Jamaica

The Montego Bay International Marlin Tournament returns in late September 2025 for its 60th anniversary season, hosted by the Montego Bay Yacht Club with a week of blue‑water action, dockside camaraderie, and family‑friendly events that culminate in awards and a coveted berth at the global Offshore World Championship the following spring. A regional tournament calendar lists the 60th Annual International Marlin Tournament for September 20–25, 2025, while the tournament’s official social feed spotlights late‑September activity and a Wednesday, September 24, 2025, marlin “alarm of reels” teaser that aligns with the traditional fishing window at the peak of Jamaica’s blue marlin run. The club’s tournament program is a long‑standing qualifier for the Costa Offshore World Championship, which confirmed the 2024 MBYC champions among the OWC invites, a tradition that continues for 2025 winners toward April’s world finals in Costa Rica.

Dates, host, and where to be

• Dates: A Caribbean events digest lists “60th Annual International Marlin Tournament” for September 20–25, 2025, matching the late‑September pattern and social updates calling teams to be on station midweek (including Wed Sept 24) during prime fishing days.
• Host: Montego Bay Yacht Club (MBYC), Montego Freeport, with tournament logistics, skipper meetings, and weigh‑in or release scoring coordinated from the clubhouse and fuel dock.
• Why late September: Jamaica’s blue marlin bite peaks from August through October along the Cayman Trench. Destination fishing guides note Montego Bay “gets its turn in September,” which is why MBYC anchors its marlin week then, catching multiple shots per day when conditions line up.

Format, rules, and conservation

MBYC pioneered a conservation‑minded format in Jamaica’s tournament scene over the last decade, rewarding tag‑and‑release and reserving harvest for marlin over a minimum weight threshold (historically 300 pounds) to protect the fishery. A landmark 2019 briefing introduced cash prizes while reaffirming release‑first rules, and the event has remained a high‑profile, release‑centric qualifier since then. Release points typically decide champions unless a qualifying boated fish exceeds the minimum; the winning team earns an Offshore World Championship invitation, as noted in OWC’s 2024 qualifying write‑up.

What a tournament week looks like

While the 2025 notice to anglers and daily schedule post closer to the date, MBYC’s traditional structure follows a familiar rhythm:

• Registration day: Team check‑in, captain’s briefing, and welcome cocktail at the Yacht Club.
• Three main fishing days: Lines in just after sunrise, lines out mid‑afternoon, with radio roll‑calls for hookups and releases; dockside gatherings follow for stories and score updates.
• Lay day or weather day: Flex time for maintenance or family activities.
• Awards: A Saturday or final‑night ceremony recognizing top boat, top angler, top release team, and junior or lady angler categories, plus special species awards.
• This cadence aligns with previous MBYC tournament coverage and Jamaica press features that have documented captain’s meetings, three fishing days, prize‑giving, and a kids’ tournament add‑on in some years.

Species and bite window

• Target: Blue marlin are the stars, with white marlin and sailfish possible by‑catch; mahi‑mahi and tuna often appear on meat‑fish leaderboards.
• Seasonality: Montego Bay’s offshore action improves June through November, with blue marlin best from August to October and the most consistent shot counts in September and early October, according to angler guides.
• Tactics: Trolled lures and ballyhoo spreads cover the drop‑off toward the Cayman Trench; tag sticks and cameras are standard kit on release boats to validate catches for scoring.

The scene on shore

MBYC’s marina and clubhouse become a hub for anglers, families, sponsors, and curious onlookers. The club grounds in Montego Freeport provide fuel, slips, and late‑day socials. With Montego Bay’s resorts nearby, teams often pair tournament days with family time, while sponsors activate tastings and displays dockside. The vibe blends serious competition with the island’s signature hospitality, and the awards night typically draws a large, celebratory crowd.

Why anglers aim for MBYC

• OWC pathway: The winner’s invitation to the global Offshore World Championship is a major lure. OWC’s 2024 note confirms MBYC’s champions on the invite list for April 2025, underscoring stakes for the 2025 field as well.
• Consistent bite: The September slot aligns with Montego Bay’s peak marlin activity, translating to multiple shots on good days and electric radio chatter during flurries.
• Conservation leadership: MBYC helped move Jamaica’s tournaments to modern release standards, increasing prestige and aligning with international norms.

