The French Riviera and Monaco have been named the world’s most popular summer superyacht charter destination, as global bookings continue to rise despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
The ranking appears in the new BoatPro Monaco Yacht Show Market Report, using booking data supplied by YachtFolio, the charter platform operated by MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association.
The French Riviera and Monaco ranked ahead of Corsica, Sardinia, northern mainland Italy and Provence for summer charter activity. During winter, demand shifts largely to the Caribbean, led by the Leeward Islands, the Bahamas and the Windward Islands.
Global charter bookings continue to rise
Bookings aboard yachts measuring more than 20 metres increased by 10.28% between 2023 and 2025, reaching 13,812 charters last year. The average booking lasted 8.2 days.
While established Mediterranean destinations continue to account for most summer activity, the report identified growing demand for charters built around adventure, wellness and environmental considerations. Interest is also expanding into less traditional cruising grounds, including Southeast Asia, the Galápagos Islands, Canada’s west coast and Australia’s Kimberley region.
More yachts could put pressure on prices
The number of yachts available for charter has increased by 9.33% since 2023, following several years in which demand outpaced supply.
BoatPro said the additional competition could begin to moderate charter prices, giving an advantage to operators offering competitive rates, well-managed fleets and larger or more environmentally efficient yachts.
Demand for vessels exceeding 50 metres remains strong, despite a slight decline in the average size of yachts booked during 2025.
The findings reinforce Monaco and the French Riviera’s central position in the international charter market ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show, which will bring yacht owners, builders, brokers and charter specialists to Port Hercule from 23rd to 26th September.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti