The world’s wealthiest choose to dock in the glittering principality that is Monaco. Yachting enthusiasts who want to experience the true beauty of luxury yachting are all drawn to the principality, and it’s here that the super-rich bump bows among one another.

As one of the world’s most eminent yachting destinations, the principality boasts superb marinas and yacht clubs, catering to the world’s most discerning yachting enthusiasts. Keep on reading to learn more about Monaco’s ports, marinas, and yacht clubs.

Monaco’s ports, marinas, and yacht clubs

Port Hercule

The jewel in Monaco’s crown is, of course, Port Hercule. Used as a trading port by both the Greeks and Romans, the port is one of the very few, if not the only deep-water port in the French Riviera. There are more than 700 berths available in this famous marina and Port Hercules is both vast and glamorous while still giving off the feeling of a working, bustling marina. It’s viewed as one of the greatest superyacht ports in the world. Port Hercules also plays host to the annual Monaco Yacht Show, considered one of the most prestigious events on the annual yachting calendar. Adding to Port Hercules allure are the designer boutiques, Michelin-star restaurants, and lavish resorts of Monte Carlo, all just a short walk away.

Monaco Yacht Club

Presided over by H.S.H. Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco brings together more than 2,500 members from 80 nationalities. This prestigious yacht club adds to the allure of the already spectacular Port Hercules. Established by Prince Rainier III in 1953, the Yacht Club de Monaco is the emblem of Monegasque yachting. The YCM Marina is an ideal power of call for overwintering berth facilities in Monaco. There are 26 superyacht berths ranging from 28 to 60-metres and this innovative complex has both a pontoon for tenders and a terminal for charters. Superyacht owners enjoy the benefits of having privileged access to the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Clubhouse throughout their stay in the principality.

Port Fontvieille 

Just around the corner from Port Hercules lies the charming Port Fontvieille. A mere 50 years ago, this area was nothing more than a narrow stretch of sand and ancient rock plunging into the sea. The development of Monaco’s second, much smaller port, was due to the economic development in the principality. Although not as famous as Port Hercules, Fontvieille is beautiful in her own right and offers better shelter from the easterly swells in the area. Locals primarily use this marina and visitor berths are limited.

Cala del Forte

Finding a berth for your yacht in Monaco has always been one of the superyacht season's biggest challenges. Built by Monaco Ports to be a sister marina to Monaco’s two existing ports is the state-of-the-art Cala del Forte, just a short cruise away on the coast of Italy, Ventimiglia. With berthing space and real estate in Monaco being in such high demand, yacht owners can now consider looking at yachting real estate just across the border. Protected naturally from the elements with controlled access from the land, Cala del Forte marina has been designed to be a new nautical centre worthy of superyachts in the region. Boasting 178 berths for yachts 70-metres plus, this unique marina will be a safe haven for a wide selection of vessels. Cala del Forte also currently holds the title of the longest concession in the Mediterranean with a duration spanning until 2094.

Mareterra Monaco

Scheduled to be completed in 2025, Monaco will add a third marina to its shores. A new port at Mareterra Monaco will add some much-needed berthing space in the heart of the principality and will include luxury real estate too. Dubbed Europe’s most ambitious project, Mareterra Monaco is a new eco-development, consisting of super-prime residential apartments, villas, retail space and ample recreational space. Mareterra Monaco will collectively include 110 apartments and ten villas, of which six will be located directly on the waterfront. The waterfront eco-district aims to become a beautiful new community of residential real estate and cultural spaces, celebrating the spirit of the Mediterranean.

Sustainability is at the heart of the US$2.4 billion project, which aims to align with Prince Albert II’s aim of ensuring the principality is carbon neutral by 2050. Mareterra Monaco boasts the latest green technology and will encourage the use of sustainable vehicles, offering 200 electric charging stations and 600 metres of cycle paths. Solar panels, rainwater recovery systems and thermal pumps are among the sustainable technologies being implemented. Ultimately, renewable energy will provide 80% of the heating and cooling in Monaco’s newest real estate project.

With existing marinas on the coast of Monaco and Italy, and the brand new Mareterra Monaco marina, the world's wealthiest will be spoilt for choice when choosing where to moor their superyachts.