Amongst the most iconic and picturesque destinations for yachting, Monaco’s marinas are some of the most famous harbours in the world.
Nestled along the French Riviera, Monaco’s marinas offer exceptional moorings coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, attracting the world’s most luxurious Superyachts.
Marinas in Monaco include first-class berthing at Port Hercules, a large world-class marina that offers a superb range of facilities Fontivielle, a smaller harbour flanked by restaurants and bars, and Cala Del Forte Ventimiglia, a luxury facility just minutes away from the principality at the scenic border with northern Italy. Soon to be completed is a refined new marina at Mareterra, a much-anticipated new eco-district currently under development.
Keep on reading to learn more about the many marinas in Monaco that lure Superyachts and luxury craft from across the globe.
Monaco’s marinas
Port Hercules
This renowned Monaco marina is in the heart of the lively and historic La Condamine district. The port, just moments away from Monte-Carlo and its refined offerings, including Michelin-starred restaurants and lavish resorts, is one of the few deepwater ports on the French Riviera. With depths ranging from 5 to 40-meters, this Monaco marina can accommodate all drafts, while its 700 berths offer space for the largest superyachts. The facilities provide everything a yacht owner needs, including fuel, chandlery, a shipyard, and the Monaco Yacht Club, designed in the shape of a boat by renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster. A new sea wall at the port offers protection from eastern swells, ensuring it provides vessels the highest levels of protection from inclement weather. The natural bay of Port Hercules is at the foot of the iconic Rock of Monaco, the ancestral monolith of the princes of Monaco. This superb Monaco marina is home to the annual Monaco Yacht Show, one of the world’s most prestigious yachting events, showcasing the finest luxury yachts for sale and charter. It also serves as the epi-centre of the annual Monaco Grand Prix, when the world’s Superyachts jostle for space to ensure they are in the centre of all the action. Without question, Port Hercules is the most famed marina in Monaco.
Port Fontvieille
The modern, well-protected harbour of Port Fontvieille, to the south, is Monaco’s smallest port. Though this Monaco marina is restricted (as all berths are reserved yearly) and does not accept transiting vessels, it is worth a visit, as it is situated in the heart of the district of Fontvieille. The area is known for its scenic vistas and easy access to excellent bars and restaurants, many of which line the picturesque marina. This Monaco marina offers more than 270 moorings for boats up to 30-metres with a maximum draft of 3-metres. The marina was built in the late 1960s, forming part of a land reclamation project that expanded the principality by some 22 hectares. For added convenience, the district of Fontvieille is home to Monaco’s heliport, offering quick and convenient transfers to the Nice Cote d’Azur airport.
Cala del Forte Ventimiglia
As luxury cruising increases, the principality has recently expanded its ability to host yachts with the opening of this new Monaco marina in Ventimiglia, Italy, just 79 nautical miles from its sister marinas Port Hercules and Fontvieille. The new port, officially inaugurated on July 2 by Prince Albert II of Monaco and the president of developer Monaco Ports, among others, offers regular maritime transfers, providing yacht owners easy access to Monaco. The Monaco One high-speed shuttle provides quick and easy transfers between Cala del Forte Ventimiglia and Port Hercules. The state-of-the-art power catamaran takes just 15 minutes and can carry up to 11 passengers. It operates daily and is reserved exclusively for guests of this Monaco marina.
In addition to the marina, described as one of the most advanced state-of-the-art marinas globally, the waterfront features luxury shops, fine dining, and a shipyard for all yachting needs.
Mareterra Monaco
Additional berthing space will be available when Mareterra Monaco is completed in 2025. This new Monaco marina is part of an innovative land reclamation project that sustainably extends Monaco’s coastline. The new Monaco marina will offer berths for more than a dozen vessels of up to 18 metres, and the waterfront will feature top-rated restaurants and shops. In addition, the entire 6-hectare eco-development will include luxury residences, including waterfront apartments, penthouses, townhouses and super-prime villas, as well as lush gardens and a broad pedestrian promenade. Sustainability is at the heart of this ambitious project with state-of-the-art green technology, including solar planes, rainwater recovery systems, and thermal pumps.
With so many state-of-the-art marinas boasting superb facilities, it is no wonder that the Principality of Monaco has established itself as the epi-centre of the superyacht industry. So, why not sail the Mediterranean and explore all that Monaco’s marinas have to offer for yacht owners.
By JUDY ISACOFF
Judy is a resident of Las Vegas, is a career journalist whose passion for travel has led to her working in the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, and Turkey. Her articles have appeared in several lifestyle and travel magazines. As a freelance contributor to Relevance, she has written many articles on Monaco’s prime real estate, luxury lifestyle, sustainability, and superyachts.
