Salone Nautico Venezia 2026: Dates, Venue & How to Experience Venice’s Boat Show
Dates: Wednesday, May 27 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
Some boat shows display vessels. Venice tells their story.
From May 27 to May 31, 2026, the Salone Nautico di Venezia returns to the lagoon, bringing with it the true jewels of the sea — boats, technologies, ideas, and visions that look firmly toward the future while remaining deeply anchored in tradition.
After the success of previous editions, Venice once again hosts one of the most important international boat shows in the Mediterranean. And it does so in a setting that no other city in the world can match: the :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
This is not just an exhibition. It is a dialogue between water, history, and innovation.
The Arsenale: A Symbolic Venue Like No Other
The choice of the Arsenale as the permanent home of the Salone Nautico is anything but accidental.
For centuries, the Arsenale was the industrial heart of the Venetian Republic — the place where ships were designed, built, equipped, and launched with an efficiency that astonished the world. It was here that Venice forged its maritime power.
Today, fully restored docks and ancient pavilions surround a vast water basin, creating an incomparable exhibition space right in the center of Venice. Boats are not displayed on dry land alone, but float where they belong — in water.
Experiencing the Arsenale with context adds depth to the visit. Many guests choose to pair the boat show with a private Venice orientation tour, discovering how shipbuilding shaped the city itself.
Discover Venice’s Maritime History
What Is the Salone Nautico Venezia
The Salone Nautico Venezia is an international exhibition dedicated to every aspect of boating and navigation.
It brings together:
- Yachts and sailing boats
- Motorboats and superyachts
- Traditional lagoon vessels
- Naval design and architecture
- Marine engines and propulsion systems
- Technology, equipment, and nautical furnishings
But what truly distinguishes the Venice Boat Show is its focus on sustainability and innovation — themes that resonate powerfully in a city built on water.
Innovation, Design, and Sustainability
One of the defining characteristics of the Salone Nautico Venezia is its strong emphasis on the future of navigation.
Particular attention is given to:
- Electric propulsion
- Hybrid engines
- Hydrogen-powered vessels
- Low-impact navigation solutions
These technologies are not theoretical here — they are tested, demonstrated, and discussed in real conditions, within one of the most fragile and complex marine environments in the world.
Alongside innovation, the show proudly celebrates traditional lagoon boatbuilding, a craft that remains one of Venice’s greatest cultural assets. This balance between cutting-edge design and centuries-old know-how is what makes the event uniquely Venetian.
The E-Village and the E-Regatta
A highlight of the Salone Nautico is the E-Village, a dedicated area focused on electric boats and sustainable mobility on water.
Here, visitors can explore:
- Electric vessels participating in the E-Regatta
- New battery and charging technologies
- Urban water mobility solutions
The E-Regatta itself offers a dynamic and engaging way to showcase how innovation can coexist with performance and beauty.
More Than a Boat Show
The Salone Nautico Venezia is not only about boats.
Throughout the five days, the Arsenale hosts a rich program of events and activities:
- Meetings, presentations, and thematic conferences
- Art installations and exhibitions
- Guided visits and cultural itineraries
- Educational activities for children and families
- On-water trials, trophies, and sporting regattas
- Design, craftsmanship, and nautical décor stands
- Food areas with Venetian specialties, bars, and merchandising points
This multifaceted approach makes the Salone Nautico appealing not only to professionals, but also to curious travelers, families, and design lovers.
Who Organizes the Salone Nautico Venezia
The Venice Boat Show is promoted by the :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} and organized by Vela S.p.A., in collaboration with the Italian Navy.
This partnership reflects the city’s commitment to positioning Venice as an international hub for sustainable maritime culture — not a museum of the past, but a laboratory for the future.
Why the Salone Nautico Matters to Venice
In Venice, boats are not a luxury. They are a necessity.
The Salone Nautico reminds visitors that navigation here is not about speed or excess, but about balance. Every innovation showcased has a direct impact on the lagoon, its ecosystem, and the city’s survival.
This is why the Venice Boat Show feels different from any other nautical fair: it is grounded in responsibility.
How to Experience the Salone Nautico Like a Local
The best way to enjoy the Salone Nautico is to combine the visit with time on the water.
A private lagoon tour before or after the exhibition allows you to see Venice as boat designers and sailors do — from the perspective that matters most.
Explore the Lagoon by Private Boat
Many guests also enjoy ending the day with a quiet walk through lesser-known neighborhoods, far from the crowds, discovering how deeply maritime culture shapes everyday Venetian life.
Why Choose Tour Leader Venice
At Tour Leader Venice, we specialize in helping travelers understand Venice through its traditions, its water, and its contemporary challenges.
Our experiences are:
- 100% private
- Led by licensed local professionals
- Designed around authenticity and depth
- Ideal for travelers seeking meaningful access to Venetian culture
Events like the Salone Nautico are not just exhibitions — they are windows into Venice’s future. We help you read what you are seeing.
Plan Your Venice Experience With Us
FAQs
When does the Salone Nautico Venezia 2026 take place?
The Salone Nautico Venezia 2026 runs from May 27 to May 31 at the Arsenale of Venice.
Where is the Venice Boat Show held?
The event takes place at the historic Arsenale di Venezia, featuring restored pavilions and a large water basin in the heart of the city.
Is the Salone Nautico interesting for non-experts?
Yes. The show is designed for professionals, enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers interested in design, sustainability, and Venice’s maritime identity.
For official updates and detailed programs, visit the official Salone Nautico Venezia website.
