Seafood destinations around the world

For those with a passion for seafood and coastal flavours, these destinations deliver a fresh taste of place, where local ingredients take centre stage both at the table and throughout the journey.

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is renowned for its fresh-from-the-boat Gulf pink shrimp – plump, sweet, and celebrated as some of the finest in the world. Caught off nearby San Carlos Island, these shrimp are central to the area’s culinary scene, with a vibrant working waterfront that brings in daily catches.Foodies can indulge in classic peel-and-eat platters or gourmet takes on local favourites at waterfront restaurants like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar& Grille, Dixie Fish Co.

Best time to visit?

Visit during the annual Shrimp Festival, which takes place in early March, where visitors experience the community’s pride in this prized delicacy firsthand.

Beyond the plate, Fort Myers offers miles of white-sand beaches, island hopping, wildlife-rich mangroves, and historic gems like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Set on the East Coast of the U.S., just south of Washington DC, Virginia Beach offers a mix of coastal adventure, rich history, and standout seafood. With 38 miles of shoreline and a temperate climate, it’s a haven for outdoor lovers and foodies alike. Seasonal seafood, from softshell crabs in summer to bluefish in autumn, shapes local menus, while initiatives like the Virginia Aquarium’s Sensible Seafood Programme and oyster restoration projects highlight the city’s commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s fishing trips, oyster tastings, or fresh market finds, Virginia Beach offers an unforgettable ocean-to-table experience.

In The Bahamas, conch is more than a dish; it’s a cultural cornerstone. This sweet, tender mollusc is sustainably harvested from local waters and stars in everything from zesty conch salad to cracked conch and hearty stews. It’s the heart of Bahamian cuisine and a must for any visitor craving an authentic taste of the islands. Skip the chains and eat like a local: in Nassau, head to Oh Andros or Drifters at Da’ Fish Fry for generous plates served with a side of Bahamian warmth. In Exuma, favourites like Shirley’s or Big D’s Conch Spot offer conch pulled fresh from the sea and cracked to order.

This isn’t just about eating, it’s about experiencing The Bahamas from sea to soul.

Atlantic Canada is a must for food lovers, offering fresh seafood, foraged ingredients, and unforgettable local experiences across its four provinces. Enjoy a beachside Lobster Bay Culinary Adventure in Nova Scotia, while Newfoundland’s From Sea to Plate experience lets you forage and feast by the sea. Dine on the ocean floor in New Brunswick with Taste the Tides at Hopewell Rocks, or savour just-caught seafood at PEI’s beloved Blue Mussel Café. From coastal feasts to low-tide dinners, this region delivers flavour with a side of adventure.

In Belize, lobsters are celebrated at regional festivals across the country throughout July, which is the start of lobster season for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. This makes it the perfect time to visit Belize to immerse yourself in cooking competitions, live music performances, craft markets, and various food stalls and try the many different dishes that include lobster.

Every summer, Belize hosts several popular gastronomic events, including the three lobster festivals in Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. These festivals are also a great opportunity for tourists to come together with the local communities to celebrate and share their culture.