Your Yachting Guide To The Caribbean’s Best Party Spots
When it comes to unforgettable celebrations, nowhere does it quite like the Caribbean.. A year-round haven of sun, sea, and culture, these islands know how to party. Each island has a unique charm, and plenty of festivals happen throughout the year, from vibrant street parties with local music to events celebrating the food and drink.
The best way to experience the Caribbean's party scene is aboard a luxury yacht charter, choosing when and where to anchor according to your mood. Here is a selection of the most iconic islands for those who love to celebrate and party in true Caribbean island style:
Jamaica
Jamaica's party scene is iconic, and Negril's Seven Mile Beach is a must-visit for legendary beach parties, where reggae music is always playing and cold Red Stripe beers are served. No trip to Jamaica is complete without a visit to Rick's Cafe, a famous cliff-diving spot that comes alive at night, serving up sunset views and cocktails on its open-air dance floor. Another spot, and for an energetic night out, is at Montego Bay, overflowing with bars, clubs, and waterfront venues for partying until the early hours.
Trinidad
If you're chasing the wildest party in the Caribbean, Trinidad is known for its vibrant Carnival scenes, with weeks-long celebrations of music, dancing, and colorful costumes. At the beginning of March, the streets of Port of Spain pulse with dance and color. J'ouvert - the mud-splattered, paint-slinging dawn celebration - kicks off the festivities in unforgettable style.
After the chaos, wind down with a swim at Maracas Bay, where things move at a gentler pace. Aside from the annual carnival, the Port of Spain hosts various beach parties, clubs, and events year-round.
Aruba
A mix of beach beauty and electric nights, Aruba delivers nonstop fun. Join the infamous Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus for a roving island bar crawl, or plan your trip around the Soul Beach Music Festival in May, where international headliners light up the dancefloor.
Don't miss Sunday parties at Moomba Beach, where DJs and dancing stretch long into the night.
Antigua
Antigua keeps things chill by day and lively by sundown. Every Sunday, Shirley Heights Lookout transforms into a party with steel drums, smoky BBQ, and panoramic views.
Time your charter for Antigua Sailing Week (April–May) and you'll find yourself in the middle of one of the Caribbean's most iconic regatta parties. For a more relaxed pace, Dickenson Bay's beachfront bars offer a slower rhythm.
St. Barth
Chic, glamorous, and stylish, St. Barth is the go-to for high-end partying. Start your day at Nikki Beach, then move on to Bagatelle or Le Ti St. Barth for a dinner that inevitably turns into dancing.
Whether during the island's world-famous Bucket regatta, the famous New Year's Eve party, or any given week of the year, St. Barts delivers a sophisticated party scene. And, before you go, keep an eye out for Gustavia's hottest new openings.
Jost Van Dyke
Small in size, massive in spirit. Jost Van Dyke is home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, where the famous Painkiller cocktail was born, and Foxy's Tamarind Bar, known for throwing some of the best Halloween and New Year's Eve parties in the region.
During the day, swing by White Bay, where turquoise waters and floating bars keep the good vibes rolling.
Barbados
Barbados knows how to throw a party, and it often starts and ends with rum. The island is famed for its nightlife along St. Lawrence Gap, while Crop Over Festival (July–August) takes things up a notch with colorful costumes, pulsating calypso, and street parades that take over the island.
On a Friday, head to the celebrated Oistins Fish Fry for music, dancing, and some of the freshest seafood in the Caribbean.
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Double the island, double the fun. With both Dutch and French influences, St. Maarten/St. Martin offers a melting pot of nightlife, from casinos and beach bars to open-air nightclubs.
It's known for having more bars per capita than anywhere else in the Caribbean, and the options range from rowdy beach BBQs to upscale lounges.
St. Lucia
As beautiful by night as it is by day, St. Lucia offers a mix of local authenticity and luxury. The Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party is a must-do for anyone wanting to dance in the streets with the locals.
In Rodney Bay, you'll find a collection of bars and clubs to keep the party going, and when it's time to recover, head to the Soufrière Sulphur Springs for a mud bath under the stars.
For those heading to the Caribbean for a yacht charter experience, contact IYC’s expert consultants to plan your itinerary, including the best of the Caribbean partying scene.
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