For the latest advancements in maritime culture, from yachts and boats to accessories and information, these are the best international shows to visit.
Every year, yacht and boating enthusiasts make the trip to visit the best international shows, eager to experience the latest advancements in maritime culture. Showcasing the finest yachts and boats on the high seas to the latest accessories, these shows are hallowed ground for those who live and breathe the art of sailing. If you identify with that, here are some of the best international yacht and boat shows to visit.
What to expect at the best international yacht and boat shows
As fashion is to New York Fashion Week and technology is to the CES Convention, so too are seafaring vessels to yacht and boat shows. The crème de la crème of international yacht and boat shows often bear a striking resemblance to conventions, incorporating elements that bring together boating enthusiasts: Boat debuts, reunions, swap meets, challenges, and treasure hunts.
Like seafaring vessels, yacht and boat shows come in all shapes and sizes. These encompass renowned events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that cater to an international audience, along with smaller shows that serve local enthusiasts. Whether you’re deal hunting, looking to be inspired for your next seafaring adventure, or in the market for new accessories and information for outfitting your vessel, these international yacht and boat shows are worth a visit.
The best international yacht and boat shows to visit
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Next edition: October 30, 2024 — November 3, 2024
Held in a space spanning over 3 million square feet, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is widely regarded as one of the best international yacht and boat shows in the world. Visited by an estimated 100,000 seafaring enthusiasts yearly, FLIBS is known for attracting top yacht makers, designers, and brands. Most notably, it is known to host over 1,200 exhibitors from 52 countries as well as over 1,300 boats, with numerous yacht designers unveiling their latest vessels at the show.
Among the show’s key focus is its emphasis on boat-related products and accessories, an important draw for 89 percent of its visitors. According to demographic research conducted by FLIBS, 43 percent of attendees visit with intent to purchase a boat, while 40 percent attend to see what’s new. Some 26 percent are in search of new ideas for their existing vessels, while 18 percent visit to network within the industry. Additionally, the show also hosts informative seminars and demonstrations to help seafarers with the care and maintenance of their boats, plus sailing and fishing techniques. Other highlights of the show include enjoyable activities such as a fishing tournament, a marina tour, and live music and entertainment.
Thailand International Boat Show
Next edition: January 9, 2025 — January 12, 2025
Held at the award-winning Phuket Yacht Haven, the Thailand International Boat Show is expected to garner over 6,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors at its upcoming 2025 edition. While the show is in its infancy stages, with the 2025 edition being only the second, it promises a world of appeal, particularly pertinent to meet Thailand’s burgeoning interest in luxury yachting and seafaring life.
At the event, visitors can expect to see over 50 boats on display, encompassing yachts, dinghies, day trippers, superyachts, jet skis, and more. The boat show also emphasizes sustainability, with marine conservation workshops and other marine conservation and seafaring activities available for guests to participate in. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy sailing workshops and interactive displays covering yacht charters and marine suppliers, luxury properties, luxury travel, and more.
Dubai International Boat Show
Next edition: February 19, 2025 — February 23, 2025
The largest boat show to be held in the Middle East, the Dubai International Boat Show is set to showcase over 500 of the world’s best superyachts and leisure crafts at Dubai Harbor. Drawing over 3,000 industry professionals, UHNW clients, and general visitors, the show is widely considered the most important boating event in the Middle East. Given the rising popularity of luxury yachts in the Middle East, it makes sense that the show draws yachting enthusiasts across the ranks of high society, all eager to network, shop, and explore.
Visitors can expect a variety of entertainment, as well as scuba taster sessions, free sailing and fishing trips, and a retail and water sports village. Because of the local weather, which features scorching daytime temperatures and unyielding sun, the show begins later in the day, and continues on into the night.
Miami International Boat Show
Next edition: February 12, 2025 — February 16, 2025
Held every February, the Miami International Boat Show is among the best international yacht and boat shows in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe. Bringing together industry professionals and boating enthusiasts, the show hosts over 1,500 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in boats, accessories, and services. With over 1,000 of the most innovative vessels on display from cruisers and sport fishers to trawlers and motorboats, visitors are spoiled for choice and inspiration.
