The Burgess guide to Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Your guide to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show provides an impressive display of boats of all sizes. It’s also one of the best opportunities to discover the latest tenders and watertoys for your yacht and check out a large collection of exotic cars. For owners looking to discover their new superyacht or large build project, the Superyacht Village is an exclusive marina where visitors can speak to designers, shipyards and access the latest launches.

What is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, often referred to as FLIBS, is the world’s largest in-water show with around 1,300 yachts afloat in Fort Lauderdale’s waterways and marinas. It showcases more world and US debuts than any other American boat show, drawing visitors, yachts and visitors from the world over.

When is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

Scheduled to take place in late October in the Floridian yachting capital of Fort Lauderdale, the annual event marks the start of the American superyacht show season when industry shifts its focus from Europe across the Atlantic, and the Caribbean charter season gets going. With its proximity to the balmy Bahamas, FLIBS is a popular stop off en route to starting a Bahamian winter yacht charter.

Event overview: planning your trip to Fort Lauderdale

The large-scale, five-day event takes place across seven sites: the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Pier 66 Marina and the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South. With an expected 100,000 show attendees, the event covers nearly 90 acres and is serviced by a network of water taxis and shuttle buses that transport visitors around the intricate network of water.

What else can I do in Florida?

FLIBS is located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida. More than 24-miles of luminous coastline makes Florida ideal for families who are visiting the show with children and looking for nearby entertainment. Swim the clear waters, dine out on the freshest seafood, take some time out from the hectic show with a little retail therapy at nearby boutiques or simply rest awhile and sink your toes into the velvety, golden sands.

Enjoy breakfast at the Floridian

Forming part of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Grand Floridian café serves up an all-day menu of tasty treats and delicious dishes, capped off with a casual table-service. Elegantly decked out with a laidback vibe, it’s a popular eatery for those looking to drink in the atmosphere of the Floridian restaurant where maximum taste and minimum cost is the order of the day.

Visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

As one of the most historical houses in the whole of Florida, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – also known as the Bartlett Estate – was the former home of artist and architect Frederic Clay Bartlett. The 35.4-acre estate includes the main house, an art studio, a music studio and a guest house, all designed by Bartlett, as well as Fort Lauderdale's first theatre, the Island Theatre, which sits nestled in the grounds.

Try sunset paddleboarding on the Middle River

Seeing the day out with a beautiful South Florida sunset on a stand up paddleboard drifting down Middle River in Fort Lauderdale is one of the best ways to end a busy day at FLIBS. Take your pick from paddling around the sailboat anchorage, Las Olas Boulevard waterway or northbound along the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal waterway. Boards are easy to rent for two hours at a time, creating a suitably Zen end to the perfect Floridian day.

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