By Windward Yachts — 25 years of yachting expertise
Every September, the glittering quays of Port Hercule transform into the single greatest concentration of superyachts on Earth. For four days, the Principality of Monaco becomes the undisputed capital of the yachting world a place where owners, brokers, shipyards, designers and connoisseurs of the sea converge in an atmosphere of unrivalled glamour. This year, the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 celebrates its landmark 35th edition, and if you are even remotely considering the purchase, sale or charter of a luxury yacht, this is the one appointment on the calendar you simply cannot miss.
At Windward Yachts, we have been guiding clients through the world of yacht ownership and charter for 25 years, and the Monaco Yacht Show remains, without question, the most important rendezvous of our season. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of it.
When Is the Monaco Yacht Show 2026?
The Monaco Yacht Show 2026 runs from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 September 2026, following its traditional slot at the close of the Mediterranean summer season, right after the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 23 September: 10:00 – 18:30 (VIP and invitation-only access)
- Thursday 24 September: 10:00 – 18:30
- Friday 25 September: 10:00 – 18:30
- Saturday 26 September: 10:00 – 18:00
The opening day is traditionally reserved for VIP passholders and guests invited by brokers, shipyards and exhibitors, while the show opens to all ticket holders from Thursday through to Saturday.
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Where Does It Take Place?
The show unfolds along the legendary Port Hercule, Monaco’s deep-water harbour in the heart of Monte-Carlo one of the very few ports in the world capable of berthing yachts of over 130 metres stern-to, right in the centre of a major city. There are three public entrances to the show: Quai Antoine Ier, Parvis Piscine (Quai Albert Ier) and Quai Louis II.
For four days, this postcard-perfect harbour becomes an open-air gallery of naval architecture, with the world’s most extraordinary motor yachts and sailing yachts moored side by side against the backdrop of the Rock of Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
How to Get to Monaco
Reaching the Principality is part of the experience, and travellers have several elegant options.
By air, via Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) the nearest major international airport, roughly 30 km from Monaco. From there:
- Helicopter transfer: the fastest and most spectacular option, covering the distance in just 7 minutes over the Mediterranean coastline, landing directly at Monaco’s Fontvieille heliport. Scheduled shuttle flights run at regular intervals throughout the show, with private charters also available for groups.
- Chauffeured car: a scenic 30–45 minute drive along the Basse or Moyenne Corniche, though traffic can build considerably during show week.
- Train: the SNCF line between Nice and Monaco is a fast, budget-friendly option, taking around 20–25 minutes, with Monaco-Monte-Carlo station a short walk from Port Hercule.
By private jet, Nice remains the primary point of entry, though nearby alternatives such as Cannes-Mandelieu, Toulon-Hyères, Saint-Tropez La Môle and Albenga (just across the Italian border) are also used to ease congestion during peak show days.
By yacht, of course, many guests simply arrive by sea sailing in from Cannes, Antibes or the Italian Riviera to anchor in the bay before tendering ashore.
What You Will Find at the Show
Now in its 35th year, the Monaco Yacht Show has firmly established itself as the world’s only major boat show dedicated exclusively to superyachts of 25 metres and above. The scale is genuinely staggering:
- Around 120 superyachts on display, several making their world or European premiere
- Approximately 560 exhibitors, from leading shipyards and naval architects to marine technology innovators and luxury lifestyle brands
- A curated fleet of roughly 50 tenders and watertoys
- An estimated 30,000 visitors across the four days, from prospective owners to industry professionals
Beyond the yachts themselves, the show is a genuine hub of ideas and networking. Expect seminars and round-table discussions on sustainability, design trends and the future of yachting, alongside dedicated VIP lounges, premiere launches from major shipyards, and a packed calendar of cocktail receptions and private events hosted aboard the yachts themselves come evening.
For prospective buyers, this is an unparalleled opportunity to step aboard a wide range of yachts, compare layouts, finishes and shipyards side by side, and speak directly with brokers who can walk you through the practicalities of ownership. For those drawn to the freedom of charter, it is equally a chance to meet specialists, discover available yachts for future itineraries, and start dreaming up a Mediterranean, Caribbean, or round-the-world adventure. Sailing yacht enthusiasts will also find an elegant and increasingly popular alternative to the classic motor yacht on display precisely the kind of vessel Windward Yachts specialises in guiding clients toward.
Where to Stay in Monaco
Accommodation in the Principality during show week is in extremely high demand, so early booking is essential. Among Monaco’s finest addresses:
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo the ultimate in old-world glamour overlooking Casino Square, home to Michelin-starred dining and a legendary wine cellar.
- Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo a Belle Époque icon reimagined with contemporary sophistication, ideally placed for the show.
- Hôtel Hermitage an intimate, refined retreat with sweeping views over the superyachts moored below.
Guests looking to stay closer to the port itself, or seeking a slightly quieter base, often opt for boutique properties just across the border in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin or along the Basse Corniche toward Beausoleil, with an easy taxi or scenic walk into the show.
Where to Eat
Monaco’s dining scene rises to meet the occasion of show week. For a truly memorable evening, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris remains the pinnacle of Riviera gastronomy, its three Michelin stars a fitting complement to the yachts in the harbour below. For a more relaxed, sea-view setting, Elsa at the Monte-Carlo Beach offers organic, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine on a terrace overlooking the water.
Those craving bolder flavours will find them at COYA Monte-Carlo, celebrated for its vibrant Peruvian-inspired menu and buzzing atmosphere, or at Nobu Monte-Carlo, where Japanese precision meets Peruvian flair. Whatever the choice, dining during Monaco Yacht Show week is very much part of the spectacle book well ahead.
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Tickets and How to Prepare
Standard visitor passes are typically sold as 1-day, 2-day or 3-day tickets, purchasable online through the official show website, while VIP programmes offer premium access, private tours and exclusive lounges for those seeking the full experience.
With so much ground to cover yacht viewings, shipyard meetings, seminars and evening events a little planning goes a long way. Access to most yachts on display is arranged by appointment through a broker, so working with a trusted partner ahead of the show allows you to prioritise the vessels that genuinely match your criteria, rather than losing precious hours in the crowds.
Extend the Experience: Cruising the French and Italian Riviera
Many of our clients choose to turn their trip to Monaco into a fuller Mediterranean escape, using the Principality as a base to explore the wider Riviera. A short cruise west reveals the glamour of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, while a journey east along the Italian coast leads toward Portofino, Genoa and the storybook villages of the Cinque Terre. Late September remains an exceptional time to be on the water in this part of the Mediterranean the sea still warm, the light golden, and the crowds of high summer long gone.
Why Windward Yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026
For a quarter of a century, Windward Yachts has accompanied clients across the full journey of yacht ownership from the first viewing to the signing of a sale, and on into a well-managed charter programme that turns a yacht into a genuine source of revenue. The Monaco Yacht Show is where that journey so often begins, and where the finest yachts on the market are gathered in one place, ready to be discovered.
Whether you are searching for your first yacht, considering a new build, or exploring how to make your current vessel work harder for you through charter, our team will be in Monaco throughout show week. We would be delighted to welcome you aboard.
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Monaco Yacht Show 2026 Quick Facts
| Dates | Wednesday 23 – Saturday 26 September 2026 |
| Location | Port Hercule, Monaco |
| Edition | 35th anniversary |
| Superyachts on display | ~120 |
| Exhibitors | ~560 |
| Expected visitors | ~30,000 |
| Nearest airport | Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE), ~30 km |
| Fastest transfer | Helicopter, 7 minutes |
