Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025: Your Complete Insider’s Guide

Now in its 66th edition, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns this year to cement its reputation as the world’s largest in-water yacht exhibition. Known as the U.S. capital of yachting, Fort Lauderdale becomes the stage for an impressive lineup of new builds, brokerage yachts, charter opportunities, and the latest must-have accessories—along with tenders, toys, luxury cars, helicopters, art, and real estate.

Strategically timed just ahead of the Caribbean yachting season, FLIBS holds a key spot on the global yacht events calendar. It brings together industry leaders, owners, charterers, and enthusiasts to unveil the latest debuts, showcase cutting-edge technology, and connect with the biggest names in yachting—all in one place.

Here’s your guide to the world’s largest in-water yacht show and everything to know before attending FLIBS 2025: 

When & Where 

The first Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was held in 1959. What began as an informal, exhibitor-led event has evolved into a showcase of yachts and luxury lifestyle for international audiences. This year, FLIBS takes place from October 29 to November 2, 2025, across seven locations in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida.

The five-day event spans 90 acres and more than 3 million square feet of exhibition space. With six miles of floating docks, visitors can explore yachts of all types and sizes. Last year, more than 100,000 people attended to view 1,300 vessels.

This year’s numbers remain similar: over 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries and more than 1,300 yachts on display. With nearly half the attendees traveling from outside Florida, Fort Lauderdale transforms into the global hub of yachting and luxury lifestyle each October.

Inside the Show 

Since 2022, FLIBS has spread across seven interconnected locations: the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and the Superyacht Village at Pier South. Visitors can move between sites via complimentary water and ground shuttles, electric golf carts, and water taxis, as well as private transfers arranged by exhibitors.

Each location offers something unique. The Broward County Convention Center serves as the central hub for transportation and also hosts displays of fishing boats, cruisers, and a wide range of marine, fishing, and diving accessories. It is also home to seminars, panel discussions, and kids’ fishing clinics held over the weekend. Bahia Mar Yachting Center highlights everything from smaller powerboats to sportfishing boats, as well as marine exhibits featuring electronics and navigation. At Hall of Fame Marina, visitors will find a diverse mix of vessels, from large superyachts to smaller boats, alongside the Windward VIP Cabana Club, which offers premium hospitality, catering, and events.

Las Olas Marina showcases yachts in the 60- to 200-foot range in a relaxed marina setting, while the 17th Street Yacht Basin is known for its mid-sized vessels and an array of marine accessories. On the largest end of the spectrum, Pier 66 Marina and the nearby Superyacht Village are the places to see this year’s most impressive debuts, including the world’s largest superyachts, tenders, water toys, and vehicles. New for this year, the Windward VIP Club also opens a second location at Superyacht Village with a premium bar, gourmet dining, and exclusive activations.

FLIBS also continues its push toward sustainability with a commitment to becoming a zero-waste and net-zero carbon event by 2030. This year, the show once again implements eco-friendly practices to reduce waste and consumption, while the 3rd MRH Innovation & Sustainability Awards recognize organizations supporting environmental conservation.

A Taste of Florida 

Exploring the world’s largest yacht show builds an appetite, and FLIBS delivers plenty of options. Throughout the venues, you’ll find quick bites and refreshment spots, including the Windward VIP Clubs, the Goslings Island Bar, and the Stella Artois Barge. Before heading to the show, you might start the day with breakfast at Nanou French Bakery & Café on Las Olas or enjoy an all-day brunch at Café Bastille.

Fort Lauderdale itself offers a wealth of dining options to complement the event. Casablanca Café, located in a historic building with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, provides the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch or post-show dinner. For fresh local seafood, Coconuts and Southport Raw Bar are popular choices. Those in search of fine dining can book a table at Maass in the Four Seasons Hotel, where Michelin-acclaimed chef Ryan Ratino serves contemporary American cuisine with a wood-fired twist. Another favorite is Casa d’Agelo, an Italian-inspired restaurant known for its classic dishes and extensive wine list.

When the sun goes down, Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife comes alive. Downtown, the 1920s speakeasy Stache offers cocktails, DJs, and live entertainment ranging from bands to burlesque. For a classic beach bar vibe, head to Elbo Room, a long-standing hangout, or sip creative cocktails with city views at the rooftop bar Nube.

Visitor Information 

Before getting into FLIBS, you will need to purchase and access your digital tickets online. A one-day ticket for Wednesday is $70, and from Thursday to Sunday, one-day tickets are $46. If you are planning a two-day event, these range from $77-$100, depending on which days you opt for. Children under six years old go free, but for a one-day ticket, it is $46. Active military personnel and veterans receive complimentary admission on Sunday. 

For a VIP option, prices start at $439, valid for one day of the show. Every day the show opens its doors at 10:00 am except on Preview Day (Wednesday), which kicks off from midday. If you are interested in getting yacht viewings, contact the relevant broker, dealer, or manufacturer to arrange an appointment in advance to avoid disappointment. 

It is advisable to plan ahead to ensure you visit the locations, yachts, and companies you wish to see. Planning for the quieter periods, like early morning, is also advantageous. When planning, consider your clothing and footwear for the show. Florida has a hot and humid climate, so it is best to wear breathable, loose, and comfortable clothing and always bring sun protection and an umbrella, as Fort Lauderdale is prone to rain showers. Choose comfortable and easily removable footwear when at the show, so it is easy to board yachts throughout the day. 

Getting There & Around 

Depending upon where you are travelling from, there are various ways to access FLIBS. For those flying into Florida, the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is around a ten-minute drive from the docks, and the Miami International Airport is 40 minutes away. To arrive by car, the I-95 highway makes it easy, and there are parking spots (from $20 a day) at the Broward County Convention Centre. If you are looking to arrive by train, the express rail service, Brightline, can be taken to the city. 

Once at the show, take advantage of the organized transfers from the complimentary shuttle and golf carts by ICON Electric Vehicles, which do loops of the show regularly. Alternatively, for water access, take the FLIBS water taxis. A one-day taxi ticket costs $15, or it’s included with a VIP show ticket. There are also various tenders and private transfer options if you are booking a yacht viewing with a specific brokerage house. 

Florida Beyond the Show 

If you have made the trip to Florida for FLIBS, it is a shame to arrive and leave just for the show. For those with more time to explore, Fort Lauderdale has lots to offer. Alongside attractions like the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and the FATVillage Arts District, Fort Lauderdale has lots of beaches to visit and is a gateway to explore the Everglades. Be sure to visit nearby Miami to sample its arts and restaurant scene, or Palm Beach, known for its luxury shopping experiences at Worth Avenue. Or, why not charter a yacht and cruise the Florida Keys or make the short hop over to the Bahamas to kick off the winter season in style before going home?