Updated 10/19/2023 – The “Venice of America” presents…
The Largest In-Water Boat Show in the World!
Wednesday, October 25th through Sunday October 29th, 2023
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 (half from outside Florida) and 1,000 exhibitors from around the world. 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.
Weather
Right now they weather looks great, with the exception of maybe some PM rain on Friday. 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 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 17th Street Yacht Basin. 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
- 17th Street Yacht Basin (Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina)
- Pier 66 Marina
- SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 South
Click Here for a Google Map overview of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Venues
FORT LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW EXPERIENCES
Windward VIP Club
VIP ticket holders receive access to the VIP Club at the Bahia Mar Captain’s Lounge, with outdoor terraces offering yacht and water views. 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 water taxi and shuttle service, private restrooms and the optional VIP Classic Cars Event at Fort Lauderdale Concours.
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
Aquazone – Watersport Demos
The AquaZone, now bigger and better than ever, is presented by Nautical Ventures and is open all day with regular demonstrations from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This amazing exhibit featuring a 40,000 gallon pool is located at the convention center and is designed to give show attendees a first hand experience with various innovative water sports and marine products.
More information on AquaZone
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 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 $42 for a one day pass or $70 for two days. Children ages 6 to 15 are $16 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 ($64), 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 $398 and they typically do sell out.
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 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. 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 $20 ($10 for children) or $80 for a 5 day pass. 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.
New! Take the Brightline (high speed rail) from Miami, Aventura, Boca Raton and now 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 25th to October 29th, 2023
Prime Time Preview:
Wednesday, October 25th, Noon – 7:00 p.m.
General Admission:
Thursday, October 26th, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 27th, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 28th, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 29th, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $39 (Prime Time Preview is $60)
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
Visit the FLIBS web site for more boat show information
Follow FLIBS on Social Media
