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 to potential buyers. 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 a good boat show. Discover everything from diving to fishing, watersports to tenders. There is nautical fashion, life-saving equipment, and eye-popping demonstrations—if you’ve ever fancied a trip on a submersible, this might even be your chance.
With a packed schedule that spans the world’s greatest yachting capitals and many ports in between, there are plenty of shows to visit. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest and best boat shows in 2023 and 2024.
South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
Where is it? Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, UK.
When is it? 19-21 April, 2024
Website: https://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/2024-04-19/south-coast-boat-show/
Ticket prices: Free entry
MDLs Ocean Village Marina has long been used as a venue for large events—think the Whitbread Round the World Race and the Clipper Race among others. A recent period of development has seen it elevated into a superb showcase marina, and a great home for the new South Coast Boat Show. Now combining the Green Tech Boat Show (previously hosted by MDL in Plymouth), the event delivers global power and sail brands alongside new innovative eco-friendly products. Visitor attendance is free.
In 2024, with over 80 new boats on display, the show really is an ideal opportunity for serious buyers to experience the marine industry’s most exciting and innovative brands in power and sail. As you'd expect, the event also showcases an extensive range of ancillary services including associated gear, finance, and insurance. This year, it will also play host to the return to the famous racing yacht Maiden, following a six-year World Tour raising awareness and funds for Girls’ Education, and seven months competing in her last round the world race.
MDL Marinas photo.
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 10 euros for a day pass or 35 euros for an all-show Pro 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. It’s one of the very best events on the calendar, given all the things that Palma is famous for—round-the-year sunshine, superb cruising grounds, every brand you can think of, and wonderful scenery. Palma really has got it all, and the show is a reflection of that. Typically, there are well over 250 boats on display, most of which are afloat.
Incorporating the Superyacht Village (formerly called the Palma Superyacht Show), the event delivers some of the finest 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market. Alongside this, you'll find a wide array of shore-side superyacht related services, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next-level marine electronics. 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.
Palma International Boat Show photo.
Barclays Jersey Boat Show
Where is it? St. Helier Marina, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK
When is it? 4-6 May, 2024
Website: https://www.jerseyboatshow.com/
Ticket prices: Free entry
The cruising grounds of the Channel Islands are not to be missed, and St.Helier Marina celebrates this in style with what remains the largest free event in the Channel Islands! It is packed with yachts, watercraft, stalls, gadgets, lifestyle products, and services. Weighbridge Place is home to the entertainment village, showcasing the finest local talent with a packed entertainment program and the best in food and drink.
Jersey Boat Show photo.
British Motor Yacht Show
Where is it? Swanwick Marina, Swanwick, UK
When is it? 16-19 May, 2024
Website: https://www.britishmotoryachtshow.com/
Ticket prices: Free for serious buyers; register via website
Originally set up as an event for the UK's Big Three—Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess—this event has grown to now feature most of the prestigious powerboat brands represented by dealers in the UK. The location, Swanwick Marina, has become the permanent hub for many of these businesses, and the event has thrived because of it. It has an intimate and boutique feel to it, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the larger shows on the calendar.
Registration for the event is free. Alongside the boats on show, you will find plenty of exhibitors representing other areas of boat ownership that you will need to consult. The marina features a superb new Boat House cafe, and there is plenty of parking.
British Motor Yacht Show photo.
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: One-day tickets are $32.85 for an adult; children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult enter free. Tickets must be purchased online; there is no box office at the show.
For over 30 years this show has been an Australian yachting institution showcasing everything from kayaks to superyachts. Every year, it is 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 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.
Sanctuary Cove photo.
Crick Boat Show
Where is it? Crick Marina, Crick, UK
When is it? 25-27, May 2024
Website: http://www.crickboatshow.com/
Ticket prices: A one-day ticket is £19.00 and £43.00 for a weekend ticket (Saturday to Monday). Prices discounted if purchased in advance.
Without doubt, this is the UK's biggest inland Waterways Festival, with the greatest display of new inland boats, both narrowboats and wide beams. It also transforms into Britain’s largest chandlery for three days with over 260 exhibitors bringing together the whole spectrum of inland boating equipment and supplies. This is a great event for waterways enthusiasts wishing to modify or upgrade their boat, newcomers eager to get afloat for the first time, and those looking for a relaxing day on the water.
Crick Boat Show photo.
Thames Valley Boat Show
Where is it? Penton Hook Marina, Chertsey, UK
When is it? 31 May - June 2
Website: https://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/marinas/mdl-penton-hook-marina/event/the-thames-valley-boat-show/
Ticket prices: Free entry
The River Thames facilitates a huge breadth in the ways it can be enjoyed by boat owners. This new event showcases that, featuring leading marine companies who service the needs of those on the river including Bates Wharf, Tingdene, Bray Marine Sales, and Thames Boat Sales. There are a comprehensive range of land and on-water stands, plus 100 dedicated sales berths afloat, 40+ marquee spaces ashore, and 50 boat spaces.
