7 Best Anchorages Around Monaco for a Private Yacht Charter

Best anchorages near Monaco: a broker's overview

The best anchorages around Monaco sit within 2 to 30 nautical miles of Port Hercule, making them ideal stops on a luxury yacht charter along the French Riviera. From the sheltered lee of Cap d'Ail to the turquoise shallows off Îles de Lérins, these spots reward captains and guests with calm water, striking coastal scenery, and easy tender access to shore. Below, we break down seven anchorages we recommend to our own charter clients — rated for holding, swell exposure, and onshore appeal.

Cap d'Ail — the quick escape under 10 minutes

Cap d'Ail sits directly west of the principality, and most motor yachts reach its small bay in under 10 minutes at 12 knots. The anchorage off Plage Mala is protected from easterly swell by a steep limestone headland, with a sandy bottom at 6–10 metres depth that offers reliable holding for yachts up to around 40 m LOA. In settled summer conditions — typically June through September — the water here stays remarkably clear, making it a favourite for a first swim stop before continuing west toward Villefranche.

Because the bay is compact, arriving early matters. On peak weekends during July and August, our captains often suggest departing Port Hercule by 09:00 to secure a good swing radius. A tender run to the beach restaurant takes roughly two minutes, giving guests a taste of the Riviera without a long transfer.

Villefranche-sur-Mer — deep-water shelter for larger yachts

Villefranche-sur-Mer offers one of the deepest natural harbours on this stretch of coast. Yachts of 50 m and above anchor comfortably in 15–25 metres over mud and sand, well shielded from the prevailing westerly by the Cap de Nice headland to the south. The rade (roadstead) has served as a naval anchorage for centuries, and that heritage speaks to its reliability.

Ashore, the ochre waterfront and the 16th-century Citadelle reward a short tender ride. Provisioning is straightforward: the old town market operates most mornings, and the quay restaurants serve excellent Niçois cuisine. For guests on a [Monaco day-charter itinerary](#), Villefranche is the logical first or last waypoint — just 3 nautical miles from Port Hercule.

Baie des Fourmis, Beaulieu-sur-Mer — calm conditions and a glamorous backdrop

Beaulieu-sur-Mer's Baie des Fourmis faces south-southeast, which means it catches morning light beautifully while remaining protected from the Mistral. The holding is good in 8–12 metres over sand. Smaller charter yachts in the 20–30 m range find this anchorage particularly comfortable, though space can tighten during the Cannes Film Festival period when transiting traffic increases.

The bay sits barely a mile east of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, so guests can combine both stops in a single afternoon. A tender drop at the port of Beaulieu gives access to the Villa Kérylos and several terrace restaurants. Browse our [fleet in Monaco](#) to find a crewed yacht ideally sized for this kind of close-quarter Riviera cruising.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — three anchorages on one peninsula

The Cap Ferrat peninsula hides at least three usable anchorages depending on wind direction:

1. Anse des Fossettes — a north-facing pocket on the east side, sheltered from westerlies, with 5–8 m depth over rock and weed. Best for yachts under 35 m. 2. Paloma Beach anchorage — southeast-facing, popular for lunch stops. Good holding in sand at 7–10 m. The beach club ashore serves grilled fish that rivals anything in Monaco. 3. Rade de Villefranche overlap — the western side of the cape shares the Villefranche roadstead, offering deep-water options when the east side is exposed.

Captains rotate between these spots as the breeze shifts, which is why a knowledgeable local crew makes a genuine difference on any private yacht hire along this coast.

Îles de Lérins — the Riviera's finest island anchorage

Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat lie roughly 28 nautical miles southwest of Monaco, reachable in about 90 minutes at 18 knots. The north side of Sainte-Marguerite provides a long, sandy-bottomed shelf at 4–8 metres — perfect for an overnight stay in light summer winds. The water colour shifts from deep blue to translucent green as you approach the shallows.

Island anchorages here are regulated: anchoring is prohibited over Posidonia seagrass beds, and eco-mooring buoys are available seasonally. A shore walk leads through a pine and eucalyptus forest to the old fort, while Saint-Honorat's monastery produces wines available only on the island. See our [Riviera cruising guide](#) for suggested multi-day routes that include the Lérins stopover.

What makes a great anchorage on a Riviera yacht charter?

- Holding quality — sand and mud bottoms grip modern anchors far better than rock or weed, reducing the risk of dragging overnight. - Swell protection — headlands, offshore islands, and south-facing bays block the dominant westerly chop common from June to September. - Tender access — the best spots allow a short dinghy ride to a beach, port, or restaurant, keeping the experience seamless for guests who prefer not to re-board a passerelle. - Swing room — during peak season, anchorages fill quickly; wider bays let the crew set an appropriate scope without crowding neighbouring vessels. - Local regulations — marine parks near Cannes and Cap Martin impose anchoring restrictions to protect seagrass meadows. A qualified captain ensures full compliance.

Plan your charter from Monaco this season

Every anchorage on this list lies within a comfortable half-day cruise of Port Hercule, which means even a single-day boat charter can include two or three stops with time left for a long lunch at anchor. The 2026 summer season — roughly late May through early October — brings the calmest seas and the warmest water temperatures along this coast. Choosing the right yacht, the right crew, and the right departure window turns a good itinerary into one you will measure every future trip against.