The Best Boat Rentals in Monaco

For a simple day on the water, small motorboats and RIBs around Monaco usually start from about €300–€700 per day, while mid‑size day cruisers and sporty yachts are commonly $1,500–$3,500 per day. Luxury motor yachts with crew often run $4,000–$8,000+ per day, and multi‑day superyachts can range from roughly $50,000 per week into the high six or seven figures, depending on size and season. Inclusions vary by listing, but many Monaco charters include a licensed captain, basic refreshments like water and soft drinks, and standard safety gear. Expect to budget extra for fuel (based on your route and speed), gratuity, catering or BYO supplies, and any pickup or docking fees at premium marinas.

You’ll find everything from compact motorboats and RIBs for quick coastal hops, to sailboats and catamarans for relaxed cruising, and sleek motor yachts for day parties or VIP transfers. Larger crewed yachts with spacious decks are popular for celebrations, while family groups often prefer stable catamarans. Listings frequently offer swim ladders, snorkel gear, floats, or seabobs—check each boat’s description to see what’s on board.

If you book a captained charter, no license is required for you or your guests. For self‑drive rentals, local standards generally require proof of competence (such as an ICC or equivalent) for motorboats over low horsepower thresholds; sailing boats may be available to experienced skippers with a strong résumé. Many visitors choose a skipper for stress‑free docking in busy ports and to navigate no‑anchoring zones and traffic along the Riviera. If you don’t have a license or experience, simply request a captained option at booking.

The main departure points are Port Hercule in La Condamine and Port de Fontvieille beneath the Rock of Monaco. If schedules or berths are tight, captains also arrange pickups at nearby French Riviera marinas just over the border, like Port de Cap d’Ail, and slightly farther west at Beaulieu‑sur‑Mer or in Villefranche‑sur‑Mer’s sheltered bay. Your captain will confirm the most convenient quay and exact meeting point once your reservation is set.

Even a short cruise frames the Prince’s Palace and the cliff‑perched Oceanographic Museum above Port Hercule, with the Casino and skyline of Monte‑Carlo behind. East and west you’ll pass Larvotto’s beaches and marine reserve, the dramatic Tête de Chien headland, and coves like Plage Mala at Cap d’Ail. Longer outings can add Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat’s turquoise bays, Villefranche’s deep natural harbor, Roquebrune‑Cap‑Martin, Menton, or even a cross‑border hop toward the Italian Riviera on full‑day itineraries.

Yes—families are welcome. Every boat carries required safety equipment, including life jackets for all passengers, and most can provide child‑sized PFDs when requested in advance. For younger children, choose a boat with shade, a stable platform (catamarans are great), and easy swim access. Let your captain know if you’ll have infants or toddlers so they can set up the right gear and a gentler route.

Bringing your own snacks and beverages is common, and many captains can chill drinks and provide ice, cups, or plates. Some listings offer catering or can pre‑stock the boat; others can plan a lunch ashore at a beach club in Cap‑d’Ail or Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat. For safety, glass is often discouraged underway, and red wine or confetti may be restricted to protect decks—check your listing’s house rules.

Pet policies are set by each owner. Small, well‑behaved dogs are sometimes allowed on a case‑by‑case basis, often with a cleaning fee and a request to keep pets off upholstery and teak. If you’re hoping to bring a dog, mention the breed and size in your inquiry so the captain can advise and bring a non‑slip mat or designate a shaded area.

Summer days typically start calm and build a light afternoon sea breeze, which can make morning departures smoother for families. Captains continuously monitor the marine forecast; if conditions are deemed unsafe, they’ll work with you to reschedule or arrange a refund according to the listing’s cancellation policy. If it’s breezy but safe, normal cancellation terms apply, so review your boat’s policy before you book.

Absolutely. Monaco charters regularly host special occasions, from milestone birthdays to pre‑wedding cruises and team events. Captained yachts make logistics easy: you bring your guest list and playlist; the crew handles routing, swim stops, and timing for sunset photos. Share your headcount and vibe in advance so your captain can match you with a layout and sound system that suits your group.

The boating season runs roughly April through October. July and August are peak for warm water and long days; May, June, and September deliver great weather with fewer crowds. The week of the Monaco Grand Prix in late May and the Monaco Yacht Show in late September sell out months ahead, as do popular U.S. holiday windows like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day when many American travelers are in Europe. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and morning or golden‑hour cruises tend to be smoother than mid‑afternoon runs.

For most trip planners, a captained charter is the easiest path: you avoid docking in busy marinas, your skipper manages fueling and local rules, and you can relax with your guests. Self‑drive can be fun for experienced boaters on smaller dayboats, but you’ll need the proper license and comfort with traffic patterns, swim zones, and marine protected areas. If you’re celebrating or juggling schedules, a captain minimizes surprises.

Yes—wildlife cruises into the Pelagos Sanctuary are a Riviera highlight in summer, with chances to spot dolphins and, occasionally, larger whales offshore. Closer to shore, your captain can plan swim stops in the clear coves of Cap‑Ferrat or at Plage Mala’s cliffs. Note that anchoring and navigation are restricted inside Monaco’s Larvotto Marine Protected Area; your skipper will choose nearby bays with good holding and permitted moorings.