Everything You Need to Know About Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show stands as the world's largest in-water boat exhibition. Whether you're a first-time visitor or seasoned yacht enthusiast, this comprehensive guide covers everything from dates and tickets to what you'll see across seven spectacular venues.

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When and Where: The Essential Details

The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs from October 29 to November 2, marking its 66th edition. This five-day event takes place across seven interconnected locations in sunny South Florida.

Show Locations:

• Broward County Convention Center (Transportation Hub)
• Bahia Mar Yachting Center
• Hall of Fame Marina
• Las Olas Marina
• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
• Pier Sixty-Six Marina
• Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South

The show spans nearly 90 acres with over three million square feet of exhibition space. All venues connect through a network of complimentary shuttles, golf carts, and water taxis.

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By the Numbers: What Makes FLIBS Special

This massive event expects over 100,000 attendees and features more than 1,300 boats on display from 1,000+ exhibitors. The economic impact reaches $1.79 billion throughout Florida, generating $709.7 million in estimated sales by Florida companies.

FLIBS showcases more world and U.S. debuts than any other boat show in the country, making it the perfect place to see the latest innovations in yachting.

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Tickets and Pricing: Getting Your Access

Important: Tickets must be purchased online in advance—there's no on-site box office. Visit the official FLIBS website for current pricing.

Ticket Options:

• General admission (single or multi-day passes)
• Windward VIP Experience - $439 (Valid Wednesday-Sunday)
• Children under six enter free when accompanied by an adult
• Active military and veterans receive complimentary admission on specified days

The VIP experience includes access to all venues plus the exclusive Windward VIP Club with premium amenities, open bar, gourmet food, and private facilities.

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What You'll See: From Superyachts to Fishing Gear

Superyacht Village

The Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South showcases the largest and most luxurious yachts. This exclusive area features vessels up to 300 feet, plus the latest tenders, water toys, and even exotic vehicles.

Broward County Convention Center

The Convention Center exhibits fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers, marine accessories, fishing equipment, diving accessories and personal watercraft. Family-friendly activities include:

• Kids Corner with face painting and arts and crafts
• Kids Fishing Clinics on Saturday and Sunday
• Seminars covering conservation, sustainability, and fishing techniques

AquaZone Experience

The AquaZone features water sports demonstrations in a 40,000-gallon freshwater pool inside the Convention Center. Watch live demos of the latest water toys and equipment, or try them yourself under expert supervision.

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Getting Around: Transportation Made Easy

Start your day at the Broward County Convention Center, which serves as the Transportation Hub with over 3,000 parking spots at $25 per day. From there, hop on complimentary shuttles, golf carts, or water taxis to reach all seven locations.

Pro Tips:

• Consider taking Brightline express rail service to Fort Lauderdale with complimentary shuttle service to the Riverside Hotel
• Water taxis offer scenic routes between venues
• Use Uber or cab services instead of driving to avoid parking hassles

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Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips

Best Practices:

• Don't try to see everything in one day—plan your "must-see" exhibits over different days
• The show opens at 10am every day except Wednesday (Preview Day) which opens at midday
• Wear comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily for boarding vessels
• Dress for both sun and rain—Florida weather can be unpredictable

What to Expect:

Yacht access is at the discretion of brokers or dealers, so serious buyers should contact their broker before attending. The atmosphere balances excitement with a relaxed, sociable environment perfect for networking with industry professionals.

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Dining and Entertainment

The show offers culinary options for every taste and budget, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. After the show, Las Olas Boulevard comes alive with cocktail bars, boutiques, and unique restaurants.

Special Events:

• Celebrity chef demonstrations
• Live music and entertainment throughout all venues
• The Fort Lauderdale Concours on Friday evening, featuring classic cars, high-end sneakers, fine art, and entertainment with stunning views

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Sustainability Efforts

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is striving to achieve zero waste and net zero carbon operations. Recent initiatives include water refill stations to reduce single-use plastics and partnerships with marine conservation organizations.

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Beyond the Show: Exploring Fort Lauderdale

While you're in town, take advantage of Fort Lauderdale's attractions:

• Bonnet House, dating back to the early twentieth century, showcases five distinct ecosystems and tropical wildlife
• 24 miles of golden beaches
• World-class dining and nightlife
• Snorkeling and diving opportunities in crystal-clear waters

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Accommodation Recommendations

Book early, as hotels fill up quickly during the show. Popular options include:

• Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard (minutes from beaches and show venues)
• Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale (luxury with sea views)
• W Fort Lauderdale (recently renovated with modern amenities)
• Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach (contemporary beachside luxury)

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The Bottom Line

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show represents the ultimate gathering for yacht enthusiasts, showcasing over $4 billion worth of yachts and marine equipment. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, charter, or simply admire the latest in yachting innovation, FLIBS offers an unmatched experience.

From cutting-edge superyachts to practical fishing gear, interactive water sports demos to networking opportunities with industry leaders, the show caters to every level of maritime interest. The event's massive scale, combined with South Florida's perfect weather and waterfront setting, creates an atmosphere unlike any other boat show worldwide.

Plan ahead, comfortable shoes are a must, and prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale and quality of what's on display. This isn't just a boat show - it's a celebration of the maritime lifestyle at its finest.