On May 3, 2025, the Bahamas Powerboat Club (BPC) will be hosting its fifth annual Full Throttle Poker Run, once again running from Nassau to Great Harbour Cay (GHC) in the Berry Islands. Hundreds of Bahamian and US-based powerboaters will revel in a weekend of adrenaline-filled fun and get together for a huge party along one of the Bahamas' most sensational beaches.

Thrill-seekers can register at http://bahamaspowerboat.com. Three lucky boats will win $5,000, $3,000, or $2,000 prizes by collecting the best poker hand with cards given at key locations. Boaters from the USA are welcome and are encouraged to get to Nassau early to enjoy the weekend's fun events. 

At 9am on Saturday, the boats start by gathering off Bay Street Marina in Nassau Harbour. They head west to drive-by the picturesque multi-billion-dollar Baha Mar Resort on Cable Beach. From there, it's a north course across the deep blue to the gorgeous Berry Islands. The impressive parade will comprise scores of party boats: go-fast Cigarette-types, regular center consoles, and luxury yachts. The largest is a large double-deck catamaran being enjoyed by up to 70 partiers. The parade crosses the 50 nm route to Great Harbour Cay in one or two hours, guided by a helicopter that will capture the event on camera and video.

Besides starting from Nassau, Florida-based boats can enjoy the FTPR by heading straight for Great Harbour's big beach party. For visitors flying into GHC from the US or Nassau, BPC's concierge can arrange clearance with customs at GHC airport, just yards from the beach and served by a complimentary golf cart shuttle. If you wish to stay on GHC longer, the concierge can arrange accommodations at inns or Airbnbs, along with golf cart or car rentals.

At the beach—purportedly named Daningburg Beach or more popularly known as Shelling Beach—vendors and sponsors set up tents to offer beers, wines, and cocktails—practically any drink imaginable—and a huge range of delicious Bahamian snacks and dishes. VIP cabanas and sponsors' tents provide shade, and the cabanas come with bottle and food service. Partiers will also enjoy live entertainment, DJs, and beach party games such as tug-o-war and sprints with prizes given out by the many sponsors.

On the weekend before May 3rd, the powerboat club holds its first event with a Captain's Meeting on Paradise Island around the pool at the Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina, when the first card is given out. The second card is given out on Friday, May 2nd at a Meet & Greet held at Bay Street Marina and the adjoining Green Parrot Bar & Grill. The Meet & Greet is the last chance to register.

On Poker Run Saturday, boats collect their third card with a drive-by past the dock at Baha Mar Resort. The fourth is given at a mystery location, most likely in the Berry Islands. And the final card is given at the beach party itself.

Late registrants or US-based boaters who head direct to Great Harbour Cay will receive all their cards at the beach. The winners of the Full Throttle Poker Run's large cash prizes will be announced a week later.

For accommodations, marina slips, flights, and car or golf cart rentals in Nassau or Great Harbour Cay, contact Bahamas Powerboat Club's concierge online, and take advantage of specially discounted rates.  

To join, boats and individuals must register and purchase a wristband day pass. Boats can register online for $300 and that includes one branded Poker Run life vest. Each boat must provide life vests for every passenger.  Sun and fun seekers can get to Great Harbour Cay's beach by party boat, large double-deck catamaran, go-fast powerboat, airplane, or seaplane. View the various packages online.

For individuals (not including a boat ride) day passes start at $150. The VIP Day Pass Round Trip on a Party Boat is $350 and includes unlimited premium bar (on the boat only), and unlimited specialty drinks, roundtrip boat rides, and entry for giveaways. For $400, you can speed on a go-fast powerboat. From Nassau and return by airplane, choose the Gold $500 Airplane Pass, and, if you want it by seaplane, choose the $800 Platinum Seaplane Pass.

If you love boating thrills mixed with beautiful beaches, ocean, and people, the 2025 Poker Run is the event-of-the-year to catch. See the many ways to join in the fun at: http://bahamaspowerboat.com. See past Poker Run videos at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFdGpjAu0Ok/ or https://www.instagram.com/p/DByrMpfusjI/

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Investments and Aviation is a major sponsor and promoter. Other sponsors include Grey Goose, Speedboat Magazine, Bay Street Marina, Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina, Bahamas Water Toys & Tours, and the Island Link (Munson Transport).

For more information on boating's most exciting event of the year, email info@bahamaspowerboat.com or call: +1 (242) 456-7598.

Photos courtesy of Tommy Gun Images / Speedboat Magazine