Naples Boat Show 2026

Every January, Naples turns into the boating capital of Collier County. The Naples Boat Show draws thousands of visitors to see hundreds of boats across two venues, and it kicks off the new boating season in style. If you're thinking about a new boat, upgrading your current ride, or just want to spend a Saturday surrounded by beautiful boats and fellow boating enthusiasts, this is the event.

Fish Tale Boats has a Naples dealership and a strong presence at this show every year. We bring a big lineup, show-only pricing, and a team that knows these local waters inside and out. Here's everything you need to plan your visit.

What Is the Naples Boat Show?

The Naples Boat Show is the largest premier recreational boat show in the Naples-Marco Island area. Organized by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County (MIACC), it's the anchor event for the Collier County boating community and a highlight of the winter season.

The MIACC is the trade association representing marine businesses in Collier County. They advocate for boating access, waterway maintenance, and the interests of the local marine industry year-round. The boat show is their biggest public-facing event, and they put real effort into making it worth your time.

What makes the Naples show unique is the two-venue format. Sugden Regional Park gives you a massive on-land display with boats of every type and size on trailers, plus marine accessories and gear vendors under tents and in pavilions. Naples City Dock puts larger boats in the water where you can walk the docks, step aboard, and get a real sense of what these boats feel like afloat. The complimentary shuttle between the two locations makes it easy to see everything without moving your car.

January timing is also a factor. The show lands right in the heart of Southwest Florida's busy season, when seasonal residents from the Northeast and Midwest are settled in and thinking about life on the water. If you've been spending your winters watching other people head to the boat ramp while you sit on the lanai, this is the show that gets you off the couch and into the market.

What to Expect at the Naples Boat Show

On-Land Displays at Sugden Regional Park

Sugden Park is the main hub. This is where you'll find the widest selection of boats, from small skiffs and kayaks to center consoles, pontoon boats, bowriders, and deck boats. Dealers from across the region bring their best inventory, and you can walk through rows of boats, climb aboard, check layouts, and compare models without any time pressure.

Beyond boats, Sugden Park hosts the accessories and gear section. Marine electronics, fishing tackle, dock equipment, boat lifts, canvas and upholstery vendors, and marine service providers all set up shop. It's a one-stop resource for anything related to owning and maintaining a boat in Southwest Florida.

In-Water Displays at Naples City Dock

The in-water section at Naples City Dock is where the bigger boats shine. Center consoles over 30 feet, cabin cruisers, sportfishing boats, and luxury yachts are docked along the waterfront. There's nothing like stepping aboard a boat that's actually floating to get a feel for the space, the ride height, and the overall layout. If you're looking at anything over 25 feet, make sure you visit City Dock.

The setting doesn't hurt either. Naples City Dock sits along Naples Bay with views of the Gordon River and the mangrove-lined waterways that make this area such a special place to own a boat.

The Shuttle Between Venues

The complimentary shuttle runs continuously throughout show hours, connecting Sugden Park and City Dock. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. You can start at either venue and hop the shuttle to the other. Most visitors spend more time at Sugden Park (it's the larger venue) and then shuttle over to City Dock to see the in-water boats.

Seminars and Activities

The Naples Boat Show typically features boating education seminars, fishing demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. These change year to year, so check naplesboatshow.com for the current schedule. Past shows have included boating safety courses, fishing knot clinics, and kids' activities.

Food and Refreshments

Food vendors are set up at both venues. Sugden Park usually has the larger food court area. You won't need to leave the show to eat.

Getting There: Directions and Parking

To Sugden Regional Park (On-Land Displays)

Sugden Regional Park is located at 4284 Avalon Dr in Naples, just off Thomasson Drive south of US-41 (Tamiami Trail East). From I-75, take Exit 101 (Collier Blvd / SR-951) and head west, then south on US-41 to Thomasson Drive. Turn right on Avalon Drive and follow the signs to the show parking area.

To Naples City Dock (In-Water Displays)

Naples City Dock is at 880 12th Ave S in Naples, right on Naples Bay. From US-41, head south on Goodlette-Frank Road to 12th Avenue South. Limited parking is available near City Dock, which is why the shuttle from Sugden Park is the recommended way to visit the in-water displays.

Parking Tips

• Sugden Park has a large parking area, but it fills up on Saturday. Arrive before 10 AM for the easiest experience.
• Naples City Dock has very limited parking. Take the shuttle from Sugden Park instead of trying to drive there directly.
• Rideshare works well for both venues. Drop-off at Sugden Park is straightforward, and you avoid the parking question entirely.
• Don't drive between venues. The shuttle is free and saves you the hassle of finding parking twice.

Tips for Visiting the Naples Boat Show

Go on a Weekday If You Can

Thursday and Friday draw smaller crowds. The sales staff have more time to answer your questions, you can sit in boats without waiting, and the shuttle lines are shorter. Saturday is the biggest day, and Sunday tends to see good deals from dealers who'd rather sell than pack up.

