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The Bahamas🇧🇸 | festivalsLong Island RegattaSloop races, Salt Pond, regatta grounds, Dean’s Blue Hole | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Long Island Regatta
🌟 Highlightfestival ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Long Island Regatta started as a working-boat race between fishing and cargo sloops, and the crowd was mostly islanders. Today it is a three-day party with a festival field, though the boats still decide who gets bragging rights. It takes place in Salt Pond, Long Island, in the south-central Bahamas, usually around the first week of June. Expect Rake 'n' Scrape bands, Junkanoo-style rhythms, DJs, and a mostly Bahamian crowd with a few sailors and backpackers mixed in. Costs and delays catch people out. Book your flight and bed months ahead, since rooms are few and fill fast. Rent a car at once, because taxis run thin and distances are long. Carry cash, as ATMs are scarce and can run dry. Bring your own sunscreen and water. Unlike the larger Georgetown Regatta in Exuma, this one is Bahamian-run, less yacht-centered and far less polished.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 The Bahamas Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 festival in The BahamasWhy visitors keep coming back

Long Island Regatta gives you something the big-name Bahamian festivals can’t: a place where you are one of very few outsiders. Visitors end up eating conch salad and fried fish from roadside stalls beside families who have come home from Nassau and Florida just for the weekend. That temporary reunion is the social engine, and strangers get pulled into dominoes, dance circles and boat-side arguments about who sailed best.

The racing itself is a lesson in local culture. The Class A, B and C sailing sloops are built by hand in the islands, and the crews, tactics and rivalries go back generations. Watching from the shore, with a cold drink and a local explaining the rules, teaches you more than any museum would.

It also fits longer routes well. Long Island sits between Exuma and Crooked and … read more 👉
Long Island Regatta gives you something the big-name Bahamian festivals can’t: a place where you are one of very few outsiders. Visitors end up eating conch salad and fried fish from roadside stalls beside families who have come home from Nassau and Florida just for the weekend. That temporary reunion is the social engine, and strangers get pulled into dominoes, dance circles and boat-side arguments about who sailed best.

The racing itself is a lesson in local culture. The Class A, B and C sailing sloops are built by hand in the islands, and the crews, tactics and rivalries go back generations. Watching from the shore, with a cold drink and a local explaining the rules, teaches you more than any museum would.

It also fits longer routes well. Long Island sits between Exuma and Crooked and Acklins, so you can pair it with island-hopping, and festival prices for food and drinks stay far below what a resort event would charge.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Long Island Regatta

  1. The Sloop Races at Salt Pond: The core of the event. Hand-built Bahamian sailing sloops race on the water off Salt Pond, with crews leaning out on the boards to keep the boats upright. Find a spot on the shore early to see starts and turns.
  2. The Regatta Grounds: The beachfront village of food stalls, bars and tents is where the weekend actually happens. Music runs from afternoon into the small hours, and there is always something frying.
  3. Rake 'n' Scrape and Live Local Bands: Saw, goatskin drum and accordion drive the dance floor, and it is the real sound of the Out Islands. Expect Bahamian musicians playing songs the crowd sings back word for word.
  4. Conch Salad and Fresh Seafood Stalls: Vendors chop conch with lime, onion and pepper to order. Add cracked conch, grilled snapper or johnnycake and
… read more 👉
  1. The Sloop Races at Salt Pond: The core of the event. Hand-built Bahamian sailing sloops race on the water off Salt Pond, with crews leaning out on the boards to keep the boats upright. Find a spot on the shore early to see starts and turns.
  2. The Regatta Grounds: The beachfront village of food stalls, bars and tents is where the weekend actually happens. Music runs from afternoon into the small hours, and there is always something frying.
  3. Rake 'n' Scrape and Live Local Bands: Saw, goatskin drum and accordion drive the dance floor, and it is the real sound of the Out Islands. Expect Bahamian musicians playing songs the crowd sings back word for word.
  4. Conch Salad and Fresh Seafood Stalls: Vendors chop conch with lime, onion and pepper to order. Add cracked conch, grilled snapper or johnnycake and you are eating what the island eats.
  5. Dean’s Blue Hole: Near Clarence Town, this is among the deepest known blue holes in the world, at about 200 meters. Swim in its protected cove or watch freedivers train in the clear, dark water, and go in the morning before the regatta crowds arrive.
Dean’s Blue Hole pairs well with a late-morning swim before you head to the regatta grounds for the afternoon races.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Long Island Regatta

