Every fall, Fort Lauderdale transforms into the undisputed center of the yachting world. For five days, marinas fill with some of the largest and most luxurious vessels ever built, and tens of thousands of visitors arrive to see them up close. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you go, from dates and tickets to the superyachts and attractions you simply cannot miss.
Dates, Venues and Quick Facts
The 67th edition of this iconic event runs from Wednesday, October 28, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. It takes place across seven premier venues in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, often called the Yachting Capital of the World.
The venues include the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, the 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, and the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South. These locations are connected by six miles of floating docks, spanning nearly 90 acres and more than three million square feet of exhibition space.
Therefore, this is not a single building you walk through in an afternoon. It is closer to a small floating city, and planning your route in advance will make a real difference to your day.
More than 100,000 visitors attend each year, drawn by an extraordinary fleet of over 1,300 yachts and boats. Approximately four billion dollars worth of yachts and marine products are on display, making this the largest in-water boat show in the world. The event is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets.
Tickets: Prices and How to Buy
One important detail for 2026 is that tickets can only be purchased online in advance. There will be no ticketing box office on site, so planning ahead is essential. Digital tickets are scanned upon entry, which means you should have yours ready on your phone or printed before you arrive.
Several ticket types are available, each suited to a different kind of visitor.
- Windward VIP Experience: priced at 439 dollars and valid Wednesday through Sunday. This ticket includes entry to all seven venues plus access to the Windward VIP Club at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, with premium open bars, gourmet food, live music, luxury pop-up activations, and complimentary shuttle and water taxi service.
- Adult Two-Day Preview Plus General Admission: priced at 100 dollars and valid Wednesday through Sunday, giving you two full days of access including the early preview day.
- Adult Two-Day General Admission: priced at 77 dollars and valid Thursday through Sunday, letting you choose any two days within that range.
- Adult One-Day Wednesday Preview: priced at 70 dollars, granting access to all show locations on the preview day only.
A General Admission ticket gives you access to the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, and other connected venues. However, the Windward VIP ticket is the one to consider if you want a more relaxed, premium experience away from the busiest crowds.
Additionally, official hotel partnerships are available through onPeak, the designated hotel provider for the show. Booking through this channel often guarantees competitive rates with flexible cancellation policies, which is helpful given how quickly accommodation near the venues fills up.
The Best Superyachts to See in 2026
Each year, this event becomes the stage for some of the most anticipated yacht debuts in the world. Builders use the show to unveil flagship vessels, and brokers showcase their most impressive listings for prospective buyers and charter guests.
Visitors interested in browsing brokerage yachts will find representatives from leading firms stationed throughout Hall of Fame Marina and the Superyacht Village. These teams are available for private tours, detailed walk-throughs, and expert guidance on yacht sales, charter options, and ongoing management services.
The Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South remains the centerpiece for anyone chasing the largest and most luxurious vessels on display. Expect to see yachts stretching well over one hundred feet, often featuring multiple decks, infinity pools, helicopter pads, and beach club-style terraces. Walking the docks here gives you a genuine sense of scale that photographs simply cannot capture.
For those who prefer a more curated experience, many brokerage firms offer scheduled private viewings during the week. If a particular yacht or builder is high on your list, reaching out in advance is a smart move, since the busiest vessels can have limited viewing windows during peak show hours.
Schedule and Daily Highlights
The show typically follows a five-day rhythm, opening with a preview day before transitioning into general public days through the weekend.
Wednesday serves as the preview day, offering early access for those who purchase the relevant ticket tier. This day tends to be quieter, making it an excellent choice if you want more breathing room to explore at your own pace.
Thursday through Sunday make up the core general admission window. Crowds build steadily through the week, with Saturday typically being the busiest day overall. If your schedule allows flexibility, visiting on a weekday gives you more time with exhibitors and shorter waits for shuttle and water taxi services.
Throughout all five days, interactive and educational seminars run for visitors of all ages, covering topics from boating safety to marine technology innovations.
Must-See Attractions Beyond the Yachts
While the yachts themselves draw the biggest crowds, several other attractions are worth building into your schedule.
The Superyacht Village
Located at Pier Sixty-Six South, this is where the largest and most opulent vessels gather. It offers an unmatched concentration of high-end yachts in one walkable area, along with views across the Intracoastal Waterway that make for some of the best photo opportunities at the entire event.
