Luxury Stays for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The yachts are the headline, and the scale makes the show a destination in its own right. For the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, come for the yachts: the 2026 event runs October 28-November 1 across six Fort Lauderdale locations, attracting more than 100,000 attendees annually.

With vessels, exhibitors, and waterfront venues spread across the city, a little planning helps you focus on the displays that matter most. Expect a close look at the boats and brands on show, including the superyachts and new models drawing attention this year.

This guide covers the event schedule, what to expect, and notable yachts and debuts to look out for. You’ll also find ideas for shaping your stay around show days, from choosing a convenient base to adding thoughtful details that make time on and off the docks feel effortless.

Event dates, duration, and attendance

The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs October 28-November 1 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The five-day marine event is the 67th annual show, bringing boat enthusiasts and industry visitors together across six locations. More than 100,000 people attend annually, so planning your dates and daily route can help you make better use of your time.

Opening hours vary by day. On Wednesday, October 28, the show runs from 12PM to 7PM. Thursday, October 29, through Saturday, October 31, doors open at 10AM and close at 7PM. On Sunday, November 1, the final day runs from 10AM to 5PM. Keep Sunday’s earlier closing time in mind when deciding which displays to visit.

The show spans multiple waterfront venues, including Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, and the Broward County Convention Center. The Convention Center serves as a transportation hub, with shuttles and water taxis connecting to all six locations. Plan your route around the exhibits that matter most before you arrive.

For admission, travel light, leave pets out of your visit, and keep your ticket accessible at entry points. Bag screening, animal access, and re-entry follow event entry procedures, so read the posted instructions at each gate and plan your day accordingly.

Children under age 6 enter free with a paying adult, while children ages 6-12 need a child one-day admission ticket. Choose the ticket type that matches your visit dates and party.

To move between venues, use the shuttle and water-taxi connections from the Broward County Convention Center hub. Comfortable shoes are useful on a route that may involve several miles of walking.

October crowds and outdoor waterfront visits call for a flexible schedule. More than 100,000 annual attendees make early planning useful; allow time between venues, carry water, and wear comfortable shoes. Check the day’s weather before leaving, dress for changing conditions, and follow venue staff directions around docks and marine displays.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is scheduled for October 29 – November 2, 2025. Visitors comparing schedules should keep that date range distinct from the dates listed above and confirm which edition applies to their plans. Once the intended visit is clear, coordinate travel, accommodation, and time away around the relevant schedule. Checking the date range before making arrangements can help prevent confusion when sharing an itinerary or coordinating with other attendees. Keep the dates for the intended visit accessible while planning arrival and departure, and verify that every travel arrangement matches that schedule. This simple check helps ensure that plans are based on the correct event dates rather than on a different edition’s calendar.

Exhibiting brands and boats on display

Across its Fort Lauderdale locations, the show brings together new boats, brokerage yachts, and marine-industry exhibitors. The displays range from compact craft to large superyachts, so choose a route around the vessels and brands you most want to explore. For visitors following the spirit of “Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Come for the Yachts,” the variety is part of the appeal.

Boat Brands and Yacht Displays

The 2025 show featured more than 1,300 vessels and 1,000 exhibitors, with exhibiting brands representing around 52 countries. The 2026 show’s six locations include the Broward County Convention Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South. Compare vessels by builder, size, and intended use, then prioritize the locations that match your interests.

The Convention Center features vessels up to 50 feet, while Pier Sixty-Six North features brokerage vessels longer than 100 feet. These contrasting displays make it easier to focus a visit, whether you’re drawn to smaller boats or larger yachts. October 28 marks opening day, giving visitors a chance to begin exploring the show’s waterfront layout.

Yachts for Sale and Displayed Value

Brokerage displays bring together yachts listed for sale alongside new models and builder showcases. The yachts on display are valued at over $3 Billion, giving the show a striking scale. Rather than trying to see every vessel, note the yacht names and lengths that interest you, then use the display locations to shape your route.

Examples listed for the 2026 show include SCOUT, a 64-meter yacht, and BACK 9 AND A HALF, a 37-meter yacht. Other named vessels include WRECKLESS and DREAMS, both 37-meter Ocean Alexander yachts. Their dimensions and builders offer useful points of comparison as you move between exhibits.

Visitors can view yachts on display and speak with brokers at exhibiting locations. Access aboard individual vessels depends on exhibitor arrangements, and appointments offer a focused opportunity to discuss a particular yacht. To make the most of “Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Come for the Yachts,” note the vessels you most want to see before planning your route.

To make the most of a large exhibition, note the boats you want to see and group nearby locations together. Displays can vary by venue, so a short priority list can help keep your day purposeful. The waterfront setting also puts marinas and yacht displays at the heart of the experience.

