Looking to combine both an epic nightlife with full control over your itinerary? Sailing holidays to some of the best party islands in the world are your safest bet. Whether you’re after Ibiza nightlife by yacht or scouting cheap party islands, this guide covers 10 of the top island destinations with beach bars, clubs, festivals, and everything in between. No license? no problem! A skippered charter lets you focus on the fun and leave the navigation to someone who’s done it 100+ times. Use this guide to choose your route and pace for your trip to get the most out of your nights.
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Ibiza, Spain – No Explanation Needed
Ibiza sits at the top of every party lover’s list for a reason. With world-famous clubs like Pacha, Ushuaïa, and Hï, this island has been defining global nightlife for decades. You can dock your yacht near Ibiza Town or San Antonio and be within walking distance of beach bars that pulse from afternoon until sunrise. During the day, unwind at Ses Salines or in hidden coves, or take a short sail to Formentera for a more laid-back beach day. Whether you’re dancing on the deck or diving off it, Ibiza is the ultimate blend of high-energy parties and Mediterranean charm – a clear must on any list of the best party islands in the world.
British Virgin Islands – Beach Bars in Every Bay
The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) offer a more barefoot, beach-bar style of partying. Think fewer velvet ropes and more open-air rum shacks right on the sand. Sailing here is part of the party itself. Anchor off Norman Island for sunset drinks at Willy T, a floating bar with a reputation, or head to Jost Van Dyke where Foxy’s and the Soggy Dollar Bar deliver laid-back Caribbean vibes and all-night dancing. The BVIs are ideal for a relaxed but festive atmosphere where every bay is its own party, making them one of the most unique and fun-filled party islands in the world.
Mykonos, Greece – Luxury Party with a Greek Edge
If you’re after stylish beach clubs, designer cocktails, and late-night glamour, Mykonos is your island. From the boho-chic Scorpios to the pulsing beats of Cavo Paradiso, the island caters to an upscale party crowd that loves sunset rituals and sunrise DJs. The views are stunning, the energy is addictive, and while it’s not cheap, the experience is unforgettable. Mykonos also serves as a great launchpad for sailing the Cyclades, allowing you to balance your trip with quieter stops on Naxos, Paros or Ios. It’s a premium pick among the best party islands in the world, especially for groups looking to blend nightlife with luxury.
Hvar, Croatia – Adriatic Afterparty
Hvar has earned its reputation as Croatia’s party capital, combining medieval architecture with a growing list of must-visit beach clubs. The scene kicks off in the late afternoon at Hula Hula Bar, just a short walk from the marina, and continues well into the night at Carpe Diem, where boats shuttle revellers to an offshore dance floor. The great thing about sailing to Hvar is the flexibility: hit the clubs hard one night, then sail to the nearby Pakleni Islands or Vis the next day for quiet beaches and calm waters. Hvar brings the Adriatic heat, ranking high among the best party islands in the world for good reason.
Ios, Greece – Low-Cost, High-Energy
Ios is known for its backpacker-meets-raver energy and is one of the best cheap party islands out there. The nightlife starts with happy hours in the town’s central square and escalates fast at places like Slammer Bar, Aftershock, and Disco 69. It’s loud, fun, and unapologetically wild. But the island also has its quieter side. During the day, head to Mylopotas Beach or Far Out Beach Club for pool parties, hangover brunches, and some much-needed sun therapy. If you’re sailing the Cyclades and looking to party without draining your wallet, Ios is your go-to destination and deserves a solid place on any roundup of the best party islands in the world.
Ko Phangan, Thailand – Not Just Full Moon
Ko Phangan might be famous for its Full Moon Party, but this Thai island keeps the music going all month long. Jungle parties, Half Moon raves, and secret beach parties bring in a global crowd year-round. Sailing in from nearby Koh Samui or Koh Tao gives you the freedom to dip in and out of the chaos. Party hard on Haad Rin beach, then retreat to a quieter bay for the detox phase. The island’s mix of untamed nature and high-energy nightlife makes it a Southeast Asian standout among the best party islands in the world.
Saint Lucia – Street Party with Soul
For something more local and immersive, Saint Lucia’s Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party is unmatched. This weekly event brings together locals and travelers for grilled seafood, soca beats, and nonstop dancing in the streets. Unlike islands that focus on club culture, Saint Lucia celebrates community, rhythm and food. After the party, sail south to Marigot Bay or the Pitons for quiet coves and natural beauty. If you’re looking to experience Caribbean partying with real soul, Saint Lucia is easily one of the best party islands in the world.
Barbados – Bashment and Bajan Culture
Barbados blends cultural tradition with island-style nightlife. On Friday nights, head to Oistins for the famous Fish Fry, where you’ll find grilled seafood, local music, and crowds dancing in the street. The island’s south coast is alive with reggae bars and soca clubs, while the west coast offers a more polished, upscale party scene. If you time your trip for Crop Over Festival season, you’ll get to experience one of the Caribbean’s most colourful and joyful celebrations. Barbados stands out as one of the best party islands in the world, especially for those who love their music with a touch of cultural pride.
Florianópolis, Brazil – Clubbing with a View
Florianópolis, affectionately known as “Magic Island,” is Brazil’s premier party destination. The Jurerê Internacional beach district combines white sand beaches with some of the best beach clubs in South America. Think Ibiza-level bottle service with samba and electronic fusion playing as the sun sets over the Atlantic. High season runs during New Year’s and Carnival, when the whole island transforms into one big party. It’s wild, it’s glamorous, and it easily competes with Europe’s finest. Florianópolis fully deserves a spot among the best party islands in the world.
Bali, Indonesia – All Scenes, All Night
Bali is a chameleon – it shifts to match your party style. From the rooftop lounges of Seminyak to the underground clubs in Canggu and fire shows on Uluwatu’s cliffside beaches, Bali’s nightlife is nothing if not versatile. Venues like Potato Head, Finns and Savaya attract global talent and crowds that go all night. Whether you’re looking for a refined cocktail bar or a full-blown dance floor under the stars, Bali has you covered. Add in island-hopping to nearby Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands and you’ve got one of the most exciting, flexible entries among the best party islands in the world.
How to Pace a Multi-Island Party Trip Without Burning Out
Planning a party-fuelled sailing trip is all about pacing. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to visit 10 islands in 10 days – you’ll burn out before you hit halfway. Pick three to four strong destinations and give yourself space to recover in between. Alternate big party nights with laid-back anchorages, beach cafés or swim spots. Your yacht gives you the ultimate reset button – leave the noise ashore and recharge in silence. Respect the local communities where you dock, especially when it comes to noise and environmental impact. And if your group includes both party lovers and chill-seekers, plan for some quieter days. With a flexible route and a good skipper, you can always adjust your itinerary mid-sail.
Make It Happen with Borrow A Boat
At Borrow A Boat, we make it easy to turn your party plans into a custom sailing itinerary. Whether you’re planning a wild week in the Balearics, a Caribbean beach bar tour, or a Southeast Asia club crawl, you can choose your destinations, your boat, and whether you want a skipper or to sail bareboat. Your yacht becomes your HQ – party ashore, decompress on board, then do it all again.
Ready to build your own route to the best party islands in the world?
Head to Borrow A Boat and find your perfect boat, crew and course – then get ready to sail into your best nights yet.