If you’ve been thinking about spending more time on the water, the Daytona Boat Show is giving Central Florida boaters one more chance to shop, compare, and find deals before the 2026 boat show season comes to a close.
The three-day event returns to the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach Sept. 18-20, bringing more than 70 boat manufacturers and brands together under one roof. The show is designed for everyone from experienced boat owners looking to upgrade to first-time buyers who are just starting to explore their options.
Presented by the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida, the Daytona Boat Show offers visitors an opportunity to step aboard different models and compare features, layouts, and price points side by side.
The lineup includes boats for a variety of interests and lifestyles, including:
- Bowriders
- Center consoles
- Deck boats
- Flats boats
- Freshwater fishing boats
- Jet boats
- Pontoons
- Surf boats
With local dealers on hand throughout the weekend, attendees can ask questions, explore different models, and learn more about which type of boat might fit their needs.
For shoppers who are ready to make a purchase, one of the biggest draws is the opportunity to take advantage of limited-time show pricing and incentives.
Offers may include extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage, upgraded electronics, and accessory bundles. Specific promotions vary by dealer and manufacturer.
“Buying a boat is an important investment, and the Daytona Boat Show gives families the opportunity to compare options, ask questions and find the right value in one place,” said Paul Berube, owner of Boaters Exchange and vice president of the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida.
Even visitors who aren’t ready to buy can use the show to research different boat styles, get a better sense of pricing, and start planning for future time on Florida’s waterways.
The Daytona Boat Show isn’t just for serious boat shoppers. A variety of activities are included with admission, making it an option for families looking to spend part of the weekend in Daytona Beach.
Children ages 12 and under can try their hand at fishing at the Let’s Go Fishing Trout Pond, where kids can catch a live fish.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can also meet sailor stilt walkers and Pepe, a family-friendly pirate, for free photo opportunities and pop-up karaoke-style singalongs. Cartoon You Caricatures will also be on hand offering custom caricature drawings.
Plan Your Visit
The Daytona Boat Show takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach
Admission: $5 per person online or at the show; cashless payment is required
Free admission: Children 12 and under, veterans and active military with ID
Parking: Available on-site for an additional fee; cashless payment is required
Whether you’re actively shopping for a new boat or simply looking for inspiration for your next Florida adventure, the Daytona Boat Show offers a chance to explore what’s on the market and connect with local boating experts.
For more information, visit the Daytona Boat Show website and follow @orlandoboatshow on Facebook and Instagram.
