Article overview: For five days every fall, Fort Lauderdale becomes the center of the boating world. The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns October 28 through November 1, bringi...
For five days every fall, Fort Lauderdale becomes the center of the boating world.
The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns October 28 through November 1, bringing more than 1,000 exhibitors and an extraordinary collection of boats, marine products, and experiences to six waterfront locations throughout the city. While FLIBS may be the reason you’re here, it’s certainly not the only reason to stay awhile.
Fort Lauderdale is at its best when you step away from the docks. Spend the morning touring yachts, take the Water Taxi to your next destination, grab lunch overlooking the Intracoastal, walk Las Olas, catch the sunset from the beach, and settle in for a great dinner.
Consider this your HMY guide to making the most of Fort Lauderdale while you’re in town for FLIBS.
START WITH THE SHOW
First things first: FLIBS is big. Really big.
The show stretches across the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, and Superyacht Village. The easiest way to experience it is to think of the show as a collection of waterfront neighborhoods rather than one enormous event.
HMY Yacht Sales will be at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Dock D, showcasing an extensive selection of new yachts and brokerage vessels from some of the industry's leading brands.
And don't plan on driving between every location. FLIBS offers complimentary shuttles and golf carts, while water taxis connect several of the show's waterfront destinations. The Convention Center also serves as the show's main transportation hub, with more than 3,000 parking spaces available.
HMY’S SHOW PICKS
With so much to see across the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a few displays deserve a spot on your must-see list. Start with HMY’s own display to experience some of our premium brokerage yachts for sale. Then, stop by the new brands we represent, including MJM Yachts and Nimbus Boats. For the first time, Nimbus will display all three 42-foot models in their new 42 Sport Cruiser series.
From there, explore the nine models Valhalla Boatworks is bringing, the Viking showcase, which includes multiple models making their world debut, the Princess Yachts lineup, and ECLIPSE Yachts. Together, these displays offer a look at the range of design, innovation, and boating experiences represented by HMY’s manufacturer portfolio.
Whether you’re exploring your next yacht or simply want to see what’s new, make HMY’s Show Picks part of your FLIBS itinerary.
HMY tip: Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. FLIBS is the kind of show where a “quick walk around” can turn into an entire afternoon.
WHERE TO STAY
The best hotel for you depends on what you want to do when the boats are closed for the day.
Stay Near the Big Yachts
Pier Sixty-Six
If you want to put yourself right in the middle of Fort Lauderdale's boating scene, Pier Sixty-Six is an obvious choice. The waterfront resort sits on the Intracoastal near the Pier Sixty-Six Marina and Superyacht Village, making it particularly convenient to see the larger yachts during FLIBS.
Stay on Las Olas
Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale
For a more classic Fort Lauderdale experience, stay along Las Olas Boulevard. The Riverside Hotel puts you in the middle of the city's dining, shopping and nightlife, with the Riverwalk and Water Taxi right outside.
Stay on the Beach
W Fort Lauderdale
Want to turn your boat-show trip into a proper South Florida getaway? The W Fort Lauderdale puts you directly in the beach scene, with the Atlantic across the street and plenty of restaurants, bars and nightlife nearby.
Four Seasons Hotel And Residences Fort Lauderdale
For a quieter, more polished beachfront stay, the Four Seasons combines a prime Fort Lauderdale Beach location with resort amenities and destination dining.
Stay Close to the Convention Center
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel
If convenience is the priority, the Omni is directly connected to the Broward County Convention Center. That makes it an especially practical option for guests spending a lot of time at the indoor exhibits and seminars.
COME FOR THE DAY – ARRIVE BY BRIGHTLINE
Coming to Fort Lauderdale from Miami, Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or Orlando? Consider leaving the car behind.
Brightline makes getting to Fort Lauderdale easy, with the station just minutes from the heart of the show. During FLIBS, complimentary shuttles connect the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station with the Riverside Hotel, where you can hop on the Water Taxi and continue your journey by water.
It’s a very Fort Lauderdale way to arrive at a boat show: no parking, no traffic, and, before long, a view of the city from the water.
HMY Tip: Check the FLIBS transportation schedule before you leave and build a little extra time into your day. Once you’re on the Water Taxi, you’re already part of the Fort Lauderdale experience.
