Bonita Springs Boat Show 2026

The Bonita Springs Boat Show is one of our home-turf events, and we look forward to it every year. Our Bonita Springs location at Bonita Bay Marina is just minutes from the showgrounds, which makes this one feel personal. It's our neighbors, our customers, and our community all coming together to kick off boating season.

This is a show we'd recommend to anyone in Lee or Collier County who's thinking about a boat, whether you're buying this year or just getting started with research. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

What Is the Bonita Springs Boat Show?

The Bonita Springs Boat Show has been running for 37 years, making it one of the longest-running boat shows in Southwest Florida. It's organized by the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida under their Go Boating Florida brand, the same crew behind most of the regional shows in our area.

This is not the Miami International Boat Show. It's not even trying to compete with the bigger metro shows. And that's exactly why people love it.

The Bonita Springs show is a relaxed, community-oriented event that brings together local and regional dealers with hundreds of boats on display. It's big enough to give you a real selection of brands, models, and price points. But it's small enough that you won't spend half the day in a parking garage or walking a mile between exhibits.

For boaters in Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, and the southern end of Fort Myers, this is the most convenient show of the season. No highway tolls, no two-hour drives, no hotel stays. Just show up, walk the grounds, look at boats, and be home in time for dinner.

The show has been a fixture in the community since the late 1980s and draws a loyal crowd of repeat attendees year after year. It's the kind of event where you'll bump into your neighbors, run into your fishing buddy, and probably see a few familiar faces from Bonita Bay Marina.

What to Expect

The Bonita Springs Boat Show is an on-land display at the Bonita Springs Poker Room property on Race Track Road. Every boat is sitting on a trailer or display stand, which means solid ground under your feet and easy access to walk around every hull.

Here's what you'll find:

Hundreds of boats. Center consoles, dual consoles, bay boats, pontoons, deck boats, offshore fishing machines, skiffs, and more. You'll see everything from entry-level boats for first-time buyers to premium offshore rigs. Multiple dealers bring their best inventory, so you can compare brands and models without driving all over town.

Marine accessories and electronics. GPS and fish finder brands showing the latest units. Trolling motors, power poles, marine audio systems, and lighting upgrades. If you're outfitting a boat or upgrading your current rig, this is a great place to compare products and talk to reps.

Engines and propulsion. Outboard engine displays, including Yamaha and other major brands. If you're thinking about a repower or just want to understand the differences between engine options, the show floor is the place to do it.

Boat lifts and dock equipment. This is especially relevant for Bonita Springs and Naples waterfront homeowners. Boat lift companies are well-represented at the show, and you can get quotes, compare brands, and learn about what works best for your waterfront setup.

Marine services. Insurance providers, financing companies, marine surveyors, and maintenance shops often set up at the show. It's a one-stop opportunity to get answers to the unglamorous but important questions about owning a boat.

Food and refreshments. The show has food vendors on-site, so you can make a half-day of it without leaving the grounds.

Getting There

The Bonita Springs Poker Room is on Race Track Road, just off Old 41 in Bonita Springs. It's well-signed during show week and easy to find.

From Bonita Springs / Estero: You're practically there already. Most of Bonita Springs is within a 10-15 minute drive. Take Old 41 to Race Track Road, or cut over from US 41 via Terry Street or Bonita Beach Road.

From Naples: Head north on US 41 or take I-75 north to Exit 116 (Bonita Beach Road). Go west to Old 41, then north to Race Track Road. About 20-25 minutes depending on where in Naples you're starting.

From Fort Myers: Take US 41 south or I-75 south to Exit 116. About 25-30 minutes from central Fort Myers, a little longer if you're coming from the Cape Coral side.

Parking is free at the show, which is a nice perk. The lot is sizable, but weekends fill up. If you're coming Saturday, aim for the morning. Thursday and Friday are the lightest days for parking and crowds.

Already near our Bonita Springs store? Our Bonita Springs dealership at Bonita Bay Marina is just a short drive from the showgrounds. If you want to see even more inventory before or after the show, stop by the marina.

Tips for Visiting the Bonita Springs Boat Show

Like the other SWFL regional shows, this is a manageable event. You can see everything in two to three hours, which is perfect if you've got other plans for the day. Here are some tips to make the most of it.

Come early on your chosen day. The parking lot fills up on Saturday and Sunday, and the first hour of the show tends to be the least crowded. That means more room to walk around boats, shorter waits to talk with dealers, and better photo opportunities.

