The marinas in Monaco and Dubai serve as play areas for millionaires, whereas Sanya is emerging as a key destination for marine tourism. Meanwhile, Singapore maintains a vibrant port scene.

Bubbly pours freely, colossal yachts sail past, and the vast ocean calls out with the allure of exploration—marinas are far more than mere docking spots. With top-notch amenities and breathtaking settings, these six locales stand alone as destinations worth visiting.

1. Port Hercules, Monaco

The pinnacle of exclusivity, Port Hercules, also known as Billionaires’ Harbour, has for years stood as a emblem of opulence and luxury. Situated right at the center of
Monte Carlo
Since ancient Greek and Roman times, it has served as Monaco’s primary harbor. Originally a fishing port and naval station, it has transformed over time into what might be considered the world’s most recognizable superyacht marina. During the Monaco Grand Prix (from May 23 to 25 this year), the marina becomes a sort of floating VIP area where visitors in Zone 1 can enjoy excellent views of the race track, though at considerable cost; securing a spot for yachts measuring up to 150 meters comes with a price tag exceeding €150,000 (or about HK$1.2 million).

While Port Hercules remains bustling beyond the Grand Prix weekend, throughout the year it welcomes royalty, rock stars, celebrities, and sports icons anchoring their yachts at the marina. An additional draw is the glamorous Monaco Yacht Show from September 24 to 27, which highlights both social gatherings and nautical events. Apart from luxurious boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and casinos, individuals arriving sans boats may explore the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. This museum houses over 6,000 exhibits showcased among sharks in the lagoon or amidst vivid coral reefs. Its roof terrace provides stunning vistas as well.
Riviera
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2. Sanya International Yachting Center, China

As Sanya’s prominence in sailing and maritime tourism expands, it has been affectionately dubbed the “City of a Thousand Boats.” In 2023, the city unveiled the Sanya International Yachting Center along its southern coastline on Hainan Island. This facility was crafted specifically for luxurious yacht enthusiasts and boasts over 200 docking spots, including special areas designated for mega-yachts. Nestled close to some of China’s finest coastal regions, this center aims to attract both domestic and international visitors interested in high-end nautical experiences.
most beautiful beaches
It serves as an excellent location for various water activities besides sailing. Along with high-quality dining, shopping, and leisure facilities, the center also provides more practical amenities like yacht upkeep.

The marina has been home to numerous prominent events, notably December’s Boating Sanya, where around 200 sea vessels were showcased. However, Sanya offers much beyond boating; it boasts serene attractions like the picturesque Nanshan Temple adorned with magnificent Buddha statues, along with pristine sandy shores at places such as Yalong Bay.

3. ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore

Renowned for its dedication to luxury combined with environmentally conscious practices, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove takes its name from Singapore’s geographical coordinates—approximately one degree and fifteen minutes above the equator. This marina provides docking facilities suitable for vessels of every size and features a public zone called Quayside Isle where guests can enjoy various fine-dining options such as the Cantonese WOK°15 Kitchen. Known not only for these culinary delights but also for innovative green initiatives like solar-powered lights and water recycling systems, this establishment reflects Singapore’s forward-thinking stance towards sustainable maritime development. Additionally, the harbor organizes significant gatherings; notably, the upcoming event—the Singapore Yachting Festival—is scheduled between April 10th and 13th and aims to showcase cutting-edge developments within the sector.

Beyond ONE°15, family-friendly
Sentosa
is an island getaway brimming with attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark. Guests can unwind on its picturesque beaches, delve into the guided paths within Sentosa Nature Discovery, and relish breathtaking vistas from the SkyPark at Resorts World. Among Sentosa’s accommodations, the top choice might very well be the Capella Singapore – at minimum,
Taylor Swift
appeared to believe so when she came to town for a performance last March.

4. Dubai Marina

The globe’s biggest entirely artificial marina was created by excavating a 3.5-kilometer-long channel through the desert and then flooding it with seawater drawn from the Persian Gulf.
Dubai
Marina stands as a city within a city, boasting over 200 towering skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and high-end dining establishments. At its heart lies the Princess Tower, which rises to an impressive height of 414 meters, making it the tallest residential building globally. This bustling marina has the capacity to berth more than 500 yachts and superyachts, frequently belonging to members of Middle Eastern royal families and wealthy individuals.

When darkness descends, the Dubai Marina Walk, a thoroughfare adorned with eateries, dining venues, and luxury boutiques, comes alive under the glow of vibrant lights. At the center of this waterfront area stands Pier 7, a seven-story hub featuring food establishments and sky-high drinking spots. Meanwhile, at the southern tip lies Ain Dubai, which boasts being the planet’s biggest observation wheel.

5. Vilamoura Marina, Portugal

A favorite meeting spot on the Algarve where the affluent and celebrities boat, enjoy cocktails, and mingle, Vilamoura Marina is located at
Portugal
Its sandy southern coastline has been recognized with the prestigious title of International Marina of the Year seven times, notably for three successive years, by the British-based Yacht Harbour Association, known for promoting safety and environmentally friendly practices. Although this extensive marina did not secure the top spot last year—Montenegro’s Portonovi Marina achieved that feat—it received accolades in various categories, being crowned both Superyacht Marina of the Year and Sustainable Marina of the Year.

Vilamoura offers 825 docks capable of accommodating yachts up to 60 meters long. The area boasts facilities such as a wellness center, upscale shopping options, a golf course, and premium waterfront residences. Additionally, the marina is conveniently close to several beautiful sandy shores. Should your budget not be sufficient for purchasing a megayacht, stroll along the promenade where numerous eateries await. There, treat yourself to a dish of Salmão Grelhado—grilled salmon fillet flavored with herbs, garlic, and lemon.

6. Ocean Marina Jomtien, located in Thailand

The biggest marina in Southeast Asia attracts many yachters as it is close to a resort town.
Pattaya
, on
Thailand’s east coast
With over 450 docks able to accommodate boats up to 75 meters long, Ocean Marina Jomtien has been at the heart of local sailing activities since being founded in 1989, featuring a bustling calendar of races. The marina addresses various requirements—from fixing your boat or stocking it with high-quality provisions to finding skilled crew members—and allows sailors to benefit from the consistent climate throughout the year which makes Thailand perfect for water sports. Whether you’re looking to sail around close-by destinations like Koh Larn and Koh Khram or venture further out, this location offers numerous opportunities.

In addition to its maritime offerings, the location features dining establishments and drinking spots, with the Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien hotel providing a backdrop. Guests can rent yachts and boats, take sailing lessons, engage in various water activities, or go on fishing excursions.

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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.

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