There is no shortage of picturesque ports with access to professional dockside marine services, but there are some that surpass all others. Some attract the glitterati while others have the allure of watersports. Yet others offer tranquillity for those in need of a rest.
Marina Grande, Capri, Italy
It’s no wonder that Capri had been home to the rich and famous for more than two thousand years; it’s breathtakingly beautiful. From Roman Emperor Tiberius in 27.A.D to Mariah Carey today, Capri is where the rich and famous go to play.
Nestled below cliffs and surrounded by colorful fishermen’s cottages, the Marina Grande on the island of Capri is spectacular. The marina has more than 300 berths and can accommodate superyachts of up to 190 feet. Yachts are sheltered from the wind inside a natural bay protected by two stone breakwaters.
A four-minute funicular ride climbs through lemon groves to the center of Capri where restaurants, shops, and luxury hotels are plentiful. Celebrity spotting is a favorite pastime.
The Marina Grande is one of the most expensive ports in the world.
St Katharine Docks, London
Originally a commercial port, St Katharine Docks has been revamped into a luxury marina. St Katharine Docks is in the center of London so expect a big-city vibe.
Surrounded by high-end restaurants and shops, the three basins of St Katharine Docks have 170 berths that can accommodate yachts of up to 130 feet.
Home to regular exhibitions and events, St Katharine is the yacht enthusiast’s utopia. In particular, the annual four-day London on-Water exhibition showcasing luxury yachts is not to be missed.
Live music events, food markets, and nearby historic sites (like the Tower of London), fulfill every possible wish of city lovers, gourmands, and sightseers.
Yacht Haven Grande, St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Yacht Haven Grande made a miraculous recovery after hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the Carribean in September 2017.
Yacht Haven Grande has 48 berths for mega yachts up to 650 feet and provides a full complement of dockside marine services.
St Thomas is renowned for some of the world’s best restaurants and bars, and there’s always music. If the vibrant night-life doesn’t appeal, then there are plenty of watersports: snorkeling, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing.
If the nightlife and watersports are too demanding, relaxing on one of St Thomas’s white sand beaches is an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Port Tarraco, Tarragona, Spain
Celebrities don’t come to Tarragona; it’s a tranquil city that attracts those seeking a leisurely pace away from the playgrounds of the rich and famous. Ancient Roman ruins and a gothic cathedral delight the visitor to Tarragona, and so does Port Tarraco.
Port Tarraco is both exclusive and luxurious. It has 64 berths ranging from 100 to 500 feet. A 30-foot draft takes care of deep-water berthing for superyachts, mega yachts, and giga yachts.
Barcelona is one hour’s drive away for those wanting a big-city break.
Port Hercule, Monaco
No list of the best ports of call for private yachts is complete without including Port Hercule. Surrounded by casinos, restaurants, and luxury hotels, the marina offers a spectacular view of Monaco, especially at night.
Port Hercule has 700 berths, 110 of which can accommodate yachts over 80 feet. Most of the berths are occupied all year long, and only 30 are available to visitors,
Monaco hosts the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show, and those lucky enough to get a berth at Port Hercule during these events can expect to pay a whopping fee.
Final Thoughts
There are thousands of ports of call for private yachts in the world, and there are many that should be included on this list.
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