Bahamas Festival Guide 2025: Discover 5 Celebrations You Can't Miss
The Bahamas is so much more than just endless sun and gorgeous beaches. It's also jam-packed with entertaining and culturally fascinating festivals. From Easter celebrations that put the focus on local flavors and coconut-inspired treats, to summer get-togethers pulsing with Junkanoo music, the islands know how to put on a festival. Here are just 5 you need to check out in 2025.
Pelican Point Coconut Festival
On April 21, go coco for coconuts at the Pelican Point Coconut Festival on the eastern shores of Grand Bahama. Located in lovely Pelican Point, this lively spring-themed festival presents an endless array of coconut-inspired culinary creations, ranging from luscious sweets to savory dishes, all with the goal of highlighting the amazing versatility of this tropical favorite. Non-foodies will appreciate the chance to shop for unique handcrafted coconut jewelry and artisanal goods for a one-of-a-kind souvenir that's truly emblematic of the island.
Pineapple Festival
Pineapple lovers, rejoice! The golden fruit of the gods finally gets its due at Eleuthera's Pineapple Festival. Running from June 6 to June 7, it's fitting that Eleuthera hosts the homage to this heavenly, honey-sweet fruit as it's said to produce some of the tastiest, juiciest pineapples in the world. This annual event celebrates the king of fruit with a weekend of pineapple-themed fun, from cooking competitions and tastings, to live music, dance performances and a lively parade. Local farmers come in from all over the island for the chance to proudly showcase their harvest.
There's possibly no better festival to see Bahamian culture on full display in all its wonderful forms then at the season-long Goombay Summer Festival.
Goombay Summer Festival
There's possibly no better festival to see Bahamian culture on full display in all its wonderful forms then at the season-long Goombay Summer Festival. Running from June to August 2025, the event begins in San Salvador and Abaco, and is a not-to-be-missed tribute to island traditions, featuring exhilarating Junkanoo rush-outs, energizing Bahamian music and delectable regional cuisine. Every single destination adds its own special magical touch to the proceedings, with the Regatta Site in South Andros presenting one of the most unmissable events on July 9, 2025. Whether you're stuffing yourself silly with conch fritters, moving to the infectious sounds of goatskin drums or just serenely soaking up the singular atmosphere, the Goombay Summer Festival is a memorable cultural experience.
Independence Day
Annually on July 10, The Bahamas overflows with national pride as the islands proudly commemorate their Independence Day. Marking the nation's liberation from British rule in 1973, the day is filled with a spellbinding array of activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, live concerts, traditional Bahamian feasts, dance performances and fireworks. It's a special time where locals and visitors unite to embrace the spirit of the island.
Junkanoo
Possibly no festival best taps into the essence and heartbeat of Bahamian culture then the Junkanoo Festival. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1), Junkanoo is an ebullient event bursting with music, dance and artistry. This iconic parade showcases elaborately costumed groups of people, rhythmic goat-skin drums, tasty local treats and spirited dancers moving in sync with the beguiling beats. Much more than just a simple parade, Junkanoo is a world-renowned expression of Bahamian pride and community spirit. If you can only attend one festival, Junkanoo is it.
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Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
I was born and raised in The Bahamas. Here are 11 of the biggest mistakes I see tourists make.
