Chartering a Yacht in Monaco

The famous Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Chartering a Yacht and Visiting the Principality of Monaco

About Monaco

The mixing of yachts, cliffs, and high rises, is uniquely Monaco

Charter Yachts Lined up to watch the Grand Prix

The Grimaldi Palace atop "the Rock"

The World Famous Monte Carlo Grand Casino

A view of the Mediterranean Sea from below the Grimaldi Palace

You can escape from the high-rises in Monaco, such as this walk below the palace

Monaco is a tiny principality (the second smallest independent state in the world next to the Vatican) on the French Riviera, encircled by France on three sides and backed by impressive cliffs and foothills leading to the Alps. Monaco, and its famous gambling town of Monte Carlo, has gained worldwide fame for its Casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix Race, Rich and Famous Residents (living there due to its liberal tax laws), and of course its Yachts.

On any given day, you can see more Super Yachts in Port Hercules (its main port) than in probably any other port in the world. And as we write, major works are underway to dramatically expand the number of super yacht berths in Monaco.

Things to do in Monaco

A trip to Monaco normally includes a tour of the Grimaldi Palace, a walk past the harbour to see all of the yachts, and a stop off in the famous Grand Casino. You may also want to visit the Oceanographic Museum, once directed by Jacques Cousteau, and its execellent aquarium. You can also visit the 19th century Monaco Cathedral where Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier were married and where Grace and Ranier are now buried.

If you plan to visit the Grand Casino, plan to dress appropriately. Men need to wear coat and tie - the Casino continues to enforce a sense of class and dignity while they extract money from your wallet. The Casino was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. Even if you're not there to gamble, you will want to see the frescoes, paintings, sculpture and architecture of this beautiful building.

Restaurants. For relaxed, port side dining, you may want to visit Stars and Bars, especially if you're longing for a good American hamburger. For a trendy bar/restaurant with great views of the harbour, visit Zebra Square atop the Grimaldi Forum. For elegance, try the Louis XV Restaurant or Le Grill de L'Hotel at the Hotel de Paris. And of course the Cafe de Paris is almost mandatory if only for a coffee and people watching.

If you will be in Monaco the last week in September, you can attend the Moanco Yacht show, a yearly spectacle focusing on the Super Yacht Industry. The entire harbor will be full of the world's greatest superyachts for viewing. Click here if you would like more information about the Monaco Yacht Show.

History of Monaco

The history of Monaco is inseparable from that of the Grimaldi family, which has ruled continously since 1297. Monaco has for centuries been caught up in the attempts of French Kings to invade Italy, and has been allied with many Eurpean poweres at different times. Monaco became an independent state under French protection in 1861.

Prince Ranier III, who came to power in 1949, is credited with creating the modern financial center and tax haven that it is today. Ranier III married Grace Kelly in a storybook wedding in 1956. The principality is currently governed by Prince Albert, son of Ranier III and Princess Grace, who took the throne when his father died in 2005.

Chartering in Monaco

Monaco is a common starting point for many Super Yacht charters, as it is just 20 minutes from Nice Airport and offers everything imaginable for provisioning even the most demanding of charters. It also is a must stop for charters along the South of France/Cote d'Azur. If you're chartering a sailboat or small motor yacht, it will most likely be in Fontvieille (the port on the west side of the palace), or in neighboring towns such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer or Villefranche-sur-Mer.

A delightful day charter from Monaco would include a stop off in picturesque Villefranche, the classy St Jean Cap Ferrat, and a tour around Cap d'Antibes to Cannes and back. You'll see some of the most expensive coastline in the world, plenty of super yachts, charming ports, and villas owned by Bono, Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and others.

Chartering for the Monaco Grand Prix

Once a year Monaco takes the world auto racing spotlight at the end of May when the Formula 1 comes to its winding streets. Chartering a yacht to watch the race and hang out with the rich and famous is one of the great chartering events of the yearly calendar. Boatbookings.com has access to the full range of yachts and can find you a scarce berth for the Monaco Grand Prix. Click here for complete details about chartering for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Our Charter Yachts

Boatbookings.com knows virtually every charter yacht in Monaco and can find the perfect one for you! Click here so see our Monaco Charter Yachts or simply contact us and we'll recommend the best boat for you.

Photos from Malcolm Hobbs and Boatbookings.com staff