Fort Lauderdale earns its nickname as the Yachting Capital of the World every autumn, and 2026 is no exception. For five days, the city’s marinas and canals transform into a floating showcase of the most advanced boats and superyachts on the planet. Whether you are a lifelong boater, a first-time visitor, or simply curious about luxury yachting, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
Dates and Quick Overview
The 2026 edition takes place from Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1. This marks the 67th annual edition of the event, owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets.
The scale is hard to overstate. The show spans nearly 90 acres and more than three million square feet of exhibition space across seven distinct locations. Each year, it draws over 100,000 visitors and showcases approximately four billion dollars worth of yachts and marine products. Therefore, this is not simply a regional event. It is widely recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world.
The Seven Show Locations
One ticket grants access to all seven venues, connected by an extensive network of water taxis, shuttles, and golf carts. Understanding the layout in advance will help you plan a smoother visit.
- Broward County Convention Center, located at 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, serves as the main transportation hub with ample parking, new boat debuts, and family-friendly attractions.
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center hosts the Windward VIP Club and a large concentration of brokerage yachts and sailing vessels.
- Hall of Fame Marina features a strong lineup of motor yachts and brokerage listings.
- Las Olas Marina showcases additional yacht displays along the historic waterway.
- The 17th Street Yacht Basin connects several of the marina locations along the main waterfront corridor.
- Pier 66 Marina offers a mix of yachts and lifestyle exhibits near the iconic Pier 66 hotel.
- Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South is the crown jewel of the event, home to the largest and most luxurious vessels on display.
Because the venues are spread across the city, the complimentary water taxi and shuttle system is essential. Most visitors plan their day around two or three locations rather than attempting to see everything in a single visit.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Tickets for the 2026 edition must be purchased online in advance. There is no onsite box office, so planning ahead is essential before you travel.
Several ticket tiers are available to suit different budgets and interests.
- One-day Wednesday preview admission costs around 70 dollars and grants access to all seven locations on opening day.
- A two-day general admission ticket, valid Thursday through Sunday, costs around 77 dollars and lets you choose any two days that suit your schedule.
- A two-day preview plus general admission ticket costs around 100 dollars and is valid from Wednesday through Sunday, combining the preview day with one additional day of access.
- The Windward VIP Experience costs around 439 dollars and is valid Wednesday through Sunday. It includes entry to all venues plus exclusive access to the Windward VIP Club at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, with gourmet dining, premium bars, luxury pop-ups, and complimentary shuttle and water taxi service.
- Children’s pricing is also available, with younger children often admitted free and discounted rates for older kids, depending on the specific ticket package selected.
Therefore, if you are visiting for just one day, the standard general admission ticket is the most economical choice. However, if you want a more relaxed, premium experience away from the crowds, the Windward VIP package is worth the additional cost.
Superyachts and World Debuts
The true heart of this event lies in its superyacht offerings. Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South gathers some of the most impressive vessels in the world, many of which are debuting publicly for the first time. Builders and brokers use the event as a global stage to unveil flagship models, making it a magnet for serious buyers, charter brokers, and yachting enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the headline superyachts, the show features more than 1,300 yachts and boats across all categories, from compact day cruisers to expansive motor yachts. Brokerage vessels sit alongside brand-new models from leading manufacturers, giving visitors an unmatched opportunity to compare options across the entire market in a single visit.
Major yacht brokerage firms, including Ocean Independence and IYC, typically station experienced consultants throughout the show. These specialists offer private tours, sales guidance, and charter advice. If you are seriously considering a yacht purchase, scheduling a viewing appointment in advance is strongly recommended, since available time slots fill up quickly once the show begins.
Beyond the Boats: Attractions and Experiences
While yachts are the main draw, the event offers plenty for visitors who are not in the market to buy. Families, first-time visitors, and casual boating fans will find a wide range of activities throughout the show grounds.
The AquaZone, presented by Nautical Ventures and located at the Broward County Convention Center, gives showgoers a hands-on encounter with thrilling water sports and the latest marine technology. It is one of the most popular attractions for visitors of all ages.
The Convention Center also hosts a dedicated Kids Corner, along with seminars and fishing clinics suitable for the whole family. These sessions offer practical, educational content, whether you are new to boating or looking to sharpen existing skills.
