The Top 10 Boat Shows to Visit in 2023 and 2024

The world’s yacht and boat shows are the beating heart of the industry, where brands and boat dealers from across the globe come together to celebrate the boating lifestyle by showcasing their newest and best products. From the glitzy Monaco Yacht Show with its line-up of superyachts, to smaller regional shows, the calendar is bursting at the seams.  

While the yachts themselves take center stage, you don’t need to be in the market for a new boat to appreciate the shows. Discover everything from diving to fishing, watersports to tenders. There is nautical fashion and life-saving equipment, and eye-popping demonstrations – if you’ve ever fancied a trip on a submersible, this could be your chance.  

With a packed schedule that spans the world’s greatest yachting capitals, there are plenty of shows to visit. Here we take a look at some of the biggest and best boat shows in 2023 and 2024.  

 

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show  

Where is it?  Spread over 7 locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

When is it? 25-29 October 2023 

Website: www.flibs.com  

Ticket prices: $42 for an adult or child. Children under the age of 6 are free.  

This is the largest in-water boat show in the world, with a sprawling venue covering a whopping 278,000 square meters. You’ll find everything from luxury yachts to bowriders, catamarans, high performance boats, inflatables, and even canoes. Plus all the latest in gear and marine lifestyle products. The tender quay is always one of the most popular areas, with all sorts of innovative new builds on display, plus there’s a dazzling selection of VIP experiences to be enjoyed amid the laid-back beach vibe. When planning your trip to the show, there’s almost too much to choose from including the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, SuperYacht Village, and the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. 

Did you know? There are 1,500 boats on display, 6 miles of floating docks, and more than $4 billion worth of boats and equipment at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.  

Photo credit: flibs.com

 

Miami International Boat Show 

Where is it? The show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami.  

When is it? 14-18 February 2024 

Website: www.miamiboatshow.com  

Ticket prices: TBC but 2023 prices were $40 for an adult single day ticket or $70 for a two day ticket. Child tickets cost $15.   

Amid the glitz and glamor of Miami, the biggest boat and yacht manufacturers from the US and across the globe showcase their newest models. The city comes alive with all things boating as the show comes to town, and you can experience everything from the latest superyachts to the carnival-style atmosphere of the Progressive Experience in Pride Park with plenty of quirky nautical entertainment. There are culinary experiences, watersports demos, sport fishing championships, and let’s not forget the swanky after-dark parties and events.  

Did you know? You can hop on water taxis to shuttle between the different event centers without getting caught in the busy city traffic.

 

Photo credit: miamiboatshow.com

 

Dubai International Boat Show  

Where is it? Dubai Canal, Jumeirah 

When is it? 28 February to 3 March 2023 

Website: www.boatshowdubai.com  

Ticket prices: TBC 

The largest boat show in the Middle East will be home to over 500 of the world’s top superyachts and leisure craft that converge at this dazzling show. In addition to the yachts—in fact the Middle East is now home to 12.5% of all superyachts—you’ll also discover luxury and lifestyle brands from around the world showcasing their latest products. There’s an impressive line-up of entertainment, scuba taster sessions, free sailing and fishing trips, a retail village for the latest in hip nautical wear, and live music and drinks in The Beach social area.  

Did you know? Because of the intense heat of the day in this desert region, the show opens in the afternoon and continues into the night. 

 

Photo credit: Dubai International Boat Show Facebook page

 

Palm Beach International Boat Show  

Where is it? Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida 

When is it? 21-24 March 2024 

Website: www.pbboatshow.com  

Ticket prices: TBC but in 2023 they were $31 for a single day adult ticket, or $56 for a two-day ticket. Tickets for children over the age of 6 cost $16.  

This is one of the big boys of the yacht show world where over 800 boats and 600 brands will showcase their latest products to some 55,000 attendees at the 42^nd annual show. There’s something for everyone at here, whether you’re in the market for a superyacht or looking for the latest in sportfishing gear. There are hands-on boat handling classes, fishing clinics, and watersports demonstrations in the AquaZone, as well as innovative electric and hybrid products and family-friendly activities.  

Did you know? There is $1 billion worth of yachts and equipment on display at the show. 

 

Photo credit: pbboatshow.com

 

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show  

Where is it? Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 

When is it? 23-26 May 2024 

Website: www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au  

Ticket prices: TBC but 2023 prices were around $30 for an adult and children under 16 were free.  

