2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS): Preview Guide
Last Updated on September 26, 2022 by Boatsetter Team
South Florida’s fall flagship boat show is here. For those who are new to the boating community, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) takes place October 26-30, 2022, and is the largest in-water show in the world, drawing boaters from around the globe.
The five-day event hosts over 100,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries and spreads out across three million square feet and seven venues. So if you’re shopping for a boat, boating gear and accessories, or looking to break into the nautical lifestyle, this show is a must-see.
Here’s what to expect from the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show:
- When: October 26-30, 2022
- Where: Show locations include the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Pier 66 Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South.
- What: Over 200 new pieces of equipment and boats on display.
- Cost: $60 for Preview Day (Wednesday), $39 per day (Thurs. – Sun.), or $66 for two-day access.
- Enhance your boat show experience with a boat rental: Book here
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New Boats & Gear
Fort Lauderdale is the to-go destination for all kinds of boat builders and marine equipment manufacturers.
Over 200 new pieces of equipment and boats are presented to the public for the first time here at the show. You and your crew are in for an exclusive look — nautical wares from apparel to generators and fishing tackle to yacht décor will have you ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ all weekend long.
Get ready for six miles of docks to explore and 10 to 300 feet boats to tour. Vessels on display this year include:
- Inflatables
- Watersport tow boats
- High-performance speedsters
- Power catamarans
- Distance cruisers
- Motor yachts
Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets, FLIBS includes the Superyacht Village with vessels topping 300 feet and the Broward County Convention Center with smaller boats and lots of fishing gear.
FLIBS is an economic driver for South Florida with an estimated 2021 impact of $1.79 billion so it’s not just boaters that benefit from the event.
Don’t Miss the AquaZone
The convention center will host the AquaZone with a 30’x60’ pool filled with 40,000 gallons of fresh water that will host a variety of on-water demonstrations and testing opportunities. Companies like SEABOB, Torqeedo, Crystal Kayak, Hobie Cat, Ocean Kayak, and Zapata Fly Boards will demonstrate (and maybe let you experience) their products.
There’s also a kids’ fishing seminar presented by Blue Wild, CHAOS, Captain Don Dingman, and Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing.
Pro Tip: For show-goers’ convenience, visitors will have access to over 600 parking spots via valet service and self-serve lots at Superyacht Village, at the Las Olas parking garage, and at the main entrance of the show.
Ticket Information
Ticket prices vary by how and when you want to experience the show.
- Preview day tickets for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, are $60.
- General admission is $39 per day or $66 for two-day access.
- Hours vary by day.
Pro Tip: There is no box office on site; all tickets must be purchased online in advance.
VIP Treatment
For an exclusive adventure, choose the Windward VIP Club experience. Located at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center Captain’s Lounge, the VIP extravaganza will offer gourmet food and cocktails, and complimentary water taxi access to all seven locations.
Tickets are $300 per person per day or bundle that with the Fort Lauderdale Concours auto show for $420 per person per day.
Pro Tip: To help you navigate on-site, each section of the main venue at the Bahia Mar has its own color coding which is visible on show signage as well as on the show app.
Additional Tips for Attending the Show
Transportation to and from the show includes designated pick-up and drop-off points for ride-share services. For anyone traveling from West Palm Beach or Miami central station, there’s the option of taking Virgin Trains and skipping the parking hassles altogether.
You can’t help but be inspired by the show, so why not charter a boat for the day or the weekend and stay aboard? Boatsetter has lots of local boats to get you in the spirit so you can feed the boating beast or dodge the pricy hotels. If you’re coming from the northern parts of the country, you can even get out on the water one more time before winter sets in back home.
Remember to wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen and come prepared for great boats, fantastic food, and a Florida boating vibe that could turn a newbie boater into a pro in no time.
Discover more boating events like Fort Lauderdale’s International Boat Show at Boating Guides & Resources!
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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin.
A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide.
Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico.
