Côte d'Azur · French Riviera ·  Luxury  Yacht Charter
Frequently Asked Questions

​​​5. How do I book a private yacht charter in Monaco with ILIOS-YACHTING?

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Booking a private yacht charter with ILIOS-YACHTING is straightforward — simply use our inquiry form on the website or contact us directly by phone or email. A dedicated charter specialist will guide you personally through every step: yacht selection, itinerary planning, crew briefing, and all arrangements for your Monaco charter experience — with the highest level of discretion throughout.

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6. What are popular destinations for yacht charters departing from Monaco?

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From Monaco, the entire French and Italian Riviera is within easy reach. Popular destinations include Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and the Îles de Lérins to the west, and Menton, Sanremo, and Portofino to the east. Corsica lies approximately 90 nautical miles to the south.

 

7. Are crewed yacht charters available in Monaco?

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Yes — Monaco is one of the world's premier crewed yacht charter destinations. Port Hercule is home to an exceptional collection of fully crewed luxury yachts, from elegant motor yachts and classic sailing vessels to magnificent superyachts and megayachts. A fully crewed charter includes a professional captain, chef, hostess, and crew such as deckhands — the full team working together to deliver five-star service tailored entirely to your wishes, with complete discretion throughout. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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8. What is the best time of year for a yacht charter in Monaco?

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The best time for a yacht charter in Monaco is from May to September. May is extraordinary for the Monaco Grand Prix. June and early July offer warm weather and the Riviera at its most elegant. July and August are the height of the season. September is arguably the finest month of all — warm seas, golden light, and quieter anchorages. October brings dramatic skies and a more intimate atmosphere.

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9. Can I watch the Monaco Grand Prix from a chartered yacht?

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Yes — watching the Monaco Grand Prix from the deck of a private superyacht moored in Port Hercule is one of the most exclusive experiences in the world. A Grand Prix yacht experience requires two separate bookings: the yacht charter itself and a dedicated Grand Prix berth in Port Hercule. Both are extraordinarily scarce and planning must begin a minimum of 18 months to 2 years in advance. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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10. How much does a superyacht charter in Monaco cost?

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Superyacht charter prices in Monaco vary depending on vessel size, season, and itinerary. Weekly charter rates start from approximately € 50,000+ for smaller superyachts and rise significantly for the world's most extraordinary vessels. At the pinnacle of the fleet, a megayacht such as the Renaissance — 112 metres (367 ft), 19 cabins, up to 36 guests — commands approximately € 3,000,000+ per week. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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11. How much does a crewed charter in Monaco cost?

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Crewed charter costs in Monaco cover a wide and accessible spectrum. A fully crewed motor yacht with captain, chef, hostess, and crew starts from approximately € 15,000 – € 50,000+ per week. Luxury crewed yachts of 25 to 50 metres range from € 30,000 – € 150,000+ per week. Superyachts and megayachts in Port Hercule start from € 50,000+ and rise to several million euros per week for the most prestigious vessels. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

 

12. What is a Cabin Charter on a catamaran?

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A cabin charter is an excellent way to experience the luxury of a fully crewed catamaran while sharing the vessel with other guests — ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who wish to enjoy a crewed yachting experience at a more accessible price point. Our cabin charter catamarans — including models such as the Bali 5.4, Lagoon 620, and similar high-specification vessels — are operated by a two-person professional crew: a skipper and a hostess/chef who provides full board throughout the voyage. Cabin charter prices start from approximately € 2,000+ per person per week, all-inclusive of meals and accommodation. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

 

13. How much does a bareboat charter on the French Riviera cost?

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A premium bareboat sailing yacht or catamaran starts from approximately € 2,500+ per week — offering complete independence and the freedom to explore the French Riviera entirely at your own pace. For those who prefer expert guidance on the water, a professional skipper can be added from approximately € 800 – € 1,200+ per week. For the ultimate bareboat experience, you may also add a hostess and/or an onboard chef, elevating your charter to a fully personalised private voyage. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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14. Which ports can I start a bareboat charter from on the French Riviera?

