The Ultimate Guide to the Palm Beach International Boat Show

8/12/2025

Introduction
Palm Beach Boat Show Location
Palm Beach Boat Show Dates
Overview of the Palm Beach Boat Show
In-Water Exhibits and Yacht Deck
Sea Trials and Demos
Seminars, Workshops and Education
VIP and Networking Experiences
Planning Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps

Introduction

The Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) transforms Downtown West Palm Beach into a mile-long marina each spring. Along Flagler Drive, you’ll find everything from sleek center consoles and sportfishers to 300-foot superyachts, plus cutting-edge tech, hands-on demos and waterfront hospitality. Base yourself aboard a 100-foot charter at a nearby marina and you’ll step straight into the action—private showings at the Superyacht Show at Palm Harbor, quick hops to seminars and a sunset stroll to the Windward VIP Club.

Palm Beach Boat Show Location

Flagler Drive Waterfront – The core in-water docks and landside tents run parallel to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Palm Harbor Marina – Home of the Superyacht Show at Palm Harbor, featuring 100ft+ yachts and designer walkthroughs.
Lakeside Pavilion – The Windward VIP Club lounge with indoor/outdoor seating and concierge services.
Clematis Street & The Square – Dining and nightlife a short walk from the gates for client dinners and crew meetups.
Designated Pickup Zones – Event shuttles and golf carts circulate between garages and entrances throughout the day.

From a charter berth, you’re a tender ride or short walk from dockside appointments—no long cross-town transfers required.

Palm Beach Boat Show Dates

March 25–29, 2026 (Wednesday–Sunday) is this year’s five-day showcase. Typical show hours are Wednesday 12–7, Thursday–Saturday 10–7, and Sunday 10–5. Secure tickets early—VIP badges often sell out—and coordinate your yacht’s slip or tender access well in advance.

Overview of the Palm Beach Boat Show

PBIBS is known for its polished, high-end feel and serious inventory. Expect hundreds of boats across every category—dayboats, sportfishers, multihulls, motoryachts and superyachts—plus electronics, tenders, toys and sustainable propulsion. Highlights include:

Superyacht Lineup – Flagship builds with beach clubs, fold-out terraces and hybrid systems.
Performance & Fishing – Big-water center consoles, towers and tournament rigs.
Catamarans & Weekenders – Efficient cruisers and owner-operator friendly layouts.
Marine Tech Pavilion – Stabilizers, lithium power, joystick docking and helm integration.
On-Water Demo Areas – Product demonstrations and try-before-you-buy showcases.

In-Water Exhibits and Yacht Deck

While PBIBS doesn’t brand a formal “Yacht Deck,” the Palm Harbor berths and main show piers create a de facto showcase for large yachts.

World & U.S. Premieres – Custom and semi-custom debuts with shipyard reps on board.
Brokerage Row – Survey-ready pre-owned yachts presented by leading brokers.
Design & Interiors – Materials libraries, lighting concepts and refit consultations right on the dock.

Tour headline yachts with your broker, then retreat to your own salon for a quick reset before the next private showing.

Sea Trials and Demos

Select builders schedule sea trials from nearby slips—your captain can tender you to appointed docks at the agreed time. On site, the AquaZone-style demo areas showcase personal watercraft, e-foils and safety gear in controlled conditions, so you can compare products back-to-back.

Center-Console Runs – Offshore handling, acceleration and seakeeping.
Flybridge & Express – Quiet cruising and joystick maneuvering.
Watersports Demos – Try boards, tenders and toys with pro instructors.

Ask your broker to pre-book morning trial slots when wind and traffic are typically lighter.

Seminars, Workshops and Education

Daily programming covers practical skills and ownership planning. Expect:

Modern navigation, routing and electronic charting
Green propulsion, battery systems and shore power best practices
Charter management, crew structure and regulatory compliance
Angling clinics for offshore and inshore tactics

Hands-on workshops rotate between tent classrooms and select exhibitor yachts—arrive 10–15 minutes early for prime seats.

VIP and Networking Experiences

Upgrade your day with hospitality and access:

Windward VIP Club – Premium open bar, elevated bites, private restrooms and sponsor activations in the Lakeside Pavilion.
Dockside Receptions – Evening unveilings on builder stands and large-yacht terraces.
Designer & Shipyard Briefings – Invite-only previews for serious buyers.
Broker Open Houses – Efficient back-to-back walkthroughs coordinated around your shortlist.

Planning Your Visit

Accommodations: Downtown West Palm Beach hotels are walkable; Palm Beach Island offers luxe stays a bridge away.
Tickets & Map: Purchase digital tickets in advance and download the official show map and schedule to your phone.
Dress Code: Light, non-marking deck shoes and breathable layers; bring a hat and sunscreen for long dock walks.
Yacht Logistics: Coordinate slip assignments or tender landing with your broker and marina well ahead of show week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour superyachts if I’m charter-based?

Yes—private tours are arranged through the listing broker or yard representative. Share your buyer profile and preferred times to secure slots.

Are children welcome at PBIBS?

Absolutely. Weekend kids’ clinics and on-water demos make it engaging for families, and your yacht provides an easy mid-day break.

How do I access demo rides?

Sea trials are typically by appointment with each builder. Your captain can tender you to the assigned dock for on-time departures.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes—downtown garages and designated lots are available, with shuttles and golf carts linking major entrances. Ride-share zones help avoid traffic pinch points.