The ultimate guide to Monaco Yacht Show 2025

Each September, the world’s most glamorous harbour, Port Hercule, transforms into the ultimate superyacht showcase, exhibiting some of the finest – and largest – luxury items money can buy. But the Monaco Yacht Show is more than a mere spectacle – for many yacht enthusiasts, it’s the most important event in their calendar. It brings together shipbuilders, designers, brokers and, crucially, prospective buyers on a mission to find their next floating palace.

2025 marks the Monaco Yacht Show’s 34th year. Visitors can expect to encounter cutting-edge designs, alluring events and a guest list of global tastemakers.

Arriving in style is a must. Helicopter transfers from Nice are popular, but for those who prefer absolute discretion and comfort, VistaJet offers seamless private aviation solutions. With tailored itineraries and an unparalleled in-flight service, VistaJet ensures that your Monaco Yacht Show begins before you even land. Once in Monaco, VistaJet guests can enjoy complimentary transportation throughout the week in collaboration with Bentley Motors.

Monaco’s grand hotels are as much a part of the show as the yachts themselves. Here are three of our favourites:

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: Belle Époque grandeur on Casino Square, where suites overlook the harbour and the Michelin-starred dining from Alain Ducasse is a spectacle of its own.

Hôtel Hermitage: A chic and discreet address overlooking the Mediterranean spa, with access to the resort's private beach, golf course, tennis courts, and 71,000-square-foot wellness center, the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo – ideal for unwinding after a day onboard.

Hôtel Hermitage

Hôtel Métropole: A fashionable retreat for those in the know, with a Karl Lagerfeld-designed pool area and a private terrace lounge that becomes a hub for networking during the show.

Between yacht tours and cocktail parties, Monaco’s dining scene dazzles. For sophisticated sustenance, try:

Le Grill, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: Michelin-starred rooftop dining with panoramic views that extend as far as the Italian coast.

Le Grill, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Gaia: A lively contemporary Greek restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Izu Ani, where Mediterranean flavours transport diners to the Greek islands.

Chez Pierre: An intimate bistro beloved by locals, which offers Provençal cuisine and a welcome respite from the glamour.

If the Monaco Yacht Show inspires you to secure your own week at sea, these names should be on your list:

Cecil Wright: The luxury yacht dealer focuses on a select number of clients, prioritising quality over quantity.

Edmiston: A powerhouse in yacht sales and charters, with access to some of the world’s most coveted vessels.

Roccabella Yachts: Renowned for its personalised approach, Roccabella ensures every charter is tailored to your desires.

Every year, the Monaco Yacht show brings new icons, and 2025 is no exception. Anticipated highlights include:

The world's first superyacht to be powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells, the aptly-named Breakthrough is a radical feat of sustainable engineering. She also happens to be the largest attendee at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, spanning 118.8 metres. Edmiston’s chief executive Jamie Edmiston describes her as “the one that will change it all”.

Oceanco’s Luna stands out for the 400-square-metre darkened glass panels that adorn her profile, along with her shapely wing stations and mast, which lend her a distinctive shark-like appearance. But there’s more to her than looks: her lean, sporty structure provides enhanced performance on the water.

Stretching to an impressive 89 metres, Here Comes the Sun is one of the true stars of the show. Recently refitted, she offers vast accommodations for up to 20 guests, a spectacular beach club and multiple helipads.

Launched this May, Valor is designed to fulfil its owner’s ambition of transiting the Northwest Passage and venturing to the most remote parts of the globe. As such, the long-range yacht features a two-metre ice belt encircling the hull above and below the waterline, earning her Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 notation.

The newly unveiled Simena embodies Ares Yachts’ philosophy of bold design paired with meticulous craftsmanship. At over 60 metres, she features clean, muscular lines and a striking silhouette that sets her apart in any harbour. Inside, she balances contemporary minimalism with warm, tactile finishes, creating a serene retreat. Expansive deck areas and a forward-thinking beach club design make Simena ideal for both private escapes and vibrant social gatherings.

Bold and unapologetic, Maximus promises to live up to its grand name. This yacht is designed with entertaining in mind, offering expansive open decks, alfresco dining and a great selection of water toys and accessories, including paddleboards and 5-metre sailboats. Her striking exterior ensures she will be one of the most photographed yachts in Port Hercule this year.

Built by Camper and Nicholsons in 1931, Marala has had unusually few owners for her age, meaning her character, basic layout and original engines have all been preserved. Structural and interior modifications were made when she was converted for naval service during World War II. Having played host to distinguished guests such as Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra and international royalty, she is now a historical gem brimming with character.

Riva’s new flagship, the 54 Metri, is the ultimate expression of Italian style on the water. The brand’s DNA is evident in every line – sleek, sporty and effortlessly glamorous. With her refined interiors and emphasis on outdoor living, the Riva 54 Metri is poised to be one of the most talked-about debuts of the year.

The new Wajer 55 epitomises the Dutch brand’s reputation for blending performance with elegance. Designed as the ultimate day boat, she offers exhilarating speed, exceptional handling and a smooth ride even at pace. Her walkaround design ensures effortless movement on deck, while spacious seating areas and clever amenities make her perfect for entertaining or tender runs to larger yachts.