Southampton's biggest date with the water is back. The Southampton International Boat Show returns to Mayflower Park on Town Quay for its 57th edition, running from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 September, and it remains one of the largest marine events in the world, pulling in more than 90,000 visitors a year.
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The scale is the first thing that hits you. There are over 700 exhibitors and more than 250 boats on display, ranging from luxury yachts and family cruisers to sports boats, fishing boats, electric craft, paddleboards, kayaks and RIBs. Among the highlights are the Oyster 595, a 60-foot luxury bluewater cruiser, and the new-generation Oyster 515 at 50 feet. Big names like Sunseeker, Princess Yachts, Fairline, Jeanneau, Beneteau, Suzuki, Yamaha and The Wolf Rock Boat Company are all confirmed, alongside a huge list of suppliers covering everything from rigging and electronics to safety gear and chandlery.
It is not just for looking, either. You can get on the water with diving, paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing, plus 'Try a Boat' sessions on sailing boats, motorboats, RIBs and accessible vessels. On land, the Shipyard area turns up the volume with live music, bars and street food, staying open until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, while the Boating Stage, the returning Wooden Boat Stage, the Wooden Boat Stage Afloat and the Guinness Bar keep the entertainment going. The RNLI is the show's charity of the year, so there is a cause behind the ticket.
Food is well covered. There is a Shopping Village for marine brands and clothing, and plenty to eat, from burgers, fish and chips and wood-fired pizzas to Asian street food, coffee, cakes and ice cream. The Dining Level brings in Nando's, Wagamama, Bagel Factory and YO! Sushi, while Westquay South adds The Real Greek, Wing Stop, Franco Manca, COSMO and Thaikhun.
On price, a Friday or Saturday adult ticket is £33, dropping to £29 from Sunday to Thursday, with a two-day pass at £41. Concessions are £23 on the busy days and £20 otherwise, and under-16s go free with a paying adult. Local seniors in SO14 to SO19 over 66 get in free, and groups of ten or more get 10% off. RYA members can grab a single-day adult ticket for £20 instead of £33. For something more, the Premium Experience starts at £165 and adds fast-track entry, a private waterside lounge and food and drink all day. Wave 3 tickets are on sale now with up to 15% off the gate price, but keep in mind they are non-refundable.
Getting there is straightforward. Southampton Central is a 15 to 20 minute walk away, with shuttle buses often running, and Bluestar, Unilink and Quayconnect link the station, Westquay and Town Quay. The Red Funnel ferry from the Isle of Wight lands near the entrance, and the M3 and M27 bring you in by car. There is no visitor parking inside the venue, so your best bets are the Westquay Multi-Storey about ten minutes away, Harbour Parade at eight, Town Quay at five, or the official Park & Ride. Budget around £56 to £70 for an adult day out, covering off-peak entry, parking, lunch and a coffee.
Opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00 daily, with the show closing at 16:30 on the final Sunday, so plan your visit around the late-night Shipyard sessions if you want the full experience.
Published Date
29 July 2026
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