Fort Lauderdale Boat Show – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show isn’t just an event it’s the crown jewel of the global marine industry and the ultimate stage for luxury, innovation, and power on the water.
Each fall, the “Yachting Capital of the World” transforms into a nautical wonderland where the Atlantic horizon merges seamlessly with rows of gleaming superyachts, state-of-the-art vessels, and world-class exhibits. For anyone passionate about the sea whether a yacht owner, investor, industry insider, or first-time visitor the energy here is unmatched.
The scale is staggering: more than three million square feet of exhibits spread across nearly 90 acres of waterfront. From the grandeur of Superyacht Village to the buzzing displays at the Broward County Convention Center, every square inch reflects prestige and craftsmanship.
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show isn’t just about boats it’s about forging connections, exploring cutting-edge marine technology, and experiencing a lifestyle that defines coastal luxury.
With its massive economic impact and unrivaled networking opportunities, FLIBS has evolved into a global hub where business deals are made, trends are launched, and dreams of life at sea come alive. For five days, Fort Lauderdale becomes more than a city it becomes the epicenter of maritime excellence.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show – Luxury Yachts, Exhibits & Events
Overview & Importance
📍 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is the world’s largest in-water exhibition. It dominates the global marine calendar with unmatched scale. Owned by MIASF and produced by Informa Markets, the event drives the marine industry forward.
Its footprint fuels billions in commerce, supporting South Florida’s economy and influencing international maritime trade. Every year, yacht brokers, naval architects, and investors converge here. For seasoned professionals, this show is not optional it’s essential.
Dates, Timings & Venue
Mark the dates: October 29 to November 2, 2025. Daily entry opens Wednesday at noon and closes Sunday evening. Detailed timings are fixed:
- Wednesday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Exhibits stretch across prestigious marinas: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, SuperYacht Village, Pier 66 Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, and Broward County Convention Center.
Arrivals are simplified by Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station. Complimentary shuttles run five loops, linking venues seamlessly.
Tickets & Entry
Ticket options are tiered. General admission covers standard entry. Premium admission grants access to lounges, complimentary drinks, and elevated hospitality. Booking is efficient on the official FLIBS website. Early purchase is strongly advised to avoid onsite congestion.
Highlights of the Show
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show shines brightest at the SuperYacht Village. Here, visitors explore mega-yachts, advanced propulsion, and futuristic onboard technology. At Broward Convention Center, equipment suppliers and marine accessories deliver state-of-the-art innovations.
Culinary showcases span global cuisines. Tastings highlight seafood pairings and international flavors. Specialty cocktails like the Rumgroni at Mary Mary Bar attract connoisseurs. Music, live entertainment, and immersive water toy demos in AquaZone complete the program.
What to Bring & Visitor Tips
Preparation maximizes value. Essentials include:
- Breathable fabrics and comfortable footwear.
- Digital passes, chargers, and sun protection.
- Utilize shuttle loops for efficient navigation.
Pro insight: schedule SuperYacht Village during early morning for quieter viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?
Nearly 90 acres with 1,300 vessels on display.
Where to buy tickets?
Official FLIBS website.
Best time to visit?
Weekdays for lighter crowds.
Are children allowed?
Yes, with supervision.
Dock my own yacht?
Possible, subject to exhibitor arrangements.
“Explore top attractions in Fort Lauderdale, plan your visit today and experience the city’s culture, charm, and coastal energy!”
Top Restaurants Near the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show pulls a global crowd who chase luxury, culture, and great food as much as yachts. After walking miles of floating docks and mega-yacht displays, people want more good food close by.
Luckily, Seabreeze Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard pack in restaurants for every mood and appetite. Here’s a guide that lines up dining with the same prestige as the event.
Marina Village – Coastal Sophistication Steps from the Show
📍 849 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Marina Village isn’t only a restaurant. It’s more like a coastal lifestyle hub sitting right by the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Inside, maritime design meets earthy and polished interiors.
- The Promenade brings fine seafood with unmatched water views.
- The Shorely pours cocktails with a breezy nautical twist.
- Mainland Bar mixes bold drinks in a sharp, modern space.
It stretches the luxury beyond yachts. Curated, really, for investors, industry pros, and those who live cosmopolitan energy.
Bo’s Beach – Elevated Views with Beachfront Dining
📍 600 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Bo’s Beach lifts the dining vibe with two levels and sweeping 270° views. During the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, this spot becomes famous.
- Menu staples? Wood-fired pizza and fresh-caught seafood.
- Cocktail program feels crafted for post-exhibit evenings, all tropical and fun.
It balances laid-back beach charm with fine service, creating the perfect pivot from daytime networking to relaxed evening mingling.
Coconuts – Waterfront Access and Nautical Charm
📍 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Coconuts is a cornerstone for Fort Lauderdale Boat Show visitors. Some even dock right outside literally boat-to-table dining.