WHERE TO EAT
One of the best parts of FLIBS is that you don't have to go far to find a good meal. Fort Lauderdale's dining scene is built around the same things that make the city special: water, sunshine, and a relaxed South Florida pace.
For the Waterfront Experience
Boatyard
Located along the Intracoastal in the 17th Street area, Boatyard is an easy choice after a day at the show. Expect seafood, steaks, cocktails and plenty of boats passing by.
15th Street Fisheries
For something that feels unmistakably Fort Lauderdale, head to 15th Street Fisheries at Lauderdale Marina. It's a longtime waterfront favorite where you can watch the boats go by and feed the tarpon from the dock.
Coconuts
Looking for something more casual? Coconuts offers a laid-back Intracoastal setting that's ideal when you want to trade your boat-show shoes for flip-flops and settle in for a relaxed dinner.
For an elevated Night on Las Olas
Ocean Prime Fort Lauderdale
Set along the Intracoastal at Las Olas Marina, Ocean Prime combines a polished dining room with waterfront views and a menu built around seafood and steak.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Right on Las Olas Boulevard, Lobster Bar Sea Grille is a natural fit for a more elevated dinner, especially if you're entertaining clients or celebrating a successful boat-show day.
Casa Sensei
For something a little different, Casa Sensei brings Asian and Latin influences together in a waterfront setting along the Las Olas canal.
For Dinner on the Beach
Steak 954
Inside the W Fort Lauderdale, Steak 954 brings a polished steakhouse experience to the beach, with an energetic atmosphere that's well suited to a night out after the show.
Casablanca Cafe
For something with more history and character, Casablanca Cafe occupies a historic Mediterranean Revival home right across from Fort Lauderdale Beach.
HMY tip: FLIBS week is not the week to decide where you're eating at 7 p.m. Make dinner reservations ahead of time, especially if you're traveling with clients or a group.
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE DOCKS
After a few hours of yacht tours, electronics displays, and conversations about horsepower, sometimes you just need to see something that isn't a boat.
Walk Las Olas Boulevard
Las Olas is Fort Lauderdale's social center, stretching from the New River toward the beach with restaurants, boutiques, galleries and plenty of places to stop for a drink. It's an easy way to spend a few hours without getting back in the car.
Get on the Water
Naturally.
The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is one of the best ways to see the city from the water while getting around. Routes travel along the Intracoastal and New River, passing waterfront homes, yachts and some of Fort Lauderdale's most recognizable sights.
During FLIBS, water taxis also connect several show locations, making them a practical and much more fun alternative to sitting in traffic.
Walk the Beach
Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all.
Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach early in the morning or around sunset and walk the beachfront promenade. With 24 miles of beaches across Greater Fort Lauderdale, there are plenty of places to trade the crowds and concrete for sand and ocean air.
Explore the Riverwalk
The Riverwalk follows the New River through downtown Fort Lauderdale and connects some of the city's cultural attractions, restaurants, and historic sites. It's an easy way to get a different perspective on the city, especially if you're staying downtown or along Las Olas.
A FEW FLIBS TIPS FROM THOSE WHO KNOW
Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk more than you think.
Bring sunscreen. November in South Florida is still South Florida.
Don't try to see everything. Pick the boats, brands and areas that matter most to you and build your day around them. Pro tip: contact an HMY Yacht Sales Professional to book an appointment on the boats you’re really interested in.
Use the water. Between the show water taxis and Fort Lauderdale's regular waterways, there's no reason every trip has to happen by car.
Leave room in the schedule. Some of the best FLIBS moments happen between appointments. A conversation on a dock, a boat you didn't expect to love, or lunch that turns into happy hour.
Stay for sunset. After a full day at the show, Fort Lauderdale's waterways and beaches are a pretty good place to decompress.
MAKE A WEEK OF IT
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a destination in itself, but the city surrounding it is what makes the experience memorable.
Come for the boats. Stay for the beaches, waterfront restaurants, canals, shopping, and unmistakable South Florida energy.
And when you're ready to get back on the docks, HMY will be waiting for you!
HMY Yacht Sales | Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Dock D
October 28–November 1, 2026