Exuma Island and Cays Tour

Exuma Island and Cays Tour

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3 Hours Guided Great Exuma ATV Tour

3 Hours Guided Great Exuma ATV Tour

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Exuma,Bahamas: 6 Seater Buggy/Jeep Rental with Bluetooth speakers

Exuma,Bahamas: 6 Seater Buggy/Jeep Rental with Bluetooth speakers

5.0(37) 24h
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per personViator
Crystal Bay Exuma Private Boat Tours & Fishing Charters

Crystal Bay Exuma Private Boat Tours & Fishing Charters

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per personViator
Great Exuma: Private Island-Hopping Boat Tour with Swimming Pigs

Great Exuma: Private Island-Hopping Boat Tour with Swimming Pigs

4.9(11) 8h
From €5,445
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Bahamas Bash Scavenger Hunt (Exumas)

Bahamas Bash Scavenger Hunt (Exumas)

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Bahamas Local Water Tours to George Town and Exuma

Bahamas Local Water Tours to George Town and Exuma

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Bahamas Airport(GGT) to Island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer

Bahamas Airport(GGT) to Island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer

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George Town to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Transfer

George Town to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Transfer

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Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer Georgetown Bahamas

Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer Georgetown Bahamas

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Long Island Regatta?

Long Island Regatta is held over several days around the first weekend of June (Thursday to Sunday, with the main sailing on Friday and Saturday), set by the Bahamian calendar rather than a fixed date, at Salt Pond, Long Island, with racing off the Salt Pond and Clarence Town area waters.
  • Best day: Saturday is the big one, with the final heats, the loudest crowds and the best party along the shore. Friday has good racing and more elbow room.
  • Weather: Expect 27 to 32°C (81 to 90°F), strong sun, humidity and short afternoon showers. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain shell and a refillable bottle.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed and your flight or ferry two to three months ahead, since Long Island has few rooms. Prices can rise 20 to 40 percent.
  • Arrival and departure: Arrive Wednesday or Thursday
… read more 👉
Long Island Regatta is held over several days around the first weekend of June (Thursday to Sunday, with the main sailing on Friday and Saturday), set by the Bahamian calendar rather than a fixed date, at Salt Pond, Long Island, with racing off the Salt Pond and Clarence Town area waters.
  • Best day: Saturday is the big one, with the final heats, the loudest crowds and the best party along the shore. Friday has good racing and more elbow room.
  • Weather: Expect 27 to 32°C (81 to 90°F), strong sun, humidity and short afternoon showers. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain shell and a refillable bottle.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed and your flight or ferry two to three months ahead, since Long Island has few rooms. Prices can rise 20 to 40 percent.
  • Arrival and departure: Arrive Wednesday or Thursday to beat the rush. Leave Monday, as Sunday evening flights and the single main road, the Queen’s Highway, fill up.
Book a rental car early, because they sell out first.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Salt Pond is the most practical area to stay for the regatta, because the racing, food tents and evening parties are within walking or short driving distance. Rooms here are limited, so solo travelers often end up sharing a ride with other guests, which makes it easy to meet people.

Simms and Deadman’s Cay, in the middle of the island, suit you if you want a base with a grocery store, gas and the airport nearby. Deadman’s Cay is about a 30 to 45 minute drive from the main race area. Staying here costs less and is quieter at night, but you need a car or a ride arranged ahead.

Clarence Town, in … read more 👉
Salt Pond is the most practical area to stay for the regatta, because the racing, food tents and evening parties are within walking or short driving distance. Rooms here are limited, so solo travelers often end up sharing a ride with other guests, which makes it easy to meet people.

Simms and Deadman’s Cay, in the middle of the island, suit you if you want a base with a grocery store, gas and the airport nearby. Deadman’s Cay is about a 30 to 45 minute drive from the main race area. Staying here costs less and is quieter at night, but you need a car or a ride arranged ahead.

Clarence Town, in the south, is a good choice for a small-town feel, with the twin hilltop churches and calm streets. It is roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Salt Pond by road, and it works well if you want sleep after the parties.

