TBA (Dates to be announced)
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns to the Sunshine State, bringing an extensive collection of luxury yachts, marine technology, and lifestyle brands to the city's waterfront.
Recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and its six marinas attract yacht builders, brokers, marine industry professionals, and prospective owners from across the international market.
Its varied lineup typically ranges from smaller powerboats and sportfishers to large motor yachts and superyacht charters, with dedicated areas for marine equipment, watersports, and luxury lifestyle exhibits.
For visitors considering a yacht purchase or planning a future charter vacation in the region, FLIBS also provides an opportunity to meet industry specialists and gain a closer understanding of the yachts and cruising options available across Florida, the Bahamas, and the wider Caribbean.
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Dates: To be announced
- Event type: Public-facing international boat show
- Attendance: More than 100,000 visitors at recent editions
- Yacht focus: Motor yachts, superyachts, sportfishers, sailing yachts, catamarans, and luxury tenders
- Known for: In-water yacht displays, international debuts, marine technology, and industry networking
- Ideal for: Comparing yachts, exploring marine products, and discovering North American yacht charter opportunities
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show brings together a broad cross-section of the marine industry, with its waterfront locations providing space for everything from production models and specialist fishing boats to large charter-ready luxury yachts. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of designs, sizes, and onboard configurations, making the event a useful opportunity to compare different approaches to yacht ownership and recreational boating.
The in-water displays are a central part of the experience. Prospective buyers can examine hull designs, deck arrangements, interior layouts, propulsion systems, and onboard facilities, while those interested in charter vacations around Florida can speak with brokers about the yachts and itineraries available in the region. The range of vessels typically includes sportfishers, center consoles, performance boats, sailing yachts, catamarans, and superyachts extending beyond 100 feet.
Beyond the yachts themselves, the show brings together shipyards, yacht builders, designers, marine equipment manufacturers, electronics specialists, and watersports brands. Exhibitors present developments in navigation, propulsion, onboard technology, tenders, and equipment, giving visitors a broader view of the products shaping the recreational boating market.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is spread across several waterfront locations, with marinas and exhibition spaces each serving a different part of the event. Recent editions have used six principal show locations, connected by a combination of water taxis and land-based transportation.
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center – One of the main in-water exhibition areas, Bahia Mar typically features a varied selection of motor yachts, from center consoles and sportfishers to larger luxury models. Marine equipment, electronics, engines, and boating accessories also form part of the display.
- Hall of Fame Marina – This location typically hosts brokerage and new-build yachts, providing an opportunity to compare pre-owned models with vessels available through yacht builders and dealers. Its role in the 2028 show, including any associated VIP facilities, is subject to confirmation.
- Las Olas Marina – Las Olas Marina has featured brokerage yachts across a range of sizes, with displays that allow visitors to explore different yacht styles and configurations. Its waterfront position places it close to the restaurants and shopping areas of Las Olas Boulevard, and it is home to the popular floating pickleball court.
- Pier Sixty-Six Marina – The marina provides space for larger brokerage yachts, including motor yacht charters measuring more than 100 feet. Visitors can compare vessels designed for extended cruising, entertaining, and private yacht ownership.
- Broward County Convention Center – The convention center brings together the wider marine marketplace, with exhibitors covering equipment, electronics, fishing, diving, personal watercraft, and watersports products. It also serves as an important point for visitor transportation and access to the wider show.
- Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South – Dedicated to the larger end of the market, Superyacht Village showcases superyachts alongside yacht builders, tenders, water toys, and luxury lifestyle exhibitors. It offers visitors a closer look at the design, facilities, and services associated with large-scale yacht ownership.
For visitors interested in the upper end of the market, Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South is one of the key areas to explore. Dedicated to large yachts, North America yacht charters, and the businesses that support them, the waterfront setting brings together superyacht displays, yacht builders, tenders, water toys, and selected luxury lifestyle brands.
The area provides an opportunity to examine the features that distinguish larger yachts, from expansive exterior decks and guest accommodation to dedicated wellness facilities, tenders, and equipment for extended cruising. It is also a useful setting for meeting brokers and representatives from shipyards, particularly for visitors considering a new-build project, brokerage purchase, or future charter in the USA.
Superyacht Village has become an established part of the FLIBS format since its introduction in 2019, with its location at Pier Sixty-Six South providing direct access to the wider show.