MDL Marinas photo.
Cannes Yachting Festival
Where is it? Vieux Port & Port Canto, Cannes, France
When is it? 10-15 September 2024
Website: www.cannesyachtingfestival.com
Ticket prices: Single-day adult tickets in 2023 cost 31 euros and 2-day tickets were 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 700 boats on display including superyachts, sailboats, and multihull yachts. The range of vessels is delightfully eclectic, with boats from 5 to 50 meters in two distinct harbors, the Old Port (Vieux Port) and the Canto Port (Port Canto). There is a wonderful vibe 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.
Cannes Yachting Festival photo.
Newport International Boat Show
Where is it? Commercial Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island, US
When is it? September 12-15, 2024
Website: www.newportboatshow.com
Ticket prices: Opening day tickets are $40 for an adult or a child over 13 years old. Other days $31 in advance and $33 at the box office.
The largest in-water show in the northeast US celebrates all things boating and is the place to discover the hottest and newest powerboats and sailboats for the upcoming year, as well as trends and products to enhance the nautical lifestyle. Expect a lively and busy program of events and seminars such as 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 15 acres of historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport Boat Show photo.
The Southampton Boat Show
Where is it? Southampton, UK
When is it? 13-22 September 2024
Website: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/
Ticket Prices: £29.99 per day for an adult, £39.99 for a two-day ticket. Children 17 and under enter free (up to two children per adult ticket).
Britain’s biggest show is a celebration of 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.
Southampton Boat Show photo.
Monaco Yacht Show
Where is it? Port Hercules, Monaco
When is it? 25-28 September 2024
Website: www.monacoyachtshow.com
Ticket prices: In 2023, 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.
Monaco Yacht Show photo.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Where is it? Spread over 7 locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When is it? October 30 - November 3, 2024
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, sport-fishing boats to catamarans, high-performance boats to 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.
Flibs photo.
Miami International Boat Show
Where is it? The show takes 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? February 12-16, 2025
Website: www.miamiboatshow.com
Ticket prices: One-day tickets are $42 for adults for an adult single-day ticket or $72 for a two-day ticket. Child tickets cost $16.
Amid the glitz and glamor of Miami, the biggest boat and yacht manufacturers from the US and across the globe showcase their newest models, creating by some measures the biggest boat show in the world. (See Miami International Boat Show, Six Shows in One.) 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. For more on
Did you know? You can hop on water taxis to shuttle between the different event centers without getting caught in the busy city traffic.
Miami Boat Show photo.
Dubai International Boat Show
Where is it? Dubai Canal, Jumeirah
When is it? February 19-23, 2025
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.
Dubai International Boat Show Facebook page photo.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Where is it? Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida
When is it? March 20-23, 2025
Website: www.pbboatshow.com
Ticket prices: In 2024, they were $31 for a single day adult ticket, or $56 for a two-day ticket. Tickets for children over the age of 6 are $16.
The third major yacht show in Florida each winter, the Palm Beach International Boat Show offers more than 800 boats and 600 brands in a friendly one-venue location along Flagler Drive.There’s something for everyone at here, whether you’re in the market for new center console boats, brokerage superyachts or 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.
International Multihull Show
Where is it? Port de Plaisance, La Grand Motte, France
When is it? April 23-27, 2025
Website: https://www.multicoque-online.com/en/
Ticket prices: TBC
Even pre-Covid, the appetite for selling the house and getting away from it was growing at a rate faster than ever done before. A new stream of motivated, enthusiastic and media-savvy owners was emerging, keen to get from boardroom to bluewater and share their story while they were doing it. Although there had been multihulls on display at boat shows for years, most of the venues were difficult and expensive for the shipyards to get to; you only need to Google images of Parisien roads being closed in December to let 50' cats through to the Salon Nautique to see how hard it was. What was needed was an outdoor event, in the spring, in a location where there was consistent breeze so that prospective buyers could experience the thrill of performance sailing on the level. And so the International Multihull Show was started in 2010, and La Grand Motte in the south of France was its home.
Today, this event is an absolute must-visit for those thinking that a multihull may feature in their forthcoming ownership plans. Here, you'll find designers, suppliers, builders, brokers and charter businesses from all over the world, keen to showcase their specialist knowledge. The shipyards often use this event for global launches of new models, not least of which because being able to seatrial them straight after the show is a very quick and simple exercise.
International Multihull Show photo.
This article has been originally published in March 2019 and most recently updated in April 2024.
Related Articles and Guides
28th Feb 2024
Palm Beach International Boat Show
23rd Feb 2024
Rightboat Interview: Talking Long Range Cruising Yachts with Jeff Druek
8th Feb 2024
Miami International Boat Show, Six Shows In One
23rd Dec 2023
