As winter begins to loosen its grip on the Jersey Shore, one of Atlantic City’s most anticipated seasonal traditions is preparing to return with a bigger, more immersive experience for families, boating enthusiasts, and first-time explorers alike. The 2026 Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show will transform the Atlantic City Convention Center into a massive indoor marina, welcoming visitors to step aboard nearly 500 vessels and experience the lifestyle, technology, and excitement behind modern boating.
Designed as both a hands-on showcase and a family-friendly event, the 2026 show brings together luxury yachts, high-performance fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and recreational cruisers under one roof—offering one of the most comprehensive boating exhibitions anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic.
For many attendees, the highlight remains the chance to climb aboard hundreds of boats in a relaxed, interactive setting. From sleek coastal cruisers built for weekend escapes to high-powered sport boats and cutting-edge personal watercraft, visitors can walk through cabins, compare layouts, explore new marine technology, and speak directly with boating experts about performance, maintenance, and ownership options. For experienced boaters, the show provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate new models and features before the upcoming season. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible gateway into the boating lifestyle without pressure or prior experience.
What sets the 2026 Atlantic City Boat Show apart, however, is its emphasis on turning the exhibition floor into a true destination for families. Young visitors will find hands-on activities designed specifically to spark creativity and curiosity about life on the water. Children can create and take home their own custom toy boat souvenir, while aspiring anglers can test their skills at the popular Fishing Frenzy game, where playful competition introduces kids to the fundamentals of casting and targeting.
Tweens and teens are also a major focus of this year’s programming. The interactive Indoor Paddle Pool gives younger visitors the chance to hop into small paddle craft and experience how boats move and respond, while virtual reality stations place participants inside digital boating and marine adventure scenarios that blend gaming with real-world learning.
For parents, the event offers a refreshing blend of entertainment and relaxation. The Discover Boating Beach Club delivers a laid-back, shore-inspired atmosphere complete with drinks, casual seating, beach-style games, and social spaces designed to capture the feel of summer long before the first warm-weather weekend arrives. It has become one of the show’s most popular gathering spots, giving families and groups a place to unwind between exhibits while soaking in the event’s coastal energy.
Beyond the fun and interactive attractions, the Atlantic City Boat Show continues to serve as a regional hub for marine education and consumer guidance. Exhibitors and marine professionals are available throughout the show to discuss boating safety, seasonal preparation, navigation tools, watercraft technology, and responsible environmental practices. Attendees can learn about docking techniques, trailer transport, storage solutions, and maintenance planning—topics that are especially valuable for first-time buyers considering entering the boating world in 2026.
The show also highlights the evolving role of boating as a lifestyle experience rather than simply a recreational purchase. From family-friendly cruising and fishing excursions to personal watercraft adventures and luxury coastal travel, exhibitors present boating as a versatile way to connect with New Jersey’s extensive shoreline, inland waterways, and neighboring coastal destinations.
For Atlantic City, the annual boat show plays a meaningful role in supporting winter tourism and driving early-season visitation. Thousands of guests from across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware travel to the city for the event each year, filling hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues during a traditionally quieter period for the resort destination.
Visitors planning a full weekend around the show can also explore Atlantic City’s broader attractions, from dining and gaming to live performances and boardwalk experiences. Readers looking for additional things to do while attending the event can explore Explore New Jersey’s curated coverage of entertainment across the state, which highlights concerts, festivals, attractions, and family-friendly outings throughout New Jersey.
The 2026 Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show will run from Wednesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. Show hours are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
With nearly 500 boats to explore, immersive activities for every age group, and a vibrant beach-inspired atmosphere in the heart of Atlantic City, the 2026 Atlantic City Boat Show offers an early glimpse of the season ahead—inviting families and boating fans alike to step inside, play captain for the day, and start planning their next adventure on the water.