Travel planning for teams and guests

• Getting there: Fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ), then a short drive to Montego Freeport and the Yacht Club.
• Where to stay: Montego Bay’s north‑coast resorts and Rose Hall properties are within easy reach of the marina; many teams book rooms with family amenities to balance long fishing days.
• Charter options: Private and local charters service the tournament; verify tackle readiness, teaser setups, tag kits, and release documentation protocols in advance.
• Weather and seas: Late September can bring afternoon squalls. Prepare for squally trades and a healthy swell along the trench edge; safety and comms checks at the captain’s meeting are mandatory.

Spectator and family tips

• Best times to visit the dock: Late afternoon on fishing days when boats return, tag flags fly, and teams trade stories; MBYC’s public areas let guests soak up the atmosphere respectfully.
• What to bring: Sun protection, camera gear, and respect for working docks; observe all safety perimeters when teams are docking and off‑loading.
• Day trips: Pair tournament time with Montego Bay activities — snorkeling, Rose Hall Great House tours, rafting on the Martha Brae — so the non‑anglers have their own highlights.

2025 watchlist and updates

• Dates and dailies: The “60th Annual” listing of September 20–25 is the current external anchor, with MBYC’s social channels teasing Wednesday, Sept 24, 2025, as an on‑water highlight within the mid‑week bite.
• Scoring app and comms: MBYC has posted prior tournament results and schedules on its website; expect a 2025 rules packet with any electronic verification or app‑based scoring notes published in the run‑up.
• Press and coverage: Jamaica press outlets typically cover kick‑off and awards; OWC will note the winning team among 2026 qualifiers in its year‑end roll‑up, as it did for 2024 champions.

Verified details at a glance

• Event: Montego Bay Yacht Club International Marlin Tournament (60th Annual).
• Expected dates: Sept 20–25, 2025, with MBYC social post highlighting Wed, Sept 24 within the fishing window.
• Host/venue: Montego Bay Yacht Club, Montego Freeport, Jamaica.
• Season context: Montego Bay’s marlin run peaks Aug–Oct; September is prime.
• Conservation: Release‑first rules; boated fish must exceed a minimum weight threshold, historically 300 lb; cash prizes were introduced in 2019 while retaining release focus.
• Championship path: Winners receive an Offshore World Championship invitation (e.g., 2024 MBYC winners were listed among OWC invites).

Set the spread for late September and make Montego Bay the big‑game goal for 2025. Lock in slips and rooms near MBYC, prep release documentation and tag kits, and be ready when the trench lights up. For families and fans, build a week around dockside returns and island days — and plan to toast the champions on awards night as Jamaica’s marlin tradition celebrates 60 seasons on the blue.

Jamaica Bridal Expo 2025 returns to Montego Bay the weekend of September 27–28, 2025, with a dedicated Wedding Conference on Saturday and the main Expo and Trade Show on Sunday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, uniting destination wedding pros, top resorts, planners, and ready‑to‑book couples under one roof with select sessions streamed online for remote attendees. The organizers confirm a free registration offer for brides plus one guest in limited quantities, a Saturday knowledge program for professionals, and a five‑hour Sunday show floor designed for face‑to‑face planning, tastings, and runway‑style showcases that highlight Jamaica’s leadership in Caribbean destination weddings.

Dates, venue, and format

• Saturday, September 27: Wedding Conference featuring education, panels, and networking for planners, venues, and vendors; virtual access noted as part of the 2025 hybrid experience.
• Sunday, September 28: Expo and Trade Show at Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall, with doors 12:00–5:00 p.m. Eastern; in‑person format with pre‑registration required for complimentary bride tickets while supplies last.
• Host city and site: Montego Bay, St. James Parish, with the island’s premier convention venue set up for exhibits, lounges, and a central stage for demos and fashion features.

Tourism Jamaica’s official calendar also lists Jamaica Bridal Expo as a leading weddings‑and‑romance industry showcase, underscoring the event’s role in positioning the island as a first‑choice destination for ceremonies, honeymoons, and vow renewals.

Why this expo matters

Jamaica hosts more than one in three Caribbean destination weddings, and the expo concentrates that market strength for two days of rapid discovery and decision‑making for couples and trade alike. Organizers brand the weekend as a recognized destination wedding event that brings the island’s best hotels, venues, and creative services together to cut research time and convert planning conversations into real contracts before the season begins.

