The Pros & Cons of the Miami Boat Show’s Move Back to Collins Ave
THE PROS & CONS OF THE MIAMI BOAT SHOW’S MOVE BACK TO COLLINS
It may seem regressive, but moving back to Collins is anything but.
Today’s successful boats shows each have a unique identity: Dusseldorf showcases super yachts indoors, Cannes is the pinnacle of luxury backdropped by La Croisette, and Palm Beach has become summer’s appetizer, serving up a manufacturer’s best while close to parking and hospitality. Over the years, Miami (at Herald Plaza) offered a huge selection but one word always stuck around: inconvenient.
As they say, sometimes you need to go back to go forward…
Here’s a clear look at the pros and cons of this move, and why it ultimately enhances Miami’s signature marine showcase.
PROS: WHAT IMPROVES WITH THE COLLINS MOVE?
1. A Waterfront That Feels Like Miami
Bringing yachts back to Collins Avenue connects the show with a setting that actually feels like Miami. The in-water displays adjacent to the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels are undeniably more scenic and contextually fitting than a fenced-off marine footprint between bridges. It restores the beachfront energy the event once had when I was just starting in the industry, and reconnects it with the city’s tourism heartbeat.
2. Renewed Brand Energy
Regardless of what you hear, yacht brands pushed for this. Relocating the yacht displays back to Collins Avenue places premium brands in a highly visible, high foot traffic setting that’s literally steps from luxury hotels. For those visiting, “inconvenience” is no longer. I envy those who come from out of town. If you’re reasoning to buy something and its on display at Collins Ave, staying at Fontainebleau, Eden Roc, Faena, or the Soho House is amongst the best boat show experiences you can have around the world.
4. Parking
Getting there may still have its difficulties, but at least the move opens guests up to reasonable parking options. Both public lots and hotel valet are available to attendees, improving upon the ridiculous metro-parking requirements of the Herald Plaza days. I used to park in a teacher lot for the Miami School District’s downtown office, about 4 blocks from the show entrance. Glad that’s over…
CONS: WHAT LACKS WITH THE COLLINS MOVE?
1. Distance Between Key Zones
One common gripe from long-time attendees and brokers is that splitting yachts between Collins and the super yacht displays at Yacht Haven Grande make access between the two nearly impossible in the same day. That’s true, but it will impact brokers jumping from client meetings the most. For buyers, they’ll shoot directly to the showcase area they prefer, and likely not realize it.
2. Smaller In-Water Footprint
The selection of boats at the Collins in-water area is smaller than Herald Plaza, but this may just knock out the uglier of the options. We’ll have to wait and see if brands make changes in how they display their inventory considering the lower supply, or if it remains to be business as usual.
3. Traffic & Logistics Still a Concern
Despite improved connectivity plans, Miami Beach traffic remains a real concern during the show. City updates about road work and congestion highlight that getting to and from Collins Avenue might still test even seasoned locals and visitors alike. If you’re not staying in a nearby hotel, take extra time to get to Collins Ave, and have your patience prepared should parking be limited.
My Take: Why This Is A Win
Yes, there are trade-offs. But changing the location back to Collins Ave was the only option to take the Miami Boat Show off life support. Both brands and buyers have said “we’re just doing Palm Beach” for years now, and it was only a matter of time before the market gave up completely.
Although its getting smaller, I think its going to have a positive impact on buyer/visitor satisfaction and brand success. I hope Miami’s Collins Ave display becomes the niche display zone of the market’s premium builders, fluidly connected to programming in the Eden Roc and Fontainebleau, becoming a premium version of what Palm Beach is today.
To contact Reed Nicol about plans to visit the Miami International Boat Show, contact him today.
Dates & Times
DATES: February 11 – 15, 2026
Wednesday, Feb 11: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, Feb 12: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, Feb 13: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, Feb 14: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, Feb 15: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tickets
All tickets must be purchased online ahead of time. No on-site box office. A single ticket grants access to all show locations.
One-day General Admission (Thurs–Sun)
Two-day General Admission
Prime Time Preview (Wednesday)
VIP & Windward VIP experiences (premium lounges, priority access)
Getting Around
Multiple park-and-ride options are available near the Miami Beach Convention Center and Yacht Haven Grande. Shuttle services and complimentary golf carts help connect all venues.
Free city-wide trolley service in Miami Beach provides an alternative way to navigate during the show.
What’s In The Water
Visit the Miami Boat Show website here to see a complete list of boats on display.
Show Map
Save this to your phone so you have an instant reference point when you inevitably get lost inside.
Bahia Mar, Hall of Fame Marina & Las Olas Marina
ON THE HUNT FOR YOUR NEXT BOAT?
If interested in my services to represent you in the purchase or sale, email me at Reed@RNMarine.com.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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