10 Famous Yacht Marinas In The World

Yachting began in the 16th century when lightweight and easily manoeuvrable boats were built to evade pirates. Slowly, their designs and use evolved, and after the end of major world wars, they were mainly used for recreation as pleasure crafts.

In today’s world, yachts participate in regattas and several other competitions held around the world. Rich owners go on sea holidays on their comfortable and luxurious yachts, endowed with the most advanced features.

Additionally, the upkeep of the yacht requires substantial money and time. Hence, owners want their yachts to berth at the best yacht marinas with all the amenities to safely handle their prized possessions.

There are many famous yacht marinas in the world, which are both charming and offer excellent facilities. Ten such popular marinas are discussed in this article.

1. Porto Montenegro

Montenegro is a famous tourist destination, with over 300,000 tourists visiting the southeastern European country in summer. It is a much-liked yachting destination and home to the biggest marina in the world in terms of size and capacity.

Porto Montenegro lies in Kotor Bay, which is a UNESCO-protected site. The yacht marina is perfect for luxury seekers as it offers high-end services, shopping stores and social events.

Visitors can choose leisure activities in its yachting club or relax in the waterfront luxury villas. It is the recipient of many awards and was named the Best Superyacht Marina in 2021. It has evolved into the most popular yachting marina in the Adriatic and the most modern and well-equipped one in the Mediterranean region.

It has 450 berths spanning 12-180 meters. Many facilities, such as yacht repair and maintenance, water sports, and cultural activities like music events, fashion shows and art exhibitions, can be enjoyed by visitors.

The waterfront has many multicuisine restaurants, spas, boutiques and the Naval Heritage Museum and Lido Mar- a big pool and bar constructed in the Venetian architectural style. Many exciting sailing regattas are also organised at the marina annually.

2. Dubai Harbour, UAE

Situated at the confluence of the grand Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters, Dubai Harbour is a top-class marina in the UAE. It boasts a modern yet elegant cruise terminal that syncs with the gulf’s longstanding seafaring traditions.

The marinas of the Dubai Harbour cement the city’s position as a prominent maritime hub. It has 1100 berthing facilities and 3 bays that accommodate yachts measuring 160 metres or less.

It has an expansive shopping complex, a yacht club and also helipads. It is the perfect stopover point for luxury yachts and superyachts.

It is close to the international airport and has picturesque waterfront residences. The harbour is easily accessible from attractions like the Burj-al-Arab. The authorities offer VIP facilities to guests and ensure people can explore Dubai in a unique manner in its waters.

The cruise terminal covers 120,000 m2 and is an iconic entry point to Dubai. The two terminals can welcome the biggest cruise ships and are endowed with many entertainment facilities, leisure activities and retail offers.

3. Marina Grande, Capri

One of the oldest fishing settlements in Italy, Marina Grande on the island of Capri is the most expensive marina in the world, which redefines luxury and comfort. One can find congregations of yachts and superyachts owned by the world’s wealthiest in its berths.

Securing a berth is not easy, and one has to book several months in advance to visit this exotic marina with colourful houses, beautiful cliffs and lush hills. It is located below the main town and is enclosed by world-class restaurants and 5-star hotels offering breathtaking views.

The marina has more than 300 berths that welcome superyachts measuring up to 60 m or 197 feet. It is also the departure point for boats going to Blue Grotto.

While cruising in the adjacent waters, one can expect to see medieval villages, bungalows on rocky ridges, white sandy and pebbled beaches of Capri and the beautiful scenery as if it were a painting. Capri also has many nightclubs where people can party their hearts out.

It is the only port on the island and a busy one too. It handles yachts along with ferries. The harbour is well-linked to famous tourist spots such as the Piazetta. A bus stop is close to the port, and one can also take the traditional open-air taxis.

4. Port of Hercule, Monaco

Monaco is a luxury tourist destination, and the Hercule port is an extension of its affluent image. Lying in a natural bay at the end of an ancestral rock, Hercule is a deepwater harbour. It is enclosed by five-star hotels, resorts, casinos, pubs and clubs.

The yacht marina has 700 berths, including 30 visitor berths capable of accommodating yachts measuring 120 m and more. All are endowed with fresh water and electricity supply, public telephones, a self-service laundrette, and a garbage collection unit. There is wifi, a television and fuel service too.

The port was once used for trade by the Greeks and Romans; however, it was not well-sheltered from easterly winds. Hence, two piers were erected in the 20th century to solve this issue.

Port Hercule is filled with yachts when the Monaco Grand Prix is organised in May. Guests can enjoy the show from their yachts. Many yacht owners also participate in the grand Monaco Yacht Show held in September.

5. Limassol Marina, Cyprus

Cyprus is world’s one of the most famous and easily accessible islands. It is directly connected to many European and Gulf countries via Airways. Cyprus has kept up with the times, infusing modernity while retaining its age-old charm and natural beauty.

