This route runs east from Monaco toward Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat, then loops back along the coast for a sunset return. It suits a crewed charter of eight to ten hours aboard anything from a 17-metre sport yacht to a 40-metre superyacht, with the captain adjusting timing and stops to conditions on the day.
Board at the quay and settle into the saloon or sun deck while the crew handles lines. On a crewed charter, the captain will have already checked swell forecasts and confirmed the day's anchorage plan. Heading east out of the port, the Monaco breakwater drops behind quickly and the limestone profile of Tête de Chien rises above. Allow ten to fifteen minutes before the first stop opens up.
Rather than the busy western side of the peninsula, the captain can tuck into one of the quieter coves along Cap Ferrat's eastern flank, where the morning lee keeps the water flat. The tender is useful here if guests want to reach the coastal path on foot. On larger yachts — a Benetti or Sunseeker in the 35–40 metre range — the crew can set up the swim platform and lay out towels while a light brunch is served aft.
A short repositioning south-east brings you into Beaulieu's harbour approach. The anchorage sits in relatively sheltered water, and a tender drop puts guests ashore within minutes. There are several waterfront restaurants along the port where grilled fish and local rosé are straightforward to arrange — or, on a fully crewed superyacht, the onboard chef can plate lunch while the boat holds position offshore. Beaulieu is often calmer than points further west, which makes it a reliable midday anchor.
Cruising back westward, the stretch below the Èze cliffs offers deep, clean water and a dramatic backdrop without the congestion of more popular bays. This is a good window for any remaining water time — paddleboarding, a second swim, or simply reading on the foredeck. The crew can gauge timing here: if the party is relaxed and the light is good, there is no rush to move on.
The final leg follows the shoreline back toward Port Hercule as the light softens over the hills behind the principality. On a crewed yacht the stewardess will typically set up drinks and a cheese or charcuterie spread on the aft deck for this stretch. Arrival back at the port comes with the Monaco skyline lit up ahead — a clean finish to a route that covers roughly fifteen nautical miles without ever feeling rushed.
Monaco functions as the natural staging point for the western Riviera's best coastal water. A day charter departing Port Hercule can reach the sheltered bay at Villefranche-sur-Mer or the rocky swim platforms off Èze-sur-Mer well before lunch, leaving time for a slow return along Cap d'Ail as the light softens. Longer formats — two or three days aboard a crewed superyacht — open the route west toward Cannes or down to Saint-Tropez, with overnight anchorages chosen by the captain based on swell and wind. The peak season runs from May through September; June and September tend to be quieter on the water and easier on berthing logistics, while Grand Prix week and the autumn yacht show period require planning well in advance.
Our fleet ranges from agile 17 m sports cruisers suited to half-day coastal runs up to 40 m superyachts with full crew, open sterns and dedicated tender garages — each matched to a different style of day on the water, whether that is an active afternoon with children in the shallows off Beaulieu-sur-Mer or a formal evening cruise for a small corporate group. Charter rates follow a standard day-rate-plus-APA model; your broker will walk through fuel estimates, provisioning and port fees before you commit, so the final cost stays transparent. If you are comparing options or still deciding between a short sunset departure and a multi-day itinerary, a charter brief from our team will narrow the search to the vessels and routes that actually fit.