Pelican Bar Day Trip: Private Boat & Fishing Village

Sunbathing, swimming and fresh fried fish on a sandbank bar in the middle of the sea

A private transfer to Pelican Bar, a rustic wooden bar built on stilts on a sandbank a quarter mile offshore between Black River and Treasure Beach. You're taken by fishing boat from the shore to spend the day swimming in shallow water, eating fresh fried fish, drinking beer and watching the sunset. The boat ride takes 15–20 minutes each way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Pelican Bar on sandbank

• Travel by fishing boat
• Sunbathe and swim
• Drink beer and eat fried fish
• Watch sunset and cliff diving
• Listen to Reggae band

The experience

Pelican Bar started as a dream. In 2001, local fisherman Floyd Forbes built it by hand, ferrying large wooden planks out to sea on his fishing boat and constructing a bar on stilts above the sandbank. The bar got its name from the flocks of pelicans that rest on the sand. What began as a refuge for Forbes and his friends between fishing trips has become a place where you can spend a full day doing nothing much at all: sunbathing, swimming in the shallow water, eating fresh fried fish, drinking beer, and listening to reggae.

The day starts with private transportation from your hotel in Falmouth, Grand Palladium, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay or Negril in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you reach the shore near Black River or Treasure Beach, you board a fishing boat for the 15–20 minute ride out to the sandbank. The boat ride itself is part of the experience. The water is calm and the approach to the bar is unhurried. You'll have time to watch the sunset (weather permitting) and see locals cliff diving off the bar's edge. The return boat ride follows the same route back to shore, where your driver is waiting.

This is not a tour with scheduled stops or a guide narrating history. It's a day at a place where the main activity is choosing between the hammock, the water, the food and the bar. Bring your own fishing gear if you want to catch dinner, or order the fresh fried fish the bar serves. Children from age 3 are welcome, and infant seats are available if you're traveling with very young children.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel.
• fuel surcharge.
• boat ride to Pelican Bar and back to shore.

Options for this experience

5 options

From NegrilGuide in English · 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Lasts 6 hours, pickup is included

From Grand PalladiumGuide in English · 09:00Private tour, includes pickup

From Montego BayGuide in English · 09:00Lasts 2 hours, includes pickup

See 2 more options

Falmouth HotelsGuide in English · 08:30Private driven tour, pickup is included

Runaway Bay hotels, includes pickup from themGuide in English · 08:30Private tour, includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (3 to 16 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Road Travel Jamaica

Is this one for you?Pick your hotel location at checkout (the private vehicle picks up from Falmouth, Grand Palladium, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay or Negril), so you don't coordinate meeting a driver or wait for a shared shuttle. The 4.5-hour outing gives you a full afternoon at the bar without the rush of a shorter excursion.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 16 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far out to sea is Pelican Bar?

Pelican Bar sits a quarter mile offshore on a sandbank, built on wooden stilts. The fishing boat ride from shore takes 15–20 minutes each way.

What can I do at Pelican Bar during the day?

You can sunbathe, swim in the shallow water around the bar, eat fresh fried fish, drink beer, listen to reggae, and watch the sunset. If you bring fishing gear, you can catch your own dinner.

Which hotels does the private transportation pick up from?

Pickups are available from Falmouth Hotels, Grand Palladium, Montego Bay hotels, Runaway Bay Hotels, or Negril, depending on which option you choose at checkout.

What's included in the private transportation?

Your booking includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel, fuel surcharge, and the boat ride to and from Pelican Bar. Gratuities are not included.