Every year in late September, the Monaco Yacht Show turns Port Hercule into a playground packed with some of the world's most jaw-dropping yachts. Picture yourself standing just feet away from floating mansions that cost more than a penthouse in New York. And it’s not just the yachts—think buzzing energy, exclusive events, and a crowd of people who all share a passion for the finer things.
Getting into the show isn’t just about gawking at superyachts, either. Loads of companies use this event to debut cutting-edge tech, eco-friendly designs, and custom interiors that you won't spot anywhere else. If you’re looking to buy, charter, or just dream, you’ll find brokers, owners, designers, and everyone who matters in one spot.
First-timer or regular, landing tickets early is key—they sell out fast, and prices go up closer to the event. Hotels book out months in advance, so lock in your stay as soon as you can. Also, don’t even think about wearing uncomfortable shoes; there’s a whole lot of ground (and decks) to cover.
- The Show at a Glance
- What Makes It Stand Out
- Insider Tips for Visiting
- Who You'll Meet and What You'll See
- Maximizing Your Experience
The Show at a Glance
The Monaco Yacht Show kicks off every September in Monaco’s Port Hercule—usually running for four busy days, from Wednesday to Saturday. In 2024, it drew a crowd of about 30,000 visitors, and that number keeps climbing. The marina holds more than 120 superyachts, each stretching at least 25 meters (that’s over 80 feet). Some of the biggest ones on display hit the 100-meter mark, making headlines all over the world.
This isn’t just a boat show. It’s the Monaco Yacht Show, after all. You’ll get all sorts of boats—brand-new models, brokerage deals, and refitted classics. It runs across a massive dock space, so you’ll find different zones, such as the Sapphire Experience for luxe services and VIP lounges, and a Sustainability Hub showing off the latest green solutions. It’s got a full exhibition area too, with more than 500 companies showing off yacht interiors, engines, water toys, tech, and bespoke travel services.
Tickets aren’t just sold at the door—you buy them online, and there are several options. General admission gets you in for a day, but if you want to see the best superyachts up close or access exclusive decks, you’ll need VIP passes. The show opens to professionals on Day 1 before the general public comes in, which makes the first hours extra calm and a good time for business.
- Location: Port Hercule, Monaco
- Dates: Late September (in 2025, set for September 24-27)
- Yachts on display: Around 120 (including launches and world debuts)
- Visitors: More than 30,000 (2024 figure)
- Exhibitors: Over 500 luxury brands and companies
The air is always buzzing with yacht launches, on-board cocktails, and live demos. It’s a full-on showcase of what’s hot in yachting, and everyone who’s anyone will be there.
What Makes It Stand Out
The Monaco Yacht Show isn’t just one more boat show—it's on another level. Each year, roughly 120 of the world’s biggest and newest superyachts show up, many for their official world debut. You won’t see this lineup anywhere else. Yachts here stretch up to 100 meters, loaded with everything from helipads to full gyms and private cinemas.
The guest list is just as impressive. This show reels in the real heavyweights—think yacht owners, designers, shipbuilders, and serious buyers (we’re talking billionaires and celebrities, not just window shoppers). If you’re here to network, this is the big league. Some deals made at the show reach eye-popping figures, and simply being here puts you in the mix with the major players in the industry.
Tech and innovation go hand-in-hand with these floating mansions. The show dedicates huge spaces to the latest gadgets—hybrid propulsion systems, sustainable materials, and smart home tech tailored for yachts. You can talk directly to the people behind all of it, which you just don’t get at most other events.
Plus, the location itself lifts the vibe. Port Hercule is right in the heart of Monaco, surrounded by luxury cars, posh hotels, and the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. There’s nowhere else you can experience these yacht masterpieces, step off the dock, and find yourself in one of the most famous spots on earth.
Insider Tips for Visiting
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Monaco Yacht Show can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been before. With more than 120 superyachts on display, over 600 exhibitors, and crowds that fill every inch of Port Hercule, having a plan makes a huge difference.
First thing to lock down: your badge. If you want to actually step onboard the yachts—especially the headline-grabbing ones—you need to schedule appointments ahead of time. Regular show tickets don’t auto-magically get you aboard; yacht visits are invite-only or by confirmed meetings with brokers. Start sending those emails to brokers or designers about a month before the show. If you’re coming for business, aim for a two or three-day badge so you can move at your own pace.
Want to dodge the crowds? Go on Wednesday, the first day, when most big deals and real yacht tours happen. Saturday gets packed with last-minute visitors and families. Wear business-casual—Monaco is stylish, but this is a working event. Guys can’t go wrong with a polo and loafers; women lean towards smart flats or sandals. Trust me, the dock walk is long—skip high heels and new shoes.
