The Boat Show Starts Wednesday, October 31st, 2018
Just like last year the boat show starts Wednesday, October 31st (Prime Time Preview) and ends on Sunday, November 4th. Remember, this was a change they made last year, so the show starts and ends a day earlier. With over 1,500 boats on display, 1,000 exhibitors and 6 miles of floating docks, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show in the world. It is also a huge boost to our local economy with an estimated impact on Broward County of $500 million per year thanks to the more than 110,000 visitors from around the world. Its fun, its crazy, its huge – its the Boat Show!
BOOK A PROPERTY TOUR WITH ONE OF OUR AGENTS AND GET FREE BOAT SHOW TICKETS!
BOAT SHOW TIPS – Venue, tickets, parking, etc.
The boat show attracts yachties and boating enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you are a boat show regular or a first timer, here are some tips for attendees that are sure to help you efficiently navigate our show. The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center hosts the exhibits, booths and smaller boat displays and the big-boy boats are all at the marinas. You can go between the various locations by shuttle bus or water taxi. The show is spread out between the following venues.
- Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center
- Hall of Fame Marina
- Las Olas Municipal Marina
- The Sails Marina
- Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina
- Pier 66 Marina
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
There are plenty of special events for the whole family at this year’s show, including kids fishing clinics, the Coral Reef Stage with aquarium display, and the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo with seminars and art exhibits.
More information on Special Events.
YACHT CHEF COMPETITION
NEW this year, the chef competition will be held at the Pier 66 Marina on Thursday night from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The evening will offer guests a premium open bar including specialty cocktails, and tastings from luxury food purveyors while watching the world’s leading yacht chefs face off in an iron chef-style battle.
Tickets and More Information
SHOW TICKETS
You can buy tickets at the show or online for $33 for one day or $57.00 for a 2 day pass. Children ages 6 to 15 are $15 and children under 6 are free. The busiest days are Saturday and Sunday, so if you don’t like the crowds try to go Wednesday, Thursday or Friday morning. The Primetime Preview on Wednesday is more expensive ($51.00), but worth it if you want the first chance to buy your dream boat. Yes, the good ones do sell early in the show, especially if the weather is good.
Buy Tickets Online
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
Parking close by can be difficult and expensive, so consider taking Uber or a taxi, especially if you want to be at the Bahia Mar, Hall of Fame and Pier 66 Marinas. Another good option is to park at the convention center and take the bus or water shuttle to the marinas. You can also jump on the water taxi from any stop in Fort Lauderdale and connect to all of the boat show locations. All day water taxi passes are only $12. Valet parking is also available at the Las Olas Marina (expensive) or at Galleria Mall. From the Galleria Mall you can walk to the Gallery One Doubletree Hotel and take the water taxi from there.
NEW! – Are you coming from Palm Beach or Miami? Take the Brightline!
More info on Parking and Transportation
BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE
October 31st to November 4th, 2018
Prime Time Preview:
Wednesday, October 31st, Noon – 7:00 p.m.
General Admission:
Thursday, November 1st, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 2nd, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 3rd, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $33 (Prime Time Preview is $51)
Go to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show web site for more information
IF YOU BUY A BOAT AND NEED A NEW HOME WITH A DOCK, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR VISIT OUR WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE WEB SITE
