Simply put, the Monaco Yacht Show is one of the year’s most prestigious events. Drawing yachting enthusiasts, industry leaders, and luxury lovers to the glittering shores of the French Riviera, this annual event is so much more than just a showcase of superyachts—it’s a glamorous affair where innovation meets high society.
Whether you’re attending as a buyer, industry professional, or solely to experience the pure extravagance, the yacht show promises an experience that’s filled with next-level luxury. (Trust us, it’s ~knot~ your average yacht show.) Ahead, we unveil exactly what to expect from this iconic event–both on and off the water–with firsthand insight from a luxury travel journalist who attended the 2024 show.
A Showcase of Superyachts
In short, the Monaco Yacht Show is a display of the world’s most luxurious and technologically advanced yachts. During this five-day event, the iconic Port Hercule becomes a stage for superyachts, with towering vessels rivaling floating palaces lining the docks. Larger yachts–such as the impressive HBC yacht that measures 85.65 meters–are anchored offshore due to the sheer fact they can’t fit in the port. (Of the over 120 boats on display, the average fleet length is anywhere from 50 to over 100 meters.) The best part? Many of these yachts are brand-new launches, representing the best of both engineering and naval architecture.
Attendees can schedule guided tours to experience these vessels, most of which boast helipads, pools and jacuzzis, cinemas, and spas (Hill Robinson’s Amaryllis has an Asian spa complete with a plunge pool, sauna, steam room, massage area, and gym right onboard). Visitors can find a list of yachts on display before the show starts to help them determine which ones to book for a preview.
Pro tip: Bookings fill up fast, so be sure to schedule your appointments as early as possible. Even as a journalist, I was unable to tour some yachts due to jam-packed bookings. However, if you’re a serious buyer, there’s definitely a bit of wiggle room.
Innovation and Sustainability at the Forefront
In recent years, the Monaco Yacht Show has (thankfully) put a spotlight on sustainability. As the yachting industry faces increasing pressure to address environmental concerns, many exhibitors are now showcasing eco-friendly yachts and green technologies. From hybrid propulsion systems to yachts that rely on solar power, the future of luxury yachting is taking a more sustainable direction, as proved by this year’s collection.
For example, Moravia Yachting’s multi-award-winning superyacht BARTALI (which is selling for €19,800,000) has a diesel-electric propulsion system that offers a significantly reduced fuel consumption to help lessen its environmental impact. Features like this are increasingly attracting buyers, as they not only help reduce carbon footprints but also offer major savings on fuel costs. (Even though fuel costs don’t really matter to buyers in the grand scheme of things.)
Pro tip: When touring a yacht, make sure to ask about the specific innovations and sustainability efforts that were incorporated into its design. While many yachts highlight these features, it’s always worth asking more questions to really see how the vessel minimizes its environmental impact.
Meet Industry Experts
One of my favorite things about the event was the opportunity to meet and chat with those in the yachting industry. Designers, shipbuilders, brokers, and suppliers gather at the show to debut their latest innovations. For people who are interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of yachting—like the latest technology in propulsion, hull design, or onboard amenities—the show is the best place to get an inside look into where the industry is headed. Seminars, panel discussions, and workshops are held throughout the event, giving insights into the technical aspects of yachting. Plus, these events are great for those who want to learn more about the industry since each discussion has a ton of useful information. (As someone on the press side, I found these chats super informative since they dissect the ins and outs of the industry.)
Pro tip: Check the show’s agenda to see which events are happening and when.
Luxury Lifestyle Beyond the Yachts
While the yachts are the main event (it’s not called the ‘Yacht Show’ for nothing), the show also offers a deep dive into the luxury lifestyle. Alongside the superyachts, luxury brands showcase everything from high-end cars and helicopters to interior design concepts.
The Nitty Gritty
Dates and Tickets: The show typically runs for four days in late September. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, with options ranging from single-day general admission to multi-day VIP experiences. VIP passes come with additional perks, such as access to the Upper Deck Lounge, dedicated concierge services, and private transportation.
Getting There: Monaco is easily accessible from the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is about 30 minutes away by car or a quick 7-minute helicopter ride. During the show, luxury shuttle boats and car services are available to help you navigate between hotels, the harbor, and event locations. (Just be mindful that traffic can be pretty bad, so plan accordingly.)
Dress Code: Attendees generally adhere to a sophisticated dress code. For the actual show, most people wear business casual attire (think: dresses and suits). However, I will note that since you’ll be walking on the port (and perhaps being transported by boats to get to bigger yachts), it’s essential to wear flat, comfortable shoes. Although you’ll take them off when you’re on a yacht, you’ll still do a lot of walking around the port. While the daytime atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, the evening events are often black-tie affairs, so be sure to pack formal attire if you plan to attend.
Insider Tips
Reserve Early: Whether it’s tickets, hotels, or dinner reservations, booking early is a must. Monaco’s high-end restaurants and hotels tend to fill up very fast for the Yacht Show.
Prepare for Walking: The show spans a large area, and you’ll be walking a lot, so comfortable shoes are a must. Flats, loafers, or (designer) sneakers are the best bet.
Outside of the Show
For those who want to embrace the full Monaco experience, the principality itself offers no shortage of fabulous activities. Visitors can enjoy Michelin-starred dining (Blue Bay Marcel Ravin is nothing short of excellent), high-end shopping at designer boutiques in Monte Carlo, or try their luck at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo (plus, it’s a great spot for a photo opp). Staying at one of Monaco’s five-star hotels, such as the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (everything about it is stunning–for proof, read our review here) or Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (another HAP favorite), will put you in the heart of the action.
A Shore Thing
All in all, the Monaco Yacht Show is unlike any other event–it’s a celebration of luxury, innovation, and elite culture. Whether you’re a seasoned yacht owner (lucky you!), a prospective buyer, or just someone drawn to the allure of high-end living (hello, us), this event offers a rare–and completely fabulous–glimpse into the future of yachting as well as the lifestyle that accompanies it.
