The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show looks set to be packed with a huge number of spectacular yachts as the largest in-water boat show in the world celebrates its 60th edition in style this year.
Running from 30 October to 3 November, the show is expected to host around 200 superyachts and has even introduced a new Superyacht Village - an area designated especially to the most impressive boats in show.
Spread across six miles of floating docks and seven locations, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (or FLIBS as it is known for short) is a must for any yachting enthusiast. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to come to the show to visit over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 1,200 boats and yachts.
The event is always a fantastic opportunity for potential buyers and charterers to meet brokers to discuss the latest models and get on board some eye-popping yachts for a closer look at their luxury.
Boats being showcased include superyachts, tenders, sailing yachts, cabin cruisers, express cruisers and inflatables.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - The Highlights
As ever the stunning beachfront location and wonderful climate will give visitors the perfect chance to take in some stunning yachts including many making their worldwide debuts.
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Once again the iconic white tower of the Bahia Mar Yachting Center will be the focal point of the show with endless in-water displays and tent after tent of land based exhibitors.
There are in-water displays of everything from sportfishing boats to motoryachts and much more in between. Or you can head over to the face dock to see a huge amount of superyachts.
Step out of the heat for a while and take a tour of the yachting world at the Superyacht Pavilion and American Pavilion. These tents are handily air conditioned and you will be able to speak to some of the world-class boat builders and equipment manufacturers at the show.
The Engine Tent is the place to visit if you want to increase the horsepower on your boat, or just see some of the biggest diesels around!
The land area displays are packed with a big selection of tenders and equipment, and are the place to go to see center consoles and runabouts. There is also plenty of essential gear and some wonderful food as well.
You can also pick up some essentials in the boating accessories tents - everything from clothing to jewelry, or step across to the marine equipment tent for a selection of items ranging from paint to deck hardware.
Finally the Electronics Tent should be your port of call to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in marine electronics.
Pier 66 Marina
This is the venue to go to for brokerage yachts. Hop on the shuttle bus or grab a water taxi and see some of the finest yachts on display from some of the world’s top boat builders.
There is also the chance to enjoy some delicious food at one of the many great restaurants located around here.
Las Olas Marina
Drop by Las Olas Marina and see even more of the big production and brokerage boats and a selection of new and brokerage superyachts.
Also you can take the chance to experience their luxury in full by contacting your broker and arranging a visit onboard some of these magnificent yachts.
The Superyacht Village
Brand new this year the Superyacht Village is an exclusive marina and on-land area that will showcase the most spectacular yachts in the show, all over 300 feet.
Expect to see some of the largest and most innovative superyachts in the world here, from the world’s leading boat makers, with top brokerage houses there to speak to about what will be some of the hottest real estate on the charter market.
The 3.5 acre site will also showcase other luxury toys such as helicopters, submarines and collectable cars and have a range of quality fine dining restaurants within easy reach.
The Superyacht Village is located at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina’s new ‘Pier South’ property and is well served by the shuttle bus and water tenders. It also has on site parking.
Other areas to visit
You can stop by at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center for further boating pleasure and the chance to get up close to fishing boats, bowriders, runabouts and more, or check out the Sailfish Pavilion for more tents and open air displays, along with expert displays on other water sports.
What else can you expect?
Whilst the main attraction is always the amazing yachts, there is also much more at FLIBS - including a relaxed atmosphere, wonderful weather, tasty food, seminars, talks and more.
The Sunset Soiree and Yacht Chef Competition
After the success of the first ever Sunset Soiree and Yacht Chef Competition last year, it returns this year with four world-leading yacht chefs serving up their cuisine and competing for the crown of best chef.
Across the venue there are 100 vendors selling some delicious food - so you won’t be short of something great to eat.
Seminars, talks and expos
A range of seminars aimed at yacht buyers and owners will be held at the new Superyacht Village.
If you are thinking about buying a yacht then be sure to check out the Yacht Owner Insight Seminar on 1 November when two veteran yacht owners will talk about their experiences of buying a yacht and what to look out for.
There are also kids’ fishing clinics, talks from water sport experts and seminars on marine projects that are protecting the coral reef.
The Windward VIP Club
If you want to enjoy the show in the most lavish way then the Windward VIP Club, newly introduced this year, might be perfect for you.
Located on the main dock of Bahia Mar in a majestic, climate controlled tent, this offers a premium bar and gourmet food as well as access to exclusive experiences and events run by the show's sponsors.
The Angler’s Hospitality Lounge
Another sumptuous experience can be found at the The Angler’s Hospitality Lounge - a luxury suite with an extensive Key West tapas style menu. The Lounge has a bird’s-eye view of the show and tickets are available separately.
Getting Around
Thankfully it also has an excellent inter-show transport system.
The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi services connects parking lots to the North, West and South along with connections to all show sites
An extensive shuttle bus service also operates - running across three different routes.
The seven locations for the show are; Pier 66 Marina, Sails Marina, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel and Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale /Broward County Convention Center.
The official show map gives you an extensive overview of where everything can be found.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased either on the door or online. Tickets bought in advance online do offer special promotions and easier entry.
Both one-day and two-day general admission tickets are available, with discounted rates for children aged 6-to-15. Children under the age of 6 are allowed in for free.
More expensive Prime Time Previews are available for the first day of the show and for the most comfortable experience of all you can get a Windward VIP ticket.
Getting to the show
The show is located within easy reach of a number of airports - the closest being Fort Lauderdale International Airport, which is just five miles away. It has non-stop flights across the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Europe.
Brightline Trains also offer regular services to the vicinity of the show, with discounts for those attending FLIBS. Water taxis and shuttle buses run from just outside the station to the show.
In recent years parking options have been expanded and there are now more than 600 parking spots available with beach hopper golf carts picking up and dropping off from designated parking locations.
Hints and tips
Fort Lauderdale is a tourist hotspot and with the exotic Everglades on one side and beautiful beaches on the other it is easy to see why.
In addition within minutes of the show are the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science & the AutoNation 3D IMAX Theater, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Center, Stranahan House and the Museum of Art.
The show has also worked with their partners to offer discounted rates at a selection of nearby hotels.
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