The Best Full Moon Parties on the Planet

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.

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.

Located on the northwest part of Ibiza, Benirras Beach is a picturesque protected bay that is perfect for watching sunsets and moonrises. It is one of the most popular beaches in Ibiza and becomes even more so when there is a full moon. A jubilant hippie party takes place in honour of the moon each month, complete with drums, dancing, performers, music and a contagious free-spirited energy.

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.

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.

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.

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.