If you’re coordinating a stay around show days, discuss your Fort Lauderdale plans as part of your visit planning.

Superyacht debuts and exhibitors

Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South gives visitors a dedicated place to focus on large yachts and exhibitors. The 2026 show’s notable vessels include a 154.2-foot Sanlorenzo motor yacht, ARROW, and LUMPASAURUS, a 108-foot 2023 Custom Line Navetta 33. Compare their builders and lengths as you explore the superyacht selection.

ARROW measures 47 meters, a useful point of reference when comparing the scale of yachts around the show. LUMPASAURUS offers a second named model to look for, with its Custom Line Navetta 33 designation identifying its model and builder. These details help distinguish a specific yacht from a general brand display.

The show’s brokerage selection adds another perspective, with vessels listed for sale alongside yachts presented by builders. Examples listed for the 2026 event include AWATEA, a 45-meter yacht, and SANCTUARY, a 34-meter Lynx Yachts yacht. Their lengths and builders provide concrete comparison points for visitors considering brokerage inventory.

Other named listings broaden the range. MUCHOS MAS is a 44-meter Crescent Custom Yachts yacht, while TRUST FUN is a 40-meter Westport yacht. VIRGINIA SEA, a 28-meter Marlow yacht, and SALT THERAPY, a 20-meter Viking Yachts yacht, offer different size references. Note each name and builder before moving to another venue.

The Broward County Convention Center is one of the show’s principal venues, while Superyacht Village focuses on large yachts. Since the show spans six locations, map your must-see vessels to their display areas before choosing a route. This leaves time for conversations with exhibitors and brokerages.

For a more focused visit, make a short selection of yachts by builder, model, or length. Start with ARROW and LUMPASAURUS, then add brokerage listings such as AWATEA or MUCHOS MAS. The November 1 closing day ends earlier than the preceding show days, so prioritize essential stops if visiting then.

At an exhibit, ask the broker or exhibitor about the yacht’s specifications, presentation, and viewing arrangements. If a vessel particularly interests you, discuss an appointment with its representative. This simple step can make your visit more purposeful than relying on an unplanned walk-through.

For scale, Sanlorenzo motor yacht ARROW measures 154.2ft (47m). Keep that measurement in mind as you consider the space a yacht may require and how its proportions compare with vessels nearby. A close look from the dock can help you note the design features you want to ask about, while a conversation with the representative can clarify which details are most useful to examine during a viewing. Jot down questions as you go, especially when a yacht’s presentation catches your attention.

Make each conversation with exhibitors specific to your interests. Ask what distinguishes the vessel, what viewing arrangements are available, and whether a representative can explain details that are not immediately visible. If you’re comparing yachts, record your impressions while the names and builders are fresh in your mind. Your notes can help you revisit a preferred option, follow up with its representative, and keep your visit focused on the yachts and exhibits that matter most.

New yacht debuts and premieres

At the Fort Lauderdale show, compare a yacht’s builder, model, and dimensions to understand what makes each display distinctive. Two named vessels offer clear reference points: Sanlorenzo motor yacht ARROW measures 154.2 feet, while the 2023 Custom Line Navetta 33 LUMPASAURUS measures 108 feet. Their specifications help visitors focus on design and scale.

ARROW’s length puts it in a different size category from LUMPASAURUS, making the two useful examples for a side-by-side comparison. Look beyond headline dimensions: note each builder and model, then consider how the yacht’s proportions shape its presence at the dock. A measured comparison tells you more than a vessel’s name alone.

For a focused viewing, note the names before entering the exhibition. Begin with ARROW and LUMPASAURUS, then compare each vessel’s display details with the representative’s explanation. Ask about the yacht’s design, intended use, and specifications. This gives the conversation a clear purpose, whether you’re interested in the builder’s approach or the model’s features.

The show spans waterfront venues, including Bahia Mar Yachting Center and the Broward County Convention Center. Each venue hosts different displays, so use the event map to find a particular yacht. Check the current event materials for its display location before setting your route.

The word “premiere” can refer to different kinds of firsts, such as a model’s first public showing or a yacht’s first appearance at an event. At the show, distinguish a genuinely new model from a notable yacht on display by asking the exhibitor what is being introduced. For LUMPASAURUS, the available identifying details are its 2023 model year, Custom Line Navetta 33 designation, and 108-foot length.

Conversations with exhibitors can clarify what a display represents. A builder may present a model, while a brokerage representative may discuss a yacht offered for sale. Ask who represents the vessel and whether you’re viewing a model presentation or a specific yacht. These distinctions make comparisons more precise.