For over 30 years this show has been an Australian yachting institution showcasing everything from kayaks to superyachts. Every year, it promises to be a glamorous, immersive boating lifestyle event that appeals to everyone. Seek out the latest in marine tech, walk the pontoons for everything from sportsboats to fishing boats, trawlers and trailers, dine in the excellent restaurants in the Marine Village, watch the live entertainment, and join in the fishing tournament. In 2023, the longest line of luxury motor yachts ever assembled on the Gold Coast arrived at SCIB—amounting to $30 million worth and 617 feet in length. Will 2024 be able to top that? Watch this space.  

Did you know? In over 30 years, the show has hosted more than 10,000 exhibitors and welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors, making it the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. 

 

Photo credit: sanctuarycove.com

 

Palma International Boat Show  

Where is it? Moll Vell, Puerto de Palma, Mallorca, Spain 

When is it? 25-28 April 2024 

Website: www.palmainternationalboatshow.com  

Ticket prices: TBC but in 2023 tickets cost 11 euros for a day pass or 38.50 euros for an all-show Professional Pass.  

Mallorca has long been one of the boating hubs of the Mediterranean, and the Palma International Boat Show is a cornerstone of the industry. Come and look at the newest motor and sailing yachts on the market, and see the very latest in gear, events, and services in beautiful, laid-back surroundings along Palma’s spectacular seafront. In addition to the yachts, there is a dedicated refit and repair area, electronics, navigation and communication systems, and when it’s time for a break, some top notch food and drink stalls too.  

Did you know? Palma is a great place to learn to sail or enjoy the water, and there are many nautical and diving schools exhibiting at the show.

 

 

Cannes Yachting Festival  

Where is it? Vieux Port & Port Canto, Cannes, France 

When is it? 12-14 September 2023 

Website: www.cannesyachtingfestival.com  

Ticket prices: Single day adult tickets cost 31 euros and 2-day tickets are 55 euros. Children under 10 enter for free.  

The top boat builders premiere their latest creations at this lively, buzzing show in the South of France, where there are over 600 boats on display including superyachts, sailboats, and multihull yachts. The range of vessels is delightfully eclectic, with boats from 5 to 50 meters. There is a wonderful buzz at this show, and you can spend enjoyable days walking the docks, seeing the latest in nautical fashion, visiting the Luxury Gallery for jewelry and custom décor, or checking out the very latest in innovation.  

Did you know? More people attend the Cannes Yachting Festival than the Cannes Film Festival. 

 

Photo credit: cannesyachtingfestival.com

 

Newport International Boat Show 

Where is it? Commercial Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island 

When is it? 14-17 September 2023 

Website: www.newportboatshow.com  

Ticket prices: Tickets are $40 per day for an adult or a child over 13 years old.  

One the country’s largest in-water events celebrating all things boating, this is the place to discover the hottest powerboats and sailboats, as well as trends and products to enhance the nautical lifestyle. In 2023 there was a lively and busy program of events and seminars including a multihull owner and cruiser course, as well as a dazzling range of brand new marine lifestyle products being debuted.

Did You Know? The show covers some 13 acres of historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island.  

 

Photo credit: newportboatshow.com

 

Southampton Boat Show

Where is it? Southampton, UK 

When is it? 15-24 September 2023 

Website: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/  

Ticket Prices: £32.00 per day for an adult. Children under 15 years old are free.  

Britain’s biggest show is a celebration of all things boating, from the smallest sailing dinghies and kayaks, to over 100 yacht debuts. Walk the pontoons of Europe’s largest purpose-built marina to see every type of boat from RIBs to catamarans to superyachts. It’s a real boating extravaganza, with a water stage filled with weird and wonderful new watersports tech, trial watersports sessions for the kids, as well as plenty of boats to view including classics and sailboats. 

Did you know? There is a strong emphasis on environmental research and marine conservation at the show, and even the seafood served is from sustainable sources.  

 

Photo credit: southamptonboatshow.com

 

Monaco Superyacht Show

Where is it? Port Hercules, Monaco 

When is it? 27-30 September 2023 

Website: www.monacoyachtshow.com  

Ticket prices: A single-day ticket costs 600 euros, a 2-day pass is 1,020 euros, and a three-day pass is 1,620 euros.  

There is no show more elite and world renowned than the Monaco Yacht Show. This is the biggest, glitziest show of the year with a complete focus on superyachts and the superyacht lifestyle. The top yacht builders will be making their debuts for the world to see, and there’s everything from toys to submarines and interior design. Take a tour of the superyachts on a water taxi, visit the tender quay, see the luxury car display, or discover the latest in superyacht interior design.  

Did you know? No other show has as many large yachts as Monaco. The average length is almost 165 feet and some are in excess of 250 feet.

 

Photo credit: monacoyachtshow.com