Additionally, exhibitors throughout the seven locations showcase a wide range of marine accessories, fishing gear, diving equipment, watertoys, and even exotic cars. This breadth means there is genuinely something for every type of visitor, not just those focused exclusively on yachts.
Getting Around: Transportation Made Simple
Navigating seven locations across nearly 90 acres might sound daunting, but the event’s transportation network makes it remarkably manageable. Complimentary water taxis, shuttles, and golf carts connect all venues throughout the day, allowing visitors to move easily between marinas without needing a car.
The Broward County Convention Center functions as the primary transportation hub, with the largest parking facilities and frequent shuttle and water taxi departures to every other location. If you are driving, this is generally the best place to start your day.
For visitors coming from outside Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline train offers a convenient alternative. It provides express rail service from cities including Miami, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Boca Raton, and Orlando, with a complimentary shuttle connection to the Riverside Hotel, where a water taxi can take you directly to the show.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Visit
Industry leaders who have attended for decades consistently offer the same advice: do not try to see everything in one day. The show is simply too large for that. Instead, review the schedule in advance and plan your must-see exhibits across multiple days if your ticket allows it.
A few additional tips can make a meaningful difference to your experience.
- Book your tickets online well before the show opens, since there is no box office available on site.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on docks and boarding boats throughout the day.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, since much of the show takes place outdoors under the Florida sun.
- Schedule yacht viewing appointments with brokers in advance if you are seriously considering a purchase, as time slots fill quickly.
- Take advantage of the fishing clinics and seminars, especially if you are new to boating and want hands-on guidance.
- Consider the Windward VIP package if you want a quieter, more comfortable experience with premium dining and faster transportation between venues.
- Use the Brightline train if you are traveling from Miami or other nearby cities, since it avoids traffic and connects directly to shuttle service near the show.
Where to Stay and Eat Nearby
Fort Lauderdale offers an excellent range of accommodation options close to the show locations. onPeak serves as the official hotel provider for the event, offering convenient rates and flexible booking policies for visitors planning their stay.
After a full day exploring the docks, the city’s dining scene provides plenty of ways to unwind. Options range from casual American grills to fine dining restaurants overlooking the marina, many led by celebrated chefs and offering fresh, coastal-inspired menus. Several restaurants near the show venues are popular with visitors looking to relax after a long day on their feet.
Additionally, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are just minutes away from most show locations. With soft sand, palm trees, and turquoise water, they offer a relaxing way to end your day before heading back to your hotel.
Conclusion
The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show brings five days of world-class yachting to the city’s marinas from October 28 through November 1. As the largest in-water boat show in the world, the event spans seven locations, nearly 90 acres, and more than three million square feet of exhibition space. Visitors can expect over 1,300 yachts on display, including stunning superyachts and world debuts at the Superyacht Village. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, with options ranging from affordable general admission to the premium Windward VIP Experience.
Beyond the yachts themselves, attractions like the AquaZone, fishing clinics, and family-friendly seminars ensure there is something for every visitor. With a complimentary transportation network connecting all venues and convenient options like the Brightline train for out-of-town guests, getting around is simpler than the show’s scale might suggest. Whether you are dreaming of your first boat or browsing the latest superyacht models, this event remains an unmissable experience for anyone who loves life on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show take place in 2026?
The 2026 edition runs from Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1. This is the 67th annual edition of the event, held across seven locations throughout Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
How much do tickets cost, and where can I buy them?
Tickets must be purchased online in advance, since there is no onsite box office. Prices range from approximately 70 dollars for a one-day Wednesday preview ticket to around 439 dollars for the Windward VIP Experience, which includes premium dining and exclusive lounge access.
What are the main locations of the show?
The event spans seven venues: Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, the 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South. One ticket grants access to all locations, connected by complimentary water taxis and shuttles.
Is the show suitable for visitors who are not planning to buy a boat?
Yes. While the show is famous for its superyachts and brokerage listings, it also features family-friendly attractions like the AquaZone, fishing clinics, seminars, and a dedicated Kids Corner at the Broward County Convention Center. Many visitors attend simply to enjoy the atmosphere and explore the latest marine technology.
How do I get around between the seven show locations?
A complimentary network of water taxis, shuttles, and golf carts connects all seven venues throughout the show. The Broward County Convention Center serves as the main transportation hub. Visitors traveling from nearby cities can also use the Brightline train, which connects to shuttle service near the show grounds.
Explore This Location Via Google Maps:
