There is a reason Fort Lauderdale calls itself the Yachting Capital of the World. Every fall, the city’s marinas, canals, and convention spaces transform into a floating playground of yachts, watertoys, and marine innovation. For five days, the entire region becomes the center of the global boating industry, drawing buyers, brokers, and curious visitors from every corner of the world.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the 2026 edition, from dates and ticket prices to the attractions you simply cannot miss.
Show Dates and Locations
The 67th edition of this event runs from Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. It spans seven premier venues connected by six miles of floating docks and water taxis. These venues include the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, the 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South.
The main address for the event is 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The Broward County Convention Center also acts as a central transportation hub, with shuttles and water taxis connecting visitors to every other location throughout the day.
This year’s edition spans nearly 90 acres and over three million square feet of exhibition space. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend, alongside more than 1,300 yachts and boats on display. Therefore, planning your visit in advance is essential if you want to see everything that matters to you.
Daily Schedule and Hours
Knowing the opening hours for each day helps you plan a smooth visit. The typical daily schedule runs as follows:
- Wednesday, October 28 (Preview Day): 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 29: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 30: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday is designated as a preview day, giving early visitors a quieter first look before the larger weekend crowds arrive. If you prefer a more relaxed pace and shorter lines at popular exhibits, Wednesday or Thursday tends to be the better choice.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy Them
This year, tickets can only be purchased online in advance. There is no ticketing box office on site, and all tickets are digital, scanned directly from your phone upon entry. Therefore, buying ahead of time through the official website is not just convenient, it is required.
General admission pricing typically includes the following options:
- Adult one-day general admission: around 42 dollars
- Two-day combo ticket: around 70 dollars
- Preview day ticket: around 64 dollars
- Children ages 7 to 15: around 16 dollars
- Children under 6 years old: free
For visitors who want a more elevated experience, the Windward VIP Experience offers access to all seven show venues plus exclusive entry to the Windward VIP Club at Hall of Fame Marina. This premium ticket has historically been priced near 439 dollars and includes a premium open bar, gourmet dining, luxury pop-up activations, private restrooms, and complimentary shuttle and water taxi service between all locations.
Multi-day passes that combine the preview day with general admission are also available, giving early access plus extended time across the weekend. Since pricing can shift slightly from year to year, checking the official FLIBS website before you book is always a smart final step.
Getting Around: Transportation and Parking
Moving between seven different venues might sound complicated, but the event has built an efficient transportation network to handle it. Shuttles and water taxis run continuously between all locations throughout each show day, included with your general admission ticket.
The Broward County Convention Center serves as the main transportation hub, with the largest parking capacity and frequent shuttle departures. If you are arriving by car, parking near the Convention Center is generally your most reliable option.
Additionally, visitors coming from Miami, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Boca Raton, or even Orlando can take the Brightline train directly to Fort Lauderdale. This service includes a complimentary shuttle to the Riverside Hotel, where a water taxi connects directly to the show. This option lets you skip traffic entirely and arrive relaxed and ready to explore.
For the most comfortable experience, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Visitors typically walk several miles over the course of a full day, and many exhibitors will ask you to remove your shoes before boarding any yacht for a tour.
Top Attractions You Cannot Miss
Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South
This is where the largest and most luxurious vessels in the world come to dazzle. Superyacht Village showcases some of the most extraordinary yachts on the market, many of which are making their global debut at this very event. Walking the docks here feels less like a trade show and more like stepping into a floating exhibition of design and engineering excellence.
The Windward VIP Club
Located at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Windward VIP Club has expanded into a larger, more comprehensive experience this year. It offers premium open bars, gourmet food, private restrooms, and luxury sponsorship activations, all wrapped into one elevated environment. For visitors who want to combine networking with comfort, this is the place to be.
The AquaZone
Presented by Nautical Ventures and located at the Broward County Convention Center, the AquaZone is bigger and more exciting than ever this year. This attraction gives visitors an up-close look at thrilling watersports and the newest marine recreation products. It is especially popular with families and younger visitors who want a hands-on, high-energy experience.
Hook the Future
This feature highlights the next generation of fishing and marine technology, blending education with entertainment for anglers of every skill level. It is a great stop for visitors who want to combine their love of fishing with a look at where the industry is heading next.
The 17th Street Yacht Basin and Hall of Fame Marina
These two venues showcase a wide range of brokerage yachts, motor yachts, and mid-size vessels, making them ideal for visitors who are seriously shopping rather than simply browsing. Exhibitors here are often available for private viewings and detailed walkthroughs, particularly if you schedule an appointment in advance.
Interactive Seminars and Marine Technology Displays
Throughout the week, educational and interactive seminars run for visitors of all ages. These sessions cover everything from boating safety to the latest in marine technology, giving newcomers and experienced boaters alike a chance to learn something new. Exhibitors across all seven venues also showcase the newest marine accessories, electronics, fishing gear, and diving equipment.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A little preparation goes a long way at an event of this scale. Here are some practical tips worth following.
- Buy your tickets online well in advance, since there is no box office available on site this year.
- Choose Wednesday or Thursday if you prefer smaller crowds and shorter wait times for popular exhibits.
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes you do not mind slipping off quickly for yacht tours.
- Schedule any private yacht viewings as early as possible, since availability fills up quickly closer to the weekend.
- Use the shuttle and water taxi network rather than trying to walk between distant venues.
- Bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle, since much of the show takes place outdoors under the Florida sun.
- If traveling from outside Fort Lauderdale, consider the Brightline train to avoid parking stress and traffic delays.
Following even a few of these suggestions can transform a potentially exhausting day into a smooth and genuinely enjoyable experience.
Why This Event Matters Beyond the Boats
This show is not just about admiring beautiful vessels. It generates an enormous economic impact for the region, with figures reaching close to 1.79 billion dollars in recent years. Brokers, builders, and global buyers treat this week as one of the most important dates on the yachting calendar, often unveiling brand-new models and striking major deals on site.
Therefore, even if you are not in the market to buy a yacht, attending offers a fascinating window into a global industry that blends design, technology, and lifestyle in a way few other events can match.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of this legendary in-water boat show brings together seven stunning venues, more than 1,300 yachts, and over 100,000 visitors across five unforgettable days from October 28 through November 1. With online-only ticketing, a reliable shuttle and water taxi network, and standout attractions like the Superyacht Village, the Windward VIP Club, and the AquaZone, there is something here for every type of visitor. Whether you are a serious buyer, a curious first-timer, or simply a fan of life on the water, planning ahead with the right tickets, schedule, and travel strategy will help you make the absolute most of your time at the world’s largest in-water boat show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates and hours for the 2026 event?
The event runs from Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Wednesday preview day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
How do I buy tickets, and is there a box office on site?
Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the official website. There is no onsite box office this year, and all tickets are digital, scanned directly from your phone at entry.
How much do tickets typically cost?
General admission for adults is usually priced around 42 dollars for one day, with two-day combo tickets around 70 dollars. Children ages 7 to 15 are around 16 dollars, and children under 6 are free. Premium Windward VIP tickets, which include exclusive club access, have historically been priced near 439 dollars.
How do I get between the seven different show locations?
Shuttles and water taxis run continuously between all seven venues throughout each show day, included with general admission. The Broward County Convention Center serves as the main transportation hub for parking and shuttle departures.
What are the must-see attractions at this year’s show?
Top attractions include the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, the expanded Windward VIP Club at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the AquaZone at the Broward County Convention Center, and Hook the Future, which highlights upcoming fishing and marine technology.
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