FLIBS week is almost here. The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs October 28 to November 1, 2026, and many of you are already deep into detailing, provisioning, and show prep, with a busy charter season right behind it. Before the docks fill up, I want to make the case for something that rarely makes the job list: a full day off in Fort Lauderdale.
The weeks before a boat show are some of the most demanding of the year. Hours stretch, the job list never seems to shrink, and it is easy to go days without stepping off the dock. Add the close quarters of crew life, the busy social scene, and the pressure of a charter season ahead, and fatigue builds quickly.
Have questions about your crew health or travel coverage before the season starts? Get in touch with MHG Insurance, and our Yacht Division team will be glad to help.
Why a Day Ashore Matters
The data reflects what many of you already feel. The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) reported that its Yacht Crew Help line recorded its highest quarterly number of mental health contacts at the end of 2023, a 58% rise on the previous quarter (ISWAN, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
Time outdoors is one of the simplest ways to push back. A study of nearly 20,000 people found that those who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and high wellbeing. It made no difference whether that time came in one long visit or several short ones (White et al., 2019 (opens in a new tab)). For crew with unpredictable schedules, that is encouraging: one proper day ashore can cover your week. Fort Lauderdale makes that easy. Here is how I would spend the day.
Morning: See the City from the Water
You spend your working hours on the water, but seeing it as a passenger is a completely different experience. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is a hop-on, hop-off service, so a single pass covers unlimited stops on your chosen route instead of point-to-point tickets (Visit Lauderdale (opens in a new tab)). Boats on the Fort Lauderdale route typically arrive every 35 to 45 minutes starting at 10 a.m., and the narrated ride along the New River and the Intracoastal gives you an easy look at the homes, marinas, and yachts that earned this city its reputation as the Yachting Capital of the World.
Two good places to hop off in the morning:
- Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House: Step off beside one of the oldest surviving homes in Fort Lauderdale and stroll the Riverwalk along the New River. It is shaded, quiet in the morning, and a pleasant change of pace from the marina.
- Las Olas Boulevard: Find a sidewalk cafe for a slow breakfast, then browse the independent boutiques and art galleries. There is no agenda here, which is exactly the point.
One practical tip: the Water Taxi offers a live boat tracker online, so you can linger over a second coffee without worrying about missing the next boat.
Midday: Trade the Deck for Sand and Shade
By late morning, it is time to get your feet on something other than teak. Fort Lauderdale has three standout options within a short distance of each other along the barrier island.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
The Water Taxi has stops with easy beach access, so you can ride straight over from Las Olas. Find a spot, swim, read, or simply sit and watch the ocean without anyone asking you for anything. After weeks of polishing someone else's view, it is nice to enjoy your own.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 E. Sunrise Blvd. | Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year | $6 per vehicle
Often called Fort Lauderdale's “Central Park,” this green space sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (Florida State Parks (opens in a new tab)). It is one of the best places in the city to meet that 120-minute nature goal. Inside, you can:
- Walk or run the shaded trails and look out for gopher tortoises
- Paddle the park's lagoon or ride a bike along the park road
- Cross A1A at the crosswalk for beach access
- Picnic under palms and oaks overlooking the channel
If you plan to arrive by tender, note that the park's floating dock has been closed since May 2026, so confirm current access before you set off.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
900 N. Birch Rd. | Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Closed Mondays
Just south of the state park, Bonnet House is a historic 1920s estate set on a native barrier island habitat, with a main house full of art, lush subtropical gardens, and plenty of wildlife (Bonnet House (opens in a new tab)). It is calm, a little whimsical, and a world away from boat show crowds. A few things to know:
- Last admission is at 4 p.m., and the grounds close at 5 p.m.
- Reserving tickets online speeds up entry, especially on weekends.
- A gardens-only ticket is $15 if you would rather stay outdoors.
- Guided house tours run about 90 minutes and require pre-registration.
Get Active: Two Ways to Move
If sitting still is not your idea of a break, Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to stay active off the clock. These two options are a good fit for crew who want to move, meet people, and clear their heads.
