Discover the Miami Boat Show: luxury, innovation and lifestyle on display

The Miami Boat Show is one of the most anticipated events in the global yachting scene. 

Held annually in South Florida, it brings together the latest in marine innovation, luxury vessels and lifestyle experiences, attracting visitors and industry professionals from all around the world.

Thinking about investing in your own boat or simply curious about what’s new in the boating world?

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®: what it is, where it happens, who attends, the highlights from previous editions and why it’s a reference in the luxury marine market.

Keep reading to explore how this event can connect you with the best the industry has to offer.

What is the Miami International Boat Show?

The Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® is one of the largest and most relevant events in the global boating industry. 

Held annually in South Florida, it brings together manufacturers, shipyards, brokers and boating enthusiasts from around the world.

Organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Informa Markets, the event is held in partnership with the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA). 

It is part of the Discover Boating® initiative: a project that encourages more people to explore the boating lifestyle and learn about life on the water.

DBMIB 2026: Event dates and locations

The next edition of the event is scheduled for February 11–15, 2026, and will introduce a new show layout. Unlike previous years, the 2026 show will no longer use venues such as Venetian Marina, Herald Plaza or Museum Park Marina.

Instead, two new main locations have been confirmed: Miami Beach Yacht Collection at Collins Avenue and Sailors Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande. 

According to the organizers, the change was designed to improve the visitor experience, bringing key exhibits and activities closer together and reducing the need to travel between distant areas.

Why is the Miami Boat Show a global reference?

The Miami Boat Show holds a prominent place in the international yachting calendar. Its scale, diversity of exhibitors, and strategic location in South Florida make it one of the most important gatherings for the global recreational boating industry.

In its 2025 edition, the event attracted over 100,000 visitors and showcased more than 1,000 marine and boating products, ranging from small accessories to high-end motor yachts. 

For many shipyards, brokers, and buyers, the show serves as a barometer for trends, sales potential, and new technologies in the sector.

The economic impact is some $1.34 billion for the south Florida region, according to the official website. 

Beyond the numbers, the event’s reputation comes from its ability to bring together different segments of the industry, from luxury yachting to cutting-edge innovation, offering a comprehensive overview of what’s shaping the future of boating.

Watch the recap of the 2025 Miami International Boat Show:

Main brands and shipyards present

Each year, the Miami Boat Show gathers many of the most influential names in the global boating industry. 

From renowned European shipyards to innovative American manufacturers, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of vessels and marine products, all in one place.

In the 2025 edition, NX Boats had a strong presence, reinforcing its international expansion strategy. 

We showcased several models, including the NX 41 Horizon, and marked the official debut of the NX 44, our exclusive collaboration with Pininfarina. This model is also a winner of the 2023 Good Design Awards in the Transportation category.

The U.S. market responded with enthusiasm to our approach that blends luxury, performance, and premium design.

Throughout the event, we presented what we proudly call the NX DNA: a balance of comfort, style, and power through a lineup that ranged from the NX260 to the NX44. It was a milestone that solidified our brand’s growing visibility beyond Brazil.

We’re excited to return to the Miami Boat Show in 2026, with even more innovations and experiences to share.

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Types of vessels displayed: from small boats to superyachts

One of the main attractions of the Miami Boat Show is the variety of vessels on display. Visitors can explore different categories, such as:

• Small sport boats and inflatables;
• Fishing boats and center consoles;
• Day cruisers and cabin boats;
• Luxury motor yachts;
• Full-size superyachts;
• Tenders and support vessels;
• Electric and hybrid-powered models.

Read more: Yacht sizes guide: from small boats to megayachts

Innovation, technology and nautical design trends

The show is also a stage for cutting-edge marine innovation. Key trends typically include:

• Advanced navigation and automation systems;
• Electric and hybrid propulsion technologies;
• Use of sustainable and lightweight materials;
• Smart integration of onboard systems;
• Innovative hull designs for performance and efficiency;
• Modular and flexible layouts;
• Luxury interior finishes focused on comfort and functionality.

These developments offer a preview of where the industry is headed and attract attention from both buyers and professionals.

Talks, experiences, tours and industry events

The Miami Boat Show offers a wide range of activities designed to engage and inform:

• Guided onboard tours with brand representatives;
• Test drives and sea trials with selected models;
• Industry panels and expert talks on key topics, such as:
  • Nautical design and innovation;
  • Sustainability and future trends;
  • Market outlook and buying opportunities.
• Networking events with builders, designers and brokers;
• Family-friendly activities and live demonstrations.

Who visits and who buys?

The Miami Boat Show attracts a highly qualified and international audience. Among the more than 100,000 attendees in 2025 were boating enthusiasts, yacht owners, marine professionals and first-time buyers.

Visitors usually have profiles like this:

• High-net-worth individuals from the United States, Latin America and Europe;
• Professionals and investors interested in the luxury and marine sectors;
• Families looking for safe and elegant leisure solutions;
• Buyers comparing models for future acquisition.

How to Attend?

Whether you’re looking to explore or exhibit, the Miami Boat Show offers structured options for different profiles of participation.

As visitor

Tickets are available through the official website of the event. We recommend purchasing in advance, especially for weekend visits. 

Visitors can choose among single-day tickets, multi-day passes and VIP experiences, which may include access to exclusive lounges and premium amenities.

As exhibitor

Companies interested in exhibiting at the Miami Boat Show must register directly with the event organizers. The process includes booth selection, product curation and compliance with specific marine safety standards.

Join NX Boats at the 2026 Miami Boat Show!

NX Boats is proud to be part of the world’s leading event for the recreational boating industry. After a strong presence in 2025, we are preparing new launches and experiences for the 2026 edition.

If you’re considering investing in a boat that reflects your lifestyle, with comfort, performance and contemporary design, come visit us in Miami. Let’s connect and show you how the NX DNA stands out on the international stage.

Explore the NX Boats lineup and find the model that fits your lifestyle!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Miami Boat Show open to the public?

Yes. The Miami Boat Show is open to the public and welcomes both industry professionals and boating enthusiasts. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website, and there are options for single-day, multi-day and VIP access.

What types of yachts are on display at the Miami Boat Show?

The Miami Boat Show features a wide range of yachts and vessels, from compact cruisers and day boats to luxury motor yachts and superyachts. Visitors can also explore tenders, center consoles and electric models, offering a full picture of the current yachting market.

How to buy a boat at the Miami Boat Show?

Buying a boat at the Miami Boat Show is straightforward. Most brands, including NX Boats, have sales representatives on site ready to answer questions, schedule sea trials and discuss pricing, financing and customization options. 

The event is one of the best moments of the year to compare models, close deals and make a confident investment.