Get Out On The Water

2024 brought more opportunities than ever before to get out on the water and there are EVEN BIGGER plans for 2025!

From stand-up paddleboarding to dinghy sailing, the thrill of powerboating to cruising the Solent, you’ll find it all at the Southampton International Boat Show.


Our Top Picks From 2024

Try-a-Boat in partnership with FlexiSail

Visitors can glide across the water under sail or hurtle across the Solent in a high-speed RIB. It’s free and offers something for everyone!

Get Afloat in partnership with Rockley Watersports

Set sail on dinghy joy rides for an unforgettable experience and pick up top tips from the experts. It’s free and all equipment including buoyancy aids are provided.

Try-a-Boat+

Try-a-boat+ allows visitors to stay out on the water for longer, experiencing life aboard some of the most adventurous and historically unique boats at the show.

Mini Cruise

Departing from the marina every 30 minutes, the show's very own cruise ship takes visitors on a mini cruise around the Solent. Fully equipped with sundecks, bars and on-board facilities, visitors can enjoy a relaxing and completely free 20-minute voyage.
Visitors can learn how to dive for free in our very own dive tank! Brought to the show by Andark, all the equipment is provided, as well as an area to change into your diving kit. Under the guidance of instructors, complete beginners can experience diving for the first time, whilst seasoned PADI pros can test out the very latest kit.

Watersports Lake sponsored by Towergate Insurance

After its successful launch in 2023, the Watersports Lake - sponsored by Towergate Insurance will be increasing in size and returning to the show for another year! Here you can try out all the latest equipment - just remember to bring a towel so that you can get properly stuck in!