The Palm Beach International Boat Show is bobbing back to Flagler Drive with hundreds of vessels plucked from around the world on display, from pint-sized inflatables to nearly 300-foot superyachts.
On now through the 29th, ooh and ahh at the vessels, while checking out attractions from kids fishing clinics and industry seminars, to the “Nautical Ventures AquaZone” for live marine products and watersport demos. New for 2026 is the PBIBS Gives Back Zone, a free exhibit focused on conservation and education.
Be one of the estimated 50,000 attendees and score a ticket at PBBoatShow.com, from $37 for an adult, one-day general admission pass, with a selection of upgrades on offer including the Windward VIP Club.
Whereas the Monaco boat show is honed in on the superyacht brokerage market and Fort Lauderdale’s is the largest in-water show in the world, Palm Beach occupies a more relaxed space.
“It feels less like a trade show and more like a celebration of boating,” said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets, of “America’s Favorite Boat Show,” which generates more than $1 billion in economic impact for Florida.
Doole said PBIBS’ “range and accessibility” are what keep the show sailing ahead of the pack: “You can step from innovative center consoles to spectacular superyachts within just a few docks,” he said.
This year’s show is particularly noteworthy with more than $1 billion worth of boats on display and over 30 yachts measuring 150 feet or longer. Visitors can also look forward to the return of the Superyacht Show Palm Beach at Palm Harbor Marina, where you can scope out some of the most jaw-dropping vessels in the world.
As one of the flashiest gatherings for yacht owners, it’s clear that bigger is better. Fraser Yachts kicked off 2026 with 12 superyacht sales in 12 days — an unprecedented run and a strong signal of the continued market confidence, said Mike Busacca, chief operating officer at the Ft. Lauderdale-based yacht brokerage company.
“The Palm Beach International Boat Show is always an important moment for us to build on that energy,” he said.
According to Fraser’s new Global Superyacht Market report, in 2025, sales of pre-owned, 100-foot-plus yachts increased modestly in volume (4%), but rose significantly in value (36%).
“That demonstrates a move toward newer, higher-value vessels and more activity at the top end of the market, particularly in the [196-foot-plus] segment,” Busacca explained.
Sara Gioanola of Netherlands-based Heesen Yachts sees this bigger boat craze going hand-in-hand with buyer demand for explorer-style yachts.
“Owners are looking for the generous volume and comfort of a traditional large superyacht, but they want it paired with the autonomy and rugged capabilities of an explorer vessel to travel further afield,” Gioanola said.
That said, Marnix J. Hoekstra, co-creative director of Netherlands-based builder Vripack, stressed that explorer yachts are evolving from the traditional, rugged look toward a “sleeker, more refined aesthetic” while still maintaining their technical prowess.
“You won’t see strong examples of that next‑generation explorer at Palm Beach this year, but the shift is underway,” he added.
“For one Irish client, we built a fully oak-clad whiskey tank into the bilge so he could bring his own distilled whiskey on northern expeditions.”
What other swish amenities you can expect aboard this new breed of explorers?
Everything from high-tech wine cellars, “floating” glass staircases, piano bars and caviar lounges, said Patrick Knowles, founder of his namesake yacht design firm in Fort Lauderdale. Wellness features and larger-than-life movie experiences are also in demand.
See the trend in person aboard Kaiser, a 196-foot yacht for sale with Fraser at the show. It has a dedicated sauna at water level.
“That placement creates a much more immersive experience, allowing guests to move directly between sea and sauna,” said Busacca.
Another of Fraser’s offerings, the 164-foot Ela has a teak-decked beach club with a gym (naturally) and sauna, as well as a foredeck that transforms into an open-air cinema.
“The cinema is another amenity we’re seeing gain traction,” added Busacca, pointing to Carinthia VII, one of Fraser’s standout charter yachts, with a large cinema screen on the bridge deck aft so guests can watch movies under the stars. At PBIBS, Doole is personally excited to scope out the 197-foot Alfa G by Oceanco, which features, along with a helipad and duplex primary suite with panoramic views, an outdoor movie theater and swimming pool.
But it’s not just the on-board spas and al fresco movie nights elevating life onboard — yacht crews are upping their game, too. Younger yacht owners expect to be able to live their onshore lifestyles on board. So they’re tapping crew that can speak multiple languages, play musical instruments, run a yoga, fitness or Pilates session, and step in as a mixologist.
“We see a much larger appetite for diverse skillsets among even younger crew — going beyond seafaring and basic hospitality skills,” he said.
Specs-wise, as sustainability and efficiency become more important, “many builders are introducing hybrid propulsion systems and hull designs that improve performance while reducing environmental impact,” said Doole. As Gioanola put it, the most impactful technology is often what you cannot see or hear. “Advanced power management and hybrid propulsion systems are changing the game by allowing yachts to operate their hotel load at anchor, or cruise at low speeds, in complete silence and without emissions,” she said.
Autonomous features like auto docking, auto routing and collision avoidance are becoming common, and consumers now expect to have all the features of their smart homes and cars in their boats and yachts.
“Amenities like keyless ignition, joysticks, GPS and autonomous docking reduce the barrier for new captains and make getting out on the water more accessible,” said Doole.
