One hundred and ninety-three superyachts. Six waterfront venues. One 305-foot vessel transformed from a luxury yacht into a floating research platform. The world’s largest in-water boat show returns to South Florida — and you don’t need a broker’s card to make it worth the trip.
The Ships Worth Your Attention
From hybrid engines to hyperbaric chambers, the 2026 lineup reveals where luxury and exploration are colliding.
The 67th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, running October 28–November 1, 2026 across six Fort Lauderdale venues, is where you see what the ultra-wealthy are demanding from the sea — and it’s less Succession and more Planet Earth.
Five vessels define the 2026 conversation:
- Draak (Oceanco, 305 feet) — the show’s largest yacht, a 305-foot superyacht transformed for scientific research and marine exploration, equipped with a dive center, medical treatment area, and hyperbaric chamber (a pressurized chamber used in diving-related medical treatment)
- Pearl 100 Hybrid — world premiere; hybrid propulsion (an electric-assist engine system) delivers quieter operation, reduced vibration, and better efficiency at anchor
- Princess X90 — North American debut; fold-down balconies, a beach-club cockpit (a water-level deck designed for swimming and socializing), and a glass-fronted hot tub
- Sirena 118 Ikigai — interiors featuring moss green, burgundy, pressed leaves encased in glass, and peacock-feather details
- Galeon 570 SKY — “Beach Mode” fold-down balconies; the Absolute Navetta 66 adds a fourth cabin above sea level
Draak captures a broader shift. Boat International analysis suggests yacht design is moving away from floating residences and toward platforms for exploration, research, and remote travel — implying more specialized crew, more sophisticated technical systems, and far more interesting vessels to board.
You Don’t Need a Broker to Enjoy This
Floating pickleball, fishing clinics, and VIP dining make FLIBS a full-day destination for anyone.
Beyond the superyachts, Las Olas Marina hosts a floating pickleball court. The Broward County Convention Center runs a Kids Corner alongside children’s fishing clinics led by Don Dingman on Saturday and Sunday. Children under six enter free with a ticketed adult. Windward VIP guests enjoy gourmet dining, open bars, and private lounges, with chefs Ryan O’Sullivan and David White leading the culinary programming.
Six venues stretch across the waterfront — Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Superyacht Village, and Pier Sixty-Six Marina — connected by water taxi and complimentary shuttles. Build your route before you arrive; the venues reward planning.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (per day) | $48 |
| Ages 6–12 | $19 |
| Children under 6 | Free with ticketed adult |
There is no on-site box office, so purchase in advance at flibs.com.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Noon–7 p.m. |
| Thursday–Saturday | 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Most visitors won’t be buying a 305-foot research yacht — and that’s precisely the point. Come for the spectacle, stay for the South Florida waterfront energy, and leave quietly convinced the ocean has been underrated all along.
