Updated 10/16/2025 - The "Venice of America" presents...
The Largest In-Water Boat Show in the World!
Wednesday, October 29th through Sunday November 2nd, 2025
Something For Everyone
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the largest in-water boat show in the world and is a huge boost to for the local economy, with an economic impact of about $1.79 billion for the state of Florida. On average the boat show attracts about 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries. Products on display range from artwork by Guy Harvey to 200 foot mega yachts, and everything in between. You’ll find marine electronics, fishing equipment, artwork, apparel, fun boat gadgets and over 1,300 boats on display. Even non-boaters will love the energy and excitement of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, especially the upscale food and drink options.
Why Fort Lauderdale Loves the Boat Show
- Over 100,000 visitors, with 49% from outside Florida
- $1.79 billion increased economic output in Florida
- $709.7 million in estimated sales by Florida companies
- $47.3 million in estimated total expenditures by non-local attendees
- $85.8 million in taxes generated
Weather
The average temperature in October/November is about 76 degrees. November is the official beginning of dry season, so rain chances are significantly lower than the summer months. Bottom line, there are 5 days to enjoy the boat show, so we can pretty much guarantee you’ll get a few nice days at the show.
BOOK A PROPERTY TOUR WITH ONE OF OUR AGENTS AND GET FREE FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW TICKETS!
BOAT SHOW TIPS – Venues, Tickets, Parking, Transportation and Experiences
The following tips will help you to navigate your way to the boat show and to locate the exhibits and boats you’re looking for. The “Big Boy” boats, including the mega yachts and large sportfish boats are located at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center on the barrier island. More “Super Yachts” can be found at Pier 66 and the Hilton Marina. The Broward County Convention Center hosts the smaller boats, outboard motors, fishing gear and other booths and exhibits. You can go between the various show venues by shuttle bus or the Fort Lauderdale water taxi.
7 Boat Show VENUES
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center
- Broward County Convention Center
- Hall of Fame Marina
- Las Olas Marina
- Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
- Pier 66 North Marina
- SuperYacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Experiences
Winward VIP Club
This year the VIP Club has moved to the Hall of Fame Marina
VIP ticket holders receive access to the VIP Club at the Hall of Fame Marina. This boat show sanctuary provides guests with early show access (9:00 AM), a premium open bar and gourmet food all day. Other perks include, complimentary transportation (water taxi, golf cart and shuttle) and private restrooms.
Please note, the Fort Lauderdale Concours is not part of the boat show this year. It will be back in 2025.
Tip: VIP Tickets usually sell out, so buy them in advance.
More Information on VIP Club
Upscale Culinary Experience
Find everything you are craving at over 100 food concessions throughout the show, from Greek gyros to authentic street tacos and hand-crafted burgers. Other amazing seafood options include stone crabs, calamari and oysters. There are even vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Upscale beverages include craft beers from local breweries, premium wines and specialty cocktails.
Boat Show Bars – Take a break and enjoy a cool drink at one of the satellite bars throughout the show including Gosling’s Dark & Stormy Island Bar, the Stella Artois Barge and the Anheuser-Busch Island Beer Garden.
Superyacht Village
Located at the new “Pier South” property at Pier 66 Hotel and Marina, Superyacht Village features the largest yachts at the boat show. General admission ticket holders can access the marina by water tender and shuttle bus. There is also valet and self-parking, when available. Tip: Need a break? Grab a drink at the SYV bar overlooking the marina.
More information on Superyacht Village
Seminars
Dive into the Convention Center at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for an immersive, all-things-boating experience. Expert-led seminars will sharpen your skills—from confident boat handling and advanced fishing techniques to the latest in sustainable boating. Discover practical tips to elevate every day on the water while helping protect our marine environment.
Boat Show Fun for the Whole Family
Bring the whole family to the boat show and enjoy face painting, marine arts and crafts, and much more. Check out the kids fishing classes with Captain Don Dingman on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM at the Convention Center.
TIP: Get out of the heat!
The weather is generally pretty mild this time of year, but if you need to escape the heat and maybe have a cool drink then there are plenty of options available.
- Accessories Tent
- Marine Electronics Tent
- SuperYacht Tent (Tiki Bar)
- Convention Center
- Winward VIP Experience (VIP ticket required)
Show Tickets
You can buy tickets at the show or online for $46 for a one day pass or $77 for two days. Children ages 6 to 12 are $18 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 ($70), 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. VIP tickets are also available on-line for $420 and they typically do sell out.
Parking and Transportation
Parking close by can be difficult and expensive, so consider taking Uber or a taxi, especially if you want to go to the in-water exhibits at the Bahia Mar Marina, Hall of Fame Marina and Pier 66 Marinas. Another good option is to park at the convention center ($25/day) and then take the bus or water taxi to the marinas.
Water Taxi – You can also jump on the water taxi from any stop in Fort Lauderdale and connect to all of the boat show venues. All day water taxi passes are only $15 or $65 for a 5 day pass. Children under 5 are free.
- Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Riverside Hotel / Bahia Mar.
- Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center / Pier Sixty-Six Marina (North) / Bahia Mar.
- Pick-up/Drop-off to and from GALLERYone DoubleTree Hotel / Bahia Mar.
- Pick-up/Drop-off to and from Shooters Waterfront / Las Olas Marina.
Valet parking is also available at the Bahia Mar and Las Olas Marinas (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.
Brightline – Take the Brightline (high speed rail) from Miami, Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Once you arrive in Fort Lauderdale there is a complimentary shuttle service to the Riverside Hotel where you can hop on the water taxi and go straight to the boat show.
More information on Shuttles & Golf Carts and Parking
Boat Show Schedule
October 30th to November 3rd, 2024
Prime Time Preview:
Wednesday, October 29th, Noon – 7:00 p.m.
General Admission:
Thursday, October 30th, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31st, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1st, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2nd, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $44 (Prime Time Preview is $67)
IF YOU BUY A BOAT AND NEED A NEW HOME OR CONDO WITH A DOCK, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR BROWSE PROPERTY ON OUR WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE WEB SITE
Other Fort Lauderdale Area Events
One or two days at the boat show is usually enough for most people. What else is going on around town? Fort Lauderdale is the entertainment hub of Broward County with plenty of restaurants, live music and other events to choose from. Wanna spread your wings a bit? Jump on the Brightline train to West Palm Beach for Lagoonfest and the award winning GreenMarket. Check out our events calendar for details and more events.