- Popular plates include lobster rolls and island shrimp.
- Vibe runs casual yet stylish, fitting for business talk or just chilling.
Its friendly energy mixed with nautical character makes it a go-to for deals or downtime.
G&B Oyster Bar – Sleek, Contemporary Oyster Haven
📍 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Right beside Coconuts, G&B Oyster Bar plays a sharper, intimate card. Its open-air design and seafood pull the yacht crowd hard.
- Think raw oysters, ceviche, towers stacked with shellfish.
- Minimalist but open style works with a sophisticated set.
It often flips into a mini networking hub, oysters in hand, new partnerships being born right at the counter.
Louie Bossi’s – Las Olas – Authentic Italian Energy
📍 1032 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Louie Bossi’s hums with energy. Italian at its core, it’s also the lively spot many Fort Lauderdale Boat Show groups choose.
- Handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza roll out daily.
- A bocce court patio keeps the vibe playful and social.
For groups, it’s perfect half fine dining, half celebration. Conversations stretch long with wine and laughter.
El Camino Las Olas – Vibrant Mexican Flavors
📍 817 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
El Camino throws color and punch into Las Olas. For visitors from the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, it’s Mexican done vibrant and real.
- Street tacos pair easily with margaritas that stand out.
- Décor layers rustic details with modern urban art.
People swap yacht decks for lively tables, sharing casual bites with energy running high.
Earls Kitchen + Bar – Globally Inspired, Upscale Casual
📍 1002 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Earls delivers global plates in a stylish but not intimidating setting. During the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, it draws world travelers.
- Menu crosses prime steaks with sushi and bowls.
- Cocktails lean inventive, fresh, and seasonal.
It captures Fort Lauderdale’s polished cosmopolitan side, filling with yacht buyers and traveling executives.
Catch & Cut – Premier Destination Dining
📍 1309 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Catch & Cut is pure high-end dining. Its seafood and prime cuts sync well with the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show’s elite feel.
- Sushi, raw bar, and even caviar top the menu.
- Pairings with premium wines amplify the experience.
It’s the place for serious deals, quiet celebrations, and dining that says, “luxury lives here.”
Gran Forno Pronto – Relaxed Italian Bistro
📍 704 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Gran Forno Pronto keeps it simpler. A short hop from the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, it offers Italian done easy and honest.
- Pizzas and pastas served fresh in a bistro style.
- Patio hosts live music that sets a neighborhood vibe.
It’s the stop for guests who just want comfort food and downtime after the chaos of exhibits.
Gen Korean BBQ House – Bold, Modern Dining
📍 1301 E Las Olas Blvd, Bay #150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Gen Korean BBQ House adds energy. Attendees from the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show crowd around grills, cooking plates themselves in a bold modern space.
- Unlimited choices mean freedom to experiment.
- Design feels loud, youthful, built for groups.
It attracts younger professionals and global visitors who crave something playful after serious days of yacht showcases.
Why Dining Enhances the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Experience
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show isn’t only luxury yachts or contracts signed at SuperYacht Village. Dining is part of the memory too.
- Seabreeze and Las Olas keep options near and convenient.
- Venues double as social, networking, and cultural touchpoints.
- Menus span refined seafood, Italian classics, and bold global experiments.
The food reflects the show’s own luxury identity. It makes sure attendees enjoy culture, lifestyle, and connections not just boats.
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show leads the marine world, yet these restaurants complete the event. From Bo’s views to Catch & Cut’s decadence, each stop shapes the story people take home.
Maybe you’re closing yacht deals worth millions. Maybe it’s tacos after a long day. Either way, dining near the docks feels essential. The show ends, but memories stretch beyond the water, into the flavor of Fort Lauderdale itself.
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The Ultimate Conclusion About Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show stays unmatched, the real crown jewel of global marine innovation, luxury yachts, and serious networking. Each year, it pulls in investors, professionals, and enthusiasts who get the gravity of an in-water spectacle this size.
The yachts, superyachts, marine tech, and endless exhibitors set the scale. That’s why the world looks at it as prestige. Skip it, and in truth, you’re skipping opportunity itself.
Still, the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show isn’t only business. It flips the whole city into a living stage where the waterfront collides with dining, culture, and easy hospitality. Guests don’t just watch luxury yachts float by; they soak in the rhythm of the city itself.
Spots along Seabreeze Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard carry the same indulgence as the marinas. Fine dining, coastal energy, and cultural buzz shape experiences that roll right beyond the docks.
The smart ones?
They grab tickets early. Not just for entry, but to stake their ground in the center of action, deals, and innovation. Pair the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show with the city’s culinary edge and lifestyle scene it guarantees memories that stick well after the last yacht sails out.
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