The Top 9 Reasons to Visit the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show

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Anchors, away! Georgia's longest-running (and biggest-ever) boating event is returning to the Georgia World Conference Center in January. The 2025 Discover Boating® Atlanta Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, takes place January 9-12.  

As your one-stop shop for boats, accessories, and on-the-water adventures, the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show will feature hundreds of boats and marine products. 

Additionally, there will be various boating activities and educational opportunities for all ages and boating experience levels, whether you're a seasoned captain or a newcomer. 

Here are the top reasons you don't want to miss the boat to this year's show!

What to Expect at the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show

1. Browse and Buy a Boat

Atlanta-Boat-Show

Boat shows are the best place for new boaters to purchase a boat!

A wide variety of boat brands and models are under one roof, so attending a show makes comparing your options easy. 

In addition, boat shows provide ample opportunities to network with fellow boaters and boat companies. The connections you form at boat shows can help you with financing, insurance, and other boating needs. 

2. Enjoy $5 Boats and Brews After 5 pm on Thursday and Friday

In celebration of opening day, there will be $5 admission on Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, after 5 pm. The $5 after 5 pm ticket promotion is available online and onsite on Thursday and Friday only.

And if you're thirsty? Join us for Happy Hour to kick off the weekend with your crew. Stop by after 5 pm and enjoy $5 admission and drink specials.

3. Relax in the Lake Life Lounge 

Swing by the Lake Life Lounge to immerse yourself in the ultimate boating vibes! Relax in the Lake Life Lounge with your crew, enjoy live music, and grab a bite to eat and drink. Keep reading to learn more about exciting programming at the Lake Life Lounge!

4. Try the Surfing Simulator

Get ready to hang ten like a pro in this exhilarating virtual reality experience. Can you conquer the surf like it's second nature? Dive into the action and put your surfing skills to the test without a drop of water. Join us for the fun of "catching a wave" and experiencing the excitement of surfing, all within the Surfing Simulator.

5. Visit the Let's Go Fishing Center for Live Fishing Demos & Seminars

Looking to hone your fishing skills? If so, you've got to stop by the Bass Tub during the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show. Watch pro anglers demonstrate fishing and casting skills at this 5,000-gallon aquarium. Get ready for a first-hand look at how fish react to various baits, lures, and techniques. 

View the Seminar Schedule

6. Explore Fred's Shed How-To Center (Presented by Progressive® Insurance) 

Have an engine problem that you can't seem to fix? Or maybe your gear shift is acting up? Stop by Fred's Shed How-To Center, and the tech experts will happily provide you with a free personalized consultation. From first-time boaters to experienced captains, there will be plenty of tips, tricks, and DIY advice to go around.

7. Bring Your Kiddos to the Kids' Zone

The Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show is kid-friendly! Once they've gotten their boating fix, bring your little ones by the Kids' Zone for some old-fashioned, kid-inspired fun. We promise there will be something for youngsters of all ages.

8. Learn About What it Takes to Work in the Marine Industry

Interested in starting a career in the boating industry? Don't miss the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show's Career Day, where you can get career advice from marine industry professionals. 

9. Bring Your Crew to Family Day

Exciting news for families! Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 12th, as it's Family Day at the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show.

The $28 Family Day pass is good for 2 adults and 2 children younger than 17 years old and is only available for purchase online on Sunday. So, grab yours and get ready to create lasting memories with the whole family at the show!

Ticket Information

Ready to get your 2025 Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show tickets? If so, you can purchase them online. You can also buy them at the door with a credit card.

Buy Tickets Now

General admission is $15 per adult (anyone 13 years or older) when purchased online and $17 at the event site. All children (12 and younger) are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. As mentioned, you can buy discount tickets for $5 after 5 pm on Thursday and Friday (1/9 and 1/10).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show:

Where Should I Park? 

Please reserve a parking pass advance by visiting this page.

Is the Show Handicapped-Accessible? 

Yes! The Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show is handicapped-accessible. All entrances have ramps, and there are plenty of disability-friendly restrooms throughout the building.

Can I Board the Boats? 

Browsing and purchasing boats is a significant aspect of boat shows. Most display boats will be available for the public to board. Of course, according to the dealer's discretion, some boats might require an appointment.

Can I Come Back on the Same Day?

If you have to leave the show (say you forgot something in the car), you can return later that day as long as you grab a wristband. However, each ticket is valid only for the day it is purchased.  

For more information about the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.