The island has peaceful coves, bays, streams and coastal resorts, all close to the Limassol Marina, which acts as a base to explore the island of Cyprus and enjoy its beauty. Apart from this, guests can go for watersports, especially scuba diving.

The modern marina has a team which round the clock to provide excellent hospitality to its guests and residents. It is operated by Francoudi & Stephanou Marinas.

The marina offers 650 berths for yachts measuring 110 metres or less. It also has 162 luxury apartments and 74 seaside villas. Not only this, but it also has many private berths that can be rented and direct beach access. The marina has several dining and shopping areas, a beauty and wellness centre etc.

It has a boatyard offering repairs and maintenance through its hundred-ton travel life, a 50-tonne trailer and a slipway. There is also a chandlery shop to meet all yachting needs.

6. Vilamoura Marina, Portugal

Vilamoura is the biggest marina in Portugal and has been voted the best year after year. It has 1300 berths and offers an array of services to its clients. The marina has grown steadily and is endowed with the latest technology to provide a seamless experience.

It is the key attraction of Vilamoura and has emerged as a true marine destination providing mooring to day cruisers and luxurious superyachts. It is a popular shopping hub featuring local craft shops to big brand stores. It is close to an environmental park, golden sand beaches, clubs and casinos.

It also has a boatyard with a slipway, a 60-tonne capacity crane, two lifts, forklifts, and stacks. Services like repair and maintenance, hull cleaning and towing are offered.

About 200 boats can be kept in its land storage area. Chandlers can be found in the reception areas and also several quays.

Guests can enjoy water sports like parasailing and jet skiing or charter a boat. There are golf courses, tennis courts and an equestrian centre too.

7. Port de Gustavia, Saint Barts

Saint-Barthelemy island is an exotic location in the Carribean Sea. The island’s famous port of Gustavia is one of the world’s most scenic and iconic natural harbours. It comprises two facilities: a marina for boats and yachts and a commercial trading port.

Its marina can accommodate 152 boats and superyachts measuring 152 m or less. It is easily accessible and close to the island’s airport. Customers can avail of many services, such as fuel supply, fresh water and electricity, free wifi etc. Fuel is available for small yachts and tenders at the commercial pier.

Its mesmerising location makes this marina special despite its limited number of berths. It is nestled between lofty hills, lush greenery and turquoise blue waters. It is almost impossible to make a reservation here during peak season when the rich flock here to relax and enjoy a perfect weekend. During Christmas, the firework show is also a sight to behold.

Near the marina are several boutiques, white sandy beaches, palm trees, cabanas, restaurants and an enchanting view.

8. Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey

One of the most famous marinas worldwide, the Yalikavak marina holds several titles and awards, such as Best Superyacht Marina Award in 2022. It is also a part of the British Yacht Harbour Association’s five gold anchors rating.

Yalikavak marina has 620 berthing facilities and offers excellent services through its well-trained and professional staff. Yachts having a maximum LOA of 140 metres are welcome here. Over a hundred superyachts visit the marina annually, including the iconic Eclipse, Saluzi, Heritage and many others.

The shopping alley is lined with numerous brand stores and boutiques. There is also a beach hotel and a fitness centre.

The marina is a part of the UNICEF platinum wings initiative, which helps disadvantaged children get their basic human rights.

About 1000 professionals are employed at the marina, which receives over 2 million guests from 120 nations. It promotes the image of Turkey as a prominent maritime tourism destination.

9. Marina Flisvos, Greece

Flisvos Marina lies in Paleo Faliro, just six km from Athens. It is the premier Greek Marina that offers mooring and other facilities for mega yachts. It has 303 berths, of which 50% are reserved for luxury yachts measuring more than 35 m.

It is the perfect leisure spot on the Athenian Riviera and covers over 6000 m2. The promenade is lined with trees, coffee shops, bakeries and dining spaces. Special events are also organised in the commercial complex every year and can be enjoyed by guests and visitors.

Other infrastructure includes a control tower for ensuring the safe movement of yachts, a helicopter landing area and two parking lots to accommodate 310 vehicles. One can go shopping and leave their children engaged at the famous children’s playland.

10. OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain

The OneOcean Port Vell is a luxurious marina to accommodate huge yachts. It is ideally located at the heart of the city centre, close to the neighbourhood of Barceloneta and other attractive destinations such as the Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and Camp Nou.

It was initially constructed for the 1992 Olympic games and has been upgraded since then. It has 148 mooring facilities or berths with a 9 to 14 m depth to welcome 190 m long superyachts. Work is underway to construct eight additional berths to welcome yachts between 30 to 8 metres.

The marina has a gymnasium, a cocktail bar and a famous restaurant with live music. The renowned club lies amidst Espanya and Barceloneta quay and can be entered from the Maremagnum recreation complex. There are also several shops to rent water sports equipment.

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• Introduction To Different Types Of Yachts

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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