If you only go to one boat show a year, make it this one. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show on the planet, and it's right here in our backyard. Whether you're shopping for your first center console or upgrading to a serious offshore machine, FLIBS is where you go to see everything the marine industry has to offer, all in one long weekend.

We've been making the drive from Southwest Florida to Fort Lauderdale every fall for years, and the Fish Tale Boats team will be there again in 2026. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip: dates, tickets, parking, what to expect, and where to find us once you get there.

What Is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

FLIBS (that's what everyone calls it) has been running since 1959, and it's grown into the single biggest in-water boat show in the world. We're talking six miles of floating docks, more than 100,000 visitors, and over 1,000 exhibitors spread across those seven venues. If it floats, it's probably here.

The show is organized by Informa Markets, and it draws manufacturers, dealers, marine accessory companies, and boating enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. You'll see everything from 16-foot skiffs to 300-foot superyachts, plus marine electronics, fishing gear, engines, trailers, and more accessories than you could browse in a week.

What makes FLIBS different from other boat shows? Scale. Most shows give you a convention center floor and maybe a marina. FLIBS gives you an entire stretch of Fort Lauderdale's waterfront transformed into a floating showroom. There's simply nothing else like it.

It's also an in-water show, which means you're not just looking at boats propped up on stands in a parking lot. The vessels are in the water, tied to docks, and in many cases available for on-site sea trials. That matters. You learn more in five minutes sitting at the helm of a boat in the water than you do in an hour walking around it on dry land.

What to Expect at FLIBS

Boats, Lots of Them

The show floor (and water) covers the full spectrum. Center consoles, dual consoles, bay boats, pontoons, deck boats, cabin cruisers, sportfishers, sailing yachts, superyachts, they're all represented. If you're interested in brands like Grady-White, Robalo, Chaparral, or Premier Pontoons, you'll find them here alongside dozens of other manufacturers.

In-Water vs. On-Land Displays

The Convention Center houses the on-land exhibits, smaller boats, engines, electronics, fishing tackle, and accessories. The marina venues are where the in-water displays live. Plan to visit both. The Convention Center is great for comparing gear and smaller boats side by side. The marinas are where you'll find the larger vessels and the real "wow" factor.

Seminars and Education

FLIBS hosts dozens of seminars throughout the week covering topics like fishing techniques, boat maintenance, marine electronics, navigation, and more. These are usually free with your admission and are a great way to learn something new between boat browsing sessions.

Food, Drinks, and Entertainment

You won't go hungry. There are food vendors and bars scattered across the venues. It's a long day of walking, so plan to stop for lunch and stay hydrated, October in South Florida is still warm. Some venues also feature live music and special events in the evenings.

Marine Gear and Accessories

Even if you're not buying a boat, FLIBS is worth the trip for the gear alone. Electronics manufacturers demo their latest chartplotters and fish finders. Tackle companies show off new rods, reels, and lures. Apparel brands, trailer manufacturers, dock builders, the show has everything a boat owner needs, and often at show-only pricing.

Getting There from Southwest Florida

The Drive

Fort Lauderdale is roughly a three-hour drive from Fort Myers, depending on traffic. The most direct route is I-75 east to Alligator Alley (I-75 continues across the Everglades), then north on I-595 into Fort Lauderdale. From Naples, it's about two and a half hours via I-75.

Pro tip: Leave early. If you're making a day trip, hit the road by 6 AM to arrive before the gates open. Traffic around the show venues gets heavy by mid-morning, and finding parking gets harder as the day goes on.

Parking

Parking near the show venues is limited and expensive. FLIBS typically sets up remote parking lots with free shuttle service to the show grounds. These are your best bet. Look for parking information on flibs.com about two weeks before the show.

If you park at one venue, the water taxi connects all seven locations, so don't stress about picking the "right" lot. Just get there early and let the shuttle system do the rest.

Staying Overnight

If you want to make it a full weekend (and we'd recommend it, one day isn't enough to see everything), book your hotel early. Fort Lauderdale hotels fill up fast during FLIBS week. Look for hotels along the Intracoastal or in the Las Olas area for the closest access. Airbnb and VRBO are also solid options if you book a few months ahead.

Budget-conscious? Hotels in Plantation, Davie, or Sunrise are 15–20 minutes from the show and significantly cheaper than staying on the waterfront.

Tips for Visiting FLIBS

Pick the Right Day

Weekdays (Wednesday through Friday) are significantly less crowded than Saturday and Sunday. If you can swing a weekday visit, you'll have shorter lines, more room to move, and better access to talk with manufacturers and dealers without competing for attention. Wednesday is typically the lightest day.

