Miami International Boat Show on deck. Here are 7 things to know about it before you go
The Miami International Boat Show, one of the largest boating events in the world, opens Wednesday and runs through Sunday.
At six venues on Biscayne Bay, boating professionals and hobbyists can see the latest technology, design and trends in boating — from paddle boards to superyachts.
If you’re planning to attend the boat show, here are seven things to know before you go:
1. This is purportedly the largest boat show on the planet
The show usually draws about 100,000 people from 35 countries, organizers said. There are hundreds of exhibitors on and off the water showing the latest water toys, safety technology and boats of all sizes for all needs. Brands such as Cruiser Yachts, Nauticstar, Intrepid Powerboats, PursuitBoats, Solara and Scout Boats will be debuting new models at the show.
2. You can get around via water taxis and golf carts
The main event is at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where the halls will be packed with powerboats up to 49 feet long and exhibitors will be showing engines, marine accessories, electronic equipment and other retail items. Just outside the convention center in Pride Park there will be more displays, food vendors and demos.
Across the bay in Herald Plaza there will be powerboats ranging from 50 to 125 feet. At the Venetian Marina, visitors can test drive over 150 vessels. Sailboats and catamarans will be featured at the Museum Park Marina.
Yacht Haven Grande Marina on Watson Island, near the cruise port, will be the venue for SuperYacht Miami, which will showcase some of the largest, most luxurious yachts on the planet. The superyacht show is not included in the boat show general admission; those interested in checking out the superyachts can buy a ticket for $130, which includes a general admission ticket to the boat show.
Attendees can park once and get to all the venues via water taxi and golf carts for $15 daily, which must be pre-purchased online. There are also free shuttles to certain spots.
3. Latest technology in nascent electric boating industry
With battery-powered car engines making their way into the mainstream, boats are the next frontier for electric motors. This year’s boat show has double the amount of exhibitors in their “Charged!” pavilion for electric boating. The industry is still a long way from offering electric motors on large ships and yachts, but leisure, day-use boaters can now opt for electric.
Fort Lauderdale-based boat manufacturer Voltari will give the first glimpse to the public of their Voltari 260. The boat recently completed the world’s longest ocean crossing on a single battery charge, making a 91-mile trip from Key Largo to Bimini in the Bahamas. Boaters keen to get their hands on one can put down a $100 deposit at the boat show, but the total cost will set you back $450,000.
4. Largest-ever superyacht at a boat show
German shipmaker Lürssen will debut the largest yacht ever seen at a boat show in North America. The Superyacht AHPO is 377 feet long, goes 18 knots and can accommodate 16 guests in eight large staterooms.
5. Experts available to assist with boat maintenance
“Fred’s Shed” at the convention center is an interactive learning center with tech experts on hand to give boaters advice and tips for their own boats. They’ll also be running daily seminars and demos on service, maintenance and general boating skills.
6. Giant demo pool outside convention center
Organizers set up a 40,000-gallon freshwater pool in Pride Park, just outside the convention center for demos on small craft and various water toys. Attendees can see demos on things like mini-submarines, Jet Skis, hoverboards and water bicycles.
7. Evening event with a drone light show
Boat show ticket holders can attend Friday night’s “Yachts After Dark” event at Herald Plaza from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Boat builders and brokerages open the marina and light up their yachts and there will be cocktails and music. At 7:45 p.m., there will be a drone light show. Guests can RSVP for the event here.
If you go to the Miami International Boat Show:
General admission for one-day tickets is $42 for adults and $16 for children; children under 6 are free. Two-day tickets are $72 for adults. Active military, veterans and first responders receive complimentary general admission on Sunday. Tickets must be purchased online, since there is no box office.
SuperYacht Miami is a separate show. Tickets cost $130 and include a general admission ticket to the rest of the boat show.
You can buy parking for $30 (or $50 for valet) at Miami-Dade Arena (formerly FTX Arena) when you buy your boat show ticket.
Organizers recommend parking on the mainland or at one of the lots near the convention center in Miami Beach and taking complimentary shuttles or using water taxis to get around to the different venues.
There will be a shuttle from the MiamiCentral Brightline station to the boat show.
