Counting down to FLIBS: What to expect at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

By Katie Scott 18 October 2023

One week to go until Fort Lauderdale opens its doors and all this year's superyachts are descending in readiness for an exciting show packed with the latest innovations and, of course, some truly spectacular luxury charter yachts.

Seamlessly connected over seven different locations, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) annually attracts thousands of visitors every day throughout the five-day run, showcasing an extensive coverage of multiple nautical niches, ensuring that every visitor can create the ultimate yachting package at one event.

Expecting in excess of 1300 boats at this year's event, there's plenty to see and do around the show, so here's a rundown of the highlights to expect at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Getting Around FLIBS 2023

Elevated bridge spanning across the Fort Lauderdale marina, with the AHOY Club in the foreground

Complemented with a shuttle and water taxi transportation service, Fort Lauderdale pulls out all the stops to ensure visitors get to see everything while attending the show. With all seven locations hosting an enticing array of gleaming boats, merchandise, and live entertainment, this Florida-based show packs in more than enough to fill up all five days of this year's event.

Gearing up for the 64th edition, the seven locations featured in the FLIBS 2023 program are;

Broward County Convention Center (1950 Eisenhower Blvd)
Bahia Mar Yachting Centre (801 Seabreeze Blvd)
Pier 66 Marina (2301 SE 17th St)
Las Olas Marina (240 E. Las Olas Circle)
SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 South (2150 SE 17th St)
17th Street Yacht Basin (1881 SE 17th St)
Hall of Fame Marina (435 Seabreeze Blvd)

Yachts not to be missed in 2023

Anticipating some of the world's most renowned shipbuilders, there are many returning favorites set to bring some of their finest motor yachts to the 2023 edition of FLIBS. Some exhibits that have been confirmed so far include Sunseeker yacht charters, Sunreef Yachts, Princess and Westport yacht charters.

There are many enticing charter yachts scheduled to attend Fort Lauderdale next week, including many global and show debuts, but here's a handful of must-see yachts that are expected to attract some attention.

Charter yacht Party Girl underway, surrounded by sea.

This year's edition looks set to offer some outstanding luxury charter yachts around the pontoons and, so far, the largest superyacht confirmed to be attending is 62.5m (205ft) PARTY GIRL. Boasting a split-level master suite with a private terrace, plus captivating Art Deco interiors mixed with oriental accents, she is an opulent sight and should not be missed while exploring the show.

Charter yacht DOPAMINE underway, with a tender running alongside, surrounded by sea.

Charter yacht OFFLINE underway, with a tender and watertoy running alongside

Roaming the docks in the glorious Florida heat, luxury charter yachts DOPAMINE and OFFLINE from Overmarine beckon with their stylish exteriors and abundant premium features. Both built in 2021, these two striking yachts have sporty personalities and are set to provide charter guests with real thrills as they race through the waves. Family-friendly but with plenty of adventure thrown in, these motor yachts certainly know how to deliver.

Charter yacht UNBRIDLED underway, with land in the distance

Measuring up at 58m (191ft), charter yacht UNBRIDLED is also set to make an impact at the docks with her spacious exterior deck space and classic personality. Offering a generous amount of gym equipment and a dedicated office space, she is fully equipped to cater towards both family groups and those looking for corporate charters.

Dockside attractions at FLIBS 2023

In addition to the exciting display of motor yachts around the pontoons, Fort Lauderdale excels in providing the complete package. From cars to diving gear to exquisite jewelry, everything can be found within the boundaries of the USA's hottest yachting event of the year.

Windward VIP

The most indulgent way to experience all that the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has to offer, Windward VIP offers a host of exclusive perks and facilities to make sure that your every need is catered to throughout the duration of your stay at the show.

Providing a delicious menu of premium dishes and a VIP bar, VIP ticket holders can make use of an exclusive lounge with outstanding views of the surrounding show, and benefit from a dedicated show entrance just for Windward VIP visitors.

Fort Lauderdale Concours

Exotic car on display outside an exhibit at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Returning for its third edition at the show, the Fort Lauderdale Concours can be found on the docks in the Superyacht Village. Proudly displaying an exotic collection of classic cars, iconic works of art, and collector's items, this exhibit is perfect for flashes of inspiration and comes as a perfect accompaniment in such a refined area of the show.

The FLIBS Aquazone

Man doing a paddleboarding demonstration at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Delivering an action-packed exhibit with the latest gadgets, sports toys, and non-stop watersports demonstrations, the Aquazone highlights all the exciting thrills of being out on the waves, with skills and tips that can be taken crewed yacht charters around the world.

Hosted at the Broward County Convention Center, the exhibit is bigger than ever before and features many watersports favorites, with opportunities to get hands-on experience and buy the latest gear.

Need more information?

Overhead view looking down on three motor yachts lined up

If you're looking to experience the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, consider attending the event with a reputable yacht charter broker; they will be able to guide you around the best motor yachts at the show, explain the process of renting a superyacht, and help make your show experience as smooth and effortless as possible.