The massive, sprawling and generally fun Miami International Boat Show will start on Wednesday, February 15, and run through Sunday, February 19. Based on last year’s attendance, the show’s organizers expect more than 100,000 people over those five days.
The show is owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in partnership with the International Yacht Brokers Association, and is produced by Informa Markets, a worldwide events management company based in London. They say it is the largest boat and yacht show in the world, with more than 1,000 vessels on display and an economic impact of $1.34 billion.
This year, as last year (when the show returned to the Miami Beach Convention Center after a six-year absence while it was closed for renovations), the show will take place at five locations:
1.The Convention Center, now refreshed, with powerboats generally under 50 feet and countless engine, electronics, accessories and retail exhibits.
2.The Venetian Marina (formerly the Sea Isle Marina) over in Miami proper, located on the Intracoastal Waterway just behind the Marriott. There will be about 150 boats in the water here, with many available for sea trials.
3.Herald Plaza, just across the Venetian Causeway to the south of the Venetian Marina. It will have large power boats, plus the engine, electronics and accessories exhibits.
4.Museum Park Marina, a few blocks farther south at 801 Biscayne Blvd., on the other side of the MacArthur Causeway. Here’s where you’ll find sailboats, catamarans and some exhibits.
5.Yacht Haven Grande on Watson Island, home of the superyacht part of the show, with vessels up to 300 feet.
The show hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5.p.m.
You have to buy tickets on line at the link below. Here’s what they cost. One-Day Tickets: Adult, $62 on Wednesday, $42 Thursday-Sunday; Child (6-12-years-old), $16, Wednesday-Sunday. The superyacht show has its own tickets. They cost $155 on Wednesday and $130 the other days.
If you want to get away from the crowds, you can buy tickets for a Windward VIP Club at the Convention Center and the Herald Plaza sites, where you can enjoy premium open bars, gourmet food and complimentary water-taxi service. It costs $375 per person per day. Read more at http://miamiboatshow.com and see the video below:
