3 Best Monaco Boat Tours + What You Need To Know (2024)
It’s no secret that Monaco is the crown jewel of the coast. And while you could take the train to the small principality, an unforgettable way to discover the French Riviera is on one of the amazing Monaco boat tours. And while you may be thinking… “Uh, isn’t it super expensive?” the truth is there are also budget-friendly options! To help you find your perfect tour, I’ve created a list of the 3 best Monaco boat tours, each at different price points!
🚤 PRO TIP: If you’re short on time, jump to the comparison table. You’ll get an easy overview of all available tour options so that you can quickly make your decision!
3 Best Monaco Boat Tours (2024)
1. Exclusive Private Boat Tour on a Luxury Day Cruiser
⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The Exclusive Private Boat Tour on a Luxury Day Cruiser includes:
- Sailing to St Jean Cap Ferrat & Eze-sur-Mer Beach
- Snorkeling around a beautiful natural cave near Cap d’Ail
- Use of snorkeling gear, stereo system, and towels
- Instant Souvenir Photo to take home
- Brunch on board with beverages
- Private experience
This is one of the most highly-rated boat tours available and even allows guests the option of swimming or snorkeling in the gorgeous clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the tour is private, so you and your group will be the only ones onboard, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy an intimate experience.
And compared to most other tours, this tour is a half-day experience, rather than just an hour or two. Thus, if want plenty of time to discover the scenic towns of the French Riviera and to sail around the Côte d’Azur, then this wonderful boat tour is for you!
“We had an incredible time with Nicola on the French Riviera! We loved cruising the beautiful blue waters while learning about the area and its famous residents. The boat was very nice and clean, and Nicola was a charming and gracious captain who spoke great English. We could not recommend this tour more!“
– Danny b. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🚤 Check availability for this highly-rated private boat tour!
Alternate option: If you’re traveling with a larger group, there’s a highly-rated private yacht cruise from Nice that accommodates 7 people. The boat is clean and comfortable, and guests say the captain is great! However, the price tag is not for the faint of heart. But, it’s not too bad if you’re splitting it with 5, 6, or 7 people.
2. Private Cruise Near Nice and Monaco with Solar Powered Boat
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 100+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: ~1 hour
The Private Cruise Near Nice and Monaco with Solar Powered Boat includes:
- Depart from Beaulieu-sur-Mer Marina (30-min bus from Nice, or 20-min drive)
- Traveling in a comfortable solar-powered boat
- Admiring views of idyllic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- Passing by famous attractions, like Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild & Villa Kerylos
- Private tour experience
This is the most popular and one of the highest-rated Monaco boat tours available. During this tour, you’ll travel off the beaten path in the comfort of a clean, solar-powered boat. As such, you’ll be able to avoid crowded areas and enjoy an intimate experience with your group.
Not to mention, compared to other tours, this one is very affordable, which makes it perfect for budget travelers who still want to explore Monaco’s beautiful coastline. So if you’re looking to take in the sights of the French Riviera without causing a major dent in your bank account, this is your best option!
“What a great, relaxing and informative tour this was. Guillaume was such a great host sharing the great tid-bits and fun facts about Nice as we calmly cruised the coast. Highly recommend to anyone looking to get away from the beach but still enjoy the sun and water.“
– LUCAS R. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🚤 Check availability for this popular & affordable private cruise!
3. Ferry from Nice to Monaco
⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 – taken by 190+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 day
The Ferry from Nice to Monaco includes:
- Round-trip ferry service between Nice & Monaco
- Departure from Nice at 9:30 AM
- 45-minute scenic cruise along the French Riviera
- See the luxurious and elegant yachts docked in the Port of Monaco
- Arrival in Monaco at 10:15 AM
- Departure from Monaco at 5 PM
- Arrival in Nice at 6 PM
- ❌ No personal guide included
This is the most affordable option for those simply looking to travel to Monaco by way of water. It’s also perfect for large groups or those who want flexibility with their itinerary once they arrive in Monaco. The ferry is comfortable and convenient, and it takes just under an hour to get there from Nice!
“Great way to see the different cities from Nice to Monaco. The crew were nice and the commentary on the way back with some history of what we were seeing was also good. I’d definitely recommend it.“
– Jacqueline F. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🏔 Check availability for this popular Ferry from Nice to Monaco
Alternate Option: For super budget travelers, there’s a 1-hour sightseeing cruise that’s less than $30 USD available as well. Matching its price, the tour is pretty bare bones, but you’ll still have a nice opportunity to sail along the Mediterranean Sea!
Monaco Boat Tours Comparison
I know it can be hard to keep track of the differences and fine details of the different tours…everything kinda starts to look the same after a while. 😅 So, to help yah out here’s a little chart that summarizes all the important bits!
⛵️ PRO-TIP: If you’re viewing this on your mobile, try turning your phone to the side so that you’re reading the information across the long side. That should improve the readability a bit!