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Our bareboat fleet is available from a number of carefully selected bases along the French Riviera and Corsica: Hyères / Port Pin Rolland, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Cannes, Antibes, Marseille, Saint-Mandrier, and Corsica (Ajaccio and Propriano). Each base offers excellent access to the Riviera's most beautiful sailing grounds, from the Îles d'Or and the Calanques to the eastern Riviera and Monaco. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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15. What is included in the charter fee?

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For bareboat charters, the charter fee covers the exclusive use of the yacht and all its standard equipment for the agreed charter period, including the first and last day at the charter base marina — with the exception of one-way voyages. All safety equipment, standard navigation equipment, and basic onboard inventory are included.

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For catamaran cabin charters — such as the Bali 5.4, Lagoon 620, and similar vessels — the charter fee includes: skipper and hostess/chef (2-person professional crew), a standard double cabin with private bathroom, full board including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 2 sets of bed linen, towels, and beach towels per person, fuel, water and consumables, yacht and passenger insurance, watersports equipment including snorkelling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks, and all mooring and harbour fees.

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For crewed luxury yacht, superyacht, and megayacht charters, the base charter fee typically includes: exclusive use of the vessel and all onboard equipment, the full professional crew — captain, chef, stewardesses, and engineers, including their salaries and provisioning — marine risk and third-party liability insurance for the yacht and crew, yacht laundry including bed linens and towels, and use of the yacht's standard water toys and equipment such as paddleboards, snorkelling gear, and inflatable toys. Running costs during the voyage are covered separately via the APA — typically 25–40% of the base charter fee. Crew gratuity and VAT are mandatory additional costs settled separately. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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16. What is NOT included in the charter fee?

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The following costs are generally not included in the charter fee. For all charter types these include: fuel for main engines, generators, tenders, and jet skis, food and beverages, port and marina fees, customs and harbour dues, VAT (20% in France and Monaco), and any additional custom requests such as onshore transfers, special decorations, massage therapists, or specific luxury items. Satellite internet and phone usage may also be additional depending on the vessel.

Crew gratuity is never included in the charter fee — tipping the crew at the end of the charter is customary and greatly appreciated. The standard gratuity is 10–15% of the base charter fee, depending on the level of service.

For one-way voyages, delivery and re-delivery fees apply. For bareboat charters, the skipper fee (if applicable) and end-of-charter cleaning fee are also additional. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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17. How far in advance should I book a Monaco yacht charter?

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For standard yacht charters during the summer season, we recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance to secure good availability and preferred dates. If you have a specific yacht in mind, booking 6 to 12 months ahead is strongly advisable — the most sought-after vessels are reserved well in advance, and waiting risks losing your preferred choice entirely. For peak season — July and August — 6 to 12 months is the minimum. For the Monaco Grand Prix in May, planning must begin a minimum of 18 months to 2 years in advance, as both Grand Prix berths and superyacht availability are extraordinarily scarce. For the Monaco Yacht Show in September, 6 to 12 months is recommended. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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18. What is the difference between a bareboat and a crewed charter?

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A bareboat charter means you charter the yacht without a crew — you or a qualified person in your group takes the helm and is responsible for the navigation and operation of the vessel. This requires a valid yacht skipper licence and radio certificate. A crewed charter means a professional crew — captain, chef, hostess, and deckhands — is included, and every aspect of the voyage is managed on your behalf, with a bespoke itinerary crafted entirely around your preferences. Both options are available through ILIOS-YACHTING — from bareboat sailing yachts based in several harbours along the Côte d'Azur, to fully crewed superyachts based directly in Port Hercule, Monaco. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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19. How many guests can a yacht accommodate?

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Bareboat sailing yachts and catamarans are available from 2 to 5 cabins and accommodate a maximum of 10 guests on board — this is the standard regulatory limit for bareboat vessels in this category. Fully crewed motor yachts typically accommodate 4 to 12 guests. Luxury crewed yachts of 25 to 50 metres accommodate up to 12 guests in private cabins. For larger vessels, international maritime safety regulations (SOLAS — Safety of Life at Sea) apply: vessels operating commercially and carrying more than 12 passengers are classified as passenger vessels and subject to significantly stricter safety certification requirements. For this reason, the majority of superyachts and luxury charter yachts are certified for a maximum of 12 guests overnight, though day charter capacity may be higher. Our megayacht collection accommodates up to 36 guests across up to 19 private cabins — these vessels hold the appropriate certifications for this capacity. For large-scale corporate events and static charters requiring 80 to 100+ guests, we can offer suitable solutions. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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20. What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat yacht?

