Inside the 2025 Miami International Boat Show

The arrival of hundreds of world-class boats, yachts and other one-of-a-kind marine vessels amid the cool and balmy breezes of Miami in the wintertime can only mean one thing: the return of the world’s largest yacht party, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. 

Running today through Feb, 16, the annual waterfront extravaganza is Miami at its very best: Chic, sophisticated, outdoors and a whole lot of fun. Best of all, there is fun for every age and interest and member of the family.

Whether a boating novice, enthusiast or just trying to someone get your sea legs straight, the Miami Boat Show is an easy-to-navigate, guaranteed good time that never fails to impress.

“The Miami International Boat Show is always a calendar highlight drawing an impressive crowd thanks to the quality of the boats and show attendees,” observed Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess Yachts, which is displaying one of their most show-stopping vessels this year. “The Miami show, in particular, benefits from the city’s real estate boom and international appeal.”


And yes, while the South Florida region may be home to a handful of leading boat shows, the Miami iteration is truly distinctive. Much of this has to do with Miami itself — and the show’s ability to make the most of six unique and atmospheric locations. 

 The show’s main stage is the Miami Beach Convention Center, and, according to show organizers, some 100,000 visitors are expected to visit, pumping just under a predicted $1 billion into the Magic City’s economy. 

“Our show is a key event for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers … that sets the tone for the industry’s year ahead,” said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows with Informa Markets. “Miami has become a global hub that attracts a diverse and dynamic audience. The show provides exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase the best of the industry to a growing international market.”

Along with its convention center base, key show events and experiences are being mounted at five additional sites citywide. All are conveniently located and easy to access and include Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. In total, some 1,000 exhibition brands paired with over 1,000 individual vessels will come together to deliver a show the likes of which Miami Beach has never experienced. 

“The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is a cornerstone event for the recreational marine industry,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “[It’s] a five-day showcase of the best in boating featuring the newest boats, products and technologies.”

These experiences include over 100 dining outposts and satellite bars serving a world-class array of tasty bites and beverages — from the Stella Artois Cocktail Barge and Beer Garden, to premium cocktails and craft brews served by expert mixologists using some of the world’s most renowned brands such as Goslings and Diageo.

Along with touring seemingly endless show-stopping vessels, the show offers an extensive array of immersive and hands-on experiences. Guests can test-drive top-of-the-line global vessels, many on display for the first time ever, while simultaneously enjoying family-friendly entertainment, interactive seminars and expert-led workshops. Best of all, visitors can connect directly with top yachting brands to learn about their vessels and products directly from those who know them best. 

“The South Florida yacht market has changed over the past two years in very positive ways,” said Mike Busacca, COO of Fraser Yachts, another leading global brand thrilled to be back in Miami this year. “Large numbers of ultra-high-net-worth individuals have moved to Miami and South Florida from many parts of the US, especially California and New York.”

Considering the size of its audiences, boats and brand partners, the Miami International Boat Show is a master class in logistics, transport and organizations.  For just $10 per day, for instance, the entire Show “circuit” is connected by easy-to-use water taxis that travel between all of the show’s venues. That service begins each day an hour before the show begins and ends an hour after it closes. The event has also partnered with the transport-tech company SpotHero to identify easy-to-find parking spots near the show, with rates up to 50% less than traditional parking options. 

Still, the water taxis are the most efficient way to move between the various venues — use them to reach premium outposts such as SuperYacht Miami.

This spectacular space is where the show’s grandest yachts will be displayed — such as Bold, a spectacular 279-foot SilverYacht’s superyacht, crowned as the “Queen of the 2025 Show”.

Hosted at the posh IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami, SuperYacht Miami is where guests can engage with and enjoy the world’s most exclusive — and super-expensive — ultra-luxury yachts.

The show’s Herald Plaza site will also include debut über-yachts, while within the main convention center itself will be over 500 different fishing boats ideally suited for the complete angling enthusiasts. 

Here, too, the emphasis is on immersive, interactive and truly hands-on experiences that instill a love of yachts and boating into seafarers of every generation.

