The Best Full Moon Parties On The Planet

For some, the full moon causes wild energy to seep through the soul. The ebb and flow of lunar vibes induces dancing, drumming and howling. There are raging bonfires, bass-dropping DJs, abundant libations and all-night celebrations in honour of the event worldwide – from Haad Rin Beach in Thailand to Gili Trawangan off Bali. Here are a handful of the wildest parties.

Celebrate the full moon in style when you hire a boat for the evening through SamBoat, or book a multi-day sailing holiday with Dream Yacht Charter to take in these paradise destinations from the water.

1. Paradise Club, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Restaurant, Caribbean

Several people on sandy Cane Garden Bay Beach of Tortola, with small buildings, wooden jetty, and forested hill behind

The full moon celebration that takes place at Paradise Club on Cane Garden Bay each month is totally interstellar. A special magic mushroom tea – legal and grown on the island – is offered to help unleash the inner lunar-worshipping werewolves and goddesses who flock to the bar and beach on this alluring island. Live music shakes the airwaves and dancing feet reverberate through the sandy earth well into the early hours.

2. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Natural Feature

Chalkboard sign reading We have good mushroom on a tropical sandy beach with a bench by a tree at Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has a solid reputation for being the party centre of the three Gili Islands in Indonesia. Multiple bars stay open well past the bewitching hour, and when the island is busy, full moon parties take place on the southern part of the island. Popular bars include the Exile. Expect a psychedelic experience underneath the stars, where DJs play all night long.

4. Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Natural Feature

Trees and loungers line white-sand Kendwa beach, with many buildings behind and blue sea ahead

The full moon party at Kendwa Beach is otherworldly and attracts people from across the planet. This eclectic celebration features fire dancers, circus performers, and live music all night long. It started in 1996 and grew organically into what it is today – although it’s still relatively undiscovered. While people definitely party hard, there is more to the event than just drinking to oblivion. The live performances, including traditional African dances, are spectacular.

5. Morada Bay, Islamorada, Florida Keys

Natural Feature

Two loungers, a chair and several palm trees on beach at sunrise at the Moorings Village Resort, Islamorada

Morada Bay throws an extravagant full moon party each month. There is a cover charge, but it’s well worth it. There are multiple bonfires, several indoor and outdoor bars, as well as plenty of food options. Circus performers dance in front of the gorgeous private bay setting, complete with a spectacular firework display. After 11pm, no one under 21 is permitted. Celebrate the moon Florida Keys style with your shoes off and a tropical cocktail in hand.

6. Copacabana Hotel, Jaco, Costa Rica

Hotel

Many hula hoopers and dancers gather at sunset on wet sand at Playa Dominical, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

While there are multiple beaches in Costa Rica that throw full moon celebrations, the party at the Copacabana Hotel in Jaco is one of the best. Pop-up bars dot the beachfront, drinks start flowing early, a bonfire is built and lit, and Latin music keeps the party going late into the night. It’s a fabulous beachfront setting and the hotel really knows how to take care of guests. Between the sumptuous buffet, endless cocktails and live music, it doesn’t get much better.

7. Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Natural Feature

Many people watch as a man jumps through a burning hoop at a full moon party on Haad Rin Beach

You can’t put together a list of the best full moon parties without mentioning the one at Haad Rin Beach. This is one of the most outrageous full moon celebrations on the planet. Once a small beach party, it has evolved into a full-blown event that hosts between 10,000 and 30,000 moon worshippers every month. Techno, trance and psychedelic jams will keep you moving until the wee hours. There are fireworks, fire displays, jugglers, performers and body paint galore. If you’re looking for the mother of all full moon parties, this is it.

Cruise around these bucket list destinations by hiring a boat for the day through SamBoat. Alternatively, book a week-long sailing adventure with Dream Yacht Charter.

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