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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 showcase the newest and best products and celebrate the boating lifestyle with hundreds of thousands of boaters. From the sheer scale of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the elite Monaco Yacht Show with its line-up of superyachts, to the show-stopping Cannes Yachting Festival, Dusseldorf Boot (Boat Show) and the Miami International Boat Show, to many smaller regional shows, the calendar from September through May is literally 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 20 of the biggest, best and/or most unique boat shows in the fall of 2024 through the spring of 2025.
HISWA Te Water
Where is it? Lelystad, Netherlands
When is it? 28 August - 1 September 2024
Website: https://www.hiswatewater.nl/en/
Ticket prices: Single-day adult tickets cost 15 euros and children, 7.5 euros.
Now firmly established in its new home on the eastern shoreline of the IJsselmeer, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, this event is a superb celebration of the uniqueness of Dutch boating. Exhibitors display 250 boats from compact to 50', along with a myriad of boat parts and accessories. The event also offers workshops, live demonstrations, specialized tours, dockside demonstrations and beginner's sailing sessions in Bataviahaven Harbour.
Did you know? This popular show is uniquely Dutch but includes exhibitors from 17 countries and five continents.
Hiswa Te Water 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 cost 39 euros and 2-day tickets, 70 euros. Children up to 10 years old enter for free.
Europe's biggest in-water event and, without doubt, one of the most important shows in the global yachting calendar, given that most of Europe's boat builders now use it to launch their new models for the following season. It’s a 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). The latter now hosts a superb display of new sailing yachts and multihulls, as well as pre-owned vessels over 25m that are actively for sale on RightBoat and elsewhere. In 2024, Port Pierre Canto will be bolstered with a marina dedicated to motor boats over 12m. There is a wonderful vibe at this show, so you can spend enjoyable days walking the docks, seeing the latest in nautical fashion, visiting the Luxury Gallery for jewelry and custom décor, or of course checking out the very latest new yachts.
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? Newport Yachting Center Marina, 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. That includes the announcement of the winners of the Newport for New Products Awards for the best boats and equipment that premieres in the US at the show.
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 under 18 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
Genoa Boat Show/Salone Nautico
Where is it? Piazzale Kennedy, Genoa, Italy
When is it? 19-24 September 2024
Website: https://salonenautico.com
Ticket prices: Adult tickets cost 23 euros
Famous Italian brand names dominate the world of boat building - Azimut, San Lorenzo, Riva, Ferretti, Mangusta, Grand Soleil trip off the tongue. Their home event is the Genoa Boat Show, on a regenerated Piazzale Kennedy in this wonderful and bustling city. The Genoa Boat Show also serves as a platform for the comparison and benchmarking of superb innovation, design and technology, for which the Italian market is famous. From large motorboats to tenders and RIBs—this event has a full range of powerboats for sale.
Did you know? The Genoa Boat Show is the largest show in Italy and has been staged since 1962.
Genoa Boat Show / Salone Nautico photo
Monaco Yacht Show
Where is it? Port Hercules, Monaco
When is it? 25-28 September 2024
Website: www.monacoyachtshow.com
Ticket prices: For 26-28 September, a single-day ticket costs 690 euros, a 2-day pass is 1,170 euros, and a three-day pass is 1,860 euros. The opening day, 25 September, is by invitation only or for Sapphire Experience passholders, who must have a pending yacht project of construction, purchase or charter.
There simply is nothing like this one anywhere in the world, so if superyachts and megayachts are for you, this is the only place to be at the end of September. Set in the idyllic Port Hercule, the world's premier destination for luxury yachting, there are over 120 large yachts for sale, and most of the world's most prestigious shipyards, agents, charter businesses, advisors, designers and seasoned experts. Increasingly, the event has championed the need for excellence and innovation in responsible greener yachting. 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
Annapolis Boat Shows
Where is it? Annapolis, Maryland, USA
When is it? October 3-6 (Powerboat) and 10-14 (Sailboat), 2024
Website: annapolisboatshows.com
Ticket prices for the Powerboat Show (Oct. 3-6) are $35 in advance/$40 at the box office for Preview Day (Oct. 3) and $25 in advance, $30 at the box office on all others. Children 7-15 are $10 except on Preview Day when they pay full price.
Ticket prices for the Sailboat Show (Oct. 10-14) are $45 in advance/$50 at the box office for Preview Day (Oct. 3) and $25 in advance, $30 at the box office on all others. Children 7-15 are $10 except on Preview Day when they pay full price.
On back-to-back weekends in early October, the Annapolis Powerboat Show and the Annapolis Sailboat Show take over the docks in the infamous Ego Alley and much more in Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland. The sailboat show has been the No. 1 in-water sailboat show in the U.S. since its founding in 1970. Chock full of new multihull models in particular, the show is an annual gathering spot for cruising sailors, Youtube influencers, Boat of the Year judges and everyone who manufactures and sells boats and equipment across the sailing industry—from the West Coast and the Pacific Rim to countries all over Europe. The powerboat show presents many new models, nav equipment, boating accessories and electronics, often in advance of the Ft. Lauderdale Show a few weeks later. Boating seminars are available, as well, and brokerage boats will also be part of a show within a show this year.
Did you know? A highlight moment of the show is the disassembly of the Powerboat Show to release the powerboats and make way for the sailboats for the Sailboat Show.
Annapolis Boat 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: Preview Day (October 30) costs $70.15 for adults. All other days $46.34 for an adult, $18.40 for a child age 6-12. Children under age 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, sportfishing 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 Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and the SuperYacht Village.
Did you know? There are 1,300+ 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.
Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show photo
Boot Düsseldorf
Where is it? The show takes place at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
When is it? January 18-26, 2025
Website: https://www.boot.com/
Ticket prices: TBC, Ticket sales will start in autumn 2024.
Renowned as the largest indoor boat show globally, the Düsseldorf Boat Show, commonly known as Boot Düsseldorf, stands out as a unique highlight on the boating calendar. Each January, it heralds the start of a new water sports season. Hosted at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, this grand exhibition spans over 16 immense halls, showcasing an impressive array of boats, yachts, and marine accessories across its sprawling 2.3 million-square-foot site. Drawing maritime enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the globe, Boot Düsseldorf offers a comprehensive platform for boat builders, designers, and maritime technology innovators to showcase their latest offerings. From luxurious superyachts to nimble dinghies, the show caters to every facet of the boating world, making it a must-attend event for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.
Medianet Messe Duesseldorf 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.
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.
Palm Beach Boat Show photo
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
South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
Where is it? Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, UK.
When is it? 9-11, May 2025
Website: https://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/2024-04-19/south-coast-boat-show/
Ticket prices: Free entry
MDL’s 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? 30 April - 3 May 2025
Website: www.palmainternationalboatshow.com
Ticket prices: TBC but in 2024 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? 3-5 May, 2025
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? 15-18 May, 2025
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? 22-25 May 2025
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? 24-26, May 2025
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? Dates TBD (Last show was 31 May - June 2, 2024)
Website: https://www.thamesvalley-boatshow.co.uk
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.
Thames Valley Boat Show photo
This article has been originally published in March 2019 and most recently updated in August 2024.