Plan your selection around the details you value most. If scale is your starting point, compare ARROW’s 154.2 feet with LUMPASAURUS at 108 feet. If the builder matters more, focus on Sanlorenzo and Custom Line. Record your observations as you move through the Florida venues, then revisit the yacht that best matches your interests.

Show hours by day

The 2026 show runs for five days, from Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1. Hours shift by day, so use the schedule to decide when to arrive and how much time to set aside for each venue. The show covers 90 acres and three million square feet of exhibit space, making a considered plan more useful than an improvised route.

• Wednesday, October 28: 12PM to 7PM.
• Thursday, October 29: 10AM to 7PM.
• Friday, October 30: 10AM to 7PM.
• Saturday, October 31: 10AM to 7PM.
• Sunday, November 1: 10AM to 5PM.

Wednesday begins later than the remaining days, while Sunday closes earlier. Use Wednesday afternoon for a shorter first visit or for exhibits you can reach efficiently. On Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, the earlier opening gives you more time to explore. Reserve Sunday for priority stops, since the show closes at 5PM.

The daily schedule applies across the event, but your visit depends on the venues and displays you want to see. Hall of Fame Marina is one waterfront location; Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South is another. Group nearby interests into a practical itinerary, and leave time for transitions between sites rather than filling every hour with exhibit visits.

Windward VIP ticket holders receive one-hour early entry through the Superyacht Village entrance. That earlier access can shape a morning plan around the village’s displays. Standard opening remains 10AM on Thursday through Saturday and Sunday; Wednesday’s public opening is 12PM. Match your arrival time to your ticket and the day’s opening hours.

More than 100 food concessions are located around the docks. That offers visitors a range of places to pause between exhibits, without needing to leave the waterfront route. Build a meal break into your schedule, especially if you plan to visit multiple locations during a full day. Gourmet dining preferences can guide where you pause, while the show’s concessions offer convenient options on site.

Before you go, choose the day that best fits your priorities and note the opening and closing times. Add your must-see yachts, venues, and breaks to a simple plan. The event’s scale rewards a deliberate pace, whether you’re exploring luxury yachts or browsing exhibits across the grounds.

Planning your arrival around opening hours? Discuss your Fort Lauderdale show-week stay to coordinate your visit.

Luxury Vacation Stays: Fort Lauderdale Luxury Rentals

Luxury Vacation Stays offers luxury vacation rentals for visitors seeking a private home base during the boat show. A rental can give your days a considered rhythm: plan around the exhibits, then return to a space of your own between outings. It’s a fitting option if you’re extending your stay or coordinating plans with family and friends.

Once you’ve settled on your show dates and plans beyond the docks, consider your next getaway. Luxury Vacation Stays also offers Antigua and Dominican Republic vacation rentals, as well as full-service property management.

For details about a Fort Lauderdale stay for Thanksgiving 2026, contact Luxury Vacation Stays.

Make the Show Part of a Longer Stay

Let the boat show begin a more considered escape. Choose a place to stay that gives your visit room to unfold, whether you’re planning quiet time between exhibits or extending your trip beyond the waterfront. Come for the yachts, then shape the rest of your stay around the experiences you value.

Luxury Vacation Stays offers vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale, Antigua, and the Dominican Republic. Each destination provides a different setting for a future getaway, while a Fort Lauderdale rental keeps you close to the show.

Start planning when you’re ready to turn your show dates into a stay. Contact Luxury Vacation Stays to discuss your Fort Lauderdale plans and explore a stay that suits your visit. The yachts may set the itinerary, but the right place to return to can shape the whole experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and where is it held?

The 2026 show runs October 28 through November 1 across six locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Venues include Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, Pier 66 Marina, and the Broward County Convention Center. Since the sites are spread across the city, choose the venue that best matches the exhibits you want to see first.

What yachts, superyachts, and boat brands are featured at the show?

The show features vessels from more than 1,000 exhibiting brands, with a mix of new boats, brokerage yachts, and superyachts. Notable yacht builders and names include Sanlorenzo, Custom Line, Ocean Alexander, Lynx Yachts, Marlow, Viking Yachts, Crescent Custom Yachts, and Westport. For example, compare Sanlorenzo’s 154.2-foot ARROW with the 108-foot Custom Line Navetta 33 LUMPASAURUS, then explore displays by the builders that interest you.

What food, drink, and other amenities are available at the boat show?

More than 100 food concessions are available around the docks. The Broward County Convention Center also features a Kids Corner, seminars, fishing clinics, innovative-product attractions, and an AquaZone with a 40,000-gallon freshwater pool.