WORLD’S TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE MARINAS

The cost of finding a berth in the most luxurious places in the world

Summer is coming and it's time to start planning the summer holidays. A significant and often overlooked cost that most boaters don’t really think about too often is the cost of renting a suitable nighttime berth at a first-class marina. The Wealth Bulletin, an online news service addressing the global wealth-management industry recently took a closer look at yacht ownership and concluded an analysis of the daily average rates at some of the best marinas around the world. For comparison purposes, the research index of marina prices excluded any high demand dates such as those coinciding with film festivals, racing events, and other times of high demand.

What the Bulletin found was that the best marinas are:

10. YAS MARINA, ABU DHABI​

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €421
Number of super-yacht berths: 40
Peak periods: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, November


Positioned alongside Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 Race Track, the Yas Marina is designed as The Middle East’s answer to Monaco. The Yas Marina on man-made Yas Island is still under construction, but if all goes to plan, will be bordered by luxurious waterfront properties and some of the tallest skyscrapers, including the 330m Infinity Tower and the 345m Marina Torch tower. The marina-based development includes a theme park, a water park, as well as residential areas, hotels and beaches.

9. PORT OF GUSTAVIA, ST BARTS​

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €500
Number of super-yacht berths: 15
Peak periods: Christmas and New Year parties


Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich and his girlfriend Daria Zhukova reportedly moored the Ecstasea, one of Abramovich’s four super-yachts, in St Bart’s Port of Gustavia while they were house hunting there last year. Considered one of most exclusive marinas, berths are pretty much impossible to book during high seasons.

8.  PORT DE CANNES, COTE D' AZUR, FRANCE​

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €655
Number of super-yacht berths: 35
Peak periods: Cannes Film Festival, May


Requests for bookings at the Port de Cannes marina during the week-long, world famous Cannes Film Festival, attracts a waiting list of at least a year, although sources say there were more cancellations than usual last year. The red carpet-covered Palais du Festival where paparazzi line up to catch a glimpse of the dozens of dazzling Hollywood stars, is a ten minute walk from the marina. One of the Mediterranean’s largest ports, with nearly 2,000 berths and no limit on beam.

7. MIAMI BEACH, MIAMI, FLORIDA

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €883
Number of super-yacht berths: 45
Peak periods: Art Basel in Miami Beach, December; Miami Boat Show, February


Ultra-modern, super-sized Miami Beach Marina on Biscayne Bay is one of the largest of the marinas on Wealth Bulletin’s list, with space for 400 yachts and 45 super-yachts. Miami Beach Marina is known among the super-yacht fraternity for its excellent has facilities, offering everything from an Olympic-sized swimming pool to 24-hour concierge services. Cheaper monthly and annual mooring is available, and berths can be bought through private negotiation.

6. PORT HERCULE, MONACO

Average daily mooring fees for super-yachts: €1,200
Number of super-yacht berths: 20
Peak periods: Monte Carlo Rally, January; Monaco Grand Prix, May; Monaco Yacht Show, September


The principality of Monaco is home to more millionaires per capita than any other place in the world. Not surprisingly, this fact is reflected by the luxurious super yachts moored in the tiny country's opulent marina. Although the average price to moor a 70m super-yacht is less than places like Porto Cervo and St Tropez, prices shoot up during peak periods like the Monaco Grand Prix.

5. ST TROPEZ, COTE D'AZUR, FRANCE​

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €1,300
Number of super-yacht berths: 30
Peak periods: International Polo Cup, July; Giraglia Rolex Cup, June


Like the other Mediterranean hot spots, the prices can double during peak tourist season. St Tropez – the playground for models, millionaires and jetsetters, made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s – has become iconic as a wealthy hangout. Its position on the French Riviera is unrivalled. Here the world’s rich and famous line up in their sumptuous yachts to see and be seen, but St Tropez still has an element of an old Provençal style village about it, with narrow streets filled with shops and local patisseries alike. As with certain other smaller Mediterranean resorts, the marina is does not accept yachts over 70 metres long – mega-yachts must drop anchor outside of the marina.

4. MAGNA IBIZA, IBIZA

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €2,300
Number of super-yacht berths: 12
Peak periods: September closing dance parties


Due to the area’s reputation as a popular nightlife and vacation paradise, the prices climb significantly during times of peak demand. Considered one of the most exclusive marinas in the world, the glittering Ibiza Magna on the Balearic island is a magnet for the young, rich and well-connected.

3. PORTOFINO, LIGURIA, ITALY

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €2,350
Number of super-yacht berths: six
Peak periods: Portofino Rolex Trophy in May


Portofino is one of the more discreet of the marinas on Wealth-Bulletin’s list. Originally a small fishing village, Portofino has become a favourite playground for the super-rich, Europe’s royals and movie stars. The resort’s exclusively – access to the centre is restricted to one narrow road linked to Santa Margherita that for most of the year is closed to traffic – means it is relatively unspoiled. Given the lack of mooring spaces, those wanting a berth for their super-yacht are advised to book at least several months in advance to guarantee a space.

2. PORTO CERVO, SARDINIA, ITALY​

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €2,500
Number of super-yacht berths: 60
Peak periods: Deluxe Fair in June, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup regatta in September


Set on the exotic island of Sardinia, the marina at Porto Cervo has been in business since the 1960s. Founded by the Aga Khan as a village retreat for the very rich and famous, attracts only the richest yacht owners. During the summer months it heaves with the Italian jet-set and international celebrities such as supermodel Kate Moss, actress Tara Reid, and actors Christian Slater and Denzel Washington.

1. CAPRI, CAMPANIA, ITALY

Average daily mooring fee for super-yachts: €2,900
Number of super-yacht berths: 10
Peak periods: The Rolex Capri Sailing week in May


Officially the most expensive marina on Wealth Bulletin’s list and known as one of the Mediterranean’s most luxurious getaways for the wealthy, the tiny mountainous island of Capri off the Amalfi coast has a small marina with berths for 10 super-yachts – so space costs a premium. Berths must be booked several months in advance and are not available to buy or rent annually. Onshore, Capri shopping is unrivalled, which helps to attract the super-yacht crowd. Italian brands like Prada, Pucci, Ferragamo, Versace and Gucci are interspersed with local boutiques and delicatessens selling Neapolitan delicacies. A-list celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts and Keanu Reeves are spotted on the island every year.