Only visiting New Providence and Paradise Island New Providence and Paradise Island (the home of Atlantis Bahamas) are world-famous vacation destinations, leading many people to assume that the islands are the only places worth visiting here. However, there's much more to see and do in The Bahamas. The Bahamas are an archipelago of 700 islands and 2,400 cays across the Atlantic Ocean, and only 30 of those islands are inhabited and open to visitors. Some of those islands include The Exumas, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Bimini, Andros, Long Island, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and San Salvador. Each of the eight Bahamian islands I've visited in my lifetime has a distinct and unique feel. Not island-hopping during your trip Tourism is The Bahamas' biggest industry. Even though interacting with travelers is part of daily life, New Providence, specifically, can feel overcrowded by visitors. So instead of settling in one place, I recommend island-hopping to more remote locations. Travelers can visit salt deposits in Inagua, swim with pigs in Exuma, and dive over 600 feet into the ocean to explore Dean's Blue Hole off of Long Island. As long as visitors are willing to explore beyond New Providence (Exuma and Rose Island are just a day trip away), they'll find that The Bahamas has something for everyone. Eating fast food instead of local Bahamian cuisine Like many Western countries, The Bahamas has a lot of fast-food places like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC. Still, I get disheartened when I see tourists eat at these spots in downtown Nassau instead of grabbing a table at a local Bahamian eatery. The Bahamas has a rich cuisine, from fresh fish to ceviche made with a sea mollusk called conch (pronounced "conk"). Visitors who try to find real Bahamian food often fall into the trap of going to places that are marketed as authentic but are actually commercialized shells of what they used to be. Luckily, there are still restaurants that serve great Bahamian food, like Gone Fish'n, Drifters, Frankie Gone Bananas, and Curly's. I always tell newcomers to find real, local dishes under the Paradise Island Bridge. The Family Islands, the name for the islands outside New Providence, are also filled with excellent Bahamian food, like grouper fingers and fries. Never leaving your resort to explore the surrounding areas I've seen many travelers check into grand resorts — like Baha Mar, Atlantis, or Sandals — and remain there for the duration of their trip. This hotel-centric itinerary is excellent for the properties, but isn't great for the island. Plus, it's a missed opportunity for visitors to explore. Nassau has so many sites to see, so much culture to experience, and so many locals to interact with. Staying within the confines of a hotel is a common yet significant misstep. Not preparing for prices that may be higher than what you're used to back home The Bahamas is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Things like hotel rooms, groceries, and restaurants are more expensive here than they are in places like the US or Canada. Many tourists who don't research The Bahamas beforehand complain about the high cost of food, taxis, and cocktails upon arrival. However, so much of what we have here is imported, which can result in high costs. Eating out at restaurants can be pretty pricey, especially considering most places add gratuity and VAT (value-added tax) on restaurant bills. Definitely do some number-crunching ahead of time so you can better budget for your trip. Skipping local heritage sites and monuments A lot of tourists fail to carve out time to learn about The Bahamas, but missing out on the local culture and history does them a disservice. In Nassau, you can visit places like Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, The Water Tower, The Queen's Staircase, Clifton Heritage National Park, and more. Many museums, like the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, house works created by talented local artists. A visit to John Watling's Distillery, a historic building that's been converted into a rum distillery, is also a crucial stop in Nassau. Only going to downtown Nassau for duty-free shopping and luxury items Many visitors walk through downtown Nassau in search of duty-free luxury items, but the area has more to offer than just designer handbags, Cuban cigars, jewelry, and fancy perfumes. Instead, check out the locally crafted goods and souvenirs. Nassau has a well-known straw market. Plus, Bahamian artisans sell authentic straw bags, conch-shell jewelry, and handmade wood carvings, and other items. Planning a visit during hurricane season, then complaining about the weather A lot of the visitors who arrive on our shores during the summer months (June through November) have no idea they're coming in the middle of hurricane season. Ergo, it's going to rain a lot. When I worked at a souvenir stall in Nassau in the summer, I'd hear lots of tourists complain about the rain. To assuage their misgivings, I'd tell them the precipitation was "liquid sunshine." Underestimating how easy it is to get a sunburn The Bahamian sun's strength shouldn't be underestimated. Since we tend to have a high UV index, people can get sunburned pretty badly by just walking around the island. It's a good idea to wear (and reapply) sunscreen