The Boat Show is located along the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers. The main show entrance is at Bay Street & Heitman Street (Next to the Post Office) and the east entrance is at Lee Street & Edwards Drive. Boat and accessory displays wind through Centennial Park and Amphitheater and into the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and east along Edwards Drive.
What are the dates and hours?
January 5: 10am-6pm
January 6: 10am-6pm
January 7: 10am-6pm
January 8: 10am-5pm
What kind of boats are on display?
Visitors will see everything from bay boats and inshore skiffs to larger center consoles and luxurious yachts. The show includes a variety of inshore and offshore fishing boats, custom skiffs, pontoon and deck boats, high performance, sport and cruising boats—virtually every type and style a boater might enjoy in Southwest Florida.
What if I already own a boat?
This is far more than just a display of boats. The show features the largest display of accessory items of any boat show on Florida’s west coast including electronic equipment, motors, fishing equipment, accessories and other items from manufacturers all over the world. Plus, a wide variety of service companies, marinas and shipyards, and educational information will help you get the most out of your time on the water.
How has Hurricane Ian impacted the Boat Show?
While downtown was not ready to hold the 50th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show on the traditional November dates, shifting to January 5th – 8th makes perfect timing for the marine industry and for Southwest Florida.
Marine businesses have been very supportive and exhibit space is completely sold out. While there will be no in-water displays since the City Yacht Basin suffered extensive damage and is closed, several in-water exhibitors will be showing boats on land and others plan displays inside the convention center. The Caloosa Sound Convention Center and adjacent Luminary Hotel suffered only minor damage, Centennial Park and streets along the waterfront are in good shape. Completion of the new amphitheater provides additional exhibit space to accommodate dealers who traditionally display in-water.
Will there be any boater education?
The Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay will host the “Know Before You Go” display which is an interactive booth featuring local captains, law enforcement officers, navigational charts, and educational materials to help you be safe while enjoying local waterways. The display will outside the Caloosa Sound Convention Center adjoining the Amphitheater.
Additionally there will be displays from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron and Lee County Marine Task Force inside the convention center with answers to a wide range of questions on boating safety and regulations, plus other information to help you enjoy your time on the water.
Will food and drinks be available?
You’ll find a wide variety of food and drinks available. Quench your thirst at the Redfish Pub in Centennial Park, Caloosa Sound Convention Center or the Yacht Basin Pub overlooking the river. Next to the Yacht Basin Pub, Florida’s Fine Foods features a wide variety of seafood dishes.
After the show, take a short walk to a variety of restaurants in vibrant downtown Fort Myers, many of which offer BOGO drink specials with your boat show ticket!
How much is admission?
Admission is $18 for adults and children 15 and under are free with a paid adult. Tickets are available for purchase during the show at both show entrances, but visitors are encouraged to skip the line and buy tickets online. Admission is the same price ($18 adult) for both in-person or online ticket sales, with no extra service fees for online purchases.
Can I bring my pet?
We love animals but for insurance and liability reasons, pets are not allowed.