Who will be there

Exhibitor rosters center on Montego Bay and north‑coast partners: five‑star and all‑inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, ceremony venues, décor and floral designers, photographers, videographers, bridal fashion, beauty teams, entertainment, and transportation providers, plus destination planners experienced with legalities and guest logistics. The expo’s channels and social feed spotlight sponsor partners like Iberostar and the Jamaica Tourist Board, confirming a strong destination and resort presence on the 2025 show floor.

What to expect each day

• Saturday, September 27: The Wedding Conference convenes planners, venues, and suppliers for educational sessions on trends, sustainability, content creation, sales funnels, contract terms, and compliance for destination events; scheduled networking supports B2B discovery and referrals across the island.
• Sunday, September 28: Doors open at noon for couples and entourages. Expect runway segments, tastings, décor vignettes, live entertainment samplers, and on‑the‑spot consultations. Many exhibitors offer show‑only perks such as value‑adds, date holds, or reduced deposits to encourage bookings before peak dates fill.

Organizers also note a Cocktail Party experience across the weekend and live‑stream elements, extending reach to couples and pros who cannot travel but want exposure to Jamaica options before shortlisting.

Tickets and registration

• Brides plus one: Complimentary registration for brides with one guest is offered in limited supply; early sign‑up on the official site is required to claim free access.
• General attendance: Additional guests register via the same portal; capacity is managed to preserve a comfortable experience on the floor.
• Trade badges: Vendors and planners secure conference and expo credentials through the event website; exhibitor information and media kit requests are handled via the organizers’ forms.

Event listings on ticketing and city calendars confirm Sunday’s hours and the Montego Bay Convention Centre location, reinforcing the operational details for travel planning.

Planning a productive visit

• Before the weekend: Register online and shortlist must‑see exhibitors by category: venues, resorts, planners, photo/video, décor/florals, entertainment, attire, rings and fine jewelry, beauty, officiants, favors, and guest activities.
• During the show: Arrive at 12:00 p.m. to maximize time. Bring a planning checklist, ideal dates, guest count, ceremony and reception preferences, and a rough budget range. Use a smartphone note or shared doc to capture quotes and contact details efficiently.
• Booking leverage: Ask about show‑only incentives, mid‑week rates, shoulder‑season value, and group blocks for guest stays. Clarify vendor caps and exclusivity policies for resort venues to align expectations before deposits.

Destination wedding essentials in Jamaica

• Legalities and lead time: Jamaica offers straightforward marriage requirements; work with a licensed planner or resort coordinator to manage documentation, minister bookings, and timelines comfortably ahead of the date.
• Venue mix: All‑inclusive resorts, historic great houses, cliff‑top lawns, beach gazebos, and private villas provide a spectrum of ceremony settings. The expo’s floor plan makes it simple to compare packages and site‑fee structures in one afternoon.
• Guest experience: Build itineraries with catamaran sails, jerk and rum tastings, waterfall trips, or golf in Rose Hall. Many resorts bundle rehearsal dinners, day‑after brunches, and spa credits for wedding groups.

For wedding professionals

• Learn and network: Saturday’s conference agenda targets practical growth: optimizing content pipelines, destination‑specific logistics, and partnerships with resorts and DMCs to lift conversion rates for 2025–2026 clients.
• Exhibit smartly: Reserve booth packages early via the organizer to secure placement, lead capture tools, and listing on the “Our Exhibitors” page that planners and couples browse before arrival.
• Extend reach: With live‑stream components and social spotlights, bring short vertical videos and QR‑coded lookbooks to convert floor traffic and digital viewers into inquiries on the spot.

Travel logistics

• Getting there: Fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ), minutes from the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall; use hotel shuttles, taxis, or rideshare for transfers to the venue.
• Where to stay: Choose Rose Hall or Hip Strip resorts for convenience to both conference and expo days; exhibitor resorts often extend preferred rates for badge holders and registered brides.
• What to bring: Photo ID, digital or printed registration, business cards or QR codes, a day bag for brochures, and comfortable attire for walking exhibits and attending sessions.