Know your budget range going in. You don't need an exact number, but having a general idea of what you can spend helps you focus on the right boats and have more productive conversations. Better yet, get pre-approved for financing before the show so you know exactly where you stand.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Late February and early March in Southwest Florida is usually beautiful, but you'll be outdoors for a couple of hours. Sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes are all good ideas.

Take photos and write things down. After you've walked through 20 or 30 boats, the details start running together. Snap a photo of the spec sheet, the layout, the helm setup, anything that catches your eye. It'll save you from trying to remember which 24-foot center console had the leaning post you liked.

Don't rush past the accessories. Even if you're not buying a boat today, the marine gear vendors often have show specials on electronics, accessories, and services. If you already own a boat, you might find exactly the upgrade you've been thinking about.

Talk to everyone. Boat show staff expect questions. That's the whole point. Don't feel like you're bothering anyone. Ask about pricing, features, warranty, delivery, and anything else on your mind. Dealers bring their most knowledgeable people to shows for exactly this reason.

Bring whoever's part of the decision. If your spouse or partner has a say in the boat purchase (and they should), bring them along. This is a low-pressure setting to look at options together. The show is family-friendly, and kids love climbing around on boats.

Visit Fish Tale Boats at the Show

This show is practically in our backyard. Our Bonita Springs location at Bonita Bay Marina is just minutes from the Poker Room, and the Bonita Springs Boat Show has been one of our marquee events for as long as we can remember.

Here's what to expect at the Fish Tale display:

Our full brand lineup. We carry Grady-White, Robalo, Chaparral, and Premier Pontoons. We bring a strong selection of current models to the show, spanning fishing boats, family boats, and everything in between. Whether you've been eyeing a Grady-White Freedom Series dual console or a Robalo R230 center console, there's a good chance we'll have it on display for you to climb aboard.

Show pricing you won't find later. We put together competitive show specials, manufacturer promotions, and package deals specifically for boat show weekend. If you've been watching a particular model and waiting for the right time to pull the trigger, the show is that time.

Financing and pre-approval. Our team can walk you through financing options right at the booth. If you want to come prepared, get pre-approved online before the show so you know your budget and can shop with confidence.

Trade-in conversations. Upgrading? We want to hear about your current boat. Bring photos and details, and we'll talk through a realistic trade-in value so you can factor that into your buying decision. A lot of people are surprised at how much equity they have in their current boat.

The team behind the brand. Fish Tale Boats is family-owned with three locations in Fort Myers, Naples, and Bonita Springs. We're not a corporate chain. The people you meet at the show are the same people who'll be there when you pick up your boat, when you bring it in for service, and when you're ready to upgrade three years from now.

Check out our full new boat inventory or pre-owned boats anytime online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to attend the Bonita Springs Boat Show? Admission is $10 for adults. Kids under 16 get in free with a paying adult. Parking is free. It's one of the most affordable ways to spend a day looking at boats.

Is the Bonita Springs Boat Show indoors or outdoors? It's primarily an outdoor, on-land show at the Bonita Springs Poker Room property. Boats are displayed on trailers and stands, not in the water. Dress for sun and bring a hat.

Can I actually buy a boat at the show? Yes, and many people do. Dealers bring show-specific pricing, and you can start paperwork on the spot. Getting pre-approved before the show makes the process even smoother.

What brands will Fish Tale Boats have at the show? We'll have models from Grady-White, Robalo, Chaparral, and Premier Pontoons. The exact models vary each year, but we bring a strong cross-section so you can see fishing boats, family boats, and pontoons up close.

What's the best day to go? Thursday and Friday are less crowded and give you more face time with dealers. Saturday is the busiest. Sunday tends to thin out a bit and has slightly shorter hours (closing at 4 PM instead of 5 PM). If you're serious about buying, the quieter days are better for in-depth conversations.

Ready to Get on the Water?

The Bonita Springs Boat Show is a great place to start, but you don't have to wait until February. Browse our new boats and pre-owned inventory online, get pre-approved for financing, or contact us to schedule a walkthrough at our Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, or Naples locations.

We'll see you at the show. Stop by the Fish Tale Boats display, introduce yourself, and let's figure out your next boat together.

Fish Tale Boats, Fort Myers | Naples | Bonita Springs

See all the shows on our calendar at SWFL Boat Shows.