The docks of Port Vell will host the 63rd edition of the Barcelona International Boat Show (Salón Náutico Internacional de Barcelona). Organized by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), the exhibition from October 14 to 18, 2026, stands as the leading recreational boating hub in Southern Europe. The event takes place amid a strong recovery for the Spanish marine tourism sector, which currently generates an economic impact of over €6.2 billion. Following a consolidation phase in 2025 (4,992 new vessel registrations), the market has shown steady growth in 2026 with 3,105 new registrations in the first part of the year – an 11.2% year-on-year increase – reinforcing Spain’s role as a global benchmark backed by 7,900 kilometers of coastline, 375 marinas, and over 134,700 berths.
For the 2026 edition, the show adopts a refined “boutique” format designed to attract major national and international buyers and enhance their experience on the water. The summit will feature more than 200 exhibitors and 130 leading brands, including global leaders. Over 130 vessels will be displayed afloat, ranging from traditional sailboats and electric catamarans to large yachts over 16 meters.
The event will combine business networking with an expanded sea trial programme, focusing on smart marina digitalization and urban waterfront commercial regeneration.
The exhibition layout and technical forums will be structured across three main docks at Port Vell:
Moll de la Fusta: The “Marinas & Harbour Facilities” Pavilion and Strategic Alliances
This dock will host leading motor yacht firms, marine accessories, and the debut of the SeaMotion experiential area. A major structural highlight within a new covered pavilion is the Marinas & Harbour Facilities space, born from a landmark agreement with the Catalan Association of Marinas and Tourist Ports (ACPET) and the Spanish Federation of Marinas and Tourist Ports (Marinas de España). This alliance positions marinas as key actors and strategic gateways to the end-user value chain. Marinas de España (led by President Tomás Azcárate) will act as an official ambassador to boost the show’s national reach and connect exhibitors with a broader base of sailors. This space will feature the direct and indirect services of more than 240 ports and destinations across Spain and the Mediterranean, including the Andalusian Public Ports Agency (representing over 30 marinas), ACPET (48 facilities), and direct exhibitors such as Port Olímpic de Barcelona, Marina Lanzarote, and international representations from the Port of Alghero (Sardinia) and Sicily.
Moll d’Espanya and Marina Port Vell: Sailing, Catamarans, and the New Boat Show Village
These docks will serve as the mooring areas for sailboats and multihulls, showcasing one of the largest catamaran displays in Europe. The area will also host the renewed Boat Show Village, a core networking venue featuring an Open Bar and a new seaside restaurant offering high-quality Mediterranean gastronomy with direct views of the floating fleet, transforming the docks into a vibrant stage where the maritime lifestyle merges with business opportunities.
Generational Inclusion, Territorial Synergies, and the “NavegaYA” Initiative
The Barcelona Boat Show aims to attract new audiences, supporting a growing interest that saw over 57,000 skipper licenses issued in Spain during the last year. Through the NavegaYA initiative, recently qualified Recreational Boat Skippers (PER from 2025 and 2026) will receive free admission to facilitate access to clubs, charter companies, and first-time vessel purchases. Furthermore, the show has partnered with the Blaumarí Music Festival, providing the floating infrastructure for the festival’s main stage at Port Vell and offering ticket holders discounted rates to cultural events.
The summit is tailored for port and tourist marina authorities, shipbuilders, naval architects, marine engineers, green port technology suppliers, professional skippers, sponsors, institutional investors, and other global maritime industry professionals.
More Information
https://www.salonnautico.com/en/