Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Is Back, & Bigger Than Ever
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- 5 min read
Superyachts, waterfront cocktails, celebrity chefs and even floating pickleball—
FLIBS returns October 28–November 1, 2026.
There are boat shows, and then there is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
This October, South Florida's waterfront is once again becoming the ultimate playground for yacht lovers, luxury seekers, serious buyers and anyone who has ever looked at a superyacht and thought, Yes, I could definitely see myself on that.
The 67th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns October 28 through November 1, 2026, bringing five days of extraordinary vessels, VIP experiences, marine innovation, waterfront dining and a few surprises
to the city known, quite appropriately, as the Yachting Capital of the World.
And tickets are officially on sale.
Welcome to Yacht Heaven
FLIBS isn't exactly an event you casually stroll through in an hour.
Spread across six show locations, the massive waterfront experience brings together everything from spectacular superyachts and sportfishing boats to center consoles, cruisers, personal watercraft, marine technology, accessories, fishing equipment and diving gear.
Translation: whether you're shopping for your next yacht, dreaming about your first one or simply looking for a very South Florida way to spend the day, there's plenty to explore.
"Entering our 67th year, FLIBS continues to prove why Fort Lauderdale is the Yachting Capital of the World," says Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets.
And this year's show is adding something we didn't know the yachting world needed: pickleball on the water.
Yes, really.
A new floating pickleball court will be stationed at Las Olas Marina, complete with a dedicated tournament for yacht
crew members. Because apparently regular pickleball simply wasn't Miami-enough.
Superyachts + Champagne? We're Listening.
For those who prefer their boat-show experience with a little extra luxury, the Windward VIP Experience is returning.
The Windward VIP Lounge at Superyacht Village pairs some of the world's most impressive yachts with gourmet food, a premium open bar, exclusive activations, private restrooms and one-hour early access through the Superyacht
Village entrance.
VIP guests also receive complimentary self-parking at Superyacht Village on a first-come, first-served basis.
But this year, there's another reason to go VIP.
The Windward VIP Cabana Club is relocating to Bahia Mar Marina, creating a more intimate, cabana-style waterfront retreat with the same elevated amenities.
And because yachts and cocktails weren't quite enough, FLIBS is bringing in some familiar faces from television.
Chef Ryan O'Sullivan of Hell's Kitchen and Chef Dave White of Below Deck and Chopped will bring their culinary talents to the VIP experience. Superyachts. Open bar. Celebrity chefs. Suddenly, $459 VIP tickets are making a little
more sense.
Don't Skip the Goslings Island Bar
If your idea of exploring boats includes periodically stopping for a cocktail, and we support this strategy, the Goslings Island Bar is returning to Bahia Mar.
Located directly on the water between Docks C and D, the island bar gives guests the perfect excuse to take a break, order a rum cocktail and discuss which yacht everyone would purchase if budgets were merely a suggestion.
Goslings returns as the official rum of FLIBS.
Consider this your designated meet me at the bar location.
There's Plenty Beyond the Superyachts
The Broward County Convention Center once again serves as one of the show's major hubs, with fishing boats, cruisers, runabouts, marine accessories, fishing equipment, diving gear and personal watercraft all under one roof.
Families can also explore The Blue Wild, featuring interactive exhibits and activities, while the FLIBS Kids Corner offers crafts, face painting and family-friendly entertainment.
Young anglers can get in on the action, too. Don Dingman's popular Hook the Future kids fishing clinics return Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m., with participating children receiving a free fishing rod and reel.
The Convention Center also makes a convenient starting point for navigating the enormous show, with more than 3,000 parking spaces available for $20 per day and complimentary shuttles and golf carts connecting guests to Bahia Mar, Superyacht Village and other FLIBS locations.
A Boat Show With Serious South Florida Impact
Behind all the glamour, FLIBS is also serious business.
According to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the show generates more than $1.79 billion in annual economic impact and supports the broader marine industry that plays a significant role in South Florida's economy.
"FLIBS is widely known as the world's largest in-water boat show," says Phil Purcell, CEO and President of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. "This show is as much a cornerstone of our community as it is a global showcase for the marine industry."
For five days, yacht builders, brokers, buyers, marine companies, industry professionals and boating enthusiasts from around the world converge on Fort Lauderdale.
Of course, some of us are also there for the champagne and yacht tours. It's called balance.
What Do Tickets Cost?
Tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there will be no onsite box office.
Wednesday Preview: $73 per person, valid for one day Wednesday through Sunday.
Two-Day Preview + General Admission: $105 per person, valid for any two days Wednesday through Sunday.
Two-Day General Admission: $80 per person, valid for any two days Thursday through Sunday.
One-Day General Admission: $48 per adult, valid for one day Thursday through Sunday.
Child General Admission: $19 for children ages 6–12. Children under six enter free with an adult.
And for those going all-in:
Windward VIP Experience: $459 per person for one day, including access to both Windward VIP destinations, gourmet food, premium open bar, early access and complimentary self-parking at Superyacht Village on a first-come, first-served basis.
Active-duty military members and veterans can also request one complimentary General Admission ticket for Sunday, November 1 in advance.
Getting There Without the Traffic Drama
This is South Florida, so naturally we need to discuss transportation. Guests can park at the Broward County Convention Center and use the show's complimentary transportation between locations.
Coming from Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach or Orlando? Brightline offers rail service into Fort Lauderdale.
And perhaps the most appropriate way to arrive at the world's largest in-water boat show is, naturally, by water. Water
Taxi service is available for $15 per day.
If you're traveling in for the weekend, FLIBS recommends booking accommodations early through its official hotel provider, onPeak, which offers negotiated rates at participating hotels near the show venues.
Five Days, Six Locations and a Whole Lot of Yachts
FLIBS has become one of those distinctly South Florida events where business, boating
and luxury lifestyle effortlessly collide.
You can spend the morning exploring marine technology, step aboard a multimillion-dollar superyacht in the afternoon, sip cocktails overlooking the Intracoastal and somehow end up watching yacht
crews battle it out on a floating pickleball court.
Where else would that sentence make perfect sense? So grab the sunglasses, wear comfortable shoes and prepare to indulge in a little yacht envy. Or perhaps you'll leave with something slightly larger than a souvenir.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat ShowOctober 28–November 1, 2026Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tickets are available exclusively through the official FLIBS website.
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