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Private Boat Tour on the Côte d’Azur | 3.5 hours | > St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Eze-sur-Mer, Cap d’Ail > Use of snorkel gear, towels, stereo, & shower > Private boat tour with only your group |
| Private Cruise with Solar-Powered Boat | 1 hour | > Travel via a solar-powered boat > Pass by several famous attractions > Private cruise for a personalized tour |
| Ferry from Nice to Monaco | 1 day | > Round trip ferry ride Nice – Monaco > Commentary during the boat ride > Plenty of time to explore Monaco independently |
What to Bring for Monaco Boat Tours
Although this varies a bit depending on which Monaco boat trip you decide to book, here are a few general items I recommend always bringing…
- 🌞 Sunscreen: The Mediterranean Region is known for its abundance of sunny days! And with the strong UV rays reflecting off the clear blue water, you’ll want to make sure you wear lots of sunscreen and reapply often. Well, that or you’ll run the risk of looking like a burnt lobster after your boat tour…🦞
- 😎 Sunglasses / Hat: This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but don’t forget to protect your eyes and scalp from the sun too!
- 💧 Bottled Water: Some of the boat tours provide bottled water for their guests, but I suggest bringing your own just in case.
- 🍎 Snacks: Similarly, don’t forget to pack a few snacks. Personally, I like to pick up some fresh fruit from the local markets or grocery stores to keep costs down. Just remember to check if your captain allows you to eat food onboard before you do!
- 📸 Camera: During your Monaco boat tour, you’ll undoubtedly see some of the most spectacular coastal views. Be sure to bring a camera so you can capture the amazing experience 😅
- 🥶 Jacket: Lastly, if you’re planning on doing a boat tour in the winter, I highly suggest packing a good jacket! Even though the weather in Nice is usually warm compared to other areas of Europe, like Stockholm, Norway, and Zakopane, during the winter, it can still get pretty chilly out on the water. So make sure to bundle up!
Where to Stay in Nice
If you haven’t found accommodations yet, I highly recommend considering these places in Nice. These are based on my own experiences and thorough research…I understand that not everyone can devote extended lengths of time to reading endless reviews, so hopefully, this saves you a little bit of time. 😉
Low-Cost Stays
- The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — lovely 4-star hotel near beach | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Hotel de France — highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- La Pérouse — 4-star hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Hotel Palais Saleya — amazing 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Le Negresco — iconic 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
You can also use these buttons to go directly to your favorite booking platform and check out additional housing options 🙂
Another option is to use the map below to look around. It displays a wide range of accommodation options on different booking platforms with their exact location and current prices. To get the latest prices, I suggest that you input your travel dates 🙂
🇲🇨 To learn more about housing options in Monaco, you can check out this post which details the top luxury stays one can enjoy in the land of the ultra-rich! 🙂
Monaco Boat Tours: FAQ
Monaco is most famous for its residents’ luxurious lifestyles and stunning landscapes. From its abundance of superyachts to the iconic Monte-Carlo casino, Monaco exudes wealth and opulence. The principality also hosts world-class events such as the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and Monte Carlo Masters Tennis Tournament, which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. Additionally, Monaco is famous for being a tax haven that doesn’t charge income tax on its residents, hence why about 70% of its residents are millionaires!
In my *biased* opinion, the answer is a resounding yes! Monaco is an amazing destination with plenty to offer, and doesn’t have to be expensive to visit! 🤠 Whether you’re looking for luxurious experiences, to witness stunning landscapes, or simply want to bask in the beautiful Mediterranean sun – Monaco has it all. Not to mention, the principality also enjoys great weather year-round and its location makes it perfect for short day trips around the French Riviera. Thus, if you want to catch a glimpse of how extravagant life can be, I highly recommend doing a day trip to Monaco!
Yes, you can! If you’re staying in Nice, France, you can easily take a private boat tour from Nice to Monaco or, for more budget-conscious visitors, ride the ferry from Nice to Monaco.
Speaking from my experience, I think tours are always worth it. You get to see, discover, and learn so much more than you otherwise would alone. Plus, you get to connect with the locals and support their small businesses! So, if you have the means, then I definitely would consider doing a Monaco boat tour.
Wrap-Up: 3 Best Monaco Boat Tours (2024)
If you’re staying in the French Riviera, you’ve likely dreamt about setting sail across the unbelievably blue waters of the Côte d’Azur at one point or another…I know I certainly have! Luckily, there is a range of boat tours available that sail toward the region’s, piece de resistance — beautiful Monaco!
Whether you’re looking to take an intimate and luxurious private tour or just sail the Mediterranean Sea by way of an affordable ferry, there are options for almost all types of travelers. So, if you have the chance and means, opt to discover this stunning region by boat – it promises to be the experience of a lifetime!
Explore France
- 🍷 Wine: Looking to taste some of France’s fine wine and explore the local gastronomic scene? If yes, then consider doing a wine-tasting tour through the world-famous Beaujolais region from Lyon, France! Or if you’re in the French Riviera, there are several excursions to the Provence wine region!
- 🗼Paris: Staying in Paris and looking to get away from all the noise and commotion of the city? Consider visiting Giverny, the fairytale town that Claude Monet lived in and that inspired many of his works.
- 🏰 Toulouse: Known for its bright pink buildings, Toulouse is a youthful city full of life and fun activities. Not to mention, this pink-hued city is the perfect home base for a quick visit to the awe-inspiring Cité de Carcassonne.
