Your guide to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

From 1 October, the yachting industry’s boat show focus shifts from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale in South Florida. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) kickstarts the first of the winter superyacht shows and heralds the time to go yachting in the Caribbean.

What is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

FLIBS is the world’s largest in-water show in America. It has around 1,500 yachts afloat in Fort Lauderdale’s waterways and marinas. Aside from learning about new launches and industry developments, it’s the ideal place to tour some of the best boats available for a US yacht charter or for those looking to purchase.

Which boat show is bigger: Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

While the Miami show is a significant event spread over five locations across land and water in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, it remains a smaller offering than Fort Lauderdale, which showcases more world and US debuts than any other boat show in America. Luckily, Burgess has a presence at both Miami and Fort Lauderdale, covering all bases for yachts that are for sale and charter.

When is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

Taking place in 2024 from 30 October to 3 November, the 65th annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show dates coincide with prime Caribbean cruising. It captures anyone crossing the Atlantic following the Mediterranean summer season, as well as those already US-based looking to learn, network and peruse the boats on display.

Where is the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

FLIBS is located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida, and spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. One show ticket permits entry to seven separate locations, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Pier 66 Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South.

How to buy tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

There is no box office onsite at the show, so digital tickets need to be purchased in advance and scanned during entry to the show. Access aboard vessels is at the manufacturers, dealers or brokers' discretion. Children under the age of six are free if accompanied by an adult, and active military and veterans receive complimentary general admission on the Sunday. An adult two-day preview and general admission ticket (valid Wednesday to Sunday) costs $96 plus booking and transaction fees.

What makes the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show special?

The five-day show attracts over 100,000 attendees, more than 1,000 exhibitors, and upwards of 1,300 vessels on display. Products range from superyachts to sunglasses, with 52 countries represented and a whopping $1.79 billion in economic output throughout the state of Florida through show purchases and expenditures.

Planning your trip to Fort Lauderdale

Like any large boat show, the best experience at FLIBS comes after careful planning. That includes making note of the types of exhibits and boats that you are most interested in seeing. The show opens at 10am every day apart from Wednesday (Preview Day) which opens at midday, but choosing a location that is both close to the venue and Fort Lauderdale’s key attractions is best.

For families wishing to attend, the Broward County Convention Center has several activities to keep children entertained, from the Kids Corner in the lobby with face painting, arts and crafts, to the Kids Fishing Clinics on Saturday and Sunday. There are also culinary options throughout the show to suit every taste and budget, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free delights.

Getting here

While yacht owners and charter guests are not able to dock or gain access to the show aboard personal yachts, there are shuttle and golf cart transportation services that come complimentary with a show ticket. They operate one hour before the show opens and discontinue service one hour after the show closes. Additional water taxi tickets can also be purchased. The Broward County Convention Center (1950 Eisenhower Blvd) serves as FLIBS’ transportation hub for the show, including the best option for parking ($20 per day).

Accommodation

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to hotel, guesthouses, motels and apartments in Fort Lauderdale. Top recommendations include the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, which is just minutes away from the beaches, airport and cruise port and twinned with the glamour of Old Florida charm. When it comes to seeking out a luxury stay, the Four Seasons has it covered with great sea views, stylish décor and impeccable service. And what’s not to like about the W? A $55 million renovation guarantees nothing but the best for any guest visiting the Venice of America.

What should you wear to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

The weather in South Florida is always unpredictable, so it's advised to be prepared for both sun and rain, but always dress for the occasion. Most importantly, consider wearing comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you may have to do so when boarding the vessels.  

What to expect at FLIBS 2024

Like any great yacht charter, plan for the exceptional and expect to be delighted. The thrill of a boat show like FLIBS lies in the unexpected. Yacht debuts, exciting announcements, last-minute entries and all the marine equipment you can dream of.

