Overview of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the largest and most prestigious boat show in the world, showcasing a vast array of luxury yachts and marine products. Miami may try to take the title, but this is the best boat show in Florida.
- Location:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Seven different locations at the show. - Month:
October-November - Price:
$50 to $150 per ticket, with discounts available for early purchases, group tickets, or through promotional offers. - Hotel:
It is recommended to book a hotel, as it will not be easy to see the whole show in one day. If you do book, make sure to do so well in advance.
Boats:
Over 1,000 boats on display, featuring a diverse selection including luxury yachts, superyachts, fishing boats, cruisers, personal watercraft, catamarans, trawlers, and performance boats. The primary focus at Fort Lauderdale is on the yachts.
Highlights:
- Transportation: Water taxis, shuttles, and golf carts make getting around the show fun. This show is quite spread out, so you will need transportation to get around.
- Superyacht: Experience some of the best yachts in the world.
- Sea Trials: Yes, you can participate in sea trials, which are becoming increasingly rare at boat shows.
Overview of Miami International Boat Show
Coming in a close second is the Miami International Boat Show. Guests can explore a diverse range of boats, including center consoles and fishing vessels that are very popular in the Miami area.
- Location:
Miami, Florida – Six different locations. - Month:
February - Price:
$30 to $150 per ticket, with discounts available. - Hotel:
A hotel is recommended, as it can take multiple days to see everything. Book accommodations in advance, as the event attracts large crowds and fills nearby hotels quickly.
Boats:
Miami specializes in fishing boats, particularly center consoles. They have everything else as well, but fishing boats are predominant.
Highlights:
- Transportation: Water taxis, golf carts, and shuttles make it fun to get around the show.
- Fishing Boats: This is Miami’s specialty, showcasing an impressive range of fishing vessels.
- Pride Park: A family-friendly area featuring unique attractions and interactive experiences.
Overview of Palm Beach Boat Show
The Palm Beach Boat Show is rapidly growing in popularity, stealing attention away from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It has about half the attendance of those shows but seems fancier and is easier to navigate.
Location:
West Palm Beach, Florida – One large location, easily walkable.
Month:
March
Price:
$30 to $60 for adults, with discounts available.
Hotel:
Consider booking a hotel to maximize your experience. While you could see the show in one day, taking your time is recommended.
Boats:
Palm Beach has a diverse selection, with a specialty in yachts. Many yacht brokers are present, offering plenty of deals.
Highlights:
- Setup: The PBIBS has an excellent layout, making it easy to navigate with everything in walking distance.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Plenty of options for kids and families.
- Food: Highly regarded food options, ranging from seafood to burgers and gyros.
Overview of Jacksonville Boat Show
The Jacksonville Boat Show is a fun, family-friendly event that showcases a variety of boats, perfect for boating enthusiasts. One location makes it easy to see everything.
- Location:
Jacksonville, Florida – Convention Center - Month:
January - Price:
$15 for adults, $5 for children, and a $10 parking fee. - Hotel:
Hotels are not necessary here, as you can see the whole show pretty quickly.
Boats:
Trailerable boats are the focus, including center consoles, bowriders, deck boats, and pontoons.
Highlights:
- Kids’ Activities: Fun activities for families are available.
- Attendance: Typically under 10,000, making this show much more relaxed, allowing you to take your time.
- Indoors: The entire show is indoors, providing a good escape from winter.
Overview of Tampa Bay Boat Show
The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a smaller show that is free. If you’re in the area, stop by for a couple of hours to check things out.
- Location:
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, Florida – One location. - Month:
September - Price:
Free admission, parking typically around $10. - Hotel:
A hotel is not needed, as you can easily walk through the show in a couple of hours.
Boats:
Fishing boats, pontoons, and personal watercraft.
Highlights:
- Seminars: Good information on fishing and boating is provided.
- Price: Free admission is a major draw.
Overview of Trawler Fest
Trawler Fest is an event that should be bigger; it features many great trawlers to explore. The number of vendors is lower, which creates a more intimate show atmosphere. This event is held at a single dock, making it easy to connect with the trawler community.
- Location:
Stuart, Florida – One dock. - Month:
February-March - Price:
Typically around $15. - Hotel:
No need for hotels; you can pop in quickly to look at a dozen or so boats.
Boats:
Trawlers.
Highlights:
- Boats: Trawlers are the star here! If you enjoy the slower-paced style of trawling along, this is the show for you.
- Size: This show feels more like a community gathering where talking to owners is nice and laid back.
Overview of Fort Myers Boat Show
The Fort Myers Boat Show is the largest boat show on the west coast of Florida, taking place in downtown Fort Myers, which has some great restaurants within walking distance.
- Location:
Downtown Fort Myers. - Month:
November - Price:
$20 for adults, and children under 15 are free. - Hotel:
Skip the hotel; this boat show is a small event that can be completed in less than a day.
Boats:
Center consoles, bay boats, skiffs, inshore fishing, and offshore fishing vessels.
Highlights:
- Downtown Fort Myers: It’s nice to explore downtown after you’re done at the show. Some great restaurants close by!
- Seminars: Some informative fishing seminars will take place.
- Boats: Over 500 boats on land, providing a good selection.
Overview of St. Petersburg Boat Show
The St. Petersburg Boat Show features powerboats and sailboats, highlighting the interest in sailboats and catamarans is always a plus.
- Location:
Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida – Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater, and Albert Whitted Park. - Month:
November - Price:
$20 for adults, and children under 15 are free. - Hotel:
The boat show can typically be completed in a day, so a hotel stay is not necessary.
Boats:
Center consoles, skiffs, bowriders, pontoons, catamarans, and sailboats.
Highlights:
- Catamarans: A good opportunity to board catamarans, they are amazing in person!
- Selection: A surprising variety of boats available at this show.
Overview of Naples Boat Show
The Naples Boat Show is perhaps the smallest show on this list, making it a good option for a quick stop. It seems to get rained out every year, so be mindful of the weather.
- Location:
Naples, Florida – Sugden Regional Park and Naples City Dock. - Month:
January - Price:
$15 for adults, kids 12 and under free. - Hotel:
Small show, so it’s advisable to skip a hotel stay.
Boats:
Center consoles, bowriders, deck boats, bay boats, and pontoon boats.
Highlights:
- Crowd: Not very crowded, making it easy to see the boats.
Conclusion
Florida’s boat shows offer a diverse range of experiences for enthusiasts of all levels. From the grandeur of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to the intimate atmosphere of Trawler Fest, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in luxury yachts, fishing boats, or family-friendly activities, these shows provide excellent opportunities to explore the boating lifestyle.