The island is long and thin with one main road, so staying close to where you plan to spend most of your time saves money on taxis. Guesthouses and small family-run places are the norm. Book early, and keep walking to a minimum after dark on unlit roads. Hitching a lift with other festivalgoers is common, and you can ask your host to line up a driver.
Best hostels in The Bahamas


Best quality hotels in The Bahamas

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)How expensive it really is

The Long Island Regatta in The Bahamas is an exhilarating experience, but it’s essential to navigate the costs wisely to keep your energy and budget intact.
  • Festival Tickets: Expect to pay around $20 to $50 for a day pass. This grants you access to races, live music, and local festivities. Grab your tickets early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
  • Accommodation: Lodging can range from $75 to $200 per night. Options vary from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Book ahead, especially during the festival, to secure a spot that fits your style and budget.
  • Local Transport: Budget about $10 to $30 per day for local transport. Taxis are available, but consider renting a scooter for more freedom. It’s a fun way to explore the island and can save you some cash.
  • Food & Drinks: Plan for $15 to $50 per
… read more 👉
The Long Island Regatta in The Bahamas is an exhilarating experience, but it’s essential to navigate the costs wisely to keep your energy and budget intact.
  • Festival Tickets: Expect to pay around $20 to $50 for a day pass. This grants you access to races, live music, and local festivities. Grab your tickets early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
  • Accommodation: Lodging can range from $75 to $200 per night. Options vary from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Book ahead, especially during the festival, to secure a spot that fits your style and budget.
  • Local Transport: Budget about $10 to $30 per day for local transport. Taxis are available, but consider renting a scooter for more freedom. It’s a fun way to explore the island and can save you some cash.
  • Food & Drinks: Plan for $15 to $50 per day. Street food is a great way to taste local flavors without breaking the bank. Restaurants can be pricier, especially if you’re indulging in seafood, but the experience is worth it.
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: Set aside $20 to $50 for souvenirs, activities, or unexpected costs. This cushion keeps your adventure flexible and allows for spontaneous experiences that make the trip memorable.

Keep these figures in mind as you plan. The right preparation ensures you can dive into the festival’s excitement without worrying about your wallet.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodEating & Drinking in Long Island Regatta

Expect a shoreline of food stalls and tents at the regatta grounds, where the smell of fried fish and grilled chicken drifts over the water all afternoon. Plates usually come piled high with peas n’ rice, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

Try conch in every form you can find: fresh conch salad chopped to order with lime, onion and pepper, cracked conch and conch fritters. Fried or steamed snapper and boiled fish with grits are also worth a plate, and johnnycake is a sweet, dense bread that goes with almost anything.

For drinks, local Kalik beer sells cold from coolers, and rum punch and Switcha (a Bahamian lime drink) fill plastic cups. Sky Juice, a mix of gin, coconut water and condensed milk, is a classic and stronger than it tastes.

Bring cash in small bills. Many vendors do not take … read more 👉
Expect a shoreline of food stalls and tents at the regatta grounds, where the smell of fried fish and grilled chicken drifts over the water all afternoon. Plates usually come piled high with peas n’ rice, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

Try conch in every form you can find: fresh conch salad chopped to order with lime, onion and pepper, cracked conch and conch fritters. Fried or steamed snapper and boiled fish with grits are also worth a plate, and johnnycake is a sweet, dense bread that goes with almost anything.

For drinks, local Kalik beer sells cold from coolers, and rum punch and Switcha (a Bahamian lime drink) fill plastic cups. Sky Juice, a mix of gin, coconut water and condensed milk, is a classic and stronger than it tastes.

Bring cash in small bills. Many vendors do not take cards, and signal can be patchy. Portions are generous, so splitting a plate with a friend is normal. Lines build at peak lunchtimes on Saturday, so go early or late. Stalls can run out of the best items by evening, and everything is paid in Bahamian dollars or US dollars.

FAQTraveler FAQ

Long Island Regatta takes place around the first weekend of June, usually running Thursday to Sunday, with racing at Salt Pond. The exact dates are set each year by the organizers, so confirm before booking. Saturday is the main day, and most visitors arrive by Wednesday.
Attending Long Island Regatta is cheap for the event itself, often free or about US$0 to 20 at the grounds, but travel and rooms cost more. Rooms run about US$120 to 200 a night, and a shared rental car is US$80 to 100 a day. Food stall plates cost US$10 to 18, and beers US$4 to 6.
Most of the shoreline racing and food at Long Island Regatta needs no ticket, though some evening parties and special events charge a cover at the door. What you do need in advance is a bed and transport. Book rooms two to three months ahead, and reserve a rental car and flight to Deadman’s Cay early.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bahamian festivals near Long Island Regatta

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on celebrating the Long Island Regatta

Give Long Island Regatta four days: one to arrive and settle, the three race days for the party. Any shorter and you spend the whole trip in transit. I would add two extra days afterward for the beaches and Dean’s Blue Hole, when the music has stopped and the island exhales.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in The Bahamas. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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