The annual Suncoast Boat Show takes place every year in April at Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota. One of the largest exhibitions of boats, watercraft of all shapes and sizes appear with some boats coming in at 30 feet or larger. Tourists and locals love the Sarasota boat show for its vibrant, exclusive access to see amazing boats up close and personal.
What is the Suncoast Boat Show?
Exhibitors bring a selection of boats ranging from fishing boats to cruisers, motor yachts, personal watercraft, and more to the Sarasota coastline. Customers can also browse boats for sale and make some great deals at the show. Tickets give exclusive access to meet with boat owners, check out their watercraft and enjoy the outdoors while shopping tents of accessories, jewelry, art, and more with food and music as part of the festive atmosphere.
Biggest Show on Suncoast
Florida is the ideal spot for great boating with sunshine and coastline for miles. The boating community is very active and tight knit. Several boat shows take place across Florida all year long. Here are some of the bigger events:
- Ft. Lauderdale: yachting capital of the world hosts an international boat show with over 3 million square feet and thousands of attendees. Yachts, boats, and accessories are featured in addition to cruisers, sailing yachts, and superyachts
- Miami: host to an international boat show in February with over 100k people in attendance. More than 1200 boats on display with powerboats, workshops, games, and more for families and enthusiasts
- Palm Beach: host to an international boat show in March. One of the top five across the country, it draws boat designers and manufacturers of yachts and water craft worth millions of dollars. Boating enthusiasts enjoy the spectacle and buyers can peruse potential new purchases
By comparison, the Sarasota boat show has hundreds of boats including super yachts, smaller watercraft and more. Thousands of people attend the event as it draws in families as well as potential buyers.
Hook the Future
One unique feature of the Suncoast boat show is Hook the Future Kids’ Fishing clinics. Captain Don Dingman is originally from Jacksonville and created a life around fishing, surfing, and diving. He created Hook the Future nonprofit to encourage families to spend time together. He hosted Hook the Future television show and takes kids fishing worldwide to instill good stewardship, sportsmanship, and principles of living through fishing. He hosts a fishing clinic at major boat shows, including Suncoast boat show, and teaches families how to succeed at fishing while spending quality time together outdoors. Look for his special event at the Sarasota boat show.
Getting Around
Plenty of parking is available at one of three public parking garages located within two blocks of the show at Palm Street Garage, State Street Garage, or Municipal auditorium. Free shuttles run between parking areas, picking up at all three areas and dropping off at Ringling Circle. Shuttles run half an hour before the show opening and go until half an hour after the show closes. Affordable hotels and accommodations exist with hotel providers who endorse the Sarasota boat show. Book through them for early and best selection and prices or check the surrounding area for other types of accommodation.
Wrap Up
Sarasota continues to be a great place to host a show with a wide range of products and boats to entertain and excite visitors. Everyone from adults to kids will love the fun atmosphere of being out in the sunshine while visiting with captains and their crew at the largest boat show in Florida.
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