Boot Düsseldorf: What You Need to Know About the World's Largest Indoor Boat Show
For more than half a century, this German exhibition has set the global standard for boat shows. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Jan 10, 2026
17-25 January 2026 • Messe Düsseldorf, Germany
For more than half a century, this German exhibition has set the global standard for boat shows. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
There is something almost absurd about moving superyachts inland, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest sea, to display them inside exhibition halls in the Rhineland. Yet this is precisely what happens each January in Düsseldorf, where boats are craned off transport vessels on the Rhine River and positioned throughout the vast Messe complex.
The result is boot Düsseldorf—the world's largest indoor boat show, a nine-day celebration of everything that floats, spread across 220,000 square metres of exhibition space. From kayaks to mega yachts, diving equipment to wakeboarding demonstrations, this is where the global water sports industry gathers to showcase its finest work.
The 57th edition opens on 17 January 2026. Here is what you need to know.
The History
The first Düsseldorf Boat Show opened on 27 November 1969, a modest affair with 116 exhibitors from eight countries, 11,000 square metres of exhibition space, and 34,000 visitors. The following year, attendance grew to 40,000 visitors across 21,000 square metres. Within three years, the show had moved to its current home in Düsseldorf-Stockum, where it served as a forum for preparations for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
In the 54 years since, boot has grown into the benchmark for the international yacht and water sports industry. The show's evolution reflects the democratisation of boating itself. What began as a showcase for traditional sailing vessels expanded to embrace motor yachts, then diving equipment, then surfing and kiteboarding, then stand-up paddleboards. Today, boot encompasses 16 themed halls covering virtually every activity that takes place on, in, or under water.
The show's inland location distinguishes it from waterside exhibitions like the Salone Nautico in Genoa. Here, vessels up to 180 gross registered tons can be viewed in their entirety, displayed in controlled conditions that allow visitors to appreciate scale and craftsmanship without the distractions of wind, weather, or marina traffic. It is a professional trade fair at heart, yet open to the public—a combination that draws serious buyers, dreamers, and industry professionals alike.
The diving pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau chose boot as his platform for proclaiming the protection of the seas as the declared goal of divers. That legacy continues today in the show's sustainability initiatives and environmental programming.
What to Expect in 2026
The 57th edition promises to be one of the most comprehensive yet. Over 1,000 boats and yachts will be exhibited across 16 halls. Approximately 1,500 exhibitors from 68 countries will present their latest models, equipment, and innovations. Following two years of market fluctuation after the pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainty, international shipyards and dealers are returning in force, reaffirming the show's position as the world's number one trade fair for water sports.
More than 200,000 visitors from over 120 countries are expected. They will find a show structured to reward thorough exploration.
Hall by Hall: A Guide to the Exhibition
Hall 6 – Superyachts: This is where the show reaches its most spectacular. Vessels that would cost more than most houses are displayed in conditions that allow visitors to appreciate their scale and craftsmanship without the distractions of a marina setting. Italian builder Sanlorenzo has previously displayed yachts exceeding 78 tons in weight, hoisted into the exhibition hall and positioned on stands where crowds gather beneath their gleaming hulls.
Hall 5 – Superboats: A term specifically coined for boot, this hall features luxury tenders, chase boats, and shadow boats. Brands like Sacs, Wally, Blue Game, Fjord, and Windy showcase the vessels that accompany superyachts around the world.
Hall 1 – Medium Motor Yachts: Vessels from 10 to 20 metres with inboard engines, featuring manufacturers including Jeanneau, Bénéteau, Bavaria, Sealine, Elling, Linssen, and Greenline.
Halls 3 and 4 – Sports Boats and RIBs: Smaller motorboats with outboard engines, including the latest sport boats and towboats. Hall 4 traditionally hosts Scandinavian builders like Axopar, Nimbus, and Saxdor, alongside manufacturers exploring electric propulsion.
Halls 15 and 16 – Sailing: The world of sail, from dinghies to blue-water cruisers. Manufacturers including Hanse, X Yachts, Bavaria, Bénéteau, Contest, Dufour, Hallberg-Rassy, Jeanneau, Nautor Swan, and Oyster present their latest designs. The Sailing School pool offers first-timers a chance to experience sailing, while stars of the scene report on adventures sailing the world's oceans.
Halls 11-13 – Diving: Perhaps boot's most distinctive feature. The diving section maintains the show's status as a major platform for the diving industry, featuring a diving tower, trial dives, extensive equipment displays, and presentations by international diving personalities. Global players including Mares, Cressi, Aqua Lung, and PADI are represented alongside destinations from Egypt, Indonesia, Croatia, and beyond.
Hall 17 – Surf and Trend Sports: The hotspot for the international surf and trend sports community. The XXL indoor pool hosts world-class wakeboarding and wakesurfing contests. Visitors can try wingsurfing, wingfoiling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing—and wind down with music, drinks, and good vibes.
Hall 14 – Paddling: A 90-metre river course meanders through the hall—3 metres wide and 40 centimetres deep—offering ample space to try paddling or test new canoes and kayaks.
Key Features for 2026
Blue Innovation Dock: Introduced in 2023, this sustainability-focused platform in Hall 10 showcases eco-friendly solutions in boat building and marina development. Expect to see next-generation electric and hybrid propulsion systems, sustainable materials, and initiatives that will provide impetus for EU-wide environmental measures.
European Yacht of the Year Awards: Initiated by Yacht magazine in 2001, these prestigious awards are voted by an international jury of yachting journalists from Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Austria, and England. The winners are announced during boot, setting the tone for the European sailing season.