What to Wear and Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, you'll cover miles of docks and exhibit halls
Sunscreen and a hat, much of the show is outdoors
A light rain jacket, October showers are common in South Florida
A small backpack or bag for brochures and swag
A portable phone charger, you'll be taking photos and looking up boats all day
Sunglasses (polarized if you have them, great for looking into the water)

Plan Your Route

Seven venues is a lot of ground. Check the show map on flibs.com before you go and identify the exhibitors and boat brands you most want to see. Start with your must-sees, then explore from there. The water taxi runs on a schedule, so factor in transit time between venues.

Questions to Ask Dealers

Don't be shy. Dealers expect questions at boat shows, and this is one of the best environments to get honest, detailed answers. Here are some good ones:

What's the total cost out the door, including trailer, rigging, and electronics?
What warranty comes standard, and what extended options are available?
Can you walk me through the differences between this model and the one a size up?
What's the typical lead time from order to delivery?
Do you offer show pricing or incentives that aren't available after the show?
What does your service department look like, and where are you located?

Bring a Buddy

Boat shows are more fun with someone else, and a second set of eyes helps when you're comparing models. Plus, two people can split up and cover more ground.

Visit Fish Tale Boats at FLIBS

The Fish Tale Boats team makes the trip to Fort Lauderdale every year, and we'd love to see you there. Stop by our display to check out the latest from Grady-White, Robalo, Chaparral, and Premier Pontoons.

What We're Bringing

We bring a curated lineup of our most popular models, plus any new releases for the upcoming model year. Whether you're looking at a versatile Robalo center console for weekend fishing or a Premier Pontoon for family cruising, you'll be able to climb aboard, ask questions, and compare models side by side.

Check our new boat inventory before the show to get a feel for what we carry. We'll announce specific FLIBS models on our website and social media as the show approaches.

Show Pricing

Boat shows are one of the best times to buy. Manufacturers often offer incentives that are only available during show weekends, and as an authorized dealer for four premium brands, we pass those savings along. If you've been thinking about pulling the trigger, FLIBS is the time to do it.

Get Pre-Approved Before You Go

Want to make the most of show pricing? Get pre-approved for financing before you head to Fort Lauderdale. Walking in with financing already lined up means you can focus on finding the right boat instead of worrying about numbers. It also speeds up the process if you decide to buy at the show.

Trade-In Valuations

Thinking about upgrading? We offer trade-in valuations and can talk through your trade at the show. Bring photos and details of your current boat, and our team can give you a ballpark number on the spot. It's one of the easiest ways to figure out what stepping up to a new model would actually cost.

Can't Make It to FLIBS?

No worries. Visit us at any of our three Southwest Florida locations in Fort Myers, Naples, or Bonita Springs. We carry the same brands and offer the same expertise, and you can schedule a personal sea trial on your timeline. Contact us to set something up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do tickets to FLIBS cost? General admission pricing varies by year. Check flibs.com for the latest ticket prices. Buying online in advance is usually cheaper than purchasing at the gate. Multi-day passes offer savings if you're planning more than one visit.

Is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show worth the drive from Fort Myers? Absolutely. It's the world's largest in-water boat show, and a three-hour drive is a small price for the chance to see thousands of boats from every major manufacturer. Make a weekend out of it and you'll have time to see everything.

Can I buy a boat at the show? Yes. Many dealers, including Fish Tale Boats, take orders and process deals right at the show. Show pricing and manufacturer incentives make FLIBS one of the best times of year to buy. Get pre-approved before you go so you're ready to move.

What's the best day to go? Wednesday and Thursday are the least crowded. Saturday is the busiest day by far. If crowds don't bother you and the weekend is your only option, arrive when the gates open to get a head start.

Do I need to visit all seven venues? You don't have to, but you'll want to see at least two or three. The Convention Center is great for gear and smaller boats. Bahia Mar and Hall of Fame Marina are the heart of the in-water displays. The water taxi makes it easy to hop between locations.

Where can I find Fish Tale Boats at FLIBS? Our booth location is assigned a few weeks before the show. Check fishtale.com or follow us on social media for our exact location as the show approaches. You can also contact us and we'll let you know where to find us.

Start Planning Your FLIBS Trip

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is one of the highlights of the boating calendar, and it's well within reach from Southwest Florida. Whether you're seriously shopping or just want to spend a day surrounded by incredible boats, it's a trip worth making.

Want to get a head start? Browse our new boat inventory, check out our pre-owned boats, or get pre-approved for financing so you're ready to take advantage of show pricing. And if you have questions before the show, reach out to our team, we're always happy to help.

See you at the show.

Check out our other boat show guides for more events worth attending.

What Is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?