Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show 2026

If you've ever wished you could walk through a boat show where the staff actually knows your name, the boats are floating in real water, and you're not fighting through a crowd of 10,000 strangers, the Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show is your kind of event. Fish Tale Boats is proud to present this show every year at our home base in Bonita Springs. It's the most personal, hands-on boat show we do, and honestly, it's our favorite weekend of the year.

What Is the Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show?

The Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show is an annual in-water event hosted at Bonita Bay Marina in Bonita Springs, Florida. Unlike the larger regional shows that pack thousands of people into convention halls, this one keeps things manageable. It's an intimate gathering right at the marina, where boats sit in the water instead of up on trailers under fluorescent lights.

Fish Tale Boats launched this show to give Southwest Florida boaters a better way to shop. We wanted an event where you could actually spend time on the boats you're interested in, have a real conversation with the people who sell and service them, and get a feel for how each model performs in its natural environment, right there on the water.

Our Bonita Springs location is at Bonita Bay Marina, so the show literally happens in our backyard. That means we bring everything: our top Grady-White center consoles, Robalo offshore and bay boats, Chaparral sport boats, and Premier pontoons. If we sell it, you'll see it here.

The setting makes a difference. Bonita Bay Marina sits along the Imperial River with easy access to Estero Bay and the Gulf. It's a gorgeous spot to spend a February weekend, whether you're seriously shopping or just window-browsing with the family.

What to Expect at the Show

Because Fish Tale presents this show, we control the experience from start to finish. Here's what that means for you.

Boats in the Water

Every boat on display is rigged, launched, and floating at the docks. You won't be climbing ladders to peek into a hull sitting on a trailer. You'll step aboard boats that are sitting in the water, exactly how they'd look tied up at your dock at home. This is the best way to evaluate a boat's layout, walkability, and overall feel.

Full Brand Lineup

We bring models across all four of our brands:

• Grady-White - Legendary offshore fishing boats and dual consoles, from 18 to 37 feet
• Robalo - Versatile bay boats, center consoles, and the popular Cayman series
• Chaparral - Sport boats, SSi models, and surf boats for watersports families
• Premier Pontoons - Luxury tritoons and pontoons for cruising and entertaining

We typically display 15-25 boats, covering everything from entry-level bay boats to full-size offshore rigs.

The People Who Actually Know the Boats

This is where the Bonita Bay show separates itself. The folks working the docks aren't hired event staff reading spec sheets. They're our sales team, our rigging crew, and sometimes our service techs. You'll talk to people who've delivered these boats, set them up, and helped owners dial them in for years.

Got a question about how the Grady-White 251 handles in a beam sea? Our guys have run them. Wondering how the Premier 270 Intrigue rides with a full load? They've been out on it. This is the kind of access you don't get at the big shows.

Show-Only Pricing

We put together special pricing packages for the Bonita Bay show every year. Boat show pricing is real, and it's typically the best you'll see all season. If you're thinking about buying within the next six to twelve months, this weekend gives you the most leverage.

We also have our finance team on-site, so you can get pre-approved and talk through payment options in person. Bring your trade; we'll have someone who can evaluate your current boat right there at the show.

Getting There

Directions

Bonita Bay Marina is located at 27598 Marina Pointe Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. It's just off US-41 (Tamiami Trail), south of Bonita Beach Road.

From I-75: Take exit 116 (Bonita Beach Road) and head west. Turn left (south) on US-41. Marina Pointe Drive will be on your right within about a mile.

From Naples: Head north on US-41 through Bonita Springs. Marina Pointe Drive is on your left, just north of the Bonita Bay entrance.

From Fort Myers: Head south on US-41 through Estero. Continue past Bonita Beach Road and look for Marina Pointe Drive on your right.

Parking

Parking is available at the marina, and we set up additional overflow parking for the show. Arrive early on Saturday for the closest spots, as that tends to be the busiest day. The walk from overflow parking to the docks is short and flat.

Tips for Visiting the Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show

Come with a short list. If you're seriously shopping, narrow your interest to two or three models before you arrive. You'll have time to really explore those boats instead of rushing through everything.

Wear boat-friendly shoes. You're stepping on and off real boats at a real marina. Closed-toe shoes with non-marking soles are the way to go. Skip the heels and flip-flops.

Bring your whole crew. If your family is part of the buying decision, bring them. This is the best chance for everyone to sit in the seats, check the layout, and picture themselves on the water.

Talk to us about your trade early. If you have a boat to trade, mention it right away. Our team can start working on a value while you shop, so you'll have real numbers before you leave.

Get pre-approved before the show. Filling out a financing application ahead of time speeds everything up. If you see the right boat at the right price, you'll be ready to move.

Don't skip Sunday. Friday and Saturday draw the biggest crowds. Sunday mornings are quieter, and you'll get more one-on-one time with our team.

Visit Fish Tale Boats: Your Host for the Show

Let's be clear about something: this is our show. Fish Tale Boats presents the Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show because we believe boat shopping should feel personal, not overwhelming. We're not one booth among hundreds. We're the ones who built this event, and every display, every dock, every boat you see is here because we put it there.

Our Bonita Springs dealership is right here at Bonita Bay Marina. That means even after the show wraps up, we're still here. Need a follow-up? Want a sea trial? Have a question about rigging or service? Walk in any day of the week.

We carry new boats from Grady-White, Robalo, Chaparral, and Premier Pontoons. We also keep a strong selection of pre-owned boats for buyers who want value with less wait. Every pre-owned boat goes through our service shop before it hits the lot.

Fish Tale is family-owned with locations in Fort Myers, Naples, and Bonita Springs. We've been helping Southwest Florida boaters find the right boat for decades. The Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show is our way of bringing that experience to you in the most relaxed, no-pressure setting possible.

If you can't make the Bonita Bay show, check our full boat show schedule for other events where you'll find Fish Tale Boats throughout the year.

Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show FAQ

Is the Bonita Bay Marina Boat Show free? Yes. Admission is free and open to the public. Fish Tale Boats presents this show, and we want everyone to come check it out.

Can I sea trial a boat at the show? Sea trials during the show depend on availability, but we absolutely set them up. Talk to our sales team at the show and we'll schedule one during or after the event. The marina has direct water access, so it's easy to arrange.

Do I need to bring anything to buy a boat at the show? If you're planning to buy, bring a valid ID, proof of insurance, and any trade information. Getting pre-approved for financing beforehand helps speed things up.

Is this show kid-friendly? Absolutely. The marina setting is family-friendly, and kids love climbing on boats. Just keep an eye on little ones near the docks and water.

How is this different from the bigger boat shows in the area? The Bonita Bay show is smaller by design. Fish Tale Boats runs this event, so you're getting direct access to our team, our brands, and our pricing without the crowds and noise of a convention center. It's more personal, more relaxed, and you get way more time with the boats you care about.

Ready to Start Shopping?

You don't have to wait for show weekend. Browse our full inventory of new boats and pre-owned boats online anytime. When you're ready to talk, reach out to our team or stop by our Bonita Springs location at Bonita Bay Marina. We're here seven days a week.

Get Pre-Approved for Financing | Value Your Trade | Contact Fish Tale Boats