The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is our favorite show to attend in Florida, with the Miami International Boat Show right behind it. Here, you’ll see a stunning array of high-end yachts and even some supercars.
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Location
The show takes place across several key venues:
Bahia Mar Yachting Center: A great place to find fishing boats.
Las Olas Marina: Known for its luxury yachts, this marina offers visitors a chance to explore various high-end yachts.
Hall of Fame Marina: This venue showcases smaller boats and fishing accessories, making it ideal for those interested in smaller options.
SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 South: An exclusive area dedicated to superyachts, where attendees can admire some of the largest and most luxurious boats on display. Don’t expect to board these.
Pier 66 Marina: Another location known for its high-end Yachts.
Broward County Convention Center: Serves as the central hub for seminars and workshops, as well as the transportation hub.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina: Conveniently located for attendees, this venue provides easy access to various show activities.
Type: Indoor and Outdoor Boat Show
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show offers a comprehensive experience with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Be prepared to use transportation between different locations.
Price
Ticket prices for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show typically range from $50 to $150, depending on the day and type of pass. Options include single-day passes, multi-day passes, and VIP tickets, which offer additional perks such as access to exclusive areas and events. Discounts may be available for early purchases, group tickets, or through promotional offers.
Hotels
Hyatt Pier 66
Distance: 0.5 miles (approx. 10-minute walk)
Price: $300-$500 per night
Description: A waterfront hotel offering upscale accommodations, a pool, and a full-service restaurant, conveniently located near the show.
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale
Distance: 1 mile (approx. 20-minute walk)
Price: $250-$400 per night
Description: This elegant hotel features modern amenities, a restaurant, and a fitness center, making it a great choice for attendees.
Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale
Distance: 1.1 miles (approx. 25-minute walk)
Price: $150-$250 per night
Description: A budget-friendly option with comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to the show.
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor
Distance: 0.3 miles (approx. 5-minute walk)
Price: $300-$450 per night
Description: This hotel boasts beautiful waterfront views, modern rooms, and a great location for exploring the show.
Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale
Distance: 1.5 miles (approx. 30-minute walk)
Price: $200-$300 per night
Description: A contemporary hotel offering spacious rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to the show venues.
Transportation
There are multiple options to get around the show, including shuttles, golf carts, and water taxis.
Water Taxis: The most popular option, although they can be slow at times. Here are the routes:
- Orange Route: Pick-up/drop-off to and from Riverside Hotel to Bahia Mar (loop).
- Yellow Route: Pick-up/drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center to SuperYacht Village to Bahia Mar (loop).
- Pink Route: Pick-up/drop-off to and from GALLERYone DoubleTree Hotel to Las Olas Marina to Bahia Mar (loop).
Shuttles: Available with designated routes connecting key venues.
Golf Carts: Not ideal for larger parties but provide a quick way to get around.
- Purple Route: Pick-up/drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center and Bahia Mar (loop).
- Green Route: Pick-up/drop-off to and from Broward County Convention Center to Superyacht Village to Bahia Mar (loop).
- Red Route: Pick-up/drop-off to and from Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station to Riverside Hotel (loop).
- Blue Route (shuttle only): Pick-up/drop-off to and from West Marine Center and Bahia Mar (loop).
Parking
Parking can be very challenging. While there are metered spots along A1A, they fill up quickly. I highly recommend taking a water taxi to the show. Here are some better parking options:
Riverwalk Center Garage
Distance: 0.8 miles (approx. 15-minute walk)
Price: $15 per day
Description: A convenient parking option located near the show, providing easy access to shuttles and walking routes.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Distance: 0.4 miles (approx. 8-minute walk)
Price: $20 per day
Description: Offers parking for hotel guests and event attendees, located right next to the main venues for quick access.
Galleria Mall
Distance: 1 mile (approx. 20-minute walk)
Price: $10-$15 per day
Description: Ample parking with shuttle services available to the show, making it a practical option for attendees.
AA Arena Parking
Distance: 3 miles (approx. 10-minute drive)
Price: $20 per day
Description: A practical parking option with easy access to water taxis that can take you directly to the show.
Exhibits and Attractions Highlight
At the Convention Center, attendees can participate in seminars covering boat handling, fishing techniques, and sustainable boating practices. Be sure to head over to the Superyacht Village to explore the latest trends in superyachting.
Food
The show features over 100 food concessions and bars, offering a variety of delicious options, including gyros, street tacos, and handcrafted burgers. The gyros were a big hit for us!
Best Boats at the Show
Expect to see some amazing supercars, like Lamborghinis and McLarens, alongside stunning superyachts and even helicopters.
Visitor Experience
Busy Environment: Like Miami’s boat show, this event attracts over 100,000 attendees yearly, so expect large crowds. Be patient, as some transportation options may be slow.
Food: While the food is excellent, it can be pricey, so consider bringing some snacks.
Weather: Some years can get hot, so heading into the air-conditioned Convention Center is your best bet on those days.
What to Wear
Shoes: Bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and may need to remove them to board some boats.
Weather: The boat show typically occurs in late October, so expect warm, sunny days. Be sure to check the forecast before your visit.
Backpack or Bag: A small backpack can be useful for carrying water, snacks, and any purchases.
Sea Trials
Sea trials are quite scarce at FLIBS, but you might find some at Pier 66. If you get the chance, be sure to assess engine performance, stability, comfort, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency.
Other Info
Pets: Generally not allowed, with only ADA-certified service animals permitted.
Bag Policy: Be prepared for security checks if bringing bags with snacks and water, and keep in mind that navigating with strollers can be challenging.
Sunday Visit: Attending the boat show while football is on can make the experience less crowded.
FLIBS vs. MBS: The Fort Lauderdale show is more flashy, featuring higher-end yachts and some supercars, while the Miami Boat Show leans more toward fishing boats. Personally, we still prefer Fort Lauderdale.
Conclusion
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a unique and grand event. With proper planning, you can make the most of your visit. Remember to arrive early, be prepared for crowds, and enjoy the diverse and high-end offerings of this spectacular show.