The Windward VIP Club
For those holding the appropriate ticket, the Windward VIP Club at Bahia Mar Yachting Center offers a refined escape from the crowds. Premium open bars, gourmet catering, and lounge seating with unbeatable views of the show make this a popular stop for repeat visitors who want a more relaxed pace.
AquaZone
Presented at the Broward County Convention Center, AquaZone is an exhilarating attraction that lets visitors get up close with thrilling water sports demonstrations and groundbreaking marine products. It has grown bigger each year and remains one of the most popular family-friendly stops at the show.
Hook the Future
This feature focuses on engaging younger visitors and newcomers with the world of boating and fishing, offering hands-on activities designed to build genuine enthusiasm for the marine lifestyle. It is a thoughtful addition that helps the show appeal to multi-generational families, not just industry insiders.
Travel Tips: Getting Around and Staying Comfortable
Moving between seven venues spread across nearly 90 acres requires a bit of strategy. Fortunately, the show organizers have built a transportation network specifically for this purpose.
The Broward County Convention Center functions as the main transportation hub, with ample parking and frequent shuttle and water taxi connections to all seven locations. Additional water taxis and shuttles also run from the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six, giving you flexible entry and exit points depending on where you start your day.
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind before you go.
- Buy your ticket online well in advance, since there is no box office on site this year.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on docks, which can be slippery and uneven in places.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle, since Florida’s October weather is often warm and humid.
- Plan your day around specific venues rather than trying to see everything at once. The distances between locations are significant.
- Consider visiting on the Wednesday preview day if you want a calmer, less crowded experience.
- If you plan to view specific yachts or brokerage listings, contact the relevant brokerage firm ahead of time to arrange a private viewing.
- Check the show’s official “Know Before You Go” guide for the latest parking, shuttle, and entry details closer to the event date.
Additionally, Fort Lauderdale offers excellent dining options nearby for when you need a break. From relaxed waterfront grills to fine dining with marina views, there is no shortage of places to recharge between venues.
Where to Stay and Unwind
Accommodation near the show fills up quickly, so booking early through the official hotel partner is strongly recommended. Staying close to Bahia Mar or Las Olas Marina puts you within easy reach of the water taxi network, minimizing the time you spend commuting between venues.
After a long day exploring superyachts and marine technology, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches offer a welcome change of pace. The soft sand, palm trees, and turquoise water are a short distance from most show venues, making it easy to unwind before heading back out the next day.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of this legendary in-water boat show promises five unforgettable days across seven Fort Lauderdale venues, running from October 28 through November 1. Visitors can expect over 1,300 yachts on display, a four-billion-dollar showcase of marine luxury, and standout attractions including the Superyacht Village, the Windward VIP Club, AquaZone, and Hook the Future. Tickets are available exclusively online this year, with options ranging from affordable single-day general admission to the premium Windward VIP experience. With seven venues connected by six miles of floating docks, a little planning goes a long way, particularly around transportation, footwear, and scheduling your visit around the quieter preview day if possible. Whether you are a serious yacht buyer or simply curious about the world’s most luxurious vessels, this show remains one of the most spectacular events on the global yachting calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 boat show take place, and where is it held?
The 2026 edition runs from October 28 through November 1, across seven venues in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, and the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South.
How much do tickets cost, and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices range from 70 dollars for a one-day Wednesday preview pass up to 439 dollars for the Windward VIP Experience. General admission and two-day passes fall between these prices. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, since there is no box office on site this year.
What are the must-see attractions for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should prioritize the Superyacht Village for the largest luxury vessels, AquaZone for water sports demonstrations, and Hook the Future for hands-on boating and fishing activities. The Windward VIP Club is also worth considering for a more relaxed, premium experience.
How do I get between the seven different venues?
The Broward County Convention Center serves as the main transportation hub, with shuttle buses and water taxis connecting all seven locations. Additional water taxis and shuttles also operate from the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six, giving visitors flexible access points throughout the day.
Is it better to visit during the week or on the weekend?
Weekdays, particularly the Wednesday preview day, tend to be quieter and more comfortable for exploring at a relaxed pace. Weekends, especially Saturday, typically draw the largest crowds, so visitors hoping to avoid long lines may prefer a weekday visit if their schedule allows.
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