Notably, the show takes place over six different locations: The Miami Beach Convention Centre, Pride Park, One Herald Plaza, Sea Isle Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Island Garden. Families with young ones can also participate in special events for small children.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Next edition: March 20, 2025 — March 23, 2025
One of the most popular boating shows in the world, the Palm Beach International Boat Show combines networking, entertainment, and viewings, set within the exquisite location of Flagler Drive in Palm Beach, Florida. The 2024 edition featured over 800 boats, 600 exhibiting brands, and a plethora of superyacht lifestyle products including fishing equipment, navigation aids, and accessories. Notably, the 2025 edition is shaping up for a similarly spectacular showing.
Visitors (of which there are over 55,000 annually) can expect to explore a plethora of vessels, from 8-foot rigid inflatable boats and powerboats to sailboats, fishing boats, and motorboats. Additionally, the event will host hands-on boat handling classes, fishing clinics, and watersports demonstrations, allowing attendees to learn even as they network amongst manufacturers, brokers, and distributors from around the globe.
Monaco Yacht Show
Next edition: September 25, 2024 — September 28, 2024
For those in the market for luxury superyachts, the Monaco Yacht Show, which is hosted in the idyllic Port Hercules, is a must-visit event. Organized under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, the show is set to celebrate its 33rd iteration this year. Regarded as the foremost event in the yachting calendar, this year’s show will feature some of the greatest luxury yachts in history, including vessels from brands like Benetti, Sunseeker, and Azimut.
No other yacht and boat show features vessels in the same caliber. Indeed, the Monaco Yacht Show is known to feature some of the largest mega yachts in the industry, with those on display clocking an average length of 165 feet, with some that are as large as 250 feet. With over 560 exhibitors on site, 120 vessels for sale, and 50 luxury tenders available to experience, the highly exclusive show draws crowds of about 30,000 per year.
As the pinnacle of luxury in yachting, the show provides two different sections for enthusiasts to explore: An Afloat site featuring over 100 superyachts and luxury tenders, and the Quayside, which hosts designers, naval architects, yacht suppliers, service providers, and manufacturers. Notably, the organizers of the show have begun to place greater emphasis on innovation to facilitate sustainable yachting, reflecting the broader views of the world.
Cannes Yachting Festival
Next edition: September 10, 2024 — September 15, 2024
Hosted in the Vieux Port and Port Canto of the idyllic French Riviera, the Cannes Yachting Festival is one of the most luxurious and prestigious nautical events in the world. Drawing over 50,000 visitors annually, the event features the largest in-water showcase in the Mediterranean, with the latest boats, tenders, and luxury lifestyles available to experience. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of boats for sale, from motor yachts, monohulls, and sailing boats to multihulls, toys, and superyachts alike.
Among boat builders that have had a presence at Cannes, top names like Baglietto, Cantiere Delle Marche, Gulf Craft, Pearl Yachts, Princess Yachts, Sanlorenzo, Sunreef Yachts, and Van der Valk Yachts stand out. Notably, in 2022, Prestige unveiled the Prestige X60 and the M48 Catamaran at the event. Additionally, the organizers also host activities including seminars, competitions, and demonstrations, all contributing towards the excitement and camaraderie on the water.
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
Next edition: November 21, 2024 — November 24, 2024
Yet another boat show that reflects the growing yachting culture of the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show is set to take place in November this year. Held in the Marina Hall of the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, the show will host over 700 brands from 53 countries and over 100 boats in the 65,000 square feet space. The show is primed to receive almost 35,000 visitors, with goals to become a launchpad for cutting-edge technology in the seafaring industry. Visitors can expect to connect with builders, designers, experts, and other enthusiasts, with notable exhibitors including Riviera, Sunseeker, Sunreef Yachts, MasterCraft, De Antonio Yachts, and more.
(Main image: Monaco Yacht Show/Instagram)