The massive, sprawling and multifaceted Miami boat show will start on Wednesday, February 14, and run through Sunday, February 18. If you go, you won’t get lonely. The show’s organizers expect more than 100,000 people over those five days.
The show this year is a combination of the Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show. It’s now called the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, a mouthful, but the point is that it’s bigger, and presumably better, than ever before, with more than 1,000 boats on display and an economic impact of $1.34 billion.
The show now is spread across five locations in Miami Beach, on land, and in Miami, on the water. They are:
The Miami Beach Convention Center, with powerboats generally under 50 feet, plus engine, electronics, accessories and retail exhibits. The exhibit space is sold out, with a waiting list. At the adjacent Pride Park, you’ll find food, entertainment and seminars.
Venetian Marina (formerly Sea Isle Marina) over in Miami on the Intracoastal Waterway just behind the Marriott You can sea trial about 75 powerboats there and visit major engine manufacturers.
Herald Plaza, just across the Venetian Causeway to the south of the Venetian Marina. Here’s where you’ll find larger powerboats, from 30 to 125 feet, new and brokerage boats, plus tenders, engines and accessories. This area has grown since last year.
Museum Park, farther south at 801 Biscayne Blvd. on the other side of MacArthur Causeway. Here’s where you’ll find sailboats, catamarans and accessories.
Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami on Watson Island. This is the home of the superyacht show, with vessels up to 300 feet. It also requires a Windward VIP or Superyacht Miami ticket (see below).
The show hours: 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.
One-day tickets cost $64 dollars on Wednesday, and $43 on Thursday through Sunday. Children’s tickets (6 to 12 years old) are $16.50; children under 6 are free. A Superyacht ticket is $160 on Wednesday and $135 on Thursday through Sunday.
If you want to get away from the crowds, you can buy a ticket for the Windward VIP Club at the Convention Center and Herald Plaza, where you can enjoy premium open bars, gourmet food and complementary water-taxi service. A ticket costs $350.
Read more at http://miamiboatshow.com and see video of last year’s show here:
