SportsBoating, Sailing & Water Sports Events in Atlanta

ATLANTA BOAT SHOW

Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show: Where Passion Meets the Water

The Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show is more than just a showcase of boats. It's a gathering place for anyone who feels drawn to the water—whether you're a seasoned boater, a curious newcomer, or someone simply searching for a new weekend hobby. Taking place annually in Georgia’s capital, this event brings together everything the boating lifestyle has to offer under one roof.

As the largest boat show in Georgia, it features over 600 new boats, from powerful ski boats and fishing models to luxurious pontoons and cruisers. But it’s not just about the boats. It’s about the people, the stories, the innovations, and the dreams that come to life the moment you step onto the show floor.

A Boat Show That’s Built for Everyone

One of the greatest strengths of the Atlanta Boat Show is its inclusivity. There’s no one “type” of attendee. Families stroll the aisles together, retirees explore luxury options for their next big adventure, and first-time buyers ask questions and gather advice. It’s a show built to welcome everyone, regardless of experience or budget.

The diversity of boats on display is equally impressive. You can walk from a sleek, high-speed motorboat straight into a fully furnished houseboat, or from a lightweight fishing vessel to a high-end yacht. For many visitors, the chance to explore such a wide range of models side by side is invaluable.

Not only can you explore and compare, but you can also complete your purchase, discuss insurance, financing, customization, and even schedule delivery all in one place.

It’s More Than a Boat Show It’s a Full Experience

Attending the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show isn’t just about seeing what’s new. It’s about experiencing a lifestyle. The event is curated to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Visitors enjoy a hands-on, immersive experience that includes:

Climbing aboard boats of every size and style

Exploring cutting-edge marine technologies

Watching demonstrations of the latest engines and accessories

Learning from experts during live seminars and talks

Engaging in kid-friendly attractions and family activities

Meeting real boat owners, dealers, and manufacturers

This all-in-one approach makes the event appealing even to those who aren't actively shopping. You might arrive curious and leave with a plan or at least with a deeper appreciation for the boating world.

Five Reasons the Atlanta Boat Show Is a Must-Visit

While boating shows take place across the country, few match the scale and character of the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show. Here’s what makes it a standout:

Unmatched Variety
With over 600 boats and 100+ exhibitor booths, the selection is comprehensive. Whether you're after a family pontoon, a jet-powered thrill ride, or an eco-conscious cruiser, you’ll find options to explore.

One-Stop Convenience
Everything is in one place: boats, gear, accessories, electronics, expert advice, financing services, and insurance providers. You can start and finish your buying journey at the show.

The Latest Technology
From integrated GPS and sonar systems to eco-friendly engines and docking automation, the show is a glimpse into the future of boating.

Education and Seminars
Learn directly from professionals about boating safety, maintenance tips, gear upgrades, and how to choose the right boat for your needs.

Fun for All Ages
The event is family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits, boating simulators, and kid-centric zones that entertain and educate at the same time.

A Learning Opportunity for Everyone

One of the often-overlooked benefits of the show is the chance to learn. For those new to boating, the event offers free access to knowledgeable professionals ready to share insights on everything from maintenance to best practices on the water.

These seminars are especially helpful:

Boating safety basics and navigation

How to finance and insure your boat

Choosing the right equipment and accessories

Maintaining your vessel for long-term use

Understanding new boating laws and certifications

Even experienced boaters can discover something new whether it’s an unfamiliar product or an updated regulation that affects their region.

A Community Built Around Water

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Atlanta Boat Show is its sense of community. Walking through the aisles, you feel it people connecting over shared passions. Conversations flow easily, whether you're talking with a boat designer, a dealer, or a fellow attendee who’s just as obsessed with the water as you are.

The show isn’t just a marketplace. It’s a reminder that boating is more than a hobby it’s a lifestyle. It’s about freedom, nature, family, and adventure. The exhibitors and organizers understand this, and it shows in how the event is built. Every booth, every speaker, every demonstration is designed to make you feel part of something bigger.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re considering attending the next Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, here are a few helpful things to know:

The event typically takes place in January, a great time to get a head start on spring and summer plans

It is hosted at the Georgia World Congress Center, a central and easily accessible location in Atlanta

Tickets are affordable, with discounts available online in advance

Plan to spend several hours at the event to explore it fully

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded for in-depth conversations with dealers and experts

A Place Where Boating Dreams Begin

There are few places that bring together excitement, education, and commerce in the way the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show does. It’s not just the size of the event or the number of boats that make it special. It’s the energy. The feeling of possibility. The way you leave not just with brochures and business cards, but with a vision of how your time on the water could look.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of boating or are already on your fifth vessel, the Atlanta Boat Show offers something meaningful: knowledge, connection, and inspiration.

Because in the end, this show isn’t just about buying a boat it’s about finding the right boat, meeting the people who will support your journey, and building a lifestyle that reflects your love for the water.