Beach Yoga with Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga & Fitness
870 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. | Saturdays at 8 a.m. | Sundays at 9 a.m. starting in October
After weeks of hauling fenders and bending over detailing jobs, a slow stretch on the sand does wonders. Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga & Fitness has been teaching locals and visitors since 2008, with gentle weekend classes right on the beach (Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga & Fitness (opens in a new tab)).
Good to know:
- An RSVP is required for every class, and each class's ticket page lists its price and meeting point.
- A donation-based Yoga Fusion class returns to Las Olas Oceanside Park on Saturdays at 9:45 a.m. from October 10.
- Special sessions run throughout the month, including a Full Moon Kundalini Yoga class on Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m.
- Some events have limited space, so book ahead.
Full Hunter's Moon Halloween Paddle
2520 N. Federal Hwy. | Monday, October 26, 7 p.m. | From $39 for a single kayak (early bird)
Just two days before FLIBS opens, Sunrise Paddleboards is hosting a guided paddle through Fort Lauderdale's waterways under October's full Hunter's Moon, followed by music, drinks, and a costume contest on the waterfront (Sunrise Paddleboards (opens in a new tab)). It is a memorable way to see the water at night and unwind with your crewmates before the busiest week of the year.
- All skill levels are welcome, and you can choose a paddleboard, a single kayak, or a tandem kayak.
- Every rental includes a paddle, life jacket, leash, and a dedicated guide.
- Early bird rates are $36 for a paddleboard, $39 for a single kayak, and $79 for a tandem kayak, rising to $55, $60, and $125 once early bird spots are gone.
- Reservations are made by phone at 954 440-4562, since an online RSVP alone does not hold your equipment.
- Last-minute cancellations convert to a rental credit instead of a refund, so confirm your schedule with your captain before you book.
- Doors open at 6:40 p.m., and parking is free.
Afternoon and Evening: Wind Down Before You Head Back
As the afternoon cools, make your way back toward Las Olas or the Riverwalk for an early dinner outdoors. If you only have the evening free, the $25 evening Water Taxi pass after 5 p.m. is a relaxed way to watch the sun go down over the waterway before heading back to the boat.
Whatever your plan, a little preparation keeps the day stress-free:
- Let your captain or crewmates know your plans. Share roughly where you will be and when you expect to be back, and keep your phone charged.
- Respect the Florida heat. Late October can still be hot and humid, with sudden afternoon showers. Carry water, wear a hat, and reapply reef-safe sunscreen.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30, so check the forecast the night before.
- Carry your insurance details. Keep your health insurance card or a digital copy on your phone, and know where the nearest urgent care clinic is in case you need it.
- Actually switch off. Resist the urge to check the crew group chat every ten minutes. The work will be there when you get back.
- Go with a friend or go solo. A day out with a crewmate is great for bonding outside of work, but a quiet day alone can be just as restorative.
Closing Thoughts
Having worked alongside yacht crew in Fort Lauderdale for many years, I have seen how much a single good day off can change someone's outlook. Whether you are counting down to FLIBS or gearing up for a long charter season, taking time to explore this city is not a luxury. It is part of looking after yourself so you can keep doing the job you love.
The habits you build ashore are worth carrying back onboard, too. For simple ways to keep your energy up between days off, take a look at my recent post on staying fit and healthy while enjoying crew life.
Sources
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. (n.d.). Hours and admission. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from Bonnet House (opens in a new tab).
- Florida State Parks. (n.d.). Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from Florida State Parks (opens in a new tab).
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga & Fitness. (n.d.). Schedule. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from Beach Yoga & Fitness (opens in a new tab).
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. (2026). Facts and figures. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from FLIBS (opens in a new tab).
- International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network. (2024). ISWAN's helplines report quarterly highs for mental health challenges. ISWAN (opens in a new tab).
- Sunrise Paddleboards. (2026). Full Hunter's Moon Halloween paddle & costume party [Event listing]. Eventbrite. Event listing (opens in a new tab).
- Visit Lauderdale. (n.d.). Greater Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi guide. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from Visit Lauderdale (opens in a new tab).
- White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, Article 7730. View study (opens in a new tab).