throughout the day. Additionally, remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid aerosol versions to protect the natural environment. Not staying vigilant and aware of their surroundings Travelers, particularly female solo travelers, should always remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings as they explore new places. Like any big city, New Providence has crime, ranging from petty attempts to swindle tourists at the local straw market to armed robberies. To mitigate these issues, the government of The Bahamas and The Royal Bahamas Police Force have stationed officers in downtown New Providence. Of course, it's always a good idea to stay alert wherever you go. Forgetting to carve out plenty of time to watch the gorgeous sunsets Visitors should build plenty of time for sunsets into their itinerary. Every island in The Bahamas offers its own special vantage point of the sunset. My all-time favorite place to watch the sun go down is on a beach in western New Providence. There's nothing more calming and tranquil than listening to the waves crash, watching the colors change across the sky, and seeing the sun dip beneath the horizon.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Yahoo
Popular Royal Caribbean cruise excursions impacted by new laws
Popular Royal Caribbean cruise excursions impacted by new laws originally appeared on TravelHost. For many families taking a cruise vacation, especially those cruising to The Bahamas and Caribbean with teens, participating in water sports is an exciting way to spend a port day in paradise. Many water sports come with inherent safety risks, however. It's important for travelers to be aware of the dangers and take proper precautions to ensure the safest experience possible when participating in these popular cruise port cruise ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean have a reputation for poorly regulated water sports rental industries, and a rise in recent jet ski and boating accidents in The Bahamas has led to growing concerns about the safety of water sports excursions. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department issued new warnings about the risks associated with jet ski and boating activities in The Bahamas in the wake of fatal jet ski accidents and other incidents involving visitors. In one of those accidents, a Holland America Line cruise passenger tragically died after losing control of a jet ski and crashing into a rock at the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. In response to recent jet ski accidents and safety concerns, the Bahamian government stepped up its oversight of jet ski operations and recently introduced new laws and penalties aimed at deterring unsafe and unregulated watercraft on jet ski rentals brings new rules for cruise excursions As the Parliament of The Bahamas overhauled its maritime regulations this summer, it began implementing new fines and penalties to crack down on commercial jet ski and boat operators who breach laws governing their operations. Passengers booked on jet ski excursions at Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, have reported receiving emails from the cruise line about a new rule related to the commercial watercraft crackdown. 'Due to a recent change in local government regulations in The Bahamas, the minimum age required to operate a Wave Jet is now 18 years old,' the cruise line informed passengers who booked a reservation for a 16 or the minimum age to drive a jet ski during an excursion at CocoCay was 16 years old, but a driver's license was required and parents had to sign a waiver for any driver under 18 years old. Now, it appears that to ensure compliance with Bahamian regulations, 16 and 17-year-olds are only permitted to participate in a jet ski excursion as riders, not drivers, regardless of whether they have a driver's license and waiver. In addition to impacting Royal Caribbean excursions at CocoCay, the new regulations will likely prevent teens from driving jet skis in The Bahamas during excursions with any cruise line or private tour operator. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Cruise passengers should remain cautious about jet ski rentals No matter what cruise port you're visiting, it's always a good idea to only book jet ski excursions and other activities through your cruise line, since those tour operators have been vetted by the cruise line. Keep in mind, however, that jet ski use always comes with risks. If you're considering renting jet skis while visiting The Bahamas on a cruise (or any type of trip), you should make sure to only rent jet skis from reputable operators who offer equipment that is in good condition. Make sure the tour operator provides you with adequate training so you feel comfortable before setting off on your what the U.S. State Department advises about jet skis and boating in The Bahamas in its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory for the islands: Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred. Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands. Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured. Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
21-07-2025
- USA Today
Racing waterslides and aquamarine lagoons: A guide to Carnival's new private island