Broward County Convention Center

The Broward County Convention Center exhibits fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers, marine accessories, fishing equipment, diving accessories and personal watercraft. In 2024, it will feature boat and product debuts alongside seminars and fishing clinics covering a variety of topics from conservation and sustainability to fishing techniques and best practices on the water.

The Superyacht Village

The Superyacht Village marina has the largest and most luxurious boats at the show. It’s also where you can view the latest tenders, water toys and even an exotic collection of vehicles. Located at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina’s new 'Pier South' property, which is adjacent to the southeast corner of the 17th Street Causeway bridge — the gateway to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — it also has the SYV bar overlooking the marina for the best views around.

Windward VIP Club

Newly upgraded for 2024, the Windward VIP Club offers an exclusive luxury oasis within the show. Now located at Hall of Fame Marina, ticket holders can wine, dine and catch up with friends.

The AquaZone

Presented by Nautical Ventures, the AquaZone at the Broward County Convention Center is an engaging attraction designed to give boat showgoers an upfront and personal experience with watersports and marine products. Live demonstrations start one hour after the show opens and end one hour before the show closes. It showcases a range of tenders and yacht toys ideal for vessels of all sizes.

International gourmet experience

More than 100 food concessions and satellite bars are scattered throughout the show, with a delectable spread of foodie attractions, including Goslings’ Dark ‘N Stormy Island Bar, Anheuser-Busch Island Beer Garden, and Stella Artois Barge. Most prominent is FLIBS’ partnership with corporate executive chef, Vagn Nielsen, who has over 20 years of international gourmet cooking experience. His company, Proof of the Pudding, has partnered with the Boat Show to satisfy every craving, from Greek gyros to wood-fired picanha, and authentic street tacos to hand-crafted burgers.

What else can I do in Fort Lauderdale?

With the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, exploring Florida’s hundreds of miles of beaches is a perk of visiting FLIBS. The city of Miami is known for its notable arts scene and nightlife, while Orlando is famed for theme parks. But Fort Lauderdale’s boating canals are a highlight, only matched by The Strip — a promenade running along oceanside highway A1A. It's lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques and luxury hotels. Also make time for the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park’s trails and lagoon.

Enjoy breakfast at the Floridian

The Grand Floridian Cafe breakfast at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a bucket list culinary stop. Featuring classic breakfast items, such as scrambled eggs and Mickey Waffles, the breakfast menu is more of a brunch, including the Floridian-style eggs benedict using corn cakes and pulled pork accompaniments. Other recommendations include the cinnamon French toast served with dulce de leche cream and the cheesy hash brown casserole.

Try sunset paddleboarding on the Middle River

Calling all paddleboard and kayak fans. Catching the sunset while paddling on the Middle River is a memorable experience. Arrive for around 18:00 to make the most of the golden glow on the water as the sun dips below the horizon.

Immerse yourself in digital art at Mad Arts

The immersive exhibition at Mad Arts is fun for the whole family. The child-friendly, dynamic museum in Dania Beach is all about stimulating the senses and engaging the mind. Mimicking the types of interactive digital experiences now found aboard superyachts, the exhibition showcases a new level of experiential artwork and digital technologies crafted by international artists, designers and creatives.

Stroll the Las Olas Boulevard

There’s more to Las Olas Boulevard than just one of the best places to yacht spot. Here is where you’ll find a vast collection of art galleries, fashion boutiques. eateries and bars. Stretching from the palm-lined beach at A1A and rising over the fabulous Intracoastal Waterway, it’s a destination in itself.

Burgess at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Burgess stand this year is in the Hall of Fame Marina, Bahia Mar, where Burgess' team of superyacht specialists will be happy to share their market insights and arrange fast-track viewings of any yachts that excite your interest. We would be delighted to welcome you both to the show and to our stand, where we can answer any questions about sale and purchase, charter or any aspect of yacht ownership over a glass of wine, a beer or soft drink.

Discover more superyacht and yachting events with Burgess. Enquire now

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.