Beyond 'super': unique yacht design with Burgess
Your guide to the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Published 11 September 2025
From October, the yachting industry’s boat show focus shifts from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale in South Florida. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) kickstarts the first of the winter superyacht shows and heralds the time to go yachting in the Caribbean.
Taking place in 2025 from 29 October to 2 November, the 66th annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show dates coincide with prime Caribbean cruising. It captures anyone crossing the Atlantic following the Mediterranean summer season, as well as those already US-based looking to learn, network and peruse the boats on display.
What sets Fort Lauderdale apart from other boat shows?
FLIBS is the world’s largest in-water show in America, with last year’s edition seeing over 1,300 vessels on display. Aside from learning about new launches and industry developments, it’s the ideal place to tour some of the best boats available for a US yacht charter or for those looking to purchase.
The five-day show attracts over 100,000 attendees and more than 1,000 exhibitors. Products range from superyachts to sunglasses, with 52 countries represented and a whopping USD 1.79 billion in economic output throughout the state of Florida through show purchases and expenditures.
The Burgess experience at FLIBS
The Burgess stand this year is in the Hall of Fame Marina, Bahia Mar. From the moment you arrive, our team of superyacht specialists are on hand every step of the way to guide you through the show experience. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or charter, we’ll share market insight and arrange private tours on board the most compelling yachts in the show and nearby.
We also offer private chauffeur transfers and LEKKER tenders to ensure seamless transport to and from yachts.
Planning your visit to Seabreeze Blvd
Like any large boat show, the best experience at FLIBS comes after careful planning. That includes making note of the types of exhibits and boats that you are most interested in seeing. The show opens at 10:00 every day apart from Wednesday (Preview Day) which opens at 12:00, but choosing a location that is both close to the venue and Fort Lauderdale’s key attractions is best.
Bahia Mar Yachting Center on Seabreeze Blvd is just one of seven show locations and FLIBS has shuttles, golf carts and water taxis at various points across each area. Alternatively, Burgess has private car transfers and tenders for a luxurious and smooth experience.
Where to stay
Fort Lauderdale offers an abundance of places to stay, from boutique guesthouses to world-class hotels. For timeless charm, the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard puts you close to the beaches, airport, and cruise port, all wrapped in Old Florida elegance. If it’s five-star service and sweeping ocean views you’re after, the Four Seasons delivers with style.
And for those who prefer something sleek and modern, the W Fort Lauderdale stands out – its bold design and upbeat vibe make it a popular choice in the Venice of America.
Fine dining
When it comes to fine dining during FLIBS 2025, Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene has plenty to impress. For classic sophistication, head to Eddie V’s Prime Seafood for perfectly prepared steaks and fresh ocean-to-table dishes served in an elegant setting. If contemporary Italian is more your style, Casa D’Angelo remains a local favourite, blending authentic flavours with a refined atmosphere.
For a taste of the city’s vibrant waterfront, Boatyard offers a lively setting with a menu that celebrates fresh seafood and coastal cuisine. And if you’re looking to pair dinner with unforgettable views, S3 (Sun, Surf, Sand) delivers with its beachfront location, creative small plates, and chic, laid-back air.
Dress to impress
The weather in South Florida is always unpredictable, so it's advised to be prepared for both sun and rain, but always dress for the occasion. Most importantly, consider wearing comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you may have to do so when boarding the vessels.
Extending your trip: late summer yacht charters from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is perfectly positioned as your gateway to incredible charters. Just a day from some of the closer Bahamian islands or a few hours to the Florida Keys, there are so many options on your doorstep.
Sail the Sunshine State with a Florida Keys charter
Just a short cruise from Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys offer the perfect way to unwind after the energy of the show. Though linked by the famous Overseas Highway, the Keys are best explored by yacht, where every stop brings a new perspective of this laid-back island chain.
Glide past Miami’s Art Deco shoreline into the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay and Elliot Key before reaching Key Largo, where charter guests can explore myriad coral reefs and dive sites. Islamorada, spread across six islands, is the sport-fishing capital of the world and a playground for anglers. Further along, tranquil Duck Key and Hawk Key deliver the barefoot charm of the middle Keys. Finally, drop anchor in Key West, the southernmost point of the continental US, where historic streets, sunset celebrations and vibrant bars welcome you ashore.
The ultimate Bahamas break
Just 50 miles from Fort Lauderdale, The Bahamas are the easiest way to slip into island life after the show. A short cruise delivers you to Bimini, where turquoise waters and endless beaches set the tone for your adventure. From there, the Exumas invite you to explore a chain of over 300 islands, each offering something different – swim with pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkel the Thunderball Grotto, or anchor off sandbars that vanish with the tide.
For those seeking a little bustle alongside the beauty, Nassau combines vibrant nightlife and culture with world-class marinas. Whether it’s a weekend escape or the beginning of a longer voyage, the Bahamas bring barefoot bliss within easy reach of Fort Lauderdale.
Experience the best of the Caribbean
Beyond The Bahamas lies the Caribbean, a collection of islands each with its own unique rhythm. From Fort Lauderdale, a short flight delivers you to your yacht, ready to explore the tropics at their most vibrant.
In the Virgin Islands, forested hills give way to sheltered bays ideal for paddleboarding and snorkelling. St Barth blends white-sand beaches with designer boutiques and fine dining, while the Grenadines remain blissfully untouched, offering quiet anchorages and world-class diving.
Whether you’re chasing barefoot adventure, a refined island lifestyle, or simply the joy of sailing between sun-drenched shores, a Caribbean charter after the show is the perfect way to extend your time in the sunshine.
Attending FLIBS in 2025?
Get in touch to book a viewing or request an appointment with a member of our charter or brokerage team today. We hope to you see you there.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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