Along with smarter digital systems, Busacca singled out the integration of artificial intelligence on board yachts “that simplify both the guest experience and the day-to-day operation of the yacht.” Just see 50 Shades of Play, a 111-foot yacht delivered in 2025, on sale with Fraser at PBIBS.
“She’s equipped with the Next AI-Integrated System, which allows owners and crew to control key onboard functions — lighting, climate, entertainment and different onboard ‘scenarios’ — all through a single, unified platform,” offered Busacca, noting that the app can operate fully offline, which ensures reliability and data security.
“It feels less like a trade show and more like a celebration of boating.”
Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets
Plus, smart sensoring technology can help reduce power consumption on board with HVAC systems.
“By installing sensors in the cabins that know when the cabins are not occupied by people, and raising the temperature ever so slightly, significant savings can be made on the No. 1 power consumer onboard: AC,” said Busacca.
Technological advances, mega-megayachts and wellness sanctuaries aside, don’t forget to check out the people at Palm Beach’s famed show.
“Palm Beach is often called Wall Street’s backyard, and you certainly see that demographic walking the docks,” said Gioanola.
Step aboard the five biggest, baddest, most bonkers boats at PBIBS
As the folks behind the show like to say, PBIBS has “the most big boats.” In 2026, the Intracoastal Waterway along Flagler Drive will welcome 100 vessels over 80 feet, 30 over 150 feet, and 10 vessels at 200 feet and beyond.
Here’s a sneak peek at the five largest vessels.
Lürssen Rocinante
Lürssen Yachts’ 256-foot “Queen of the Show” is quite the spectacle. Refit in 2024 with all the billionaire trappings, expect the best of everything mixed in with a helicopter deck, roomy interiors, entertaining spaces and a heck of a dining room — with sliding glass doors for when you want that fresh ocean breeze. “Rocinante offers every level of pampering imaginable on board,” said Oriana Schneps, owner of the Yacht Edit in Fort Lauderdale.
That means below deck you’ll find a full onboard spa complete with a hammam, massage therapy room, salon and gym with a fold-out balcony so you can stare at the sea between business meetings or port calls. “I’m always amazed by the elegance and craftsmanship of Lürssen, and I’m excited to see how they’ve designed these spaces,” added Schneps, who is looking forward to scoping out the ship firsthand at PBIBS.
But this yacht has a whimsical side, too: Rocinante is (of course) the name of Don Quixote’s raggedly old pony. With seven cabins, Rocinante can handle up to 14 friends, eager to climb aboard and chase windmills on the high seas.
Feadship Boardwalk V
Measuring 254 feet and traveling at speeds of up to 18 knots, Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets, loves this yacht not only for its immense size, “but also for its contemporary design that gives the feel of a modern, luxury home.”
On board, the owner can enjoy amenities like a lower deck devoted to wellness and adventure with a beach club and fitness studio that also has a dive and watersports locker. Doole further singles out the sun deck with a pool, loungers and a hot tub that makes it feel like you’re at a private resort.
All that, coupled with the panoramic views, expansive sliding windows and fold-down terraces designed to bring guests closer to the water and you and yours are sure to feel at one with the deep blue sea as you cavort around the globe.
Admiral Kensho
This 246-footer broke the superyacht layout mold. Built in 2022 with so-called “Zen-inspired” interior design, the light-filled living spaces have everything from textured ceiling art to a winter garden.
Better still, there’s also a glass-fronted pool, sculptural staircases, a gym with ocean views, an elevator serving all decks and the pièce de résistance: an upper-deck saloon with 180 degrees of windows for ocean gazing when you’re not having a movie night.
“You’ll almost start laughing, because every time you think you’ve seen it all, someone opens another door and you realize there’s yet another deck or space you hadn’t discovered yet,” said Giulia Di Leo, CEO and yacht charter broker at Your Boat Holiday in Milan.
Amels Casino Royale
John Staluppi, Casino Royale’s owner and West Palm Beach resident is quite the local celebrity. A Brooklynite who rose to riches as the founder of Atlantic Auto Group, and later Millennium Superyachts, many of his yacht names — Casino Royale included — are inspired by James Bond films.
At PBIBS, he’ll be displaying this 242-foot Amels (which he bought for approximately $140.8 million about a year ago) when he’s not serving as the keynote speaker at the PBIBS Business Leadership Luncheon.
On board, showgoers can marvel at amenities like a steam room, a beauty salon, a Jacuzzi, an infinity pool and bar — order a tipple shaken, not stirred, naturally. Winch Design created the show-stopping interiors in the six handsome staterooms.
Sanlorenzo Alchemist
With 203 feet of play space, outdoor living is the name of the game aboard the Alchemist. She’s got a spacious Jacuzzi, an al fresco lounge and dining areas aplenty and a gorgeous beach club with fold-down platforms for a sprawling waterside entertaining area.
For Schneps, the highlights are the large plunge pools, especially the one on the main deck with a glass bottom “offering a striking view from above while casting dynamic light patterns below in the beach club.” (The second plunge pool is located directly off the owner’s suite).
Built in 2022, and for sale with Cecil Wright, the Alchemist holds up to 12 guests in six suites and features exterior and interior design by Officina Italiana Design.