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To charter a bareboat sailing yacht or catamaran without a skipper, you must hold a valid yachting licence recognised in your home country or an internationally recognised yacht skipper qualification — such as the RYA Coastal Skipper, ICC (International Certificate of Competence), or equivalent national licence. In addition, a valid radio operator's certificate — SRC (Short Range Certificate) for coastal sailing, or LRC (Long Range Certificate) — is required. All documentation must be presented at the time of booking and again upon embarkation. If you do not hold the required qualifications, a professional skipper can be arranged. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

 

21. What is APA?

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APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance — a sum paid in advance at the start of your charter to cover running costs not included in the charter fee. This typically includes fuel, port and marina fees, food and beverages, customs dues, and crew gratuities. The APA is usually set at 20–35% of the charter fee. A detailed account is provided at the end of the voyage — any unused balance is refunded, and any additional costs are settled accordingly.

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22. Is VAT payable on a yacht charter in Monaco or France?

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VAT liability on yacht charters in Monaco and France depends on the vessel's flag, the port of embarkation, and the route sailed. As a general rule within the EU, charters that begin and end in EU waters are subject to the VAT rate of the relevant country. In France, the VAT rate applicable to yacht charters is 20%. Legal structures for tax optimisation exist and depend on the specific vessel and itinerary. We strongly recommend consulting a specialist tax advisor for your individual situation. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.

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23. What is a MYBA Charter Contract?

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The MYBA Charter Contract (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) is the internationally recognised standard contract for yacht charters in the Mediterranean and worldwide. It governs all essential aspects of the charter — charter fee, APA, security deposit, liability, cancellation conditions, and the rights of both parties. The MYBA contract protects both charterer and owner and is the industry standard for professional, transparent charter bookings. All ILIOS-YACHTING charters are conducted under MYBA terms.

 

24. What is KYC in yacht chartering?

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KYC — Know Your Customer — is a mandatory legal requirement and standard obligation in luxury superyacht and megayacht chartering. Before the charter commences, charterers are required to confirm their identity and provide relevant documentation in full compliance with international anti-money laundering regulations (AML). ILIOS-YACHTING handles the entire KYC process with the highest level of discretion and professionalism, ensuring a seamless and confidential experience for every client.

 

25. What is a Preference List?

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A Preference List is a detailed personal questionnaire completed before your charter — one of the most important steps in preparing for an exceptional crewed yacht experience. It covers everything from your preferred Champagne and dietary requirements to your favourite cuisine, music, water sports, and daily schedule preferences. The crew uses this information to prepare every detail of your journey before you step aboard — ensuring that your charter is tailored precisely and personally to you from the very first moment. All information provided is treated with the strictest confidence and the highest level of discretion.
 

26. What is Yacht Etiquette?

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Yacht etiquette refers to the standards of behaviour on board that ensure a harmonious, respectful, and enjoyable experience for both guests and crew. These include removing shoes when boarding, treating the crew with courtesy and respect, following the captain's instructions on all matters of safety and navigation, and caring for the vessel and its equipment. On larger crewed yachts, the atmosphere is typically more formal; on smaller vessels, interactions tend to be warmer and more personal. Before departure, your Preference List ensures the crew can anticipate your every wish — and throughout the voyage, clear and respectful communication between guests and crew is what makes the finest charter experiences truly exceptional.
 

27. In which languages does ILIOS-YACHTING offer service?

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ILIOS-YACHTING offers full charter service and client communication in English, German, French, and Turkish — covering our primary markets across Europe, the French Riviera, and beyond. All charter documentation and contracts are available in English and German. Our team is on hand to assist you in your preferred language from first enquiry through to the end of your voyage. Contact us for detailed information and a personalised quote.