Floyd’s Pelican Bar is one of Jamaica’s most delightful oddities, a ramshackle bar on stilts standing on a sandbar about a kilometre out to sea off the south coast near Parottee. Built from driftwood and decorated with scribbles, flags and bits of buoys, it serves cold drinks and simple food to people who arrive by small fishing boat across the shallow water. You can wade in the clear shallows around the bar, snorkel or sit on the deck and watch the horizon. This day trip from Negril takes you to the south coast, where you board the boat, and it often works well as part of a wider tour with YS Falls or Black River. The bar’s charm is its remoteness and its sense of humour, and it makes a memorable alternative to the polished resort scene.
How it works
The trip involves a drive from Negril to the south coast and then a boat ride of about fifteen to twenty minutes to the bar. Time at the bar is usually an hour or two. Food, drinks and boat costs may be extra, so confirm before you go.
What to expect
The bar is basic, with a floor of boards and a roof of thatch, and its menu centres on fresh fish, lobster when in season and cold beer. The water is warm and knee- to waist-deep for a long stretch around it. Music plays and the owner and staff are friendly.
Making the most of it
Bring cash, since there are no cards at the bar. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and water shoes if you want to wade on the sandbar. Check sea conditions, since rough weather can cancel the boat.
A word about the setting
The sandbar is shallow enough that the water barely reaches your waist in many places, and on calm days it looks like you are standing in the open sea with nothing else in sight. The bar was built by a local fisherman, and visitors often sign or leave messages on the walls. Because it is exposed, the weather matters: sun can be fierce, so shade, water and sunscreen are important, and afternoon wind can make the sea choppy for the return.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip from Negril to the south coast followed by a short boat ride to Floyd’s Pelican Bar on a sandbar.
Best time
Calm, sunny days; mornings tend to have better seas.
How long
About six to eight hours door to door, including an hour or two at the bar.
Tips
Bring cash, a hat, sunscreen and water shoes; the bar does not take cards.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous travellers who like quirky places.
- Families
- The boat ride and shallow water appeal to children, but supervise near the edges of the sandbar.
- Couples
- Share a cold drink in the middle of the sea.
- Pair with
- YS Falls or Black River on the same route.
- Time needed
- Most of a day.
Good questions
Where is Pelican Bar?+
It stands on a sandbar off the south coast near Parottee, reached by a short boat ride from the shore.
Can I swim there?+
Yes, the water around the bar is shallow and clear, but watch for currents and ask the crew about safe areas.
Is cash needed?+
Yes, bring cash for drinks, food and tips, since card payments are unlikely.
Is it suitable for children?+
Many families go, but supervise closely and use life jackets for small children.
What if the sea is rough?+
The boat may not run in rough conditions, so ask about the cancellation policy.