“Our show … is the ultimate venue for those looking to explore a life of luxury on the water,” said Paul Flannery, COO of the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA). “It’s a powerful platform for yachting brands to connect with discerning buyers; from exclusive product debuts to brokerage opportunities.”

Guests feeling flush this year should consider the show’s ultimate Windward VIP Experience. VIP ticket holders enjoy a range of unique perks and privileges, most notably access to exclusive lounges at Herald Plaza — along with a newly expanded lounge at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Each distinctive space features an upscale open bar, gourmet food offerings and private restrooms. Exclusive shuttle and water-tax services are also provided, as well as dedicate golf car transport.

VIP passes include access to SuperYacht Miami and there are numerous opportunities to meet celebrities and athletes throughout the weekend at the show’s VIP outposts.

Show tickets are easy to secure but must be purchased digitally — there are no on-site box offices at the show itself. Prices range from $45 for a basic day pass to over $500 for the most comprehensive VIP multi-day passes — and every type of ticketing option in between.

As for the boats themselves, industry experts confirm that the interest in even sleeker and more exclusive vessels has never been stronger, particularly as Miami draws an even greater pool of deep-pocketed newcomers from across the globe.

Fraser, according to Busacca, will display vessels up to 280 feet long, as well as other larger yachts that are even more unmissable and memorable. And they are not alone.

“We’ve seen a surge of interest from newcomers to Miami — many new to yachting or looking to add to their fleet — seeking yachts around 30 to 50 meters that can be conveniently docked at their estates or at area yacht clubs,” said Burgess’ Beckett. “With Miami’s prime waterfront location, they enjoy seamless access to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.”

Whatever floats your boat: Yachts to watch at this year’s show

Acacia

Set to wow the Miami International Boat Show with the arrival of Acacia: a 31-foot-long yacht being touted as the “perfect fusion of speed, volume, and comfort.” Originally completed by Sunseeker, this big, bad boat was finished with top-quality materials that set the tone for its expansive interiors. Dig it: There are five staterooms inside spread across three decks. Although originally completed in 2011, this ship has undergone a pair of recent renovations, which included the installation of Starlink for seamless connectivity, audio/video upgrades, complete generator overhauls and a brand-new selection of watersports and toys. Acacia can easily handle up to a dozen guests, and includes a sundeck with space for a workout, a lounge, a Jacuzzi or al fresco dining.

Price tag: $9.95 million

Reduce

You recycle. You reuse. Now, you can Reduce. This 117-foot motor superyacht is being shown by Burgess and was completed by SilverYachts barely a year ago. Reduce features an innovative catamaran hull, which maximizes deck space while minimizing fuel use (get it now?). Its interiors were crafted by SilverYachts Australia and they are spacious enough to fit 12 guests across five cabins — including a full-beam master cabin on the main deck with a private ensuite bathroom. Built to cruise at a top speed of 24 knots — with an impressive 3,300 nautical mile range — Reduce includes a main deck pool and space for a crew of seven.

Price tag: roughly $22.5 million

Bold

With a massive 279-foot wingspan, Bold is the longest vessel at this year’s show. Also delivered by SilverYachts — which crowns it “Queen of the 2025 Show,” this megayacht was completed in 2019. It reaches a top speed of 23 knots per hour and has room for upwards of 16 guests spread over eight cabins — all served by a 24-person crew. With a spacious, “loft-like” design, Bold’s airy layout and luxe toys are all about fun. It features a pair of Jet Skis, kiteboards, paddleboards and kayaks.

Price tag: $1 million per week in high season

La Luna

La Luna is la dolce vita on the high seas. Built by luxury Italian ship-builders San Lorenzo in the Ligurian commune of Ameglia, La Luna comes in at 111 feet in length and is built for serious doses of downtime. Its most compelling feature is a sprawling al fresco lounge, that includes its own wet bar and work-out zone; there is also a dining area large enough to fit eight. There are five elegant staterooms for 10 passengers — including a show-stopping Owner’s stateroom with wrap-around, 180-degree views. La Luna can cruise at a maximum speed of 23 knots and includes plenty of space for must-have toys such as jet skis and tenders.

Price tag: $11.95 million