- Monaco Yacht Show runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., but yachts close up fast after 6 p.m. Don’t expect late-night viewing.
- Download the official MYS app for maps and live updates. It shows the locations of the yachts, event schedules, and shuttle points.
- Hungry? There are food courts, but café queues can get insane after noon. Book a table early at one of the marina’s terrace restaurants, or snag a sandwich before midday.
- Water shuttles run between different sections of the show—totally beat walking around the long dock after a few hours.
If you want to see numbers on crowds, check this out:
| Year | Visitors | Exhibitors | Superyachts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 31,000+ | 600+ | 118 |
| 2023 | 33,000+ | 650+ | 120 |
One last tip—bring a portable phone charger. You’ll be snapping photos, checking the app, and swapping contacts non-stop, and outlets are hard to find. If you’re really after networking, hang around the yacht tenders and VIP lounges after the main rush—it’s where relaxed, real conversations happen.
Who You'll Meet and What You'll See
Walking around the Monaco Yacht Show, you’ll spot a mix you don’t see anywhere else. First, you’ve got yacht owners chatting with superstar brokers. Then, there’s the future buyers and serious charter clients asking detailed questions about specs and onboard perks. You can even cross paths with famous designers—guys like Espen Øino or Winch Design founders who casually show up to discuss their latest launches.
Don’t be surprised if you run into celebrities or F1 drivers; last year, Charles Leclerc was seen checking out some of the boats. Media crews are everywhere, and it’s a hotspot for off-the-record industry deals. Loads of crew members walk around too, sharing real tips on what makes a yacht actually great to work or holiday on.
Besides the people, there’s the boats—around 120 superyachts and megayachts, some over 100 meters long, lined up in Port Hercule. We’re talking freshly launched models, refitted classics, and concept yachts sporting the latest gadgets. The variety is wild: sailboats, explorer yachts, support vessels carrying helicopters and submarines. Last show featured the massive "Ahpo" and the hybrid-powered "Artefact," both absolute crowd magnets.
You’ll also see high-end water toys, custom tenders, new green tech, and stands run by shipyards like Lürssen, Benetti, and Feadship. It’s not just about what floats—fast cars, watches, and private aviation brands show up too, making it clear the luxury lifestyle goes way beyond the water.
"The Monaco Yacht Show brings together more leaders, innovators, and decision-makers in yachting than any other show in the world," says Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.
If you’re looking for connections or simply want to geek out over the coolest advances in boating, this place has it all. The Monaco Yacht Show isn’t just eye candy—it’s your best shot at meeting the real game-changers of the industry, all within a single weekend.
Maximizing Your Experience
If you want to squeeze every drop out of your visit to the Monaco Yacht Show, you need some smart moves. This isn’t the kind of event where you just wander around and see what happens—think ahead and you’ll walk away with a whole lot more than cool photos.
First off, map out which yachts and booths you really want to see. The show has over 100 superyachts on display every year, and each one has strict time slots and guest limits, so booking appointments in advance is a must. The busiest days are Thursday and Friday, when most major launches and networking sessions go down. Even if you just want to look, a pre-set schedule saves you from wasting time in massive queues.
Wear a good pair of shoes. You’ll easily rack up 10,000+ steps a day crossing the docks and exhibition halls. There are plenty of chillout lounges and pop-up cafes, but it’s smart to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen since shade is rare outside the tents.
Pay attention to the events calendar. Beyond the yachts, there are live demonstrations, expert panels, and even green tech showcases, especially in the Sustainability Hub. These fill up fast so get your spot early if you want to connect with yacht designers or see new tech in action.
- Download the official show app for the up-to-date map and live event alerts.
- Check if you can snag an invite to off-site parties or private dinners—some crews and companies host legendary get-togethers.
- Business cards still matter here, so bring some—networking is huge, and you never know who you’ll meet in line for coffee.
If you're interested in the Monaco Yacht Show as a buyer or charterer, try to access the Sapphire Experience—this VIP package gets you into exclusive previews and private yacht visits, skipping the regular lines. The Sapphire Lounge is also a handy quiet spot if the crowds get to be too much.
| Feature | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Superyachts Displayed | 120+ |
| Visitors | About 30,000 |
| Exhibitors | 600+ |
| Average Yacht Length | 50 meters |
| Countries Represented | Over 40 |
Don’t try to see everything, or you’ll just end up exhausted. Pick your “must-see” list and leave time for spontaneous moments—sometimes the best stories come from an unexpected chat dockside or a surprise yacht tour invite. Most of all, don’t be shy. Ask questions, say hello, and soak up everything the show and Monaco itself has to offer.
Write a comment