The Palm Beach International Boat Show: What to Know Before You Go

Posted March 18 2026



The Palm Beach International Boat Show: What to Know Before You Go

The Palm Beach International Boat Show: What to Know Before You Go

The magic of Palm Beach in March provides a perfect backdrop for the global yachting community to gather. This spring, the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) will return to the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront. Unlike the sprawling nature of other events, this show is recognized for its high-end elegance and an accessible, walkable layout along Flagler Drive. From March 25 to March 29, 2026, the area will transform into a premier destination for maritime enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

For those planning to attend, the Palm Beach International Boat Show will offer a unique atmosphere that balances luxury with a relaxed, coastal vibe. The event serves as a critical midpoint for the winter season, allowing owners and crew to connect before the spring transition.

PBIBS by the Numbers: What to Expect

The scale of the 2026 show promises to be impressive. Attendees can expect a diverse fleet that caters to every level of interest. The vessels on display will range from 8-foot inflatables to the latest majestic superyachts reaching up to 257 feet.

The event is immensely popular, with significant crowds. This year, organizers expect to welcome over 55,000 visitors exploring exhibits from more than 600 brands. This year, the Superyacht Show will take place at Palm Harbor Marina at one end of the show, while the AquaZone, “an exciting and engaging attraction designed to give boat showgoers an upfront and personal experience with various water sports and innovative marine products,” is at the other end.

PBIBS is spread across five days with different happenings each day:

  • Wednesday (Preview Day): 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This is often cited by experts as the best day for a first look at the latest innovations.
  • Thursday through Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Transportation and Parking at PBIBS

Navigating South Florida traffic can be a challenge during major events. One of the most efficient ways to reach the waterfront will be by utilizing the Brightline sustainable train service. Brightline offers a way to avoid highway congestion and the stress of event parking.

The West Palm Beach station is conveniently located less than a mile from the show entrance. To further assist guests, the show is offering complimentary shuttles and golf carts that run from the station directly to the show gates. For a more refined travel experience, the MHG team recommends booking a ticket in Brightline’s SMART or PREMIUM classes to access the station lounges and arrive at the docks feeling refreshed.

Spotlight: A Seminar Specifically For Captains and Crew

One of the most significant events during the show week will be a seminar focused on the people who make the industry possible. On Thursday, March 26th from 3pm-5pm, the Seminar Tent will host an MHG Insurance-sponsored session led by Captain Kelly Gordon , Founder of Yachtie Minds Matter, and including Georgia Allen, Project & Relationships Manager of ISWAN, Katherine Murphy of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) , and Alex Paterson of CrewRenew.

This seminar centers on a vital mental health initiative, a concern that is at the forefront for MHG as we continue to support our yacht crew community. In 2025, mental health issues accounted for 15.5 percent of calls to the ISWAN helpline, a significant rise from previous years (ISWAN, 2025).

This session is designed to provide tangible resources and actionable takeaways to improve mental health at sea.

Meet the MHG Insurance Team

The MHG Insurance team will be attending to support the industry and meet with our clients and crew. Our attendees this year will include Mark Bononi, Clayton Swart, Nadia Bedasse-Francis, Guillaume Lange, JW Haagensen, Micher Paltoo, Tracy Anghel, and Patrick Gagne. Our team will be available throughout the event to chat or answer questions about yacht crew health and travel insurance for yacht charters. Whether you are looking for a professional consultation or just a friendly catch-up, our representatives will be ready to assist.

The 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show promises to be an exceptional gathering for everyone in the yachting world. Between the billion-dollar fleet and the essential industry seminars, there is much to experience. Please remember to mark your calendars for the Thursday seminar on mental health, which addresses a topic critical to the future of our industry.

Reach out to the MHG team during the show for insurance consultations or simply to say hello. For more information or to connect with us before the event, please visit our contact page: www.mhginsurance.com/contact .

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