The annual five-day event draws 100,000+ visitors and exhibitors from 52 countries. Spread across a large waterfront footprint, FLIBS is connected by a network of water taxis, shuttle buses and golf carts that help visitors move between its different show areas.
What to Expect at FLIBS
Known for its extensive display of luxury yachts for sale, cutting-edge technology, and maritime innovations, the event, held annually in Florida, is one of the premier yacht and boating shows globally. It showcases everything from sleek superyachts and sportfishing boats to marine accessories and watercraft. Visitors can expect to explore an impressive array of luxury yachts and watercraft displayed across sprawling docks and exhibition spaces.
Alongside the yachts, the show regularly incorporates new-model debuts, marine technology displays, boating and fishing exhibits, seminars and practical demonstrations. Programming changes from year to year, so visitors should check the current show schedule before attending.
Food and hospitality are integral to the event, with a variety of dining options available throughout the show. Satellite bars and waterfront hospitality areas are spread around the showground, giving visitors places to stop between yacht viewings and appointments.
The Show Layout
FLIBS is spread across several waterfront venues rather than one continuous marina. The latest official show overview groups the event into six principal locations: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Broward County Convention Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina and Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South.
Because the fleet is divided by yacht type and size, buyers should identify where their priority brands and yachts are berthed before arriving rather than attempting to cover the entire show in sequence.
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
The Bahia Mar Yachting Center is the heart of the show, with an extensive mix of center consoles, motor yachts and larger yachts alongside marine equipment, accessories and electronics exhibitors. Its scale and central position make Bahia Mar one of the main areas most visitors will spend time in during FLIBS.
Superyacht Village
Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South focuses on some of the largest yachts attending FLIBS. It is open to general admission ticket holders, although actual boarding access to individual yachts remains at the discretion of the broker, dealer or manufacturer.
Those attending can also discover the latest tenders and water toys, meet yacht builders and explore luxury automotive displays. The Windward VIP Lounge is also located within Superyacht Village.
Pier 66 Marina
Pier Sixty-Six Marina is another important stop for buyers looking at larger brokerage yachts. The current FLIBS site highlights vessels over 100ft within the Pier Sixty-Six area, placing it firmly within the larger-yacht side of the show.
Its position close to Superyacht Village also makes it practical to combine appointments across the two locations rather than travelling back and forth later in the day.
Hall of Fame Marina
Hall of Fame Marina forms part of the Bahia Mar side of the show and is used for brokerage and new-build yacht displays. Its proximity to Bahia Mar and Las Olas Marina makes these locations relatively easy to combine within the same part of a buyer's schedule.
Las Olas Marina
Las Olas Marina is particularly relevant to brokerage buyers, with FLIBS currently describing the location as hosting a wide selection of brokerage yachts from approximately 60ft to 200ft.
For visitors primarily interested in pre-owned yachts, it can therefore warrant a dedicated block of time rather than being treated simply as another stop on a full-show circuit.
Broward County Convention Center
The Broward County Convention Center combines indoor displays with an important practical role as FLIBS' main transportation hub. Inside, visitors can find smaller vessels, fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers, marine accessories, electronics, diving equipment and fishing gear.
The Convention Center also hosts The Blue Wild, including special exhibits and hands-on marine activities, while more than 3,000 parking spaces make it one of the easiest places to begin a visit before transferring to the waterfront venues.
Tickets and Access to FLIBS
As with many modern yacht shows, there is no box office on site. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets online in advance. Tickets are digital and will be scanned upon entry.
Ticket options typically include Preview Day admission, one-day General Admission, multi-day General Admission and Windward VIP access. Prices change between editions, so visitors should check the current FLIBS ticket page rather than relying on previous-year pricing.
General admission tickets are available for one-day or multi-day access and children under six can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. FLIBS also provides complimentary admission arrangements for eligible active military personnel and veterans, with the applicable day and request procedure published for each edition.
Windward VIP tickets provide access to dedicated hospitality spaces and additional benefits such as food, premium bars and show transportation. The exact VIP format can change between editions.