Start at the Right Venue

If you're shopping for boats under 30 feet, start at Sugden Park. That's where the bulk of the inventory sits. If your focus is larger boats, 30 feet and up, head to City Dock first (or shuttle there from Sugden early). Tackle the less crowded venue first and give yourself the whole day.

Dress for January in Naples

January in Naples is mild, but mornings can start cool, in the upper 50s and low 60s. By midday it's usually in the low to mid 70s. Layers work best. Comfortable shoes are a must since you'll be walking on grass at Sugden Park and docks at City Dock. Sunglasses and a hat are always a good idea.

Do Your Homework

Before you go, have a sense of what type of boat you're interested in and a rough budget. It's overwhelming to walk into a show with 200-plus boats and no idea what you're looking for. Check our new boat inventory online to get a feel for models and pricing. That way, you can make the most of your time at the show by focusing on boats that actually fit your needs.

Bring Financing and Trade-In Info

If there's any chance you'll buy at the show, come prepared. Get pre-approved for financing before you go. If you have a boat to trade in, get a valuation ahead of time or bring photos and details of your current boat so we can work up numbers on the spot.

Show pricing is typically the best you'll see all year. Manufacturers offer rebates and incentives that dealers can only pass along during the show window. Coming prepared means you won't miss a deal because of logistics.

Visit Fish Tale Boats at the Naples Boat Show

Fish Tale Boats is a fixture at the Naples Boat Show. We have a Naples dealership right in the community, and we treat this show as a chance to bring our full lineup to the Collier County market. Our team knows Naples Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island, Keewaydin, and every waterway in between. We're not just selling boats here; we're matching people with the right boat for the way they actually use the water.

What We're Bringing

We carry four brands, and you'll see a strong representation of each at the show:

• Grady-White - The gold standard in center consoles and dual consoles. Renowned for ride quality, build craftsmanship, and versatility. From the Freedom series for family boating to the Canyon series for serious offshore fishing.
• Robalo - We're the number one Robalo dealer in the world, and we bring the lineup to prove it. The Cayman series, the R-Series center consoles, and bay boats that are purpose-built for Southwest Florida's shallow-water fishing.
• Chaparral - Sport boats and SSi bowriders built for family fun. Perfect for Naples Bay cruising, sandbar hangouts at Keewaydin Island, and watersports.
• Premier Pontoons - Luxury pontoons that have redefined what a pontoon boat can be. Ideal for entertaining, sunset cruises, and relaxed days on the water.

Every boat we bring runs Yamaha power. As an authorized Yamaha Key Dealer, we back that with factory-trained service and genuine parts at our local dealership.

Show Pricing and Specials

January is when manufacturers roll out their strongest incentive programs. Factory rebates, special financing rates, and show-only packages come together to make boat show weekend the best time to buy all year. We'll have pricing details available at our booth for every model on display.

Our Team Is Here to Help

Our sales staff at the show aren't working scripts. They're boaters who live here and fish here. Whether you need help deciding between a center console and a dual console, want to understand the differences between a 23-foot and a 27-foot Robalo, or just want honest advice on what boat fits your family's needs, we'll give you a straight answer.

We can run trade-in valuations and financing pre-approvals right at the show. If you're coming from out of state and looking to set up your SWFL boating life, we can walk you through the entire process from purchase to registration to finding the right marina.

Come see us at the show, visit our Naples dealership, or browse our new boat inventory and pre-owned boats online anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Naples Boat Show in 2026?

January 22-25, 2026. The show typically runs Thursday through Sunday. Check naplesboatshow.com for exact hours each day.

How much are tickets to the Naples Boat Show?

Ticket prices are set annually by the MIACC. Check naplesboatshow.com for current pricing and where to buy tickets. Children under a certain age typically get in free.

Is there a shuttle between the two venues?

Yes. A complimentary shuttle runs continuously between Sugden Regional Park and Naples City Dock during all show hours. There's no need to drive between venues.

Where should I park for the Naples Boat Show?

Park at Sugden Regional Park (4284 Avalon Dr). It has the largest parking area and you can shuttle to Naples City Dock from there. Parking near City Dock is very limited.

Can I buy a boat at the show?

Yes, and many people do. Dealers offer show-specific pricing and manufacturer rebates that you won't find at other times of the year. Get pre-approved for financing before the show so you're ready to act when you find the right boat.

Is the Naples Boat Show indoors or outdoors?

Mostly outdoors. The on-land displays at Sugden Park are in open air, and the in-water displays at City Dock are on the docks. Some vendor areas at Sugden Park may be tented. Dress for being outside in January, which in Naples means comfortable temperatures with a chance of cooler mornings.

Start Shopping Before the Show

Don't wait until January. Browse our new boat inventory or pre-owned boats online now. Get pre-approved for financing so you're ready, or request a trade-in valuation on your current boat.

Want to see boats in person before the show? Visit our Naples dealership or contact us to schedule a visit.

We'll see you at the Naples Boat Show. Look for the Fish Tale Boats display, and check /boat-shows for our complete boat show schedule across Southwest Florida.