Each autumn, Fort Lauderdale transforms into the epicenter of maritime magnificence. From October 29 to November 2, 2025, the 66th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns to the “Yachting Capital of the World,” bringing together the very best in marine craftsmanship, innovation, and lifestyle.
Celebrated as the largest in-water boat show on Earth, FLIBS continues to define the global standard for yachting excellence. The event spans 90 acres and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, 1,000 exhibitors, and 1,300 vessels across seven iconic venues including the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Pier 66 Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, SuperYacht Village, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, and the Broward County Convention Center. For yacht enthusiasts, industry leaders, and luxury connoisseurs, it is the single most important gathering of the year, a place where visionaries and voyagers meet at the water’s edge.
An Ocean of Luxury
This year’s edition promises to redefine the standard of elegance and innovation. The newly revitalized Pier 66 Marina and its dazzling SuperYacht Village will once again serve as the crown jewel of the show, featuring some of the most extraordinary vessels in the world. Here, gleaming superyachts rise like floating palaces, reflecting both art and engineering mastery.
Renowned shipyards such as Beneteau, Ferretti Group, Azimut, Sunseeker, and Princess Yachts will unveil new models that capture the imagination of the global elite. Among the highlights are Beneteau’s North American premieres of the Gran Turismo 35 and Gran Turismo 40, each representing the perfect balance of performance and style. Visitors can expect to see hybrid propulsion systems, cutting-edge navigation technologies, and interiors that blend contemporary design with the serenity of the sea. Every detail, from polished teak decks to sculptural lines, tells a story of craftsmanship and ambition.
Beyond the Boats
While the yachts remain the centerpiece, FLIBS is also a celebration of the lifestyle that surrounds them. The show’s exclusive Windward VIP Experience transforms the marina into a sanctuary of sophistication, offering gourmet dining, open bars, live entertainment, and a front-row view of the world’s finest vessels. Guests can mingle with industry leaders and collectors in a refined setting where luxury feels effortless and every detail is designed for comfort and connection.
Throughout the event, visitors will discover an expanded showcase of luxury tenders, water toys, and marine accessories. From designer timepieces and custom travel gear to state-of-the-art electric surfboards, FLIBS reflects the evolving world of oceanic living. Fort Lauderdale’s culinary and cultural energy extends well beyond the showgrounds, with waterfront dinners, yacht parties, and charity galas creating an unforgettable rhythm that carries from day into night.
For those seeking the ultimate Fort Lauderdale experience, few things rival spending a day on the water aboard a private luxury yacht. Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway with a dedicated captain, champagne in hand, and sweeping views of the city’s iconic waterfront estates. It’s an unforgettable way to extend the spirit of the show beyond the docks. Book your private yacht experience here. For those seeking the ultimate Fort Lauderdale experience, few things rival spending a day on the water aboard a private luxury yacht. Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway with a dedicated captain, champagne in hand, and sweeping views of the city’s iconic waterfront estates and superyacht marinas. It’s an unforgettable way to extend the spirit of the show beyond the docks and an experience you can easily arrange through private yacht charters in Fort Lauderdale.
A Connected Experience
The scale of FLIBS is matched only by its seamless organization. Spread across seven waterfront venues, the show covers over three million square feet of exhibition space linked by a network of water taxis and shuttle services. Navigating from the grandeur of SuperYacht Village to the charm of Las Olas Marina becomes an experience in itself.
Every turn reveals something new: a debut model shimmering under Florida’s sunlight, a conversation with a designer shaping the next generation of yachting, or a glimpse of the technologies that will define the decade ahead. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned collector, FLIBS offers the rare pleasure of discovery in motion, where the ocean and imagination flow together.
Essential Details
The 2025 show runs from Wednesday, October 29 through Sunday, November 2. Preview Day opens from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by standard show hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the final day. Tickets are available exclusively online, ranging from general admission to premium VIP packages offering private lounges, champagne service, and personalized assistance. Water taxis and shuttles connect all seven venues, making every corner of the show easily accessible.
Where to Stay: The Top 5 Luxury Hotels for FLIBS 2025
For those visiting Fort Lauderdale during FLIBS, a luxurious stay is part of the experience. The city’s premier hotels not only offer prime proximity to the event but also provide the elevated comfort and service that discerning guests expect. Here are the top five accommodations perfectly suited for the show, each just a few steps or a short water taxi ride away.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton offers an unparalleled coastal retreat with refined suites, private balconies, and impeccable service. Guests can unwind at the oceanfront pool or enjoy gourmet dining at Burlock Coast. A short drive from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, it’s ideal for visitors seeking elegance and tranquility.
Book The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
2. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
Known for its contemporary sophistication, the Conrad offers spacious residences and panoramic ocean views. Guests enjoy refined dining at Takato and personalized concierge services, ensuring a seamless experience throughout FLIBS. The property’s stylish atmosphere appeals to yacht owners and international travelers alike.
Book Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
3. Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Marina
A landmark property and one of FLIBS’ primary venues, Pier Sixty-Six offers direct access to the show’s SuperYacht Village. Following a recent renovation, the resort exudes coastal glamour with modern design, lush gardens, and breathtaking marina views. Staying here places guests at the heart of the event.
Book Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Marina
4. W Fort Lauderdale
Vibrant and fashion-forward, the W blends high-energy social scenes with oceanfront luxury. Guests can indulge in cocktails at the Living Room bar, dine at Steak 954 by Stephen Starr, and enjoy the rooftop pool with sweeping views of the coastline. Perfect for those who prefer a lively ambiance during show week.
5. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Adjacent to one of the main show venues, this waterfront property offers modern comfort, marina access, and panoramic views of passing yachts. Its proximity to both the Convention Center and Bahia Mar makes it one of the most convenient stays for attendees.
Book Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Getting There
Traveling to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show couldn’t be easier. The most convenient gateway is Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a smaller, well-connected hub located just a few minutes from the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and the city’s main marinas. Its manageable size means quicker arrivals, smoother security lines, and a far more relaxed start to your visit than larger neighboring airports. For a seamless planning experience, check Expedia for the best flight options and schedules that align with the show dates.
For those arranging the logistics of moving their yachts or smaller vessels to the show, it’s advisable to explore recommended boat transport services
A Celebration of Innovation and Ambition
Beyond its beauty, FLIBS remains one of the most influential platforms in the global maritime industry. Each year, it sets the tone for design trends, emerging technologies, and sustainable practices. From the unveiling of hybrid superyachts to advancements in digital navigation and on-board automation, the show mirrors a future where innovation meets artistry and luxury finds harmony with purpose.
For Fort Lauderdale, the event is both a legacy and a living statement of its enduring relationship with the sea. It anchors the city’s identity as a world leader in marine culture and economic vitality while inspiring the next generation of explorers, engineers, and dreamers.
As the sun sets over the harbor and the reflections of the yachts shimmer across the water, FLIBS 2025 stands as more than an exhibition. It is an experience that captures the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of perfection.
In every gleaming hull and every gathering on the docks, it reminds us that the true luxury of the sea lies not only in the vessels themselves but in the freedom they represent.
