As you'll experience at 2024 yacht shows around the world, the global yacht industry is forecast to continue its astonishing growth.
By 2030, Global Industry Analysts predict the field to be worth nearly fourteen billion dollars. Every year we see new standards of excellence set in maritime design and construction – and what better place to admire them than at one of the world’s 2024 yacht shows? Let SuperYachtsMonaco be your guide, introducing you to this year’s unmissable events.
Why attend 2024 yacht shows?
2024 yacht shows are glamorous, varied celebrations of everything to do with yachting. They showcase not just the vessels themselves, but all manner of technologies, accessories, design trends, and suppliers.
Each year, yacht shows get bigger and better. Think: sea trials, seminars, and demonstrations during the day; cocktails, fashion shows, and parties by night. In terms of layout, they usually contain a dock, an exhibition area, and drinks and food courts, often with VIP access areas.
Types of people at yacht shows
If you are in – or want to be in – the yachting industry, yacht shows are the place to be for learning and networking (not to mention socialising).
Some examples of the roles with which people attend 2024 yacht shows are:
- Buyers – those seeking to invest in a new vessel
- Sellers – people representing a boat, boat company, or brokerage
- Chefs – professional cooks looking to display their skills
- Captains and crew – the people who keep everything running on the water
- Advisers – specialists getting together to share knowledge
- Suppliers – companies and consultants who provide goods and services to yachts
Of course, many who attend yacht shows are experienced enthusiasts. They may have taken on multiple yachting roles in the past, and now attend events to catch up with connections, refresh their understanding of the industry, and marvel at the latest advancements.
Top Ten 2024 Yacht Shows
From the historic glamour of Mediterranean harbours to the glitzy showcase of the Middle East, this article outlines our pick of the top ten 2024 yacht shows around the world.
We’ve listed when and where to find the main events this year. You’ll also find a brief description of each yacht show, plus predicted highlights for 2024 and links to the official sites for more details and information. Let’s dive in.
Caribbean Yacht Shows
The end and start of each year see us in the Caribbean. As we explain in our Yachting Seasons article, on either side of the New Year the Caribbean seas are calm and ready to welcome visitors with crystal clear waters and picture-perfect beaches.
Bahamas Charter Yacht Show
This trade-only show began last year and is back for an even better 2024 yacht show. Bahamas Charter Yacht Show will run from 25-28 January 2024. Industry professionals including crews get together for networking, learning more about the Bahamas as a destination, and competitions (including Best Cocktail).
Attendees are invited to explore the finest charter yachts – and meet their crews – throughout the show.
Antigua Charter Yacht Show
The 62nd Antigua Charter Yacht Show will take place from 4-9 December 2024. Specific details are still being finalised. We know what to expect from this showcase of luxury and superyachts: awe-inspiring displays, the biggest names in the industry, and a delight of parties, tours, chef and crew competitions.
If you need a breather from the action-packed week, there’s plenty to explore outside of the show. The island of Antigua has the nickname ‘Land of 365 Beaches’ – how many can you get around in one week?
2024 Yacht Shows in Europe
As the temperatures across the Mediterranean heat up, so do yachting waters. May’s non-seafaring headline events include the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. Superyachts are often crewed by March, ready for the prestigious Palma Boat Show in April.
Palma International Boat Show
Widely accepted as the event marking the start of the Mediterranean season, Palma Boat Show is one of the most anticipated events of the year (25-28 April). A level of exclusivity provides guests with a guaranteed professional experience.
In 2024, Palma Show marks its 40th anniversary with additional activities. A think tank and experiential event, International Balearic Superyacht Forum, will bring together experts and enthusiasts to create a ‘robust and smart industry road map for the future’.
Mediterranean Yacht Show
The eighth edition of ‘MEDYS’ returns to Greece, 27 April-1 May. It’s pitched specifically at super yachts and vessels measuring 24 metres and above, adding an air of luxury.
