Bahamas Charter Yacht Show Scrapped—Industry Looks To Other Yacht Events in 2026

Originally scheduled to begin next week (January 28th), the 2026 Bahamas Charter Yacht Show has been officially canceled, with the Association of Bahamas Marinas citing “circumstances beyond control.” The early-season event, designed to present the Bahamas as a top winter charter destination, faced various hurdles that ultimately made the show unviable to go ahead.

Why Did The Show Cancel?

Participation levels fell below the organizers’ threshold, with a decline in registered interest compared to previous years. The situation was also compounded when the headlining sponsor, Safe Harbor Marinas, withdrew from the show. With no major sponsor secured for the 2026 edition and with fewer participating yachts, the event was forced to cancel.

What Were the Other Contributing Factors?

The cancellation of this Bahamian show also points to broader structural changes affecting the regional charter landscape. Last summer, in 2025, the Bahamian government introduced a series of new laws and tax policies that have subsequently impacted yacht charter tourism in the Bahamas.

Changes included a 12-month cruising permit for yachts 34-0100 feet, which was increased to $1,000, and a $3,000 hike for those over 100 feet. For repeat yachts, a frequent digital cruising card was introduced at a sliding-scale cost, along with new fishing permits and AIS requirements.

These changes build on measures introduced in mid-2022, when a 10% VAT on charters plus a 4% port department fee came into effect, creating a 14% total tax burden for charter yachts in the Bahamas. Combined, these adjustments have led to some uncertainty within the market, and some yachts that traditionally base in the Bahamas for winter are reassessing plans.

2026 Yacht Shows To Attend Instead

For the yacht charter industry and anyone looking to explore 2026 charter options, there are various other key shows that remain on the yachting calendar.

The next shows to kick off are in sunny South Florida, with the Discover Miami Boating taking place from February 11-15, and then later on from March 25-29, followed by the Palm Beach International Boat Show. 

Further afield, the Dubai International Boat Show runs from April 8-12, highlighting the growing yachting market and charter opportunities in the Middle East.

For a global view of must-attend yacht shows and events, check out yacht.com’s full roundup of the world’s best yacht shows.