The insider’s guide: All you need to know about FLIBS 2021

By Nina Done 25 October 2021

The YachtCharterFleet team has years of first-hand experience attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), and we’re here to give you the complete insider’s guide to the boat show 2021.

Opening on Wednesday 27 October, the world’s largest in-water boat show will be back to celebrate its 62nd edition of the show.

Hundreds of vessels are set to go on display this year, ranging from personal watercraft and sportfishers to pleasure cruisers and luxury motor yachts.

Yachts moored in Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

They will be lined up across several miles of floating docks, promising a huge variety for you to browse at the show. As ever, a water taxi service is on hand to transport you between each of the show's locations.

Where is FLIBS 2021 taking place?

This year, the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show takes place in six show locations across the city. The main entrance is the Bahia Mar Yachting Centre, located on 801 Seabreeze Blvd.

Map for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2021

The complete list of locations of FLIBS 2021 is as follows;

Bahia Mar Yachting Center (801 Seabreeze Blvd. Ft Lauderdale 33316)
Las Olas Marina (240 E. Las Olas Circle Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)
Pier 66 Marina (2301 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)
SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 South (2150 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)
Hall of Fame Marina (435 Seabreeze Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale 33316)
Greater Ft. Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center (1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)

How do I get around at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

FLIBS 2021 will open its doors on Wednesday 27 October at 12am. The official opening hours are;

Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday to Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

A water taxi service is the best way to navigate each of the show locations and see everything that’s on display.

The service runs from 10am to 8pm on Wednesday and from 10am to 10pm Thursday till Sunday and costs $12 for an all-day ticket, or $50 for a 5-day pass. There is a pick-up and drop-off point at each location around the show.

There is also a complimentary shuttle bus service, with three round-loop routes available to transport you around FLIBS 2021.

What’s in store?

For the ultimate party – and new for 2021 – head over to the Fort Lauderdale Concours, curated by the same team that created the New York City Concours.

Car concours at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2021

Car and shoe concours at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2021

Taking place on the rooftop of Las Olas parking garage and offering incredible views over the harbour and waterways, there will be a raft of exciting events taking place including fashion shows, live entertainment, DJ sets and even a high-end sneaker exhibition! And, of course, lots of very cool cars.

Superyacht Village

Launched in 2019 during the diamond anniversary edition, the Superyacht Village has proved a roaring success and is set to be one of the annual highlights of this event.

Located in an exclusive marina, it sits adjacent to the southeast corner of the 17th Street Causeway in Bridge, and is one of the few areas in Fort Lauderdale that can accommodate yachts measuring up to 400ft (121m).

Those looking to visit the Superyacht Village should look out for the Pier 66 water taxi stop-off or the green shuttle bus route.

For the duration of the show, the Superyacht Village will benefit from a dedicated on-land exhibition area with top shipyards showing off their latest projects and interacting with show-goers.

Esteemed builders Feadship, Benetti, Lurssen, Sanlorenzo and many more will be present at the Superyacht Village, alongside a range of accessories on display, including helicopters, personal submarines, prestige cars and water gadgets.

There will also be a restaurant, wine tastings, pop-up fashion exhibits and a range of seminars to keep show-goers busy over the course of the 5-day event.

What is the official FLIBS 2021 superyacht lineup?

Every year, the shining stars of the FLIBS fleet are the superyachts.

So far, 130 luxury yachts measuring over 79ft (24m) have confirmed their attendance at the boat show, made up almost entirely of yachts marking their FLIBS debut, with an average overall length of 116ft (35.4m) and an average asking price of $7.9 million – although these figures will undoubtedly change over the next few days.

The largest charter yacht making her debut at FLIBS 2021 will be 280ft (85m) explorer yacht BOLD. One of the biggest launches from the Australian yard Silver Yachts, she will be showing off her striking Espen Øino exteriors and exquisite VAIN Interiors styling for show-goers at the Superyacht Village.

