Inside the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show: Dates, Yachts & VIP Tips

The 44th edition of the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) returns in 2026, taking place from March 25-29. Set against the backdrop of downtown West Palm Beach, it stands as one of the largest, relaxed yet refined boat shows in the Sunshine State.

As one of America’s iconic East Coast regions, Palm Beach offers a mix of elegance, tropical charm, and year-round sunshine. Between exploring the show—showcasing tenders to superyachts and everything in between—visitors can indulge in high-end shopping, fine dining, golf, and beach time.

With new and pre-owned boats, accessories, and lifestyle offerings, PBIBS is the ultimate event for owners, charterers, enthusiasts, and yacht industry professionals from around the world to gather. As well as perusing yachts, there are plenty of seminars, demonstrations, and cutting-edge technology exhibits to visit. And, for those wanting the ultimate VIP experience, the Windward Club is the place to be.

Here is a guide to the 2026 Palm Beach Yacht Show and what to know before you head to sunny South Florida:

When & Where

Beginning in the 1980s, and since held annually, this year the show returns in March and spans multiple premium waterfront locations. The show invites visitors to explore a variety of exhibits. Held along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, across from Palm Beach Island, with key areas including Palm Harbour Marina and Clematis Street.

Informa Markets runs the five-day yacht show on behalf of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County. One of the largest in the US, the 2026 show is expected to feature over 1,000 boats, including superyachts, and over 600 exhibitors. Over 55,000 visitors are also expected to come through the doors. Last year, over $1.2 billion in yachts and accessories made an appearance, and similar, if not more, is expected for 2026.

Inside the Show

PBIBS offers an excellent insight into the yachting world, with vessels of all sizes, from day boats and cruising options to the super-yacht scale—as well as some exciting US debuts. And for those looking for the perfect support vessel, tender, or onboard toy upgrade, it is the ideal show. Expect various global brands and the latest in innovation and technology showcased through live, on-water demonstrations.

A particular highlight for the 2026 edition is the expanded Superyacht Show at Palm Harbour Marina, dedicated to larger yachts. This newly enhanced area provides a more focused environment for viewing some of the most impressive superyachts on display, alongside expert insights from the shipyards and brokers on hand at the show to assist with viewings and offer advice.

Returning again, but promised to be bigger and better, is the AquaZone, one of the show’s most exciting attractions. Presented by Nautical Ventures, this interactive space enables visitors to experience watersports equipment and innovative marine products firsthand.

The show also celebrates the wider luxury lifestyle associated with yachting. Along Flagler Drive, land-based exhibits will feature the latest in electronics and accessories. And over on Clematis Street, a selection of curated booths leads to the Windward VIP Club for refined hospitality and exclusive experience.

The show in Palm Beach also delivers a strong program of seminars, panel discussions and workshops, covering everything from yacht design trends and ownership considerations to sustainability and future-focused yachting practices. Educational sessions and fishing clinics will take place at the Meyer Amphitheatre, with this year’s additional presentations hosted inside the new Superyacht Show Pavilion.

PBIBS also gives back; each year, unused marquees from the event are donated to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, supporting its ongoing turtle conservation work, particularly as the center undergoes renovations to continue protecting endangered sea turtles. For further sustainability efforts, the show also has various commitments to managing its carbon impact, including investing in energy-efficient solutions and sustainable catering.

A Taste of Florida

Yacht shows make for long, yet rewarding days of the docks, but when it comes to refuelling, Palm Beach delivers. Across the show venues, visitors can find more than 75 concessions and bars, offering everything from light bites to cocktails. Signature stops include the Goslings Dark’ N Stormy Island bar and the Anheuser-Busch Island Barge and Beer Garden for a relaxed pause between yacht viewings.

For a VIP experience, the Windward VIP Club offers a welcome respite from the crowds, where you can enjoy a selection of tasting menus, small plates, and premium drinks in a private, comfortable setting. Outside of the show, there are plenty of tables and spots to sample in the Palm Beach area, known for its variety and quality. In yacht show week, reservations are highly recommended.

If you are looking for a sophisticated, more fine-dining option, head to RH Rooftop at RH West Palm for elegant surroundings, seasonal cuisine, and rooftop views. While Cafe Boulud at The Brazilian Court serves a high-end dining experience with French flair. Harry’s is another go-to for expert cocktails and a menu focused on seafood and steaks. A lively West Palm favourite, full of Latin American- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, is Avocado Grill, or Rocco’s Tacos for Mexican flavors and an energetic scene. Clematis Street has cocktail lounges, wine bars, and late-night spots for drinks or celebrations after the show.

Visitor Information

Early registration for Palm Beach is recommended, especially for VIP packages, which often sell out quickly. All tickets are available online and at the show entrance. Options include single-day passes, multi-day tickets, and VIP experiences that offer private tours, cocktail receptions, and front-row access to seminars. On the first day (Wednesday), the show opens later at midday, rather than the usual 10:00 am, and on the last day (Sunday), it ends slightly earlier at 5:00pm, as opposed to the other days, when the doors close at 7:00pm.

While there is no strict dress code, comfortable yet stylish attire is ideal and casual is the standard, with hats, sunglasses, and sun protection highly recommended. Closed-toe shoes are advised for walking along docks, especially for those touring yachts or tenders.

The show offers 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

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

Rail services like Brightline also provide convenient transportation to Palm Beach from cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Throughout Palm Beach, ride-sharing apps (Uber/Lyft) are an excellent option for getting to and from the show, offering door-to-door service. While there is ample parking at the show, for those driving, it is best to arrive early to secure a spot.

Once at the show, organizers offer complimentary transportation via golf carts, and shuttles run by ICON Electric Vehicles connect the show locations. Some exhibitors also offer on-water options, such as tender shuttles, to move between the different piers and yachts.

Florida Beyond the Show

While at PBIBS, you can also explore nearby areas like Fort Lauderdale, providing access to the Everglades, and Miami’s vibrant arts scene. The Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Art Fair will also be running from March 19-22, 2026 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center—an ideal cultural event to coincide with your show experience.

When in Palm Beach, it would be a shame not to experience the iconic luxury shopping district. Worth Avenue is world-renowned and lined with luxury boutiques, galleries, and heritage brands. After a busy show period, beach time may also be well received, and Palm Beach has lots of options, such as Jupiter Beach Park and Coral Cove Park. The area is also known for its championship golf courses; book a tee time at the PGA National Resort for some downtime before or after the show. Those with more time and who want to get further afield, Palm Beach is also a great base to charter a yacht and cruise the Florida Keys—an excellent opportunity to sample the yachting lifestyle before or after the show.