PrivatSea’s Insider Guide: Monaco Yacht Show

The Monaco Yacht Show is the world’s most prestigious luxury yacht event, attracting a diverse and influential audience. Yacht owners, aspiring owners, suppliers, and charter clients are the prominent guests, drawn by the opportunity to see the latest superyachts, ranging from sleek and modern to traditionally grand vessels. Industry elites, including designers, brokers and shipbuilders, attend, seizing the chance to showcase their work, network, and strike deals. Luxury brand enthusiasts, investors, and high-net-worth individuals looking to explore yachting and discover the latest trends also find the Show unmissable.

For those with a deep passion for maritime culture, the Monaco Yacht Show offers unparalleled insights into the latest in yacht design and innovation. It’s also a magnet for anyone involved in the luxury sector, given the presence of high-end brands showcasing everything from bespoke interiors to exclusive lifestyle products.

The Monaco Yacht Show features more than 560 exhibitors from all corners of the yachting and luxury industries. Categories include superyacht builders, yacht brokers, luxury car manufacturers, helicopter services, and private jet companies. The event also attracts exhibitors from luxury goods sectors, including jewellery, fashion, and bespoke furniture and fittings, highlighting the interconnected world of high-end living.

As every year, PrivatSea will have its stand in a prime location, where we will showcase our latest services tailored to yacht owners and enthusiasts, or arrange private meetings in our offices overlooking the harbour. Please contact us to arrange a meeting.

The Monaco Yacht Show spans several days, and with over 120 superyachts and 50 tenders on display, and it can be complex to navigate. So how to prepare? A detailed map of the Show is essential, and planning your schedule in advance is advisable to ensure you visit the exhibitors most relevant to your interests.

Comfortable (but stylish!) shoes are a must. The Show’s vast area means your step count will be much more than you would expect in a confined area, going from dock to dock, whether exploring the luxury yachts, attending meetings, or browsing the various booths. So allow enough time between appointments and try to plan them by location of stand. Wear high-factor sunscreen and bring a water bottle. We suggest a simple but elegant tote bag for your own items and collateral you may receive.

Designated meeting spots, such as the various lounges or cafes, and if you know the right person, the Monaco Yacht Club provide convenient locations for catching up with colleagues or new contacts. If you wish to dine around the port for lunch or dinner, make a table reservation in advance and be patient regarding the service.

Accommodation in Monaco during the Show can be challenging to secure, so consider staying in nearby locations if you haven’t booked well in advance. You don’t need to stay in the heart of Monaco, which gets booked up months ahead Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a picturesque village known for its beautiful coastline and relaxed atmosphere, is just a short train ride or drive away. Nice, with its blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, is another excellent option, it offers hotel accommodation to suit all budgets. Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap d’Ail also offer a range of accommodations, from simple to luxury and easy access to the Show.

Nice, France

The nearest airport to Monaco is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport with many international connections (or fly to Paris). From Nice, there are fast train connections Monaco (22 minutes). For those who want to arrive in style and very short of time, a helicopter transfer from Nice to Monaco takes just seven minutes and offers stunning views of the Côte d’Azur. Try to avoid peak travelling times, especially 8-9am and 5-6pm when Show visitors will be travelling en masse or arrive at the station well in advance.

Taxis are available, with the drive from Nice to Monaco taking around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Beware the last trains in the evening are around 21h so you will need a car after that. During the evenings, taxis are a convenient option, though booking in advance is wise due to the high demand during the Show.

Booking & Planning: Early Preparations

Planning your visit to the Monaco Yacht Show well in advance is crucial. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as the event is extremely popular. If you wish to meet with specific exhibitors or attend private viewings of yachts, booking appointments ahead of time is essential to ensure you don’t miss out.

The Prince’s Palace looks over Port Hercule – © Adobe Stock / Sergey Novikov

Monaco and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the French Riviera’s culture and beauty. Before or after the Show, if you can add on some leisure time, take the opportunity to explore Monaco’s famed landmarks, such as the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, or the beautiful Jardin Exotique. A short drive from Monaco, the medieval village of Èze offers breathtaking views and charming cobblestone streets, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. For art lovers, the Musée Matisse in Nice and the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence are must-visits.

The Monaco Yacht Show is more than just an exhibition; it’s an immersion into the pinnacle of luxury, design, and maritime tradition. With careful planning and this insider guide, your experience at the Show will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Contact us on info@privatsea.com with any requests or information you may have.