A show ticket does not guarantee access aboard individual yachts. Boarding is controlled by the relevant manufacturer, dealer or broker, which is particularly important for buyers hoping to inspect larger yachts and new-model premieres.
Serious yacht buyers should contact their broker or dealer before the show to secure access to yachts for sale. Early communication may also help ensure inclusion on guest lists for special events and exclusive hospitality.
Yachts on Show at FLIBS
Being a high-profile event with an esteemed reputation, Boat builders and shipyards often select the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for world premieres or U.S. debuts of their latest creations.
Many well-known brands return to FLIBS year after year with their latest models including the British shipyards Princess Yachts and Sunseeker, Turkish builder Sirena Yachts, Polish builders Sunreef and Galeon, and many more.
In addition to the impressive collection of production yachts throughout the marinas, FLIBS has been known to host some spectacular superyachts over the years including 61.26m (201ft) motor yacht MARGUERITE and 72.55m (238ft) motor yacht CORAL OCEAN in 2022, and 85.3m (280ft) explorer yacht BOLD in 2021.
FLIBS: Show Highlights
At FLIBS, it’s not just about the boats. Visitors can experience the show as a lifestyle event, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, gourmet food, exclusive seminars, and live music throughout.
The wider program varies between editions and can include marine seminars, fishing clinics, interactive exhibits, product demonstrations and special events alongside the yachts themselves. The Broward County Convention Center is a particular focus for educational and hands-on boating content through The Blue Wild.
FLIBS also stages its Best of Show Awards around new yacht and boat debuts, adding another reason for buyers interested in newly launched models to follow the show's program as the event approaches.
Hospitality at FLIBS
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a hospitality delight with over 100 food concessions and satellite bars throughout the showground. From Greek gyros to woodfired picanha to authentic street tacos, hand-crafted burgers, fresh stone crab claws, calamari, and oysters.
Current hospitality fixtures include satellite bars and floating barge concepts around the show, including the Goslings Island Bar and Stella Artois Barge. Individual outlets and menus can change between editions.
VIP and Exclusive Access
Windward VIP provides a more private base for visitors who want premium hospitality during FLIBS. The current format uses two VIP destinations, with a Windward VIP Lounge at Superyacht Village and a Windward VIP Cabana Club at Bahia Mar.
Benefits currently include gourmet food, premium open bars, private restrooms, exclusive activations, complimentary shuttle and Water Taxi services and early access through the Superyacht Village entrance. Complimentary parking at Superyacht Village is also offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
VIP admission should not be confused with yacht access. Even Windward VIP guests must still obtain permission from the relevant exhibitor before boarding individual vessels, so buyers with a serious shortlist should arrange appointments separately.
The location and specific benefits of Windward VIP can evolve, so visitors considering the upgrade should check the package for the edition they plan to attend.
How to Get Around at the Show
With over three million square feet of exhibit space, navigating the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is streamlined thanks to excellent organization and years of experience.
The Broward County Convention Center serves as the FLIBS Transportation Hub. Visitors can start their day here and then take a water taxi, shuttle, or golf cart to and from the other principal show locations.
FLIBS operates complimentary shuttle services beginning one hour before the show opens and ending one hour after closing. Golf carts run on designated routes during show hours rather than providing unrestricted transport between every marina.
The Water Taxi service is available for a fixed daily rate, with bundle options for a full five-day visit. Children under five travel free on the water taxi. Windward VIP ticket holders receive complimentary water taxi service.
Water Taxi routes link key show areas with selected hotels and waterfront pickup points, and services normally begin one hour before opening and continue until one hour after the show closes. Routes and prices should be checked for the relevant edition before travelling.
For serious yacht buyers, the most efficient approach is to organize appointments by marina rather than moving repeatedly across the entire show. Confirming yacht access with a broker, dealer or builder in advance can also prevent wasted journeys between locations.
For any large event, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and plan your day in advance.
If you are considering attending the forthcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, find plenty of inspiration and start planning your trip by viewing all the new and used yachts for sale, verified by YachtBuyer MarketWatch to exclude fake listings.
