Southwest Florida’s Largest Boat Expo Returns to Fort Myers This Week

The 53rd annual Fort Myers Boat Show runs from Nov. 13 through Nov. 16 in downtown Fort Myers. This is the biggest display of watercraft and boating products on Florida's Gulf Coast.

The Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida puts on the show each year. Around 40 local dealers representing 100 boat manufacturers will display their vessels.

The lineup includes inshore and offshore fishing vessels, custom skiffs, pontoon boats, deck boats, high-performance craft, sport boats, and cruising vessels.

"We've got more product than I think we've ever had before," said John Good, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida, according to Cape Coral Breeze. "We're scrambling to find places to put any last-minute exhibitors because we're completely full."

The Caloosa Sound Convention Center will house engines, electronics, boat lifts, fishing equipment, apparel, and accessories. Service companies, marinas, and shipyards will also have booths.

Exhibits will stretch along the Caloosahatchee River through Centennial Park and the convention center to Edwards Drive at Lee Street. The main entrance sits at Bay and Heitman streets next to the post office. A second entrance sits at Lee Street and Edwards Drive.

The Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay will host the Know Before You Go display in the lobby. The booth will feature local captains, navigational charts, marine electronics, and educational materials. A free guide with basic boating and navigation information will be available.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and Lee County Marine Task Force will have displays inside the convention center. 

Capt. Terry Fisher will host fishing seminars three times daily. The sessions will cover inshore fishing, offshore fishing, knot tying, and fishing tackle.

A food court in Centennial Park will feature live music. Let's BeeFrank Food truck will serve American food. Grandma Yummies will offer gyros, salads, and Greek items.

Admission costs $20 for adults. Children 15 and under enter free with a paid adult. Tickets can be purchased at both entrances or online.

Free parking is available at City of Palms Park at 2201 Edison Ave. Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Paid parking can be found at Edison Parking Garage at Monroe and Bay streets, Main Street Parking Garage at Jackson and First streets, and the Florida Repertory Theatre Lot between Hendry and Jackson streets along Bay Street.