Guyana's Oldest Annual Regatta — Since 1947
Powerboat racing on the mighty Essequibo River, jet-ski competitions, cultural nights, and riverside celebrations. The Regatta programme launches around Easter and runs for 2-3 weeks, culminating with powerboat racing on the final weekend. Every year, the mining town of Bartica transforms into Guyana's water sports capital.
From community sports to high-octane powerboat racing — a full programme of events spanning 2-3 weeks. Community events start weeks before Easter; powerboat racing is typically on the final weekend.
The festivities begin well before Easter with dominoes tournaments at the Bartica Community Centre, football matches, and circle tennis. Community spirit builds as Bartica prepares for the main event.
One of the most eagerly awaited events — the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant at the Bartica Community Centre showcases local talent, beauty, and poise in an evening of glamour and entertainment.
The Grass Track at Mora Point features athletics competitions, while the legendary River Swim from Goshen to Golden Beach tests endurance in the Essequibo's currents. The Road Race draws runners from across the region.
The main event — three rounds of powerboat racing in 200hp, 75-90hp, 40hp, and 15hp classes tear across the Essequibo River at the Golden Beach Circuit. The thundering engines and dramatic water sprays draw thousands to the riverbank.
After the powerboat classes, jet-ski competitions and traditional bush boat races showcase both modern thrills and Guyana's riverine heritage. The bush boats — hand-built wooden craft — race with engines ranging from small outboards to nothing at all.
The evenings come alive with street jams, live music, gospel concerts, and riverside parties. Food stalls line the waterfront selling local favourites — fried fish, cook-up rice, Banks beer, and El Dorado rum.
Added to the Regatta programme in 2025, guided scenic and historical tours take visitors through Bartica's colonial heritage sites, the Anglican Church (est. 1837), the three-river confluence viewpoints, and the gold mining heritage of the region.
Motorcycle racing on the grass track at Mora Point adds another dimension to the Regatta's sporting calendar. Riders from across the region compete on improvised dirt and grass circuits, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
In July 1947, a transatlantic yacht arrived in Bartica with a fast runabout. Charles Guthrie, manager of the Bartica Electricity Works, challenged the owner to a race on the Essequibo. The spectacle drew the entire town to the water's edge — and the Bartica Regatta was born.
Book months ahead — Bartica fills up at Easter
⏰ Powerboat races run on the final day — arrive early for the best viewing spots along Golden Beach. Stay behind safety barriers during races. The Essequibo has strong currents — swim only in designated areas during the River Swim event.
Emergency: 911 / 592-444-3700
Hydrate: Bartica's interior heat is intense — drink water constantly
The waterfront comes alive with food stalls serving Bartica's best — freshly fried gilbaka and hassa, cook-up rice, pepperpot, cassava bread, and cold Banks beer. Don't miss the local favourite: river fish grilled right on the shore.
Explore Guyanese Food & DrinkThe Bartica Regatta 2026 programme launches around Easter and runs for 2-3 weeks. Community events (dominoes, football, pageants) start weeks before, with powerboat racing on the final weekend (April 3-6). The Easter long weekend is the peak of festivities.
Take a #32 bus from Stabroek Market to Parika (GY$500, ~45 min), then a speedboat to Bartica (GY$2,500, ~1hr 15min). Speedboats depart hourly until 5pm. A slower ferry option takes ~4 hours, departing at 9am and 1pm.
The regatta features powerboat racing at the Golden Beach Circuit (200hp, 75-90hp, 40hp, 15hp classes), jet-ski competitions, bush boat races, the River Swim from Goshen to Golden Beach, athletics, football, dominoes, the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant, cultural night performances, gospel concerts, street jams, scenic and historical tours, and grass track motorcycle racing at Mora Point.
Options range from luxury resorts like Aruwai White H2O Resort on the Mazaruni River and Baganara Island Resort (private island in the Essequibo) to in-town hotels like Palm Springs Hotel and Hart's Suites. Mary's River View Sunset Resort at Bamford Point is another popular choice.
The regatta events are free to attend. Budget approximately GY$3,000 (US$14) for return transport from Georgetown, plus accommodation from GY$15,000/night for guesthouses to GY$60,000+ for resort stays.
Golden Beach is the stretch of riverfront along the Essequibo River in Bartica where the powerboat races take place. It serves as the main racing circuit with spectator viewing areas along the shore.
Yes, the regatta is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. Children enjoy the cultural shows, river swimming, and watching the boat races from the shore. Normal river safety precautions apply — supervise children near the water.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, waterproof bag for electronics, swimwear, cash (limited ATMs in Bartica), comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and a camera. Bring enough cash for the weekend as card payment options are limited.
Join thousands on the banks of the Essequibo for Guyana's ultimate Easter water festival — powerboat racing, cultural celebrations, and riverside revelry since 1947.