Boot Dive Award: Presented in partnership with BAUER Kompressoren and leading diving media including VDST Sporttaucher, Tauchen, taucher.net, Plongez!, and wetnotes. Winners are honoured during the show.
Ocean Tribute Award: Determined by public voting and a top-class jury, this award recognises outstanding contributions to ocean conservation and sustainability.
Classic Forum: A haven for vintage boat enthusiasts, where rare vessels are displayed and occasionally auctioned. This section has provided a touch of boating history for 20 years, with many old treasures changing hands.
World and European Premieres: As the year's first major European boat show, boot is a popular platform for global debuts. The 2025 edition saw world premieres including the Princess F58, Sunseeker 68 Manhattan facelift, Aquador 400HT, XO Explr 44, and many others. The 2026 lineup will be updated until opening day.
Fun Facts
The midnight yacht parade: Superyachts displayed at the show must be transported from the Rhine River through the city streets at night, when traffic can be controlled. The logistics operation to position vessels up to 180 gross registered tons inside exhibition halls is unmatched anywhere in the world.
From small beginnings: The first show in 1969 featured 116 exhibitors. Today, boot hosts approximately 1,500 exhibitors from 68 countries—a growth of over 1,200 percent.
The Cousteau connection: Diving pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau made boot his platform for advocating ocean conservation, establishing a tradition that continues in the show's environmental programming.
Nine days of immersion: Unlike most boat shows that run for three to five days, boot spans nine days—allowing visitors to experience the show at a more relaxed pace and return for different themed areas.
The Rhine connection: The Rhine River, which flows past Düsseldorf, spans over 760 miles through six countries and serves as a major hub for European commerce. This maritime heritage underpins the city's identity as a natural home for the world's largest boat show.
Indoor surfing: Wind machines and the XXL indoor pool allow boot to offer wave-riding experiences in the middle of a German winter—something no outdoor show can match.
Advice for Visitors
Planning Your Visit
How many days do you need? If you want to genuinely compare boats back-to-back, no other show makes it more convenient than boot Düsseldorf. Serious buyers should allocate at least two days. Casual visitors can see highlights in one full day, but the show rewards those who take their time.
When to go: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Monday to Thursday afternoons (from 14:00) offer discounted admission and more space around popular exhibits. The opening weekend tends to be busiest, as industry professionals and media attend for the premieres.
Start with a plan: Study the hall layout before arrival and identify which themed areas matter most to you. The show is vast—covering all 16 halls in a single day is exhausting and counterproductive. Focus on your priorities.
Book appointments in advance: If you're a serious buyer, contact yacht brokers or manufacturers before the show to arrange dedicated viewings. Popular models attract crowds, and pre-scheduled appointments ensure focused attention from sales staff.
Practical Information
Dates: 17-25 January 2026 (nine days)
Hours: Daily 10:00 to 18:00
Location: Messe Düsseldorf, Halls 1-17 (excluding 8a and 8b), D-40474 Düsseldorf
Tickets: Online admission approximately €19; ADAC and boot.club members €17. Afternoon tickets (Monday-Thursday from 14:00) €10. On-site admission €27. Payment options include Apple Pay.
Boot.club membership: Members receive discounted admission, access to an exclusive lounge, and free Wi-Fi throughout the exhibition grounds.
Transportation: The Messe is well served by Düsseldorf's public transport. From Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, take U78 or U79 directly to Messe. From the airport, trams connect to the exhibition grounds in approximately 20 minutes.
Accommodation: Hotel bookings are managed by KUONI Tumlare Congress via the HotelMap booking platform. The Caravan Center at Messe Düsseldorf offers overnight parking for €35 per night (arrival from 16:00, departure until 18:00 the following day)—ideal for visitors who want to combine their attendance with mobile living.
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential—you'll cover significant distances. The halls are climate-controlled, so dress in layers. If you plan to try water sports demonstrations, bring appropriate clothing.
Insider Tips
Try before you buy: Take advantage of boot's unique indoor water features. Try kayaking on the river course, surfing with the wave machines, or diving in the dedicated pool. These hands-on experiences are unavailable at any other major boat show.
Attend the seminars: The show offers an extensive programme of workshops, panel discussions, and expert talks. These sessions provide insights into industry trends, technical developments, and destination information that you won't find on the exhibition floor.
Don't miss the Classic Forum: Even if you're focused on new boats, the vintage vessel displays offer perspective on how boat design has evolved—and occasionally, the opportunity to bid on a piece of maritime history.
Visit Destination Seaside: If you're researching charter destinations or cruising grounds, the travel section features holiday regions from around the world, charter companies, and tour operators who can help plan your next voyage.
Stay for the atmosphere: Hall 17 winds down each day with music, drinks, and good vibes. It's a rare opportunity to experience boat show culture at its most relaxed—German efficiency meets water sports enthusiasm.
The Bottom Line
Boot Düsseldorf is more than a boat show—it's a comprehensive immersion in everything related to life on the water. Whether you're a first-time buyer researching your options, a seasoned owner tracking industry developments, or simply someone who loves boats and dreams of the sea, this show offers unmatched breadth and depth.
The controlled indoor environment allows side-by-side comparison impossible at waterside shows. The nine-day duration rewards careful exploration. The diversity of programming—from superyacht displays to diving trials to surf competitions—ensures something for every interest.
As one attendee put it: "If you genuinely want to compare a lot of boats back-to-back, no other show makes it more convenient than boot Düsseldorf."
The 57th edition opens on 17 January. The world's water sports industry will be there. Perhaps you should be too.
