1. Check out the show’s amazing array of boats, marine products and accessories, from astonishing super-yachts, fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget, to fishing gear, marine art, jewelry and more, all valued at more than $4 billion. Catamaran Cove returns this year and will now be located at the Bahia Mar Marina show location, featuring a wide variety of catamarans from many of the industry’s leading builders.

 

 

2. Nothing beats learning from an expert when it comes to improving your boating skills. First-time boaters and seasoned skippers alike can improve their boat handling skills at “Take the Helm” courses sponsored by Carefree Boat Club. Instruction includes basic and advanced docking skills, anchoring and multi-vessel rafting techniques, open water boat handling, first mate skills and more.

 

 

3. At the show's Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center location, catch the Hook The Future kids’ fishing clinics where kids get a free rod/reel combo and plenty of other prizes. In addition, the IGFA School of Sportfishing offers a line–up of seminars for adults covering all aspects of fishing.

 

4. The Windward VIP Club Experience, located at the Hall of Fame Marina, offers the luxury of a private dining area, a premium open bar, gourmet food and meet-and-greet opportunities. This climate-controlled sanctuary is the perfect platform to network, close business, or simply share the excitement of this international boating spectacular. Each VIP Club Experience package includes show entry, Windward VIP Club access and access to the water taxi. The daily cost for the Windward VIP Club Experience is $225 per person.

 

5. The Blue Wild features scuba and freediving, lobstering and safety seminars, a huge selection of ocean-themed art, located at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

6. Check out live paddleboard, kayak, hovercraft and freedive demos at the AquaZone, presented by Nautical Ventures outside of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Learn directly from the pros in a 25-foot-by-50-foot, 15,000-gallon pool!

7. People-watch at the show’s world-famous floating cocktail lounges. Find a seat, grab a cold drink and cool off in the shade. Have a bite to eat and recharge while enjoying live music and even livelier crowds.

 

8. Hop a ride to the show aboard free riverboats and Water Taxi transportation. The show’s seven locations are connected by a convenient land and water transportation network offering several parking and transportation options to get show-goers to the show’s seven locations: Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. 

 

Established in 1959, the show covers more than 3 million square feet and is the largest in-water boat show in the world in terms of gross exhibitor space and number of vessels.

 

The show’s local, regional and statewide economic benefits are substantial. According to the results of an economic impact study conducted by Thomas J. Murray & Associates in conjunction with the University of Florida released in July 2016, the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show contributed more than $857 million to Florida’s economy.