YS Falls, Black River & Pelican Bar: Private Day Tour Ride

Summary

Private day trip to YS Falls, Black River Safari and sea bar

You’ll cool off under YS Falls’ cascades, spot crocodiles along Jamaica’s Black River Safari with a local