Where the Billionaires Dock: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Marinas

Anchoring at a high-class marina is part of yachting’s charm. It becomes your haven of entertainment, dining, and shopping for the duration of the charter. Some harbors stand out. This is a collection of the world’s most luxurious marinas, where you’re guaranteed to receive the best service. Loved by the wealthy and famous, ports like Hercules, Banús, and Saint-Tropez have been the hottest spots for mooring the top megayachts. Each marina on the list has its unique character and a sophisticated proposition as you touch land. From my experience, there’s nothing better than enjoying a scenic coffee at the marina cafe in the morning or indulging in a fine dining dinner after a long sail. These are the ports where it will feel amazing. 

Port Hercules, Monaco

Set right in the heart of the Principality, Port Hercules is the world’s most exclusive marina. A deep-water port, it offers 760 berths and accommodates boats up to 130 metres long. Basically, it’s the planet’s largest superyacht and megayacht harbor. Arrive here any time of the year, and you’ll have a superb display of some of the most expensive vessels ever built. There’s a reason Monaco is known as a “Billionaire’s Playground.” What sets Port Hercules apart from many other superyacht marinas is its proximity to the Principality’s sights. The iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, the Le Rocher quarter, the Prince’s Palace, and vibrant La Condamine neighborhood are literally steps away. Here, the whole country is an extension of the marina, giving you easy access to top restaurants, bars, nightclubs, boutiques, and hotels right after disembarking. Also, Port Hercules provides the best seat to watch the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. 

Porto Cervo, Italy

The pristine Mediterranean nature of northeast Sardinia surrounds Porto Cervo. This marina-cum-village was constructed in the ’60s to accommodate the world’s most luxurious boats in a stunning setting. Porto Cervo isn’t only about berths and top-notch amenities—there’s also a purposely-built resort town that complements the experience. There are 700 moorings, including 100 reserved for the megayachts. The marina is a gateway to the magnificent Costa Smeralda, a semi-wild coast, offering azure coves and exceptional sandy bays. Exclusivity is a part of Porto Cervo’s DNA (property prices here are Europe’s highest, and there’s a private heliport for arriving in style). I love returning to Porto Cervo for the village. Known as Piazzetta, it’s a pastel-colored labyrinth of luxurious boutiques, relaxing beach bars, and fine-dining restaurants. There’s also the Promenade du Port shopping area with more dining and shopping options.

Port Adriano, Spain

Mallorca is a beloved chartering destination in the Med, and Port Adriano is its haven for superyachts. Designed by the French architect Philippe Starck, it accommodates yachts up to 80 meters and offers a total of 487 moorings. It’s a slick, contemporary marina with a great selection of stylish restaurants and bars, serving Caribbean, Spanish, Italian, and Thai flavors. You will also find nautical fashion boutiques, watersports shops, and artisanal stores here. El Toro Beach is adjacent to the marina, allowing you to profit from Mallorcan golden sands and blue waters. Port Adriano is ideally located for cruising the stunning southwest coast of Mallorca, visiting the turquoise beaches like Caló d’en Monjo, Cala Llamp, and Cala Fornells. 

Dubai Harbor, UAE

One of the world’s most modern marinas, Dubai Harbor is a showstopping port between the city’s exclusive Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina neighborhoods. Here, it’s about the epic vista of the high-rises and the dreamy Arabian Gulf sunsets. The harbor offers 700 berths, an exclusive Yacht Club, and a collection of high-end restaurants. The location at the epicenter of Dubai’s most sought-after neighborhoods means proximity to superb five-star hotels, Michelin restaurants, rooftop bars, and top attractions, such as the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. You’re also close to JBR Beach, the city’s most popular sandy stretch, ideal for families. Every year, the marina hosts the Dubai International Boat Show, so save the date to visit this epic gathering of superyachts. 

Puerto Banús, Spain

A favorite marina of the jet-set crowd, Puerto Banús has always been the port of choice for celebrities. Opened in 1970, it became the most popular luxury harbor in southern Spain, offering exceptional service and amenities. The marina is styled like a whitewashed Mediterranean village. It’s also among Europe’s largest luxury ports—it offers 900 berths and can host yachts of up to 50 meters in length. You can rent a supercar and book a helicopter tour on the spot. The village features boutiques of Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Michael Kors, Versace, Dior, Rolex, and other luxury brands. Also, you have El Corte Inglés, a gargantuan shopping mall, several minutes away from the berths. The marina is adjacent to Playa Puerto Banús, a vast sandy beach with traditional chiringuitos (beach bars). 