2025 highlights and momentum

The Jamaica Bridal Expo’s channels affirm the event’s return to Montego Bay with expanded sponsor backing, including Iberostar and the Jamaica Tourist Board, and a rejuvenated show format designed to accelerate planning decisions for couples targeting 2025–2026 dates. Social updates in August spotlight the runway’s return and exhibitor spotlights, signaling a fashion‑forward show floor with direct comparisons across designers and fit‑to‑feel sessions for brides and grooms.

Verified details at a glance

• Event: Jamaica Bridal Expo & Conference, Montego Bay.
• Dates: Sat, Sept 27, 2025 — Wedding Conference; Sun, Sept 28, 2025 — Expo/Trade Show, 12:00–5:00 p.m..
• Venue: Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall.
• Registration: Brides plus one free while supplies last; pre‑registration required; hybrid streaming components for 2025.
• Focus: Destination weddings, honeymoons, romance; top resorts, venues, planners, and services showcased for ready‑to‑book couples.
• Social proof: Official Instagram and X accounts promote Sept 27–28 dates, venue, sponsors, and runway programming.

Block the weekend, register early, and arrive with a shortlist and a vision. Spend Saturday learning from Jamaica’s destination experts, then walk Sunday’s show floor to taste, compare, and book the partners who will bring a dream celebration to life. Montego Bay is ready to welcome couples and creators for a planning weekend that turns inspiration into signed dates and unforgettable island weddings.

Kingston Pirates Week, also billed as the Port Royal Pirates Festival, debuts October 30 to November 2, 2025, transforming Kingston and historic Port Royal into a living stage of maritime heritage with sound system tributes, street dances, heritage tours, family activities, a city run, and a grand Port Royal Pirates & Seafood Festival finale at the cruise ship pier on Sunday, November 2. Anchored in Port Royal’s newly minted UNESCO World Heritage status, the four-day series blends history, culture, tourism, and community give-back, positioning Jamaica’s capital as a compelling heritage destination while celebrating the legends of Henry Morgan, Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Blackbeard who once made these waters notorious.

Dates, places, and scope

• Dates: Thursday to Sunday, October 30–November 2, 2025, with preview tours and activities operating as early as October 20 in the run-up to the main weekend.
• Hubs: Kingston city venues for music and nightlife, and Port Royal’s forts, museum, and waterfront for heritage programming and the seafood festival finale at the Historic Naval Dockyard and cruise pier.
• Organizers and partners: Produced by a team led by executive producers Peter Shoucair and Joanne Paxton, with support noted from the Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, TPDCo, Tourism Enhancement Fund, and Port Authority stakeholders committed to bringing Port Royal “alive” with new visitor experiences tied to its World Heritage listing.

Signature 2025 events

• Riddims & Rum: A Pirate Merritone Fête (Oct 30): A celebration of Jamaica’s sound system heritage guided by the legendary Merritone, blending ska, rocksteady, classic reggae, soul, and R&B for a feel-good opener in Kingston.
• Port Royal Street Dance (Oct 31): A free, community-forward street party in Port Royal Square channeling the island’s street-dance energy and welcoming visitors into the town’s rhythms.
• Pirates Ride Jamaica (Nov 1, morning): A sunrise cycling roll-out on the Palisadoes toward Port Royal, set to open the Saturday program with fitness and coastal views.
• Pirates & Wenches: Dine, Drink, Dance & Donate (Nov 1, night): An adults-only, all-inclusive fundraiser with DJs, décor, and flowing rum and beer in a spirited nod to Port Royal’s notorious past, supporting community projects.
• Kingston City Run: Pirates Run Di City 5K (Nov 2, morning): A run/walk through Kingston with pirate costuming encouraged, tied to the revival of the Kingston City Run as part of the Pirates Week calendar.
• Pirates Beach Clean-Up (Nov 2, daytime): A family-welcome give-back on the coast — arrive in pirate flair and leave the beaches cleaner than found.
• Port Royal Pirates & Seafood Festival (Nov 2, 2–9 pm): The headline finale at the cruise pier with gourmet seafood, live entertainment, craft market, pirate re-enactments, parrot “invasions,” and interactive family fun with costuming encouraged.

A festival landing page consolidates dates, tickets, and venue details, and includes a parallel program of paid heritage tours and activities at Fort Charles, the Port Royal Museum, and the Giddy House from October 20 to November 2 (9:00 am–6:30 pm) with posted local and visitor rates, linking education directly to the event’s heritage mission.

