by Dena Stewart
As New York City natives, the extent of our boating experiences were on the Staten Island Ferry. On Miami Beach, Stewart and I decided to learn more about the boating lifestyle we are surrounded by. So when the 2026 Miami International Boat Show sailed into town February 11-15, Stewart and I dove right in.
First, we watched the giant Yachts sail down Indian Creek.
Our adventure began at the Miami Beach Convention Center. There, the energy was calm as we strolled through row after row of sparkling boats (up to 49 feet), engines, electronics pavilions, and hundreds of people checking out the latest cabin cruisers.
From there we crossed over to Pride Park (literally steps away) for live music, food trucks, and seminars on everything from first-time boating tips to epic charter adventures. We chatted with families dreaming of their first pontoon and retirees planning to live aboard.
But the real excitement was the Miami Beach Yacht Collection on Collins Avenue, right along Indian Creek between 44th and 48th streets. We spent hours strolling the docks talking with boat lovers. Some came to the Boat Show to window-shop and dream. Others were in the market for a small boat to sail around the Bay.
And then … we went aboard one of the mega yachts for a private tour. Marble countertops, a salon bigger than our living room, a flybridge with a hot tub and lounge, and bedroom suites twice the size of many on land. “Sleeps eleven, with a five-person crew,” we were told.
The new layout of The Miami International Boat Show this year made everything feel connected and easy for us to navigate. So what did Stewart and I learn? That here on Miami Beach, for some, the boating life is within reach.
And according to David Whitaker, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, theBoat Show drew more than 100,000 attendees and delivered a $1.34 billion economic impact for Miami Beach tourism. Miami Beach is happy.
