Your Guide to Fort LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
The FORT LAUDERDALE Edit 2026
September 8–13, 2026
October 28 – November 1, 2026
Each fall, Fort Lauderdale becomes the center of the international yachting world. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns for its 67th edition, transforming the “Yachting Capital of the World” into the largest in-water boat show anywhere… more than 1,300 yachts and boats displayed across seven locations, connected by six miles of floating docks and nearly 90 acres of exhibition space.
Whether you are visiting to explore your next yacht, meet with the industry’s leading shipyards or simply take in the energy along the waterfront, there is much more to Fort Lauderdale than the show itself.
Here is our guide to experiencing the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2026.
Begin at Bahia Mar
Located at 801 Seabreeze Boulevard on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bahia Mar Yachting Center is the anchor of the show and the natural place to begin.
This is where visitors can discover new models, tour the latest launches and meet with many of the world’s leading yacht builders, designers and marine specialists. The Windward VIP Club is based here as well, offering premium lounge access and complimentary shuttle and water taxi service to the other six locations.
The show is extensive, so review the exhibitor list before arriving and arrange private appointments in advance. Leave room in your schedule for unexpected discoveries… some of the most interesting yachts are often found while walking the docks.
Superyacht Village at Pier 66
At the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, the show reserves its most impressive displays for the largest vessels on the water.
This is the destination for world debuts, flagship launches, and the superyachts that define each edition of the show. Set across the New River from the main beachfront venues, it rewards a dedicated visit rather than a rushed pass-through.
Rather than trying to cover every location in one day, dedicate focused time to each. This allows for meaningful yacht tours, conversations, and a proper look at the vessels that interest you most.
Explore the Connecting Marinas
Between the two anchors, five additional venues each carry their own focus.
Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina and the 17th Street Yacht Basin bring together brokerage yachts, sport fishing vessels, tenders and center consoles, while Pier 66 Marina and the Broward County Convention Center round out the show with marine technology, accessories and the products that complete the yachting lifestyle. Water taxis and shuttles connect all seven locations, making it easy to move between them throughout the day.
Private Yacht Tour
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show offers the rare opportunity to compare a broad selection of yachts in one destination.
Step aboard, examine layouts, speak with shipyard representatives, and explore the differences between models in person.
For serious buyers, private appointments provide the best experience. Your yacht broker can coordinate access, organize a focused tour schedule and arrange sea trials when available.
Where to Eat During Fort lauderdale International Boat show
Reservations during show week can be extremely difficult to secure. Confirm lunches, dinners and transportation well in advance, particularly for larger groups.
Boatyard
Fort Lauderdale's premier waterfront dining destination, Boatyard offers an upscale, nautical atmosphere directly on the Intracoastal. With dedicated dock-and-dine slips, guests can arrive by boat and walk straight from the water to their table. Best for: Marina views, fresh seafood and a location built for the show crowd.
Ocean Prime
Fort Lauderdale's premier waterfront dining destination, Boatyard offers an upscale, nautical atmosphere directly on the Intracoastal. With dedicated dock-and-dine slips, guests can arrive by boat and walk straight from the water to their table. Best for: Marina views, fresh seafood and a location built for the show crowd.
Louie Bossi's Ristorante, Bar & Pizzeria
A high-energy Italian restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard, Louie Bossi's serves scratch-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and house-cured charcuterie in a lively setting with a spacious outdoor courtyard. Best for: Italian food, a festive atmosphere and group dinners.
Steak 954
Located inside the W Fort Lauderdale on the beach, Steak 954 pairs premium cuts and fresh seafood with an oceanfront setting and its signature jellyfish tank. Best for: A refined dinner steps from the sand.
Olive & Sea
A rooftop restaurant on the Intracoastal, Olive & Sea serves bold Mediterranean dishes and daily seafood specials with sweeping water views and a creative cocktail program. Best for: Sunset dining, cocktails and Mediterranean plates above the water.
Calusso
Set inside the reimagined Pier Sixty-Six resort, Calusso brings refined coastal fine dining to the heart of the show, with marina views and a menu built around crudos, foie gras, expertly prepared seafood and a 40-day aged bistecca for two. Its Harbour Hour, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, offers cocktails, wine and small plates against the water… ideal after a day at the Superyacht Village. Best for: A polished dinner steps from the docks or an early-evening drink on the marina.
Daniel's Steakhouse
A Michelin-recommended steakhouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Daniel's builds its menu around the state itself… prime cuts and American wagyu from North Florida ranches, oysters from Panacea, Florida Keys snapper and a nightly catch of the day. A locally owned kitchen, an award-worthy bar and a polished setting make it one of the city's standout dinners.
Fogo de Chão
A Brazilian steakhouse on Las Olas Boulevard at The Main, Fogo de Chão brings the full churrasco experience to downtown Fort Lauderdale… fire-roasted cuts carved tableside by gaucho chefs, from picanha to filet mignon, alongside a generous Market Table, seafood enhancements and an indoor-outdoor bar. An open-air churrasco bar and covered patios make it as much an experience as a meal. Best for: Group dinners, a lively atmosphere and a hearty churrasco after a day at the docks.
Luxury hotels
Where to stay during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Pier Sixty-Six
Newly reimagined and home to the Superyacht Village, Pier Sixty-Six places guests at the heart of the show’s largest displays. The resort’s marina setting, restaurants and Intracoastal views make it a destination in its own right.
Choose Pier Sixty-Six for: superyacht Village access, a marina setting and a fully renovated resort experience.
THE MAREN
A contemporary oceanfront hotel steps from Bahia Mar and the main show entrance, Hotel Maren pairs a prime beachfront location with a modern, boutique feel. Bright rooms overlook the Atlantic, many with oversized oceanfront balconies, and the fifth-floor pool deck, Acqua Lounge and Riviera Restaurant offer waterfront settings a short walk from the docks and Las Olas.
Choose The Maren for: A modern beachfront stay within walking distance of the show.
OTHER THINGS TO DO DURING THE CANNES YACHTING SHOW
Beyond the Show
Cruise the Intracoastal
Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" for good reason. A private cruise along the Intracoastal and its winding canals offers a relaxed view of the city's waterfront estates, passing yachts and the marinas that define it… a quieter setting for clients, friends or family.
Explore Las Olas
Beyond the docks, Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale's cultural center. Walk its palm-lined blocks, browse the boutiques and galleries and stop for dinner at one of the neighborhood's many restaurants, only minutes from the show.
Day Trip to the Bahamas
With the islands less than fifty miles offshore, a day trip to Bimini or the Bahamas is well within reach for those with an extra day. Clear water, quiet cays and a change of pace make for a memorable close to the week.
ITINERARY
A perfect Show day
Morning: Begin early with breakfast near the beach before attending scheduled yacht tours at Bahia Mar.
Lunch: Reserve a waterfront table at Boatyard or 15th Street Fisheries.
Afternoon: Continue to the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 for the show’s largest displays, then work through the connecting marinas for brokerage yachts and tenders.
Early evening: Return to your hotel to recharge and change for dinner.
Dinner: Choose Ocean Prime or Steak 954 for a polished evening, Louie Bossi’s or Shooters for something livelier, or Sea Watch on the Ocean for a quieter dinner away from the docks.
CONTACT US
Experience Fort Lauderdale With Worth Avenue Yachts
Meet the Worth Avenue Yachts team in Fort Lauderdale for private yacht tours, market insight and personalized guidance throughout the festival.
Whether you are considering a yacht for sale, exploring new construction or planning your next private yacht vacation, our team can help you make the most of your time in Fort Lauderdale.
LET US TAKE YOU THERE...
