Raft Up

Carnival in Bermuda

Date: Saturday June 17th, 2023

Location: Shelly Bay Beach , Hamilton Parish, Bermuda

Time: 12pm – 6pm

Access to an unforgettable Bermuda beach party experience with beach bar, food and drink vendors. We encourage you to bring cash for these vendors. DJs and entertainment will also be present, see the DJ lineup below. Be prepared to listen to Calypso and soca music while dancing and swimming on one of the best beaches on the island!

Music By:
DJ Fury
DJ Mystro
Mista Genius
Jus Jay
Elegance Sound
Tony X
Freeze Intl

Admission via beach: $25 (Advance) I $30 (at the Gate).

Get Tickets

We will have a Cash Bar & Ice On Sale! You are also allowed to bring Bermuda’s famous Swizzle drink in a plastic bottle. Glass Bottles, Chaser (Soda/Water) bladed articles and Ice are NOT allowed to be brought to the beach. No worries, we will have plenty of options for you to stay refreshed with our bar and vendors!

Sponsored by The Government of Bermuda and Bermuda Tourism Authority.

RAFT UP

FAQs

Where will the Raft Up Take Place?
The Raft Up will take place at Shelly Bay Beach.

How can I get to the Raft Up?
The raft up will take place in a location Shelly Bay Beach that is accessible by boat or by beach! You can travel there easily by bus, taxi or vehicle and there is plenty of free parking for you.

Can I come By Land?
Yes, this year there would be access via land at Shelly Bay Beach! An entry fee via land access applies.

Is there an age limit?
While we encourage 18 plus attendance under 18 will be permitted.

I am an International Patron. How can I get on a boat?
There are a few chartered boat options being hosted by respected event organizers.
Interested patrons can book with the promoters directly to access one of the charted party vessels. The known options are listed below, more may be added at a later date, continue to follow our social pages for updates.
Off Level Cruise
Mango Reef

Is there a cost for the Raft Up?
If entering via land the entry fee is $25 (Advance) I $30 (at the Gate). Advanced tickets can be Purchased Here. If coming via chartered boat, various fees apply. Please see above those options. You can also enter via your own boat at no cost.
You can purchase tickets here: bdatix.vbotickets.com

Will there be parking if I come via land?
Yes, there will be free parking on Shelly Bay field. You enter the designated parking area via the field entrance and not via the main Shelly Bay entrance. Follow the field marshals instructions to park in an orderly fashion.

I Cannot Swim. Can I still attend the event?
Yes! Shelly Bay Beach provides one of the best beach experiences for those who can enjoy while on the beach or in the shallow water. For those coming on boats, we advise that you discuss with your charter boat your swimming options. Please note that the height of the area will depend on the tide at the time as with all beaches in Bermuda.

What will happen at the event?
The water experience will consist of a congregation around the beach party barge with speakers, listening to various DJs , beach bar, food vendors, and so much more. Yes, there is also beach bathroom access. You don’t want to miss this Bermudian event as part of your Carnival in Bermuda experience.

Is Shelly Bay beach safe to swim?
Yes, Shelly Bay is one of Bermudian locals favorite beaches!
Located on the North Shore Road, it is known for its calm, clear waters. Shelly Bay Beach sits just north of Flatts Village, around a 15-minute scooter- or taxi ride from the City of Hamilton. Trees along the beach offer shade from the sun, and the protected cove stays shallow, even at high tide, making this an ideal spot for those who are not strong swimmers to still enjoy, swim and snorkel. It has a park, picnic tables, and bathroom access.

For RaftUp, it is an ideal beach because it is a secluded bay to make it more intimate area where boats can still be near as they anchor and tie up together, and get closer to the barge. Also, swimmers are less affected by waves, high winds and the elements.

St. Johns Ambulance will be onsite as well for any circumstances that may arise!

Can I bring my swimming/floating aids?
Yes, this is what we highly encourage! Bring your floaties, tube, lilos, noodles, and any inflatable swimming aid(s). For those arriving by boat, check allowed devices by your boat captain, many charter boats may carry these devices already.

What else to bring to enjoy the RaftUp experience like locals?
No matter if you are arriving by boat or by beach, these are a few items you may want to bring to a water fete like Raft Up. Bring your beach wear, floating devices, cooler tubes are welcome for your beverages (we will have a bar), towel, Waterproof Floating Phone Case (if you want to take photos while swimming), underwater/waterproof camera, sun block , hat, shades, and drink cup (preferably handsfree).

We would also encourage water shoes vs flip-flops because you will having such a good time drinking, dancing and partying and you don’t be the person that loses a flip flop halfway through the event in the water! Barefoot is OK at Shelly Bay too! Also, if it’s a very hot day, stay cool with some Limacol or cooling lotion (available at local pharmacies).

What you can and can not bring on the beach?
We will have a Cash Bar & Ice On Sale, we will have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available! You are also allowed to bring Bermuda’s famous Swizzle drink in a plastic bottle. Glass Bottles, Chaser (Soda/Water) Ice and bladed articles are NOT allowed to be brought to the beach. No worries, we will have plenty of options for you to stay refreshed with our bar and vendors!

What will the Cash Bar consist of?
It will consist of a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Will there be a barge?
Yes, there will be a huge barge full of live entertainment that we have become accustomed to since the inception of Carnival!

Can anyone access the Barge?
No, security will only allow designated DJ’s, staff and entertainers onto the barge.

Will jet skis be allowed in the area?
In order to provide a safe Raft Up experience Jet Skis Are Not permitted within the Raft Up venue.