FLIBS 2026: tickets, venues and transport

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns October 28–November 1, 2026, with tickets, hours, venues and transportation routes already published. For travelers coming from Miami, the Dominican Republic or elsewhere in the Caribbean, the key decision is not simply which day to attend. The show spans six locations, so choosing a priority area before booking a hotel or transportation makes the visit far easier.

FLIBS 2026 at a glance

• Dates: Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 1, 2026.
• Wednesday hours: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Official locations: Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Superyacht Village and Pier Sixty-Six Marina.
• Ticket purchase: online only; there is no onsite box office.

The organizer describes FLIBS as the world’s largest in-water boat show. Its event facts list more than 1,300 boats, 1,000 exhibiting brands and more than 100,000 attendees. Those figures communicate the show’s scale; they do not guarantee that every vessel or exhibitor will be available every day.

Choosing the right ticket

Published 2026 prices are US$73 for a Wednesday Preview ticket, valid for one day from Wednesday through Sunday; US$105 for a two-day Preview plus General Admission ticket; US$80 for two General Admission days from Thursday through Sunday; and US$48 for one General Admission day from Thursday through Sunday. A child ticket is US$19 for ages 6–12, while children under 6 enter free with an adult. The Windward VIP Experience is listed at US$459 for one day.

If you want to sample the show without building the entire trip around it, a one-day General Admission ticket is the simplest choice. Pick one priority area and accept that you will not cover every venue. Two days make more sense for buyers, industry professionals or enthusiasts who want to separate the Convention Center from the marinas. Wednesday provides Preview access, but it begins at noon and costs more than ordinary General Admission.

All sales are final unless the event is cancelled, and FLIBS operates rain or shine. Check your date and ticket type carefully before paying rather than assuming that weather will qualify you for a change or refund.

Understanding the six locations

The Broward County Convention Center features fishing boats, runabouts, smaller cruisers, accessories, electronics, diving equipment and personal watercraft. It also functions as the transportation hub. Bahia Mar ranges from center consoles to superyachts and includes accessories and electronics. Hall of Fame Marina focuses on brokerage and new-build yachts and houses one Windward VIP area. Las Olas Marina is listed for brokerage yachts from 60 to 200 feet. Superyacht Village highlights the show’s largest yachts, while Pier Sixty-Six Marina includes brokerage vessels over 100 feet.

For families, the Convention Center is the most practical starting point. The organizer announces a Kids Corner plus fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. If large yachts are your priority, focus on Superyacht Village, Pier Sixty-Six and Las Olas. Boarding is never guaranteed; each exhibitor, manufacturer or broker decides who may step aboard.

Parking and moving between venues

The official recommendation is to begin at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard. It offers more than 3,000 parking spaces at a published flat rate of US$20 per day. Transportation services connect it with other show areas.

Shuttles and golf carts are complimentary with admission. Shuttles are scheduled to start one hour before opening and stop one hour after closing. Published routes connect the Convention Center with Bahia Mar and Superyacht Village; Brightline’s Fort Lauderdale station with Riverside Hotel; and West Marine Center with Bahia Mar. Golf carts run during show hours between Superyacht Village and Bahia Mar.

Water Taxi is a paid alternative. The published fare is US$15 for one day or US$65 for five days, and children under 5 ride free. Announced stops connect Riverside Hotel, the Convention Center, Pier Sixty-Six Marina North, Bahia Mar, GALLERYone DoubleTree, Shooters Waterfront and Las Olas Marina. Service is also scheduled from one hour before opening until one hour after closing.

Travelers arriving by Brightline from Miami, Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach or Orlando can use the complimentary shuttle from Fort Lauderdale station to Riverside Hotel, then continue by the US$15 Water Taxi. Rail fares are not included here because they vary by date and inventory.

Where to stay

There is no single perfect hotel zone. Staying near the Convention Center simplifies parking and transfers. Bahia Mar is more convenient if the marina exhibits are your main interest. Downtown can work better if you arrive by Brightline and want restaurants or city activities beyond the show.

The organizer names onPeak as its official hotel provider and advertises pre-negotiated rates, no booking fees and flexible options. Still compare the full price, cancellation rules, parking charges and actual distance from the stop you expect to use. You can review alternatives through Billetaxo’s hotel search and browse the English travel blog for additional Florida planning guides.

A workable one-day itinerary

1. Buy your ticket online and save the code on your phone.
2. If driving, reach the Convention Center before opening.
3. Spend the first part of the day inside the Convention Center.
4. Take a complimentary shuttle to Bahia Mar or Superyacht Village.
5. Choose only one second priority area; repeated transfers consume valuable time.
6. Leave a buffer before closing to return to the garage or station.

Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove because some exhibitors may request it before boarding. All bags are subject to inspection. Drones, weapons, bicycles, scooters, roller blades, skateboards, hoverboards and pets other than service animals are prohibited. The show does not provide storage for large personal items.

Details that may still change

The 2026 maps identify the six areas, but the organizer says the directory and app may be released closer to the event. Transportation routes can also be adjusted. Review the map again the day before your visit, confirm priority exhibitors and check the official hours.

Bottom line

FLIBS 2026 is large enough to demand a plan, but your visit does not need to become a race. Match the ticket to your level of interest, use the Convention Center as the hub when driving, and limit a one-day itinerary to two areas. That approach leaves more time for boats, marine technology and family activities—and less time lost in transit.