Ahoy Mateys! The Discover Boating® Atlantic City Boat Show® (in partnership with Progressive® Insurance) is returning to the Atlantic City Convention Center from February 26 to March 2, 2025.
As your one-stop shop for boats, boating accessories, and on-the-water adventures, the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show has something in store for every boater. Not only will there be hundreds of vessels on display, but there will be plenty of interactive boating exhibits the whole family will love.
Want to learn more about this exciting show? Keep reading to discover all that awaits you in this Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show Guide!
Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show Guide: Top Attractions
There's no denying that boat shows have plenty of exciting exhibits and attractions. To narrow things down, this Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show Guide reveals our top picks:
1. Browse and Buy the Boats
It doesn't matter whether you're a first-time boater or a seasoned pro; boat shows are the ultimate place to buy a vessel of your own. Because hundreds of boat brands and models are displayed side-by-side, it's easy to compare options and find the one that works for you.
Before heading to the show, we recommend checking out our Boat Buyer's Guide. This digital resource addresses all your questions – from working with boat dealers to getting a boat loan to evaluating a boat's safety features and more.
2. Salute Our Heroes
As an expression of our gratitude, all active and veteran military, active and retired first responders, and USCG and USCGA members will receive free admission on Wednesday, February 26.
Simply show your valid military/first responder/USCG or USCGA identification card along with a photo ID at Will Call to receive your complimentary ticket.
3. Kick Back and Relax at the New Discover Boating Beach Club
Are you counting down the days until summer is here? Us too; that's why we'll be hanging out in the new Discover Boating Beach Club. Stop by Space P4 to hear live music, enjoy island-inspired cocktails and mocktails, and play beach games.
4. Jam Out to Pete's One Mann Band
You may or may not know that Pete Mann is the best one-man, "five-piece" band on the East Coast. And we're lucky enough to host him in Space P4. He'll be playing a variety of your favorite hits – from ABBA to Zeppelin.
5. Explore Fred’s Shed How-To Center (Presented by Progressive® Insurance)
Remember to visit the experts at Fred's Shed How-To Center! They'll share boating tips, tricks, and DIY advice that's useful to every boater. Stop by with your boating questions and maintenance issues; they will gladly help you.
6. Learn the Art of Casting
Are you interested in improving your fishing skills? Learn the art of casting from the fishing pros at Goose Hummock, a leading Northwest Saltwater Fishing Outfitter. The best part? All pointers will be given atop a 30-foot fishing tank.
After hearing from the experts, shop the latest in saltwater fishing gear, products, and services.
7. Get Some PaddleSports Experience
Fin-atics Marine Supply of Ocean City, NJ, is hosting on-water paddleboard demos in Space P4. On-water test rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. And they're open to anyone aged 10 and older.
Demos are happening on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1 pm to 7 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
8. Listen In on a Fishing Seminar
The Fisherman Magazine will host several fishing seminars that reveal expert tips and tricks. Swing by for insider info covering various fishing topics—from proper rigging for big-game fishing to offshore angling to landing a trophy striper (and everything in between).
9. Check Out the Classic and Wooden Boats on Display
Who wouldn't want to step back in time and check out antique boats dating back 72 years? The classic boats on display at the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show include a restored 1951 wooden Chris Craft Holiday and a 1968 Steven Hydroplane powered by an L-88 427 cubic inch blower engine! (The latter is one of just three boats remaining that survived the harsh racing life.)
10. Watch the Creation of Sand Art
Award-winning professional sand sculptor John Gowdy will be transforming a pile of sand into an incredible work of art in Space F4.
11. Bring Your Kids to Build a Boat of Their Own
Little skippers will love creating one-of-a-kind toy boats of their own. The best part? They can bring them home as a show souvenir! The boat building feature will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
12. Help Your Kids Reel in the Fun
Little anglers can try to "catch the big one" in a special ball-pit pond. It's fin-tastic fun for anglers aged eight and younger!
13. Take a Photo with 'The Big Catch'
Who doesn't love a photo opp? Head to Space P44 to pose for a photo with the Big Catch, a 10-ft. tuna caught near Novia Scotia! Also known as "Tiny Tuna," this fish weighed a whopping 1,000 pounds! If you snap a photo, use the hashtag #tinytuna.
14. Toss Some Bags in Cornhole Shootout
Sign up to compete in the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show's 3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament.
15. Dine at The Captain's Table Gala
Now in its ninth year, this beloved fundraiser benefits the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and Let Us Eat, Please, Inc.
Buy Tickets for the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show
Now that you know all about the exciting attractions you can expect at this year's show, it's time to buy tickets! General admission (for those aged 13 and older) costs $20 per day, and children (12 and younger) are FREE with a paying adult. You can purchase your tickets online at the link below.
For more information about the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, don't forget to tag our accounts and use these hashtags for a chance to be featured on our channels: #ACBoatShow #AtlanticCityBoatShow #DiscoverBoating.