A Full-Day Yacht Itinerary from Monaco
Depart from Port Hercule and trace the Riviera coastline east to west, covering roughly 50 nautical miles between Cap d'Ail and the Îles de Lérins before returning under the evening lights of the principality.
From the port outwards
- 01
09:00 · Cast off — Port Hercule
Clear the harbour breakwater and head east toward Cap d'Ail. The short transit takes barely ten minutes, giving the crew time to set up the aft deck for breakfast. Morning swell is typically under half a metre here, so coffee stays in the cup. Ask the skipper to idle past the Grimaldi cliffs for an unobstructed view of the old town from sea level.
- 02
10:30 · Swim stop — Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Anchor in the turquoise shallows off Paloma Beach, where the seabed drops to about four metres and visibility often exceeds fifteen. This south-facing bay is sheltered from the prevailing westerly, making it ideal for paddle-boarding and snorkelling. The tender can shuttle guests ashore to the beach restaurant — book a table by radio at least 30 minutes ahead during July and August.
- 03
13:00 · Waterfront lunch — Villefranche-sur-Mer
Cruise five minutes west into Villefranche's deep natural harbour. The bay offers excellent holding on sand at 8 to 12 metres, and the old port's quayside restaurants serve grilled catch of the day and chilled Bellet rosé. Ask the skipper to position the yacht bow-out for a quick departure. After lunch, walk the Chapelle Saint-Pierre — a small fishermen's chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau.
- 04
16:00 · Beach and aperitivo — Îles de Lérins
A 90-minute westward cruise brings you to Île Sainte-Marguerite, just off Cannes. Anchor on the north side where the island blocks the afternoon chop. The pine-shaded shoreline is perfect for a late swim, and the crew can set up Campari spritzes on the foredeck. Depths around the anchorage range from three to seven metres over sand, so the tender ride to the island jetty is barely two minutes.
- 05
19:30 · Sunset return — Monaco harbour lights
Weigh anchor as the sun drops behind the Esterel hills and set an eastward course back toward the principality. The return passage takes roughly two hours at 18 knots, arriving as the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the palace façade glow above the marina. The skipper will radio Port Hercule for a stern-to berth. Step ashore directly onto Quai des États-Unis for dinner in town.
About Monaco
Port Hercule sits at the geographic centre of the western Mediterranean's finest cruising ground. Within 30 nautical miles you reach Cannes, the Îles de Lérins, and the sheltered coves of Cap d'Ail. Stretch the radius to 60 miles and Saint-Tropez opens up for a comfortable overnight passage. The charter season runs from late April through October, with peak demand in July and August when the Riviera's social calendar is at its densest. A yacht rental from this principality puts you within minutes of three countries and dozens of anchorages.
The local fleet ranges from agile 12-metre day boats to crewed motor yachts exceeding 40 metres. Most berths in Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille use stern-to Mediterranean mooring, so tenders are often the fastest way ashore at popular stops like Beaulieu-sur-Mer or Paloma Beach. Sea conditions along this stretch of coast are typically calm from May to September, with afternoon thermals rarely exceeding 12 knots. Ashore, the Marché de la Condamine offers provisions that rival any Michelin-starred galley — fresh socca, local rosé, and line-caught fish landed that morning.
Couples appreciate the privacy of a short Riviera hop to Èze-sur-Mer with lunch on the aft deck. Families with children find the calm waters between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche ideal for swimming and paddle-boarding. Corporate hosts regularly book half-day charters during the Grand Prix or the Monaco Yacht Show to entertain clients away from the crowds. Whatever the occasion, our brokers design each itinerary around your group size, pace, and interests. Reach out to discuss a private yacht hire shaped to your schedule.