With the Palm Beach International Boat Show on the horizon (25-29 March 2026), BOAT asks long-time attendees for the best tips, advice and recommendations for getting the most from the show...
What are you most looking forward to at the 2026 show?
“The inventory and selection of boats coming to Palm Beach has exploded since the pandemic and made it into one of the premier destinations on the global boat show circuit. There’s been a lot of competitively priced, large-inventory boats listed relatively recently but not easily accessible; I’m excited to get clients on board these boats to assess their condition and see them firsthand.” - Kerry Iler, sales broker, IYC.
“Day 1 of the show. We’ll kick off by making some buzz, as we have big news to share…” - Artur Poloczanski, director of PR and corporate communication, Sunreef Yachts.
“The show coincides with the grand opening of our newly renovated flagship office in West Palm Beach. We’re especially excited about the continued transformation of the West Palm Beach waterfront and believe this area will only continue to grow as a cultural and economic hub." - Michael Mahan, cofounder and partner, Worth Avenue Yachts.
“Fraser kicked off 2026 with 12 superyacht sales in 12 days - an unprecedented run and a strong signal of the continued confidence we’re seeing in the market. PBIBS is always an important moment for us to build on that energy.” - Mike Busacca, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief commerical officer, Fraser Yachts.
“The combination of customer excitement, industry connection, and the opportunity to showcase the very best of the boating and yachting lifestyles. ” - Kyle Langbehn, president of retail operations at MarineMax.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone doing the show for the first time?
"My advice is to plan a few key yacht visits and leave space for spontaneous discussions - that’s often where the most interesting opportunities emerge." - Benjamin Bensahel, head of sales and brokerage, Camper & Nicholsons.
“Contact a trusted yacht broker in advance to save yourself time and energy. This will ensure you maximise your visit to navigate from the hundreds of different yachts for charter and for sale.” - Alastair Callender, sales broker, Moravia.
“For buyers, I would advise giving yourself several days to go through the show and research inventory beforehand to maximise your time efficiently. There are a lot of boats, a lot of different areas to explore and packing it into one day can be forced. Giving yourself two to three days should allow for a more enjoyable experience and alleviate unnecessary pressure.” - Kerry Iler.
“The Florida sun is no joke- stay hydrated and SPF protected! Get all your walkthroughs done in the mornings, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation.” - Daphne D’Offay, US office director, Ocean Independence.
"Take your time, there is a lot to see. Identify what you want to see first, ideally in the morning, then indulge yourself with some of the more weird and wacky exhibits." – Richard Shead, partner, sales and marketing manager, Burgess.
What’s your favourite thing about the Palm Beach International Boat Show?
“The unparalleled quality of the large yacht inventory and the atmosphere on the docks.” - Josh Marshall, sales broker, IYC.
"I love the pace of the show, not so crowded and easy to roam around." - Susan Phipps, senior charter assistant, Northrop & Johnson.
“For us, it’s also a good segue to kick off the summer season. The show brings together an international audience of clients, brokers, and industry partners at exactly the right moment in the year, when many owners and charter guests are starting to plan their summer cruising.” - Mike Busacca.
"The fact that it is no-nonsense. This is a boat show that is aimed at people who love boats. It’s focused, fun, and friendly and brings back all the great characteristics that most of the bigger boat shows have lost over time. It attracts people who have a genuine interest in wanting to get out on the water whilst still offering enough focus on the superyacht sector. "– Sarah Flavell, marketing manager, Damen Yachting.
It's proximity to downtown West Palm Beach. Everything is within walking distance, and the show itself is easy to navigate. The entire event is organised along the Flagler waterfront, with exhibitors and docks clearly arranged in numbered and lettered sections. It’s a well-designed layout that allows guests to move efficiently between yachts, exhibits, and nearby restaurants without needing to travel between multiple venues." - Michael Mahan.
"It’s one of the few shows where clients genuinely spend time onboard yachts rather than simply passing through." - Benjamin Bensahel.
Where’s your favourite place to eat around the show?
“Pistache French Bistro, as it is just a stone’s throw from the Palm Harbour Marina area of the show.” - Alastair Callender.
"For a quick bite during the show, I love Avocado Grill, the food is nice and fresh and serves the purpose of a quick lunch. At night, I’m a big fan of the restaurant at RH as a nice, more formal sit-down dinner with great food." - Sipke Halbertsma, commercial director, Feadship.
“Kapow Noodle Bar for a nice dinner and cocktails, Crema for a quick bite and coffee, Rocco’s Tacos for a casual atmosphere.” - Daphne D’Offay.
"Avocado Grill, which is steps from the main entrance. Cool mellow vibe with good music, great drinks and food." – Alex G Clarke, broker, Denison.
What would you do around Palm Beach if you had a free day to spare?
“I would start with the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens or the Norton Museum of Art, then spend time exploring Worth Avenue. For shopping, C. Orrico is a favorite, and the Royal Poinciana Plaza offers wonderful boutiques like Hermès and Roller Rabbit. Sant Ambroeus is always a great stop for coffee, and if you’re looking for wine, Hamptons Palm Beach is one of the best shops on the island.” - Laura Yager, marketing director, Worth Avenue Yachts.
"This sounds like an absolute dream that probably will never come true. However, I do like the pool on the rooftop at The Ben. And if you have never been (especially if you came all the way from Europe), I would definitely recommend having a look at the Pillars hotel, the definition of Floridian chic." - Sipke Halbertsma.
"A morning walk along the beach or along Worth Avenue is always enjoyable, and the area has a unique combination of old Florida charm and refined elegance." - Benjamin Bensahel.
Where do you go when you want to escape the boat show?
“There are several off-site locations hosted by various vendors that offer a nice relaxing place to sit, have a drink and plot your next stop. Try the Ben hotel where you will find several of these.” - Susan Phipps.
"Truthfully, on board one of our vessels for some air conditioning! Also, the Oasis Lounge." - Daphne D’Offay.
"The beach of course – and I would also take my tired feet to the Eau Spa in nearby Manalapan" - Sacha Williams, global charter marketing director, Northrop & Johnson.
Read More/New additions to the largest superyachts attending the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2026