Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026: Our Day at FLIBS (and Is VIP Worth It?)
The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show ran October 28 through November 1, 2026. Lourdes Maestres and The MPH Team spent a full day at FLIBS with VIP tickets and filmed the whole thing: mega yachts, water toys, the water taxi, and the waterfront neighborhoods you can only see from the water.
Every fall, Fort Lauderdale reminds the world why it's called the Yachting Capital of the World. The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) ran October 28 through November 1, 2026. It's billed as the largest in-water boat show in the world, with more than 1,300 boats spread across seven waterfront locations and over 100,000 visitors from around the globe.
This year, Lourdes Maestres and The MPH Team spent a full day at the show with VIP tickets, and we filmed the whole thing. Whether you're planning for next year or you're just curious how Fort Lauderdale lives on the water, here's what we saw and what we learned.
Watch the full tour: Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026: Is VIP Worth It?
Getting There: Skip the Parking Hunt
We took an Uber and got dropped off at the marina on the beach side. It's an easy way to avoid traffic and parking during show week. If you'd rather drive, the show recommends parking at the Broward County Convention Center. It's the official transportation hub, with complimentary shuttles and golf carts to the show locations and water taxi connections across the venues.
Boats at Every Price Point
One of the best surprises at FLIBS is the range. You'll find center consoles and day boats alongside some of the largest superyachts in the world. Naturally, we went hunting for the most expensive boat at the show. You'll have to watch the video to see how that went.
The Newest Water Toys (and a Floating Home)
Some of the most fun stops weren't boats at all. We tried out underwater scooters and Seabobs, looked at paddle and surf boards, and checked out new marine deck surfaces. One standout was a luxury floating residence designed and built in Croatia. It's a glimpse of how creative waterfront living is getting.
The Water Taxi: The Best Way to Get Around
With the show spread across multiple marinas, the water taxi is the easiest way to move between locations, and the most scenic. We rode it from the marina to Pier 66. As waterfront real estate specialists, we couldn't resist pointing out some of the well-known homes along the way in Idlewyld, Harbor Beach, and Lauderdale Harbor.
Seeing these neighborhoods from the water is a great reminder of what makes them special: deep-water dockage, Intracoastal views, and quick access to the ocean. For a lot of waterfront buyers, the boat comes first and the house is chosen to fit it.
Inside the VIP Area
Our day ended in the VIP area. We got a look at the future of flight, then had lunch at Pier 66 overlooking the mega yachts.
So, is VIP worth it? In the video, Lourdes gives her honest verdict on who VIP is really best for, and what made it worth it for us.
Our 7 Must-Dos for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
If you're planning your visit for next year, here's the list we put together on the day:
- See the mega yachts
- Tour a yacht
- Walk the marina
- Discover the latest water toys
- Enjoy the VIP area
- Ride the water taxi
- Have lunch at Pier 66
Why the Boat Show Matters for Fort Lauderdale Homeowners
The boat show isn't only a week of fun. It shows off the lifestyle that drives demand for waterfront homes across East Broward County. Buyers come from all over the world for FLIBS, and many of them start to picture what owning a home on the water here would look like.
If you own a waterfront home, it's a good time to think about what your property offers a boater: dock length, water depth, bridge clearance, and how quickly you can reach the ocean. Those details often matter as much as the house itself. And if you're dreaming of a waterfront home of your own, the show is a great way to work out which neighborhood and which kind of dockage fit the way you want to live.
Let's Talk Waterfront
Curious what your Fort Lauderdale waterfront home could sell for, or looking for a property with the right dock for your boat? The MPH Team at Compass specializes in luxury waterfront homes across Fort Lauderdale and East Broward County. We're also happy to introduce you to a trusted yacht broker.
Reach out anytime at info@mphfortlauderdale.com or (954) 833-0933, or visit mphfortlauderdale.com.
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