For many owners from Central Europe, Croatia is the obvious cruising ground – within driving distance, with a coastline full of islands and a dense network of marinas. Every October, the Biograd Boat Show brings this cruising area and the market that serves it together in one place. Whether you want to buy, sell or charter, at the end of the season you will find the right setting here.
Key facts
- Dates: 21 to 25 October 2026
- Venue: Marina Kornati, Biograd na Moru (Croatia)
- Opening hours: daily, 10 am to 6 pm
- Tickets: via the ticketing provider Entrio; details on the website
- Official website: bbs.com.hr
Croatia’s largest in-water show
In 2026 the Biograd Boat Show celebrates its 28th edition. It is organised by the Biograd-based tourism company Ilirija and describes itself as Croatia’s largest boat show and the largest in-water show in Central and Eastern Europe. For 2026, the organiser expects more than 400 exhibitors and over 500 new boats; demand for exhibition space is so strong that work is under way with the county and the town to create additional room.
The show has an immediacy all its own: the yachts are moored in the marina, you walk from pontoon to pontoon, step into the cockpit and saloon, and see each boat just as you would later use it. Biograd lies between Zadar and Šibenik, with the islands of the Kornati archipelago in sight – in the heart of one of the Adriatic’s most popular sailing and motorboating areas. According to industry reports, the catamaran section is moving to the town harbour in 2026, turning the promenade into a freely accessible exhibition area.
Alongside the public show, trade events take place, such as the tenth Croatian Nautical Days hosted by the Croatian Chamber of Economy and, on 21 and 22 October, the Croatia Charter Expo, a B2B meeting point for the Croatian charter industry. This underlines the role Biograd plays in the region’s charter market.
For visitors from Central Europe, getting there is straightforward: Biograd is easily reached by motorway, and the nearest airport is Zadar. Staying for several days allows you to combine the show with viewings in nearby marinas and an extended sea trial at a relaxed pace.
For buyers: compare at the end of the season
The show marks the end of the boating season and the start of a new business year. Dealers often have well-stocked inventories at this point – which can give buyers room for manoeuvre on specification, delivery time and terms.
- Plan your total budget: besides the purchase price, factor in a berth in Croatia, insurance, maintenance, winter storage and reserves. Clarify questions of flag and registration at an early stage, too.
- Book appointments in advance: given the size of the show, a shortlist pays off. Registering for viewings and sea trials ahead of time makes far better use of your days.
- Bring a list of questions: delivery in time for next season, service partners on the Croatian coast, warranty, handover and familiarisation.
- Plan a sea trial: at an in-water show, a sea trial is the natural next step – use it to assess handling, noise levels and manoeuvrability.
- Pre-owned or new: a well-maintained used boat may well be the better choice. Either way, an independent survey belongs before the signature.
- Examine the charter model: if you are considering a yacht in charter management, discuss realistic occupancy, costs and owner use openly.
For sellers: when the market gathers in Biograd
Biograd brings together owners, dealers, charter companies and buyers from many countries. This concentration makes the show period attractive for sellers: you can see which models are in demand, how new yachts are specified and priced, and how your own yacht compares.
- Update your valuation: the boats on offer at the show are a good yardstick. A valuation that takes them into account is the basis for a realistic price.
- Prepare your documents: proof of ownership, registration, proof of VAT status, service history, inventory and – for former charter yachts – the usage history.
- Post-season condition: a clean, well-documented boat with up-to-date photos will also win over prospective buyers who only come to view after the show.
- Proceed discreetly: a sale need not begin in public. Approaching suitable buyers directly protects both your privacy and the price.
Your yacht.
Planning a visit to the Biograd Boat Show? Whether you are looking for a yacht, wish to sell your own or are planning a charter on the Croatian coast, we will support you personally – before, during and after the show. We will gladly arrange viewings and sea trials or discuss the value of your yacht with you. Book your consultation: Request an appointment.
