Pelican Bar Treasure Beach: How to Visit Floyd's Spot
Short answer: To visit Floyd's Pelican Bar from Treasure Beach, you can arrange a local boat ride directly from beaches like Frenchmans Bay or Calabash Bay (a 15- to 20-minute water trip), or drive to Parottee Point for a quick 5-minute boat launch across the water. You will need cash for the captain, drinks, and food, as card readers do not operate on the offshore sandbar.
Floyd's Pelican Bar is one of the most distinctive water establishments in the Caribbean. Built entirely of driftwood, bamboo, and thatch on a submerged sandbar off Jamaica's southern coast, it offers a relaxed spot to swim, sip cold drinks, and enjoy freshly prepared seafood. As an independent travel resource not affiliated with the Jamaica Tourist Board, we have put together this clear, practical guide to help you arrange your trip smoothy.
Where Is Pelican Bar Located?
The bar sits about three-quarters of a mile off the coast of Saint Elizabeth parish on Jamaica's South Coast. It is located roughly between Parottee Point to the west and the relaxed fishing communities of Treasure Beach to the east. Surrounded by clear, waist-deep water, the structure is accessible only by boat.
How to Visit Pelican Bar from Treasure Beach
Travelers staying in Treasure Beach have two primary boat departure routes, depending on whether they prefer a longer coastal boat ride or a short water crossing after a brief drive.
Option 1: Direct Boat from Treasure Beach
The most convenient choice for visitors staying in Frenchmans Bay, Calabash Bay, or Billy's Bay is hiring a licensed local boat captain right from the sand near their villa or hotel.
- Boat ride time: 15 to 20 minutes each way.
- Highlights: A pleasant cruise along the rugged coastline where you might spot seabirds or wild dolphins.
- Arrangements: Agree on departure and return times directly with your captain, or ask your lodging host for a recommended local operator.
Option 2: Boat Ride via Parottee Point
If you prefer spending less time on open water, take a taxi or drive your rental vehicle from Treasure Beach to Parottee Point near Black River (roughly 25 to 35 minutes by road). From the Parottee shore, several local captain associations operate quick transfers to the bar.
- Boat ride time: 5 to 10 minutes each way.
- Highlights: A very short crossing, ideal for travelers prone to sea sickness.
What to Expect at Floyd's Pelican Bar
The structure is rustic and weathered by salt air and sunshine. Inside, visitors have covered structural beams, walls, and tables with flags, license plates, caps, and carved signatures left by travelers from around the globe.
Food and Refreshments
The bar serves cold Jamaican beer, rum punch, sodas, and fresh coconut water. Fresh fish and lobster (when in season) are caught by local fishermen and cooked to order on a small stove over wood fires. Because meals are prepared fresh on-site, wait times can extend to an hour during peak afternoon hours. Ordering your meal immediately upon arrival allows you to swim comfortably while your dish is prepared.
Swimming and Leisure
The water surrounding the wooden deck is warm, shallow, and crystal clear. Guests spend their time floating in the sea, sunbathing on the outdoor boardwalk, or using pocket tools to carve their names into the wooden railings. Sea urchins sometimes rest in nearby grass beds, making foot coverage helpful when stepping off the boat.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
1. Bring Sufficient Cash
Credit and debit card processing is unavailable out on the water. Bring enough cash in Jamaican Dollars (JMD) or US Dollars (USD) to cover your boat ride, meals, drinks, and tips. When converting your spending money, check live approximate market figures using our currency converter tool. For guidance on tipping boat crew and servers, consult our Jamaica excursion tipping guide.
2. Safety Practices
Confirm that your boat captain has functional life jackets available before stepping aboard. Weather patterns on the South Coast are generally calm, but captains will delay or cancel trips during heavy sea swells or thunderstorms. Practice basic travel safety at all times—you can read more on general security in our article on is Jamaica safe for tourists. In the event of an emergency anywhere in Jamaica, contact local police at 119 or emergency medical/fire services at 110.
3. What to Pack
Because boat space is limited, carry a lightweight dry bag containing your essentials. Key items include:
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Swimwear and a quick-drying travel towel
- Water shoes to protect your feet in shallow areas
- A small carving tool or permanent marker if you plan to leave your mark on the timber
For a full inventory of gear for your trip, check out our guide on what to pack for a Jamaica vacation.
Best Time of Day to Visit
Arriving around mid-morning (between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM) lets you secure a good seating spot, swim under clear skies, and avoid the midday tour rush. Alternatively, late afternoon departures offer panoramic views of the sunset over the water before your return transfer to shore. If you have questions or need assistance planning your itinerary, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (207) 613-5240.
FAQ
How do you get to Floyd's Pelican Bar from Treasure Beach?
You can take a scenic 15- to 20-minute boat ride directly from beaches in Treasure Beach like Frenchmans Bay, or drive to Parottee Point for a shorter 5-minute boat crossing.
Do I need cash at Pelican Bar?
Yes, cash in US Dollars or Jamaican Dollars is essential because card processing terminals do not work reliably out on the ocean sandbar.
Can you swim around Pelican Bar?
Yes, the bar sits in shallow, waist-deep turquoise water that is ideal for swimming and wading.
How long does a visit to Pelican Bar take?
Most travelers spend two to three hours enjoying drinks, eating freshly fried fish, swimming, and relaxing on the wooden deck.