When I arrived at the beach, I found a giant sandcastle waiting for me. Carnival Cruise Line didn't do a sand mold; it went above and beyond with water slides coming out of the top. The 10-story Suncastle – technically made of sturdier stuff than sand – is the grand centerpiece of Celebration Key, the line's new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama. Adorned with conch shells and a golden sun, the castle sets the tone for an epic beach day. The structure also towers over Paradise Plaza, one of five distinct areas or 'portals.' 'There really is something for everyone,' Christine Duffy, Carnival's president, told USA TODAY onboard Carnival Vista ahead of Celebration Key's grand opening. Here's how each portal is different. Paradise Plaza A walkway – which is partially covered, a welcome feature on a nearly 90-degree day in late July – connects the pier where Carnival's ships dock to Celebration Key. Guests enter at Paradise Plaza, passing through a sun-shaped archway. The area is home to Suncastle's pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin racing water slides, which cost $14.99 for unlimited access and are included with cabana and supervilla reservations. Guests can also cool down with ice cream at Yumshine Scoops; visit the shore excursions and guest services desk to make bookings and get information; and find beach wheelchairs (available first-come, first-served). The plaza also offers access to other portals via walking paths and nearby tram stops. Starfish Lagoon Starfish Lagoon is designed with families in mind, built around what the line bills as one of the Caribbean's two biggest freshwater lagoons. Guests can swim there or at nearby Starfish Beach; sunbathe in loungers; or grab burgers, pizza, tacos and more at the open-air Captain's Galley Food Hall. Other dining options include Gill's Grill, serving up Caribbean seafood along with other fare, and the Starfish Food Trucks (look out for Mini Donut King's guava cheesecake donut, which was tangy and just the right portion). Parents and kids alike can also enjoy tropical drinks, such as the frozen cocktails and mocktails from Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar. For the sporty set, basketball – at an on-site court – table tennis and other games can be found in Starfish Lagoon (there are sports offered in another area, Calypso Lagoon, as well). Water-based excursions also depart from a pier off Starfish Beach. Lokono Cove As the destination's retail hub, guests can buy handmade Bahamian goods and other items, from woodcarvings to jewelry and duty-free products. Suncastle Grounds Coffee also offers iced drinks – or hot beverages, if you dare – for a price and a place to perch. Land-based shore excursions depart from Lokono Cove, and guests can find taxis and rental cars to go elsewhere on Grand Bahama. Calypso Lagoon Calypso Lagoon is the grown-up answer to Starfish Lagoon. Sunshine Swings Bar has swings for seats, while guests can float up to the adults-only Calypso Lagoon Swim-Up Bar (guests must be at least 18 to enjoy the western portion of Calypso Lagoon). That part of Celebration Key felt like more of a party during my visit, thanks in part to the in-water DJ Island. Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen offers covered seating and serves a wide range of options, from conch fritters to chicken wings and sandwiches. Pro tip: try the key lime pie. For other casual dining, visitors can head to Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews – with Bahamian craft beers on the menu – or the Calypso Food Trucks, among others. Calypso Beach is just a short walk away, too. Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost. The area features its own stretch of beach, an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, and a private restaurant and bar, all offering prime views of the pier. There are three tiers of pricing: How much does Celebration Key cost? In addition to the water slides and beach club, guests can pay extra to customize their experience in other ways, such as choosing from a range of daybed, cabana and supervilla rentals if they want more comfort, but there is plenty of open space. The destination's Island Eats program allows each guest to get one free meal at fast casual venues – many come with a side and cookie – or a 25% discount on an entree at a full-service restaurant. Kids who haven't redeemed their Island Eats meal can also order from the kids menu at full-service restaurants for no additional charge. Visitors can buy other food for an additional charge. Not all venues participate in Island Eats, but I noticed complimentary options were denoted for those that did on the menus during my visit. While onboard drink packages do not extend to Celebration Key, onboard internet plans do. Shore excursions, from dolphin encounters to Jeep tours, also come at an extra cost, and there are kayaks, snorkel gear and lockers available to rent. Travelers can browse add-ons and pricing on Carnival's website. Duffy noted that this month's opening is just phase one. Celebration Key currently has two berths, and the cruise line previously said it will add two more by 2026. The destination builds on parent company, Carnival Corp.'s, long-held portfolio of land-based offerings, with another one of its Bahamas destinations, Princess Cays, established in 1992. 'I think the scale of what we have at Celebration key is really what's new,' Duffy said.
