Entering its 55th year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), remains the largest in-water boat show in the world.
This year it is set to take place from Oct. 30 until Nov. 3, attracting an international audience of marine enthusiasts.
Each year, show organisers strive to deliver new, features to engage audiences. Here are some of the things to see and do at this year’s show:
- Pier 66 Marina, is the show’s newest location. Recently reopened following a total marina renovation, this show site will feature a display of brokerage yachts and dining options. Pier 66 Marina will be accessible via shuttle bus (Green Line) and/or Water Taxi. Qualified guests will be able to sea trial yachts during the show from this location.
- Check out the 11 new superyachts making their debut at the show
- Visit Burgess who will be presenting a collection of vessels valued at close to a quarter of a billion dollars at the show, from the adventurous 39.6 metres Mea Culpa offered for sale to the beautifully refitted 56.4 metre My Seanna offered for charter.
- A new, full-service pop-up restaurant, called Hugh’s Café is to be located at the Hall of Fame Marina show location, the concept is designed to offer another quality dining option for guests and a place for industry professionals to meet and conduct business.
- Take in a movie at the Boat Show Film Festival, which will be screening Crew Unlimited’s Yachtie Da Film Festival, Guy Harvey Ocean Conservancy films, and trailers from this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
- Motor cars are on display, as is a private jet, personal submarines and the latest yacht and water toys. Even if you’re not in the market for a new boat this year, the show offers amazing exhibits and fun for all.
- People-watch at the show’s world-famous floating cocktail lounges. Find a seat, grab a cold drink and cool off in the shade. Have a bite to eat and recharge while enjoying live music and even livelier crowds.
- Shop for the latest gear or gifts. Nearly $4 billion worth of boats and marine products across more than three million square feet of exhibit space includes an array nautical clothing, gear, the latest marine electronics, accessories and more.
- Ride to the show aboard free riverboats and $10 all-day Water Taxi transportation. The show’s seven locations are connected by a convenient land and water transportation network offering several parking and transportation options to get show-goers to the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.
- Watch the spectacular fireworks display on opening night at the Bahia Mar Marina.
SCHEDULE:
- Thursday, Oct. 30th (Prime Time Preview) 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 31st 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 1st 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 2nd 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 3rd 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ADMISSION:
- Adults $22 online; $24 at show
- Children (ages 6-15) $7 online; $9 at show
- Children (under 6) Free
- Prime Time Preview (Thursday, Oct. 30) $38 online; $40 at show
- Two-Day Ticket $40 online; $42 at show
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, managed and produced by Show Management and sponsored by:
- Gosling’s Rum
- Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
- GEICO,
- YACHTS International Magazine,
- AIM Marine Group,
- Budweiser
- BoatShowHotels.com
- BoatQuest.com
- Palm Harbor Marina
- Smallwoods Yachtwear
- International Game Fish Association (IGFA)
- Monte Carlo Vodka
- South Florida Sun Sentinel