122 luxury yachts measuring over 79ft (24m) have confirmed their attendance at the boat show, made up almost entirely of yachts marking their FLIBS debut

She will no doubt be berthed near the 224ft (68m) Abeking and Rasmussen yacht SOARING, as well as the 209ft (64m) Benetti yacht MOCA and the elegant 190ft (58m) Feadship yacht W, who are all available for charter and marking their FLIBS debut this year.

Another superyacht to look out for at the show will be the new 251ft (77m) Feadship yacht BOARDWALK, who was delivered to her Owner earlier this year, although currently not available for charter.

Showcasing unmistakable Lurseen pedigree in her exterior profile, her interiors remain a mystery and are sure to wow visitors lucky enough to be granted a tour on board.

What is there to do at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

Alongside the on-water action, there will be plenty to keep show-goers entertained on land, with over 3 million square feet of exhibition space dedicated to the 631 exhibitors showcasing their latest and most innovative products.

Attendees can spend the days hitting the boardwalks, perusing the selection of maritime and luxury goods on offer.

Those looking for fun should not miss the AquaZone; covering an area of over 44,000 square feet and representing 23 brands, it will feature a wide range of water sports toys, tenders and other innovative marine products and nautical gadgets on display.

Roger Moore, the Chairman and CEO of Nautical Ventures believes the attraction will delight attendees at the show: “Whether visitors are looking for a kayak, a luxury floating platform or the latest in electric yacht toys, the AquaZone has a product for everyone.”

There will be demonstrations taking place in the 40,000-gallon pool where attendees can try out the various toys being showcased to gain personal experience of these products. A team of dedicated professionals and athletes will also be on-hand to explain how they work.

Whether visitors are looking for a kayak, a luxury floating platform or the latest in electric yacht toys, the AquaZone has a product for everyone.

As always, a range of seminars will be on the schedule this year at FLIBS, including the popular fishing clinics for younger participants and informative talks about fire prevention and detection, cruising the Bahamas and preservation of the ocean’s marine life, including the endangered loggerhead turtles.

Where should I eat during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?

The exclusive Windward VIP Club is now part of the show’s premium experience, located in the heart of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in the Captain’s Lounge at Bahia Mar. It is the perfect haven for those that want to enjoy the finer things in life whilst at the show.

Offering a premium bar, gourmet dining and glorious views across the marina, discerning clientele will be well looked after. As part of the VIP experience, They also offer exclusive concierge services for those who prefer to arrange private viewings and appointments.

Nearby, the Culinary Experience is headed up by experienced Executive Chef Vagn Nielsen, where you will find a vast range of culinary delights to whet your appetite; from burgers and authentic street tacos to fresh stone crab claws and oysters, perfect for those who prefer not to stray too far.

Other options include Coconuts at 429 Seabreeze Boulevard, which is a perennial favorite among attendees at the show, who enjoy the prime social and networking scene and pretty views over the water, not to mention the superb seafood dishes on offer.

Another popular hot spot for lunch is at the Anglers’ Lounge in the Broward County Convention Centre, specialising in Key West-style tapas and beautiful panoramas.

For evening dining, opt for Chima Steakhouse on Las Olas Boulevard. Brazilian-style beef is the order of the day here, but a variety of fresh and tasty salads promise something for everyone.

FLIBS 2021 Mobile App

New for this year, visitors can enhance their show experience by downloading the exclusive mobile app, which provides important information about the exhibitors, product directory, special events and live show updates across the show’s various locations. The app also includes the official FLIBS map to help you navigate your way around the show with ease.

To download the FLIBS mobile app, search for FLIBS in your phone’s mobile app store.

Need more information?

If you want to make the most out of your experience at the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, consider attending with a yacht charter broker; they will be able to guide you and help make your show experience as smooth and seamless as possible.

You can view the complete lineup of luxury yachts at FLIBS 2021.