Monaco Yacht Day Trip — A Five-Stop Itinerary
Depart from Port Hercule and trace the coastline east toward Cap-Martin before doubling back west past Èze to the bays of Villefranche — roughly 22 nautical miles round trip.
From the port outwards
- 01
09:00 · Cast off from Port Hercule
Clear the harbour breakwater and turn east toward Cap-Martin. Morning seas along this stretch are typically flat, making it the calmest window for open-deck breakfast. The crew will brief safety procedures as the skyline of Monte-Carlo recedes behind you.
- 02
10:30 · Swim stop at Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Anchor in the sheltered bay off Paloma Beach where depths of 5 to 8 metres over sand provide excellent holding. The water here stays clear even in peak season. Use the tender for a shore visit or snorkel directly from the swim platform — arrive before 11:00 to beat day-tripper traffic.
- 03
13:00 · Waterfront lunch at Villefranche-sur-Mer
The deep natural harbour at Villefranche offers easy stern-to mooring for yachts up to 30 metres. Walk the quay to one of several seafood restaurants serving Niçoise-style catch of the day. Reserve ahead during July and August; your broker can secure a table before departure.
- 04
16:00 · Explore the Old Town at Èze-sur-Mer
Drop anchor off the narrow pebble beach below Èze village. A short, steep path leads to the medieval hilltop with panoramic views stretching from Italy to the Estérel massif. Allow 45 minutes for the walk up and back. The anchorage is exposed to southerly swell, so the crew will monitor conditions.
- 05
19:30 · Sunset aperitivo in Monaco harbour
Return to Port Hercule as the light softens over the Prince's Palace. The crew will set up drinks on the aft deck while you watch the harbour come alive for the evening. From here it is a five-minute walk to the restaurants along Quai Albert Ier for dinner ashore.
About Monaco
Monaco is the natural starting point for any serious cruise along the French Riviera. Port Hercule, the principality's central marina, sits within single-digit nautical miles of Cap d'Ail, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the sheltered bays of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Stretch the day to 30 nautical miles and you reach the Îles de Lérins off Cannes — ideal for a lunch anchorage and afternoon swim. The charter season runs reliably from late April through October, with peak demand in July and August around the Monaco Grand Prix and summer regattas.
The local fleet ranges from agile 12-metre day boats perfect for coastal hops to 50-metre-plus superyachts equipped with tenders, jet skis and on-board chefs. Most vessels Med-moor stern-to along the Riviera's tight harbour walls, so your crew handles all docking. Sea conditions between Monaco and Èze-sur-Mer are typically calm through summer, rarely exceeding half-metre swell before the autumn Mistral sets in. Ashore, the Marché de la Condamine offers fresh Provençal produce — a favourite provisioning stop for private chefs preparing lunch on deck.
A yacht hire from Monaco suits couples celebrating milestones, families with young children who need flexible schedules, and corporate hosts entertaining clients against a Riviera backdrop. A popular two-day route departs Port Hercule, anchors overnight at Villefranche-sur-Mer, then continues to Saint-Tropez for lunch at a portside brasserie. Our brokers build each itinerary around your group size, dietary needs and pace. Reach out to discuss dates and we will shortlist the right vessel within hours.