The Miami Boat Show is a must-attend event in Florida and beyond. Every February, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the U.S., Canada and even Europe come to discover the latest international innovations. So, what do you need to know to plan your visit?
Initially, the event was split between the Miami Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show. Over the past two years, organizers have agreed to create a single, larger show, grouped mainly between the stadium and the Marriott Biscayne Bay. In addition to the downtown part, which brings together four sites side by side, there's the famous Convention Center on Miami Beach, an enormous indoor exhibition space for small craft, engine manufacturers and equipment suppliers. Last but not least, Yacht Haven Grande welcomes superyachts to discover some of the world's largest yachts and take in the sights.
The Miami Boat Show isn't just a boat show, it's a spectacleThe Miami International Boat Show attracts over 100,000 visitors, so you won't be alone, and to make sure everything goes smoothly, the show has set up a gigantic organization with the creation of several marinas, land and sea shuttles, controls, information desks and several food courts.
Even if the current location is better, parking remains a problem, and it's still quite expensive. You can opt for the official parking lots, but they are often fully booked and very expensive. There are also plenty of temporary parking lots, which are a little more affordable, but again, spaces are scarce. Then there's the traffic jam, which is always very bad in Miami.
A little tip: use applications like ParkMobile or Paybyphone, which allow you to reserve a parking space in advance and pay for it online.
Use an Uber / Lyft
The best solution is to take an Uber or cab from your hotel or AirB&B, since buses are slow and not always very reliable. These services are available in large numbers and their fares are reasonable.
The subway
If you're lucky enough to be staying near a metro station, this is also a good option. However, the metro has only two lines, which is not very convenient.
Take the train
If you're coming from a little further north in Miami, the Brightline may be a good solution. This train line links Fort Lauderdale to Miami, and the final station is 300 yards from the show.
How do I get from one site to the other?
Once at the show, you can choose between walking, taking the bus or the water shuttle.
To get from Museum Park Marina to Herald Plaza, the water shuttle is the best option.
To get to the Convention Center on Miami Beach, you can opt for the free (and air-conditioned) bus. However, with the traffic, this can take a very long time.
There's also a water shuttle which is not only faster, but also very pleasant.
The last option is to take your car, which forces you to pay for a second parking space and exposes you to being stuck in traffic.
Discover an enclave for superyachts. This marina is home to the world's largest and most spectacular yachts. That access is only possible with VIP Windward or SuperYacht Miami tickets.
The show is an opportunity to discover exceptional superyachts
Overpriced hotels
Miami is naturally a city full of tourists. An event like this doesn't improve the situation, especially when it comes to hotels.
Not only is it hard to find a room, but prices skyrocket at this time of year.
Alternatively, AirBnBs are also very popular and quite expensive. It's best to book as early as possible.
Where to eat ?
Nearly every Miami Boat Show site has a food court, a place with several food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat. Our advice is to try the different specialties, as there are sometimes some pleasant surprises.
Cuban sandwiches are a must in Miami
If that doesn't suit you, Miami is full of restaurants, so you shouldn't starve.