Port de Saint-Tropez, France

If you were to choose the most photogenic luxury marina, Port de Saint-Tropez easily wins. The French Riviera’s elegance and pastel-colored Provençal architecture surround this magnificent harbor. It’s one of the few historic European ports specifically designed to host superyachts (up to 50 meters). There are 729 berths and two basins. Stepping on the land, you’re right in the heart of the charming Old Town of Saint-Tropez, renowned for its narrow alleys, Baroque churches, and scenic promenade. This town is about soaking in the Provençal atmosphere, while enjoying the world’s most exclusive fashion boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and hedonist nightclubs. One-star Arnaud Donckele & Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton is the closest to the harbor, serving creative takes on Mediterranean cuisine. Saint-Tropez is also about the beach club living—sail to the iconic Pampelonne Beach for chic parties by the water. 

Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Located on Saint Thomas, the second largest of the US Virgin Islands, Yacht Haven Grande is the ultimate megayacht marina in the Caribbean. Its berths (60 in total) can accommodate vessels up to 200 meters long. There’s a shopping gallery called the Shops with over 40 boutiques, restaurants, and wellness and beauty services. The marina is conveniently located near the Old Town of Charlotte Amalie, the colorful capital city of the US Virgin Islands. Yacht Haven Grande is a perfect starting point for cruises to the spectacular sandy bays and marine reserves of St Thomas.  

Portofino Marina, Italy

Similar to Saint-Tropez in atmosphere, Portofino does things a little bit differently when it comes to mooring. Here, the space is much more limited—there are only 7 superyacht berths and 8 pleasure boat moorings in the town’s gorgeous harbor. Additionally, 2 moorings for megayachts (up to 80 meters) are available at Baia Cannone, a stunning cove to the north of the center. This exclusivity, combined with the incredible Ligurian nature and historic architecture, makes Portofino one of the most striking harbors in the world. Anchoring here allows you to enjoy the colorful Old Town, taste local food delights on piazza-located restaurant terraces, and hike to the medieval hilltop Castello Brown. Portofino is also a superb base for exploring other gems of the Ligurian Riviera, such as Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo. 

Puerto Portals, Spain

Mallorca is home to another sophisticated marina, beloved by billionaires and celebrities. Just 10 minutes from Palma, you find Puerto Portals, an exclusive harbor for superyachts in Portals Nous. 701 berths for boats from 8 to 60 meters, a modern design incorporating traditional Balearic architecture, over 20 high-fashion boutiques and a series of top-notch restaurants – this port is for savoring the nautical lifestyle to the fullest. A pathway connects the marina to Portals Nous Beach, a striking, crescent-shaped stretch with white sand and transparent waters. A bit further is the stunning turquoise Caleta de Portals Nous cove. 

Blue Haven Marina, Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos are among the Caribbean’s most coveted yachting destinations. Blue Haven is a luxurious marina to have the best time visiting this stunning island nation on a boat. This megayacht-friendly harbor offers 93 slips and comes with all the major amenities. It is located on the east coast of Providenciales Island, allowing you to explore the sublime white-sand beaches, such as Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay, and Long Bay. You’re also close to the Leeward Cut reef and Little Water Cay with the stunning Half Moon Bay. There are two restaurants at the marina and the luxurious Blue Haven Resort with a private beach and an infinity pool. 

Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand

The Andaman Sea is home to the planet’s most sublime locations, such as Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Ko Yao Yai, and Phang Nga Bay. Royal Phuket Marina is the premier superyacht harbor in Southeast Asia, allowing you to explore the region’s many gems in the comfort of a superyacht. It’s located on the east coast of Phuket Island, in the Koh Kaew area, providing a convenient starting point for Andaman trips. The marina offers 100 moorings for vessels of up to 35 metres. The harbor also features ultra-luxurious rental villas, a collection of Thai and international restaurants, and an exhibition center.