Blog | The Must-Have Guide to FLIBS

The biggest and the best boats convene in the world’s yachting capital once a year at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Ninety acres host over 4 billion dollars worth of water toys, tenders, and superyachts to delight all yachting connoisseurs. Whether in Florida or just a flight away, this boat show epitomizes the cruising lifestyle with diverse culinary experiences, upscale beverage bars, and exceptional superyachts. 

Admission 

Beginning Wednesday with a preview from 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show spans five days and ends Sunday at 6:00 PM. General Admission to FLIBS includes access to 7 locations, including Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier 66 Marina, Super Yacht Village at Pier 66 South, Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar, and Hall of Fame Marina. Complimentary shuttle service and plenty of parking make the entire boat show accessible and easy to navigate. There will be no box office at the event so plan to purchase tickets in advance online. 

Bahia Mar

The heart of FLIBS is Bahia Mar, where you’ll find the 26 North Yachts display. With paid and valet parking here, this is a great place to embark on your FLIBS adventure. At Bahia Mar you will find everything from navigation instruments, electronics, and engines as well as countless vessels. There are vendors here to represent marinas and destinations to help you plan your next yachting vacation. Bahia Mar’s prime location is central to Fort Lauderdale as well as many of the boat show venues.  From here you can use The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show App to help you navigate locations, exhibitors, activations, and more.

Super Yacht Village

With over one thousand exhibitors and the US unveiling of yachts, you can tour yachts, and meet with designers and builders to discuss your dream project.  To see the largest yachts available you must visit SuperYacht Village which is reserved for the most lavish vessels at the show. Located at Pier Sixty-six Hotel and Marina’s new Pier South property this is the must-attend location for yachting enthusiasts.

Broward County Convention Center

Broward County Convention Center hosts the Aquazone and the kids corner including this year’s Hook the Future showcase for kids. Here you will find all the latest toys to outfit your yacht of any size and activities for the kids. Fishing boats, equipment, diving, and marine accessories can all be found at the Convention Center. The Aquazone features a 40,000-gallon freshwater demonstration pool, you can test updates to the tried and true toys and up-close interactions with the newest options available on the market. Plan your day wisely as the Aquazone demonstrations start one hour after the boat show opens and close one hour early. 

Windward VIP Club

Located at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Windward VIP Club tickets start at 300 USD for one-day attendance. With your VIP ticket, you can attend the boat show an hour earlier via the Bahia Mar South entrance. Complimentary shuttles and water taxis make exploring each boat show location leisurely.

If attending the Concours Car event is on the to-do list, there is an option to purchase a combined discounted ticket for both the Windward VIP Club and Concours VIP ticket. The event is on Friday, October 28th, and your VIP ticket will include access to the rooftop lounge for an open bar. Enjoy an evening with a cocktail, live music, and 360 views of the intercostal for a unique perspective of the luxury yachts.

Other Ongoings

Fort Lauderdale is full of activity, and Halloween weekend offers some exceptional entertainment. Whether attending Little Shop of Horrors at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is your thing or stopping by Live Music Along the Boardwalk hosted by Latitudes Hollywood Beach is your style, you can access the arts just minutes from the boat show. 

The Panthers play NHL home games on the 23rd and the 29th. October 29th will host the Halloween theme, where you can anticipate the usual Halloween activities. The team won the President’s Cup last season with the best regular season record. 

American country singer Travis Tritt comes to Pompano Beach Amphitheater on October 29th. The four-time CMA winner with five number-one songs and 15 top ten singles presents The Can’t Miss Tour, and it is sure to be a good time. 

Great Eats

Fort Lauderdale’s International Boat Show draws upwards of 100,000 people to town. The best place to start when considering restaurant options is with a reservation. Known for its casual coastal cuisine Fort Lauderdale’s food scene has plenty to offer for fun upscale dining. 

Hardy Park Bistro presents beautiful cuisine inspired by Philip Darmon’s international travels as a yacht chef. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The low-key neighborhood restaurant is located on SW 7th St, across from Florence C Hardy Park, and is known for American fares such as burgers, sandwiches, and seasonal entrees with locally sourced produce. 

If you are looking for ambiance and seafood, consider Rivertails. James Beard nominated Jose Mendin offers a stellar happy hour and the most coveted tables in town. Found on the historic riverwalk, it is the perfect evening out. Family-style plates are ladened with coastal cuisine that speak of Mendin’s Puerto-Rican heritage. 

Located right on the intercoastal, you can dine amongst the boat show ongoings at Coconuts. Expansive ocean views, abundant seating, and an upscale dining experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously make Coconuts the perfect pairing for a day at the boat show. Their vast menu includes many favorites such as ceviche, crispy snapper, and steak. 

Accommodations

When considering the best options for accommodations during FLIBS, timing will be everything. If you have the opportunity to stay aboard your yacht, marina options may be slim. But if you can find a slip just up the river, you will greatly benefit from attending the show via water taxi and skipping out on the busy parking scene. 

The FLIBS website has a list of hotels with discounted rates. By booking through their OnPeak services, you can expect flexibility and knowledgeable support to enhance your boat show experience. The Marriott Harbor Beach Resort will put you right in the middle of the boat show on the intercoastal, or you can stay at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and be just a few floors above FLIBS events. Wherever you stay, you can expect to feel the vibrant boat show energy and experience the winding canals and waterways of the “Venice of America.”

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat show is an exciting place to explore your passion for fabulous yachts and spectacular ocean vistas. This unparalleled event is filled with all the toys and tasty treats so you can take a test drive of the luxurious yachting lifestyle.