The US boating industry is gathering in Florida for the 2026 Miami International Boat Show, which begins today (11 February 2026) and runs until Sunday (15 February 2026).
The Miami International Boat Show 2026 is the 85th edition of the annual event, and marks the most significant revision to the show’s layout since 2018, with activities consolidated into three primary locations across Miami Beach and the surrounding waterfront.
For the first time since 2018, yachts will return to Collins Avenue as part of the Miami Beach Yacht Collection. Located along Indian Creek between 44 and 47 streets, the in-water display will feature powerboats and motor yachts ranging from 30ft to 125ft.
A broad cross-section of builders are attending the five-day event, including Azimut, Absolute, Aquila, Cruisers, Ferretti, Galeon, HCB, Mangusta, Pardo, Prestige, Princess, Riviera, Sanlorenzo, Schaefer, Solaris, Sunreef, Sunseeker, Tiara, Vanquish and Viking.
Highlights this year include Aquila Catamarans showing two world premieres, the 50 Sail and 45 Sport, as part of an eight-yacht lineup.
“Bringing the world’s most impressive vessels back to Collins Avenue reaffirms Miami Beach’s standing as a premier global destination,” says Miami Beach mayor, Steven Meiner. “By hosting this world-class event across our iconic waterfront and the state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center, we are driving nearly $1bn in regional economic impact while showcasing our city on a spectacular scale.”
Awards to be announced at Miami 2026
Also taking place on 12 February 2026 in Miami are the Neptune Awards, which celebrate the best in marine marketing, and have added a new Startup Marketing category for 2026. The new startup award will recognise the most creative and effective marketing campaigns from startups in the leisure marine industry, celebrating ingenuity, authenticity, and storytelling over big budgets.
“We’re very excited to welcome yachts back to Collins Avenue,” says Miami Beach commissioner David Suarez. “This show strengthens our city’s connection to the water, brings meaningful economic energy to local businesses and celebrates the vibrant maritime culture that defines our community.”
The Miami Beach Convention Center and the adjacent Pride Park will serve as the central hub of the event – Miami’s longest-running boat show. These venues will host boats up to 49ft, along with exhibitors focused on engines, marine accessories, electronics and retail products. Pride Park will also host the Progressive Experience, which includes interactive features, entertainment and boater education activities, and acts as a transport hub for shuttle services, golf carts and rideshare access.
A new feature for 2026 is Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami. This area is dedicated to sailboats, catamarans and sailing equipment and sits alongside the established SuperYacht Miami section, which focuses on brokerage yachts and marina-based displays. Together, these locations complete the three-venue format introduced for the 2026 edition.
“The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show has earned a reputation as the world’s greatest boat show over its 85-year history,” says Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows, Informa Markets. “There’s truly something for everyone – from personal watercraft and fishing rods, to the latest advances in marine tech and luxury yachts. This year, we’re unveiling a brand new show layout that makes it easier than ever before to explore all three locations. Whether you’re an experienced boater, a first-time buyer, or a dreamer, you’ll find it all in a fun environment for the whole family.”
According to organisers, the 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 100,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibiting brands, with more than 1,000 vessels displayed across the three locations.
The annual event, which is owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the International Yacht Brokers Association and produced by Informa Markets, generates an estimated $956m impact for the region.
The event is projected to generate a regional economic impact approaching $1bn, with additional funding allocated to community initiatives and marine conservation projects.
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