Nafplion is a clever location for this show. Known as one of the most romantic towns in Greece, the harbour size is limited, meaning the yacht show’s waitlist soon adds up.
The 2023 edition of MEDYS welcomed over 750 attendees from 31 countries. We can’t wait to see what the Greek Yachting Association has in store for 2024.
Cannes Yachting Festival
At the other end of the Mediterranean Season is the Cannes Yachting Festival, 10-15 September 2024. Cannes is Europe’s largest ‘in-water’ boat show, reporting record numbers of 55,000 visitors last year.
So extensive is this Yacht Show that multiple ports and areas are set up for different yacht foci. Find some of the world’s most exciting super yachts at the Vieux Port’s ‘Super Yachts Extension’ – floating barges built just for the festival.
The Baglietto T52 turned heads at Cannes last year. Read more about this year’s Hull #4 for sale.
Monaco Yacht Show
No list of 2024 yacht shows would be complete without the Monaco Yacht Show, 25-28 September 2024. Held in Port Hercules, the Monaco Yacht Show boasts the world’s largest exhibition of superyachts. Hundreds of boats will be on display from the very best names in the industry.
Go one step further into luxury with the Sapphire Experience. This bespoke concierge service is designed for superyacht owners and charterers. It offers ‘unparalleled access’ to vessels, experts, and parties.
Middle East Yacht Shows
The Middle East is a rapidly expanding superyacht market, helped by the climate. The region benefits from good year-round conditions for yachting and associated interests.
There’s a variety of shows and conferences regarding yachting in the Middle East. The region’s largest and glitziest is known colloquially as DIBS.
Dubai International Boat Show
Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) returns on 28 February – 3 March. DIBS is known for its well-rounded experience, showcasing luxury brands across yachting and beyond into fashion, art, and supercars. DIBS 2023 focused on technological innovation; 2024 looks set to highlight local trades and manufacturers.
Expect hundreds of vessels, companies, and experiences – including exciting water toys. After hours the agenda expands to world-class entertainment.
2024 Yacht Shows in Asia
Expected to be one of the fastest-growing regional markets for yachts and super yachting, it’s time that Asia got a say in our list of yacht shows. Our pick is Singapore.
Singapore Yacht Show
25-28 April 2024 sees yachts and enthusiasts descend on Sentosa Cover. As Asia’s leading yachting and boating lifestyle event, thousands of guests will be welcomed to learn, view, potentially purchase, and most certainly enjoy themselves.
Potential highlights include the inaugural ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference. Keynotes and panels will discuss the industry’s pivot to sustainability, including safe and effective decarbonisation.
2024 Yacht Shows in the USA
America is home to some of the longest-running yacht shows in the world. And no wonder: with an estimated over half a million yachts registered in the USA, the market is certainly experienced.
USA’s yachting economy features trusted builders and merchants keen to share their expertise. We chose two of our favourite USA yacht shows.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Hosting billions of dollars worth of yachts and associated technologies, FLIBS is famous for being the largest in-water boat show in the world. It attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors who explore nearly 90 acres of exhibits.
FLIBS is, quite simply, a must-visit for anyone interested in yachting – whether they’re considering an entry-level open top vessel or the largest superyachts on the seas. Spanning five days, over 1000 boats will be on show.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Palm Beach International Boat Show, also known as PBIBS, will run from 21-24 March 2024 in beautiful Florida. PBIBS has an estimated economic impact of over $1.05 billion (and sales over $725 million) making it one of many mega yacht shows in the US.
Flagler Drive is where you’ll want to be to view yachts of all types. Stroll the boardwalk, chat with representatives, and then quench your thirst at the Windward VIP Club.
Which 2024 Yacht Shows to Attend?
So there you have it. Our pick of the top ten 2024 yacht shows from the Caribbean and America to the Mediterranean and beyond.
We know there are so many more yacht shows than we could fit into this article. As yachting continues to grow, we look forward to meeting you at one of the many glamorous events our industry offers.