General admission ticket holders can access the village, although boarding individual yachts on display remains at the discretion of the relevant broker, dealer, or manufacturer.
While the yachts remain the central attraction, FLIBS also provides a wider program of marine products, demonstrations, and lifestyle exhibits. Across the exhibition areas, visitors can browse fishing equipment, diving accessories, personal watercraft, marine electronics, tenders, and products designed to support life on the water.
The AquaZone run by Nautical Centures continues to be a popular draw at the show with its continuous watersports demonstrations and invaluable insights into how to improve your skills on the waves. The floating pickleball court at Las Olas Marina has proven a hit since its introduction in 2026 and lies in wait for those who are ready to play.
Visitors looking for a more private setting during their time at FLIBS can explore the Windward VIP Experience. Featuring dedicated hospitality facilities and a range of additional perks, two exclusive lounges can be found in the vicinity of the show, comprising the Windward VIP Lounge at the Superyacht Village and the Cabana Club at the Bahia Mar Marina.
Concierge services are available for VIPs, along with transportation and early access to the show. In addition to the private VIP services, getting around the show is just as much of an adventure in Fort Lauderdale, with a series of water taxis, golf carts, a bus shuttle, and a helicopter service on standby.
Dates and opening times for the 2028 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show are yet to be announced.
FLIBS offers a selection of general admission and multi-day tickets, alongside a premium Windward VIP Experience, which are pre-bookableonline.
Ticket categories include:
- Preview Day Ticket – Access to the opening day of the show, subject to the ticket options released for the 2028 edition.
- General Admission Ticket – Standard entry for a selected show day.
- Multi-Day General Admission Ticket – Admission across more than one day, where offered.
- Child Admission Ticket – Reduced-price entry for eligible children between the ages of 6 and 12.
- Windward VIP Experience – A premium hospitality option that includes access to dedicated lounge facilities, premium food and drinks menus, and additional visitor benefits.
It is worth noting that admission to the show does not automatically guarantee access aboard every yacht. As with previous editions, boarding arrangements are expected to remain subject to the discretion of the yacht's broker, dealer, or manufacturer.
Florida offers a varied setting for yacht charters, combining lively coastal cities, sheltered waterways, barrier islands, and access to the tropical cruising grounds of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. The region's established marina network and range of waterfront destinations make it possible to plan itineraries around both busy resort areas and quieter anchorages.
Fort Lauderdale is particularly well placed for exploring South Florida by yacht. From here, charter guests can cruise toward Miami and its surrounding waterways, head north toward Palm Beach, or follow the coastline south toward the Florida Keys. Longer itineraries can also extend across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, where the islands of Bimini, the Abacos Islands, and the Exumas offer a different pace of cruising.
For those attending FLIBS, the show provides a convenient opportunity to speak with yacht brokers and charter specialists about the options available in these destinations. Visitors can discuss yacht sizes, onboard facilities, seasonal considerations, and potential itineraries before deciding which type of charter best suits their plans.
To find out more about exploring the region, take a look at our guide to USA yacht charters and view some sample USA yacht charter itineraries.
Sample USA yacht charter itineraries
The Superyacht Village is open to general admission ticket holders. However, access to individual yachts is controlled by the relevant broker, dealer, or manufacturer, so visitors should not assume that a show ticket guarantees permission to board every vessel.
Recent editions have used six principal locations, including Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Broward County Convention Center, and Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South. Visitors should check the official 2028 map before attending, as the layout and participating locations may change.
No. The show includes yachts for sale, brokerage yachts, new models, and yachts that may be privately owned. Some participating yachts are available for charter, but availability varies. Visitors interested in arranging a charter should speak with a broker to identify suitable yachts and confirm their status.
The show is spread across multiple waterfront locations, so it is worth reviewing the official map and transportation information before arriving. Visitors with particular yachts or exhibitors in mind should identify their priorities in advance and allow enough time to move between the marinas and exhibition spaces.
Planning to visit the 2028 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show or considering a yacht charter in Florida? A yacht charter broker can discuss suitable yachts, availability, and potential cruising itineraries to find your ideal vacation.
Start planning by viewing all luxury yacht charters, or if you're ready to book, speak to a yacht charter broker today.
