When the docks start buzzing and superyachts gleam under the Florida sun, you know the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is back. For 66 years, this spectacle has been the crown jewel of the “Yachting Capital of the World,” drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe. The 2025 edition runs October 29 to November 2, filling seven venues with luxury showcases, product launches and hands-on moments you won’t find anywhere else.
Seven Locations, One Seamless Experience
FLIBS isn’t confined to one dock or one hall. Recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world, it spans nearly 90 acres and 3 million square feet of exhibit space across seven venues, all steps from the beach in Fort Lauderdale.
Start at the Broward County Convention Center, where boat and product debuts join FLIBS Kids Corner activities, hands-on gadgets and a lineup of seminars and fishing clinics. Head to Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the energetic heart of the show, with hundreds of boats lining the docks. At the Hall of Fame Marina, the new Windward VIP Cabana Club offers a chic retreat, while Las Olas Marina brings you into the stylish core of the city.
The 17th Street Yacht Basin highlights mid-size craft, and the refreshed Pier Sixty-Six Marina sparkles with modern upgrades. Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South features some of the world’s largest megayachts.
Getting around is part of the experience. Water taxis skim the canals, golf carts hum along the pathways and shuttles keep everything moving. Even the travel between venues reflects Fort Lauderdale’s nautical heartbeat.
What’s Fresh in 2025
Bigger & Better
FLIBS 2025 is set to welcome more than 100,000 visitors from around the world, all gathering to explore more than 1,300 boats representing more than 1,000 brands. From sleek center consoles and brokerage yachts to towering superyachts and family-friendly vessels under 50 feet, the variety on display is unmatched. Add in the latest electronics, marine accessories and on-the-water lifestyle products, and it’s easy to see why FLIBS remains the ultimate showcase for the boating industry.
Two Windward VIP Destinations
In 2025, the Windward VIP experience spans two exclusive locations, giving guests more ways to enjoy FLIBS in style.
Start your day with a new perk for 2025: complimentary self-parking and early entry through the Superyacht Village. Inside the Windward VIP Lounge, enjoy gourmet bites, a premium open bar, exclusive activations and private restrooms before stepping out to explore some of the show’s most spectacular yachts.
Later, retreat to the new Windward VIP Cabana Club at Hall of Fame Marina. This venue offers light bites, handcrafted drinks and stunning views, along with private amenities and curated activations in a more intimate setting.
Sailing Toward Sustainability
As part of its commitment to become a zero-waste and net-zero carbon business by 2030, FLIBS will host the 3rd Annual MRH Innovation & Sustainability Awards, presented in partnership with the Marine Research Hub and Suzuki. The awards recognize companies and organizations developing innovative solutions that support environmental conservation, renewable energy, eco-conscious products and community-driven initiatives.
Everything You’re Craving
Foodies will have plenty to look forward to at FLIBS 2025, with a spread designed to satisfy every craving and every budget. Menus include dishes for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests, so everyone can dig in with ease.
Bars and floating barges are scattered throughout the show for quick refreshment stops. Grab a classic Dark ’n Stormy at the Goslings Island Bar or toast with a cold brew at the Stella Artois Barge. Whether you’re snacking dockside or relaxing with a drink in hand, the dining scene adds another layer of energy to the FLIBS experience.
Where to Stay
After a full day on the docks, it helps to be close to the action. Many of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s top hotels and resorts are just minutes from the event venues.
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Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina: A favorite among boat show regulars, this resort-style property sits right across from the Convention Center, with panoramas of the Intracoastal and easy access to Bahia Mar.
- Pier Sixty-Six Resort: Fresh off its transformation, this iconic hotel pairs upscale rooms with direct access to Superyacht Village and Pier Sixty-Six Marina.
- Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard: Stay in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s shopping and dining district while being only a water taxi ride away from the action.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale: For those seeking elevated luxury, this beachfront resort is perched above the Atlantic with fine dining and a serene spa retreat.
Whether you prefer a waterfront resort or a boutique stay in the city’s lively core, there are plenty of options to match your vibe.
Know Before You Go: Dates, Transport and Access
Show Hours
- Wednesday, October 29 (Preview Day): 12 - 7 p.m.
- Thursday, October 30 - to Saturday, November 1: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, November 2: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets
- All tickets are digital and must be purchased online in advance.
- Children under six enter free with a ticketed adult.
- VIP tickets include perks such as early entry, private lounges, open bars, gourmet dining, and complimentary transportation.
Transportation
The Broward County Convention Center is the central hub with more than 3,000 parking spots. From there, shuttles, golf carts and water taxis connect all seven venues.
Daily water taxi passes are $15, and five-day passes are $65, giving visitors an easy, scenic way to travel between locations. For many, the water taxi is the most memorable way to get around, offering a breezy ride along Fort Lauderdale’s famous canals while avoiding road traffic.
Come for the yachts, stay for the lifestyle and leave with the thrill of discovery. FLIBS 2025 promises an unforgettable experience, and once the final boat slips away, the countdown to next year begins.