It will come as no surprise to many that the world’s most expensive luxury marinas are for the most part also located in the world’s most popular superyacht charter grounds – the Mediterranean.
If you’re planning your first luxury yacht charter or have a desire to head off into new territory, it’ll be of great interest to you to know which locations command the highest prices and how many berths are available. Take a look at the list below and it’ll quickly become clear why it’s such a great idea to select a luxury yacht charter with a confirmed berth during events such as the Monaco Grand Prix or to book certain destinations years in advance.
10. Yas Marina – UAE
Attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by luxury yacht gives you a front row seat of the action while you dine alfresco with family and friends – but only if you secure your berth at the Yas Marina. This luxury complex also houses a plethora of international brands, exclusive restaurants and hotels, ensuring that you can turn your evening of sport into a personal quayside event remembered for its spectacular indulgence.
Yas Marina Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi
Number of berths: 40
9. Port de Gustavia – Leeward Islands
Following the sport theme, Saint Barthelemy in the ever popular winter charter grounds of the Caribbean is a haven for the luxury yachting community, which comes together annually for what is arguably the most famous regatta in the Caribbean: The St. Barth’s Bucket.
The picturesque island has kept its charms with careful conservation efforts, which means if you didn’t book your berth ahead of time you’ll find yourself sleeping in one of the many serene white sand bays scattered to the north and south…not a bad alternative my any means.
Port de Gustavia
Location: Saint Barthelemy
Number of berths: 60
8. Cannes – Cote d’Azur
Although the marina can berth up to 1500 vessels, only 60 berths are large enough for luxury superyachts – and these are usually taken for the summer events surrounding the Cannes Film Festival in May and the Cannes Yachting Festival in early September.
As the French Riviera is a favourite luxury cruising ground, visitors can find alternative marinas along the coast at Golfe-Juan while anchorages around Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Juan les Pins prove particularly popular with the rich and famous.
Cannes Yachting Festival 2016
Location: Cannes
Number of berths: 60
7. Miami Beach – USA
Miami Beach is ideally located between glamorous Hollywood and the sensational fishing and snorkelling grounds of the Florida Keys while also acting as a popular launching pad for reaching the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Visitors who love to sunbathe by day and sparkle at night will not be disappointed by the beaches and nightclubs the region has to offer, although it costs more to stay so close to these city lights.
Miami Beach Marina
Location: Florida
Number of berths: 45
6. Port Hercule – Cote d’Azur
Returning to the South of France, the next most expensive superyacht marina is located in Monaco where the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix attracts a list of celebrities and superyachts that don’t blanch at the price tag of a berth-per-day almost double that for Cannes.
If you’re still feeling flush, there are numerous casinos and boutique stores in Monte Carlo to indulge the rest of your holiday.
Port Hercules
Location: Monaco
Number of berths: 20
5. Port de Saint-Tropez – Cote d’Azur
World-famous as a celebrity party destination, Saint-Tropez has so few superyacht berths available that there is high demand and therefore a higher price-tag for securing a choice spot for your preferred dates.
This deterring factor has maintained the relaxed atmosphere of the surroundings, and mega yachts and those unwilling to pay a premium head to the bays, Pampelone Beach or simply the nearby alternative at Port Cogolin to the west.
Saint Tropez Marina
Location: Saint-Tropez
Number of berths: 40
4. Ibiza Magna – Balearic Islands
When there are just 12 superyacht berths to compete for in the height of summer, it’s best to book years in advance if you want a prime spot at the Ibiza marina. Good news if you miss out however: All four main Balearic Islands have myriad sheltered bays where you can host your own private party or soak up the serenity of such naturally untouched surroundings.
Ibiza Marina
Location: Ibiza
Number of berths: 12
3. Marina di Portofino – Italian Riviera
Portofino is close to the French Riviera and the first major marina north of the scenic Cinque Terre villages. This exclusive destination remains free from overcrowding due to the high price it commands but the limited superyacht spaces (only 14 berths) may mean that you have to look elsewhere for a berth on your last-minute charter. As an alternative place to stay, Porto Mirabello at La Spezia is close to the Italian Riviera‘s most coveted sites and has 100 berths for yachts 25m/82ft to 120m/393ft.
Marina di Portofino
Location: Portofino
Number of berths: 14
2. Marina di Porto Cervo – Sardinia
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo annually welcomes the luxury yachting crowd for events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Perini Navi Cup, and as such booking a berth in advance comes strongly recommended. For casual cruisers happy to explore the beauty of Sardinia and join in the local regattas as and when it suits, Porto Rotondo and Olbia are close by and there are numerous bays for a stop-over.
Porto Cervo, Italy
Location: Porto Cervo
Number of berths: 60
1. Capri – Amalfi Coast
The gorgeous Amalfi Coast is a culturally rich destination perfect for family charters and romantic escapes: The sprawling city of Naples and the quaint towns and villages along the coastline are the quintessential Mediterranean experience, and the island of Capri has plenty of dive sites, quiet coves and luxury boutiques interspersed with Italian cafes.
If you don’t want to join the month-long waiting list for a berth and intend on visiting the island soon, the southern side of the island near the Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp is commonly used for mooring by larger superyachts.
Location: Capri
Number of berths: 10
Marina of Capri
For more information on any luxury yacht charter, the Mediterranean and Caribbean charter grounds or sensational alternatives, contact the expert brokers at CharterWorld.
