Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show returns to Greater Miami & Miami Beach February 12-16, 2025 bringing with it over 1,000 exhibitors, boats and activations. It’ll span six locations across Miami and Miami Beach, making it the world’s largest boat show with an estimated $1.3 billion in economic impact. The Boat Show has also joined forces with SuperYacht Miami to bring the biggest and most luxurious yachts in the world to Watson Island for a special VIP showcase. Whether you’re in the market for a boat or just want to see the latest toys on the water, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show has something for you to enjoy, and there’s easy transportation between all six venues.

Read on for details on the 2024 event

How To Best Experience the Boat Show

How you experience the boat show depends entirely on what you want to see and do. If you’re looking to peruse boats under 49 feet, the Miami Beach Convention Center in South Beach is your spot. The newly renovated convention center will be filled with boats, engines, accessories, electronics and boat-related retail. So whether you’re shopping for a boat or just a new Bimini top for your center console, you can find it here.

Across the causeway at Herald Plaza in Downtown Miami, you’ll find thundering powerboats alongside modest yachts in the 30-125-foot range. There will also be engine manufacturers and retail specific to the boats on display.

If you’re looking to get out on the water, head to the Venetian Marina near Downtown. You’ll find 150 vessels ready for test-drives and a bevy of brokerage boats, too.

Those who prefer wind-powered vessels should make their way to the Museum Park Marina in Downtown Miami, where the latest in sailboats, catamarans and sailing accessories will be in the water.

If you’re in town to shop for a mega yacht, make plans to visit SuperYacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. The largest and most impressive boats on the high seas will sit sparkling in the sun at The Deck at Island Gardens, beckoning the world’s elite to see what over-the-top advances shipbuilders have developed. Access to this event is only available to Windward VIP or SuperYacht ticket holders.

What to Do at the Boat Show

The boat show isn’t just for people looking to buy boats. Nor is it for people who just want to look at boats. Across the street from the convention center in Pride Park, you’ll find the Progressive Boat Show Experience, a venerable carnival of boating fun filled with food, seminars and even some tips on how to fix your boat. The Experience’s centerpiece is the Nautical Ventures AquaZone, a 40,000-gallon freshwater pool in which you’ll find watercraft demos and product testing. Try out the latest in nautical technology.

On Thursday and Friday nights, SFC Live! will stream live from the Progressive stage, as Peter Miller and Robbie Floyd discuss the world of professional sport fishing and what to expect in the upcoming season. Throughout the weekend, you can also enjoy fishing seminars by the experts at CHAOS Fishing. And those looking to educate their kids about the wonderful world of angling can enroll them in Hook the Future’s Kids Fishing Clinics with Captain Don Dingman, who’ll teach them about different species of fish and fishing techniques.

If you have a boat that’s giving you trouble and need some tips on fixing it, there’s the Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center. Mechanics and other boating pros will be on hand to offer free seminars and advice on everything from daily operations to maintenance.

Planning Your Visit

Tickets to the Boat Show

The only way into the boat show will be with digital tickets; you won’t find a box office on-site. Tickets will get you into every venue except SuperYacht. SuperYacht tickets are sold separately, though those with Windward VIP tickets can also access SuperYacht.

Windward VIP tickets also include access to designated lounges at Herald Plaza and the Miami Beach Convention Center as well as a premium open bar and golf cart transportation to the lounges. VIP ticket holders will also receive free shuttle and water taxi transportation between venues and have their own private restrooms.

Getting to the Boat Show

The Boat Show has partnered with SpotHero, a service that helps reserve parking spaces via lots, garages and valet services. You can check for spaces on the app, although those going to the Convention Center will be best served to park at the 17th Street garage a block south. Other venues may have surface lots nearby, but rideshares and public transportation may be easier.

Going between venues is pretty simple, as ticket holders can take free boat show shuttles or golf carts. Shuttles will run in five different loops connecting the venues, and electric golf carts will run between Maurice Gibb Park and the Convention Center and also Herald Plaza and the Venetian Marina.

This year’s show will also offer a water taxi running between all six locations. Tickets are available for $15 per day (they’re included with Windward VIP tickets).

Those coming via Brightline from points north can take a free shuttle from MiamiCentral Station. It’ll stop at several boat show venues.

Where It’s Happening

The show’s home base will be the Miami Beach Convention Center at 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach.

The Boat Show Experience will be held in Pride Park, adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center.

One Herald Plaza is in Downtown Miami, between Bayshore Drive and the Venetian Causeway on Northeast 15th Street. The nearest Metromover stop is the Adrienne Arsht Center station.

The Venetian Marina is also in Downtown Miami, at 1635 N. Bayshore Drive. The nearest Metromover stop is the Adrienne Arsht Center station.

Museum Park Marina is at 801 Biscayne Blvd. in Downtown Miami, between the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and Kaseya Center. The nearest Metromover stop is the Park West station.

Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens is on Watson Island, 838 MacArthur Causeway, between South Beach and Downtown Miami.

By: Matthew Meltzer | November 30, 2023