Exciting new features join returning favourites for The 56th Southampton International Boat Show

The Southampton International Boat Show is back with a new layout, the return of much-loved features, exciting new attractions, and an expanded line-up of exhilarating on and off-water experiences. 

The UK’s favourite 10-day boating and watersports festival will be held from 19-28 September, with visitors entering via a new main entrance in the maritime city’s Mayflower Park. 

It promises to be an unmissable experience for marine enthusiasts to buy their dream boat, discover new technologies, enhance their on-the-water skills, shop for the latest kit and gadgets, and get inspired by the full range of boats on display at Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina. 

What’s New for 2025

As you enter via our new entrance in Mayflower Park, you’ll be greeted by a show, offering something new and exciting around every corner. 

For thrill-seekers and enthusiasts looking for more horsepower, we’re excited for you to see our new dedicated feature area for powerboats – The Powerhub. Whether you’re looking for a leisure or a holiday cruiser, a fishing boat, or something more sporty, you’ll be able to browse and buy from a superb selection of RIBs and high-performance crafts from all the best-known brands. 

Our new Angler’s Alley will meet the needs of all types of fishing, including sea angling. Meanwhile, the Boating Academy is the perfect show starting point as it will help you hone your boating and watersports skills, and learn new tips and tricks through expert talks, workshops, and practical demos. 

We’re also introducing a brand-new Waterside Lounge hospitality area for premium ticket holders. The Lounge will provide a place to relax and soak up the atmosphere in between exploring the show.

Marvel at The Marina

Our purpose-built show marina, filled with more than 300 crafts of all shapes and sizes, is such an impressive sight. 

It offers sea trails, on-water attractions, and areas dedicated to different boat types, making it easier for guests to explore the boats and brands most relevant to them. From the world’s most prestigious sailing and powerboats to high-end tenders and chase boats, our showcase marina caters for every boating enthusiast’s dream. 

Back by Popular Demand

Every year, there’s always so much to see and do at the Southampton International Boat Show, and this year is no different. Look out for news of headline boat appearances, key exhibitors, chandlery retailers, and star-studded stage performances over the coming months. In the meantime, here are our ‘super six features returning for 2025. 

1. Try a Boat with FlexiSail offers you the chance to take to the water on a wide range of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, completely free of charge. Visitors can also have a go at paddleboarding and kayaking with Rockley Watersports – all included in the price of admission.
2. Accessibility champions, Wetwheels provides opportunities for all disabled people to enjoy exhilarating powerboat rides in a safe, supported and inclusive environment.
3. For high-octane spectator thrills, the On The Water stage, set within the show’s purpose-built marina, will offer a turbo-charged stunt programme, featuring jaw-dropping jet ski and other adrenaline-fuelled displays, soon to be announced.
4. Over at the show’s festival zone, The Shipyard, you can enjoy live music all weekend, plus an array of gourmet street food and family-friendly fun guaranteed to keep the good vibes flowing.
5. Be sure to check out the Dive Tank, brought to the show by Andark, where you can learn to dive for free, under the guidance of experts.
6. Anyone who loves to ‘shop ‘til they drop’ is guaranteed a plethora of nautical clothing brands, marine gadgets, and other chandlery in Retail Areas across the show. 

In addition to our much-anticipated new features and our ‘super six’ returning favourites, the Southampton International Boat Show 2025 will also welcome over 600 brands. Big-name brands confirmed already include Garmin, Harken, Princess Yachts, Quicksilver, RS Sailing, Sealine Boats, Sunsail, Suzuki, and many more.

The Southampton International Boat Show 2025 isn’t your ordinary maritime exhibition; it’s a destination for discovery, offering the perfect blend of adventure, innovation, knowledge-sharing and celebration. 

Second-wave tickets are now available for a limited time and start from £24.99 each (concessions from £19.99). Children 15 and under go free with each adult. 

Visit our website and follow our social channels (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok)  for all the latest show news and updates over the coming months.