Miami Boat Show Guide, Maps & Where to Park
For those planning on visiting the Miami International Boat Show later today or the rest of of the week (Feb. 14 to 18) might appreciate this handy short-cut guide to the six show venues and the descriptions of what to find there – along with a map of parking places.
Plan Your Route Through MIBS
There are six sites for the 2024 MIBS – In the upper right is the (1) Convention Center for boats generally under 35’ and accessories on the second floor, and across the street is Pride Park (2) where Nautical Ventures has a huge display of water toys. To the left are four locations, (3) Venetian Marine north of the Venetian Island Causeway where boats may be experienced, (4) Herald Plaza south of it where boats from 30’ to 100’ can be found, (5) and Museum Park Marina for sailboats. Off the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) on Watson Island are the superyachts at (6) Yacht Haven Grande, which requires a special (and expensive) pass to enter.
The red arrows point to the two major MIBS sites – Herald Plaza to the left (mostly big boats and equipment) and the Convention Center to the right (mostly smaller boats and equipment and accessories on the second floor). Shuttle busses and water taxis run between the two major sites. There are golf carts that are run between the Convention center to Pride Park, and from Herald Square to the Venetian Marina.
#1 Venue – Miami Convention Center
The great hall of the Miami Convention Center is where virtually all of the boats under 35’ will be found – and some much bigger. Also, here is where the outboard engines are displayed along with electronics (in a side room). Don’t miss the second floor where the accessories and services have their booths.
#2 Venue – Pride Park
Nautical Ventures has pretty much taken over this park with numerous displays of water toys, many of which will be in the “Aguazone” pool. Be sure to see the water sportscar and the new foiling electric Flitescooter which is fun and easy to master.
Overview of Venetian Marine and Herald Plaza Locations
North of the Venetian Causeway is where all of the engine companies will have boats available for running. Across the street to the south, is the Herald Plaza site where most of the large boats in the show can be found, along with appropriate equipment in the tent.
#3 Venue – Venetian Marina
Most of the engine companies and many builders have boats here for running. Be sure to see the new Yamaha jet-powered vessels, along with Honda’s new 350-hp outboard engine. The new Seabrook Series Boats center console and dual consoles, a joint collaboration between Honda and Scout, will also be here ready for sea trials.
#4 Venue – Herald Plaza
Virtually all of the builders of express cruisers, flybridge boats, motoryachts, and dayboats of all sizes can be found here. Be sure to spend some time in the tent at the entrance which has accessories appropriate to these size boats.
#5 Venue – Museum Park Marina
Sailboat builders and specific accessories for them have their own marina location in the heart of downtown Miami. Both monohulls and catamarans will be exhibited, built by companies from all over the world.
#6 Venue – Yacht Haven Grande
This location is accessed from the MacArthur Causeway and it’s where the megayachts and superyachts are located, most of which are pre-owned. A special and very expensive ticket is required, so be sure to check what you need on the MIBS website. Clients of brokers represented may be able to arrange a pass from them.
Parking Places Galore
Finding a parking place at first may seem daunting, but if you know where to look, you’ll be surprised at how close they are to the venues. But there is one caveat: Get there early! The show opens at 10am each day, and usually if you get to the parking lot adjacent to the venue at 9:30 you’ll be able to find a space. Of course, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to go. There are shuttle busses and water taxis between to two major venues. We have found Uber service friendly and reasonably fast when a distant parking location is required.
