercule or Port de Fontvieille. The season runs May to September, with peak demand in July, August and event weeks such as the Grand Prix.
How does a yacht charter in Monaco work?
A yacht charter is the private hire of a crewed yacht for a set period — a few hours, a day, or a week or more. The yacht comes with a professional captain and crew who handle navigation, service and safety, leaving your time on board entirely your own.
Charters are usually agreed under a standard charter contract. You pay a base rate for the yacht and crew, plus running costs (covered by an Advance Provisioning Allowance) and applicable VAT.
Where does Rivelune fit in?
Rivelune is an independent advisory service. We don't own or operate yachts. We listen to your plans, shortlist suitable yachts and arrange your charter, working with trusted partner brokerages behind the scenes. You keep one point of contact throughout.
Which port do Monaco yacht charters leave from?
Most charters leave from Port Hercule; smaller yachts sometimes use Port de Fontvieille.
Port Hercule
Monaco's main harbour sits at the foot of Monte-Carlo and the Rock. It's the departure point for most charters, and during the Grand Prix it becomes a front-row seat to the circuit.
Port de Fontvieille
A smaller, quieter harbour on the western side of the Rock, typically used by smaller yachts. It can be a convenient, calmer embarkation point outside of event weeks.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Monaco?
June and September offer the best balance of weather, choice and price; July and August are the peak.
| Season | Months | Demand | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Moderate | Mild weather, Rolex Masters, quieter harbours |
| Grand Prix | Late May / early June | Very high | Event rates, berth fees, many clients book 6–12 months ahead |
| Shoulder | June, September | High | Shoulder season often 20%–35% cheaper than July–August |
| Peak | July–August | Highest | Warmest water, book earliest |
| Yacht Show | Late September | Very high | Show-week berths limited |
| Winter | October–March | Low | Limited availability; New Year’s Eve |
- Spring (April–May): mild weather, quieter harbours and the Rolex Masters.
- Late May / early June: the Monaco Grand Prix — the busiest week of the year.
- Summer (June–September): the peak charter season, warm water and long evenings.
- September: the Monaco Yacht Show.
- Winter: limited availability, with special occasions such as New Year's Eve.
Should I choose a day charter or a week charter?
Choose a day charter for a first experience or a celebration; choose a week to live aboard and explore further.
A day charter is perfect for first-timers, celebrations or a taste of the Riviera — usually four to eight hours with a swim stop and lunch. A week charter lets you live aboard, explore further and follow an itinerary such as Saint-Tropez or Portofino.