UNESCO momentum and Port Royal’s revival

News coverage following the July 12, 2025 UNESCO inscription underscores Port Royal’s global cultural significance and the government’s investment in revitalizing the site through facilities at Fort Charles, a new museum, improved sanitary and sewage infrastructure, and developing immersive experiences like a pirate’s rope walk, tavern, and ship attraction. Kingston Pirates Week leverages that momentum to put Port Royal’s story in the spotlight with re-enactments, guided tours, and programming that animate the town’s “richest and wildest city in the West” legacy in accessible, family-friendly ways.

Tickets, free events, and practical info

• Admission mix: The calendar blends ticketed and free events. Riddims & Rum carries general admission pricing (JM$2,800 / US$17.50); the Port Royal Street Dance is free; Pirates & Wenches is a ticketed all-inclusive; the Sunday Seafood Festival publishes on-site entry and activity details via festival channels; tour admissions list local and visitor rates.
• Costumes: Pirate attire is encouraged throughout and required for some activations at the finale; families can join the fun with low-cost accessories.
• Getting there: Port Royal is a short, scenic drive along the Palisadoes from Norman Manley International Airport. Kingston city events are centralized and rideshare/taxis are advised for late-night returns.
• Accessibility: Heritage sites include uneven ground and steps at forts and the Giddy House; guided tours accommodate varied abilities where possible. Check postings for specific access notes and plan footwear accordingly.

Culture, food, and music

• Sound system heritage: The opener’s Merritone tribute threads Jamaica’s musical evolution into Pirates Week, honoring a sound system that helped shape the island’s sonic identity from the 1950s onward.
• Seafood focus: Port Royal’s reputation for superb seafood is center stage, with a four-day dining promotion October 30–November 2 featuring special menus and discounts at participating restaurants noon to 10 pm, culminating in Sunday’s pier festival.
• Re-enactments and education: Pirate theater, guided fort tours, museum exhibits, and kids’ activities bring 17th–18th century maritime tales to life while anchoring them in real history rather than myth alone.

Responsible festivities and give-back

Organizers pair revelry with stewardship through the beach clean-up and health-forward run/ride elements, signaling a long-term model for heritage-based tourism that benefits local communities and ecosystems. Partners emphasize inclusive growth and sustainable management aligned with UNESCO goals, using the week to raise awareness and resources for Port Royal’s preservation and storytelling.

Sample 4-day plan

• Thu Oct 30: Afternoon heritage tour; evening Riddims & Rum Merritone fête in Kingston.
• Fri Oct 31: Morning museum and Fort Charles; evening Port Royal Street Dance with residents and DJs.
• Sat Nov 1: Sunrise Pirates Ride Jamaica; afternoon seafood trail; night Pirates & Wenches all-inclusive.
• Sun Nov 2: Kingston City Run 5K; late-morning beach clean-up; 2–9 pm Port Royal Pirates & Seafood Festival finale at the cruise pier.

Verified details at a glance

• Name: Kingston Pirates Week / Port Royal Pirates Festival.
• Dates: Oct 30–Nov 2, 2025 (tours and activities Oct 20–Nov 2).
• Headline finale: Port Royal Pirates & Seafood Festival, Sun Nov 2, 2–9 pm, Port Royal cruise pier.
• Key events: Riddims & Rum Merritone fête (Oct 30); Port Royal Street Dance (Oct 31); Pirates Ride Jamaica (Nov 1 AM); Pirates & Wenches all-inclusive (Nov 1 PM); Kingston City Run: Pirates Run Di City 5K (Nov 2 AM); Beach Clean-Up (Nov 2).
• Heritage sites: Fort Charles, Giddy House, Port Royal Museum; guided access Oct 20–Nov 2 with posted local/visitor rates.
• Context: Port Royal inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List July 12, 2025; government upgrades bolster visitor experience; tourism and cultural agencies supporting the festival.

Mark the dates, assemble a bit of swashbuckling flair, and build a long weekend around Kingston’s music and Port Royal’s living history. Book tickets for the fêtes, lace up for the city run, join the beach clean-up, and leave Sunday afternoon for the waterfront finale as the Pirates & Seafood Festival brings the story home. Kingston Pirates Week is ready to write a new chapter for a legendary harbor — and extend an irresistible invitation to be part of it.