Inside the Miami International Boat Show 2026: This Year’s Biggest Yachting Showcase

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is set to return for its 2026 edition, taking place from February 11-15. Promising a five-day celebration of yachts, innovation, and on-the-water lifestyle. Last year, over 100,000 attendees visited, more than 1,000 brands exhibited, over 1,000 boats were on display, and this year’s is poised to be even bigger. 

A show hosted in the vibrant Florida city of Miami, it is perfect for first-time boat buyers to seasoned superyacht enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy all elements of the yachting lifestyle here, from new builds to charter, the latest advanced technology, accessories, and experiences. New for this year are layout changes, including new locations for Sailors Cove and an upgraded Miami Beach Yacht Collection. 

Here is a guide to Discover Boating and what to know before you head to sunny South Florida this February:

When & Where

The event has its roots in two shows—the Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show—which merged in 2022 under the Discover Boating brand, a collaboration between the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Informa Markets. Now in its 85th edition, the show spans Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, coinciding with Presidents’ Day weekend. 

Kicking off with a preview day on Wednesday (February 11th), followed by general admission from Thursday through Sunday, giving attendees lots of time to explore the docks, view yachts, and get involved in the South Florida boating scene. 

Inside the Show

The 2026 Discover Boating show spans four official locations, each offering a perspective on the yachting lifestyle and experience. The centre of the show is held at the Miami Beach Convention Centre and Pride Park. Here, visitors can explore boats up to 49 feet, browse the latest engine brands, marine accessories and electronics, and also experience hands-on demonstrations across a variety of retail pavilions. 

Pride Park hosts the Progressive Experience, an interactive hub that combines entertainment, education, and activities for all levels and genres of boating. This spot is also the central point for parking, shuttles, and golf cart connections. Also at Pride Park is Aquazone by Nautical Venutres, culinary concessions, and an education zone with Kids Fishing Clinics on the weekend.

New for 2026 is the Miami Beach Yacht Collection, a new waterfront avenue display along Collins Avenue and Indian Creek. The area is dedicated to in-water presentations of powerboats, motor yachts (30-125 feet), tenders, and premium accessories. Sailing lovers will also find a new location in Sailors Cove, a dedicated destination for sailboats, catamarans, and the sailing lifestyle. 

Hosting the Cove is the IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami alongside Superyacht Miami, presenting some of the world’s largest, most luxurious superyachts. From brokerage yachts to sailing yachts and catamarans, this exclusive marine features renowned brands including Sunseeker, Ocean Alexander, and Sanlorenzo.

The show also continues its commitment to sustainability and marine conservation. Comprehensive measures are in place to protect local wildlife, including manatees, during sea trials with trained Manatee Spotters on duty. Charitable initiatives remain a key element with donations supporting the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the Biscayne Bay Recovery Fund, and scientific research such as the 2022 Willoughby Expedition studying microplastic pollution. Sustainable catering and energy efficiency practices across the event further reinforce the organisers’ efforts to responsible event planning. 

A Taste of Florida

While exploring the boat show throughout the day, the culinary concessions and pop-ups will help fuel the day’s experiences. Across the show venues, there is a wide selection of offerings from partners like Budweiser, Goslings, Tanqueray, Ketel One, and more. 

Outside of the show, Miami’s dining scene is one to enjoy with so many varied options for lunch and dinner—from quick bites to fine dining, and a cold beer to creative cocktails. A stone’s throw from the IGY Yacht Haven Grande is The Deck at Island Gardens, offering a waterfront setting with views across Biscayne Bay, complemented by a Mediterranean-inspired menu. 

For Argentine flavours from an open-fire kitchen, head to Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, offering grilled meats and a lively atmosphere. Equally vibrant is the Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge, a long-standing favourite with a seafood-focused menu. For a true Miami experience, make a stop at Joe’s Stone Crab, which is famous for its stone crab claws and is a must-visit. While COTE Miami is for a fine dining experience on a Korean barbecue, washed down with an extensive wine list. 

Visitor Information

All Discover Boating tickets are available for purchase exclusively online. Options include a single-day ($42) and two-day pass ($72), VIP experiences, and child-friendly rates. On the first preview day, Wednesday and Thursday, the show opens from 10:00 am, closing at 6:00pm. While the Friday and Saturday show doors remain open until 7:00pm, they close earlier on the last day (Sunday) at 5:00pm. For those looking for a VIP experience, Windward Vip tickets offer access to exclusive clubs at Herald Plaza and the Convention Centre, along with VIP amenities throughout the show. 

For visitors keen to explore the world of superyachts, Superyacht Mimmi tickets grant entry to the IGY Yacht Haven Grande, where the largest yachts will be displayed. Tickets are priced at $130 for a single day or $155 for two days. 

While the show doesn’t enforce a dress code, comfort and style are important, with casual, chic attire as the standard. Thanks to sunny Florida’s climate, visitors are encouraged to bring hats, sunglasses, and sun protection. Closed-toe, easily slip-on and off shoes are highly recommended for navigating docks, especially when boarding yachts and tenders. Throughout the locations, there are well-marked amenities, including restrooms, shaded seating areas, water stations, and food and beverage outlets. To make the most of your visit, plan your route in advance, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen or protective clothing to enjoy the Florida sun safely.

Getting There & Around

Whether you are coming in from the US or internationally, the Miami International Airport is the closest major airport. The surrounding airports of Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are also options, depending on your connection availability. The Miami airport is just a short drive from downtown, and visitors can easily reach the show venues via private transfer, taxi, or rideshare.

For those arriving by car, convenient parking is available at key locations, including IGY Yacht Haven Grande Marina and the Miami Beach Convention Centre, with shuttle services and drop-off points, making access to the docks easy. 

Visitors travelling by train can take advantage of the Brightline service, departing hourly from cities including Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, arriving at Miami Central Station. From there, a dedicated Brightline shuttle will provide transportation to the IGY marina. 

Once at the show, visitors can easily move between venues thanks to complimentary shuttles and golf carts. Operating daily from 09:00 am to 7:00pm, these shuttle links mean everything is just a short ride away. 

Florida Beyond the Show

When at the Discover Boating show in Miami, you can also explore nearby areas like Palm Beach, with its luxury shopping and beach options and Fort Lauderdale, providing access to the Everglades, and more. 

Miami is full of exciting things to see and do, spanning culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities. Firstly, the city’s art scene is vibrant and varied, from museums to the colourful murals of Wynwood Walls, where you can discover Miami’s dynamic street art culture. It is a shame to be in Miami without wandering through Little Havana, where Cuban culture thrives. Take a break from the busy show and city lifestyle and head to the many beaches in Miami. Those with more time and who want to get further afield, Miami is also a great base to charter a yacht and cruise the Florida Keys, or the Bahamas—the perfect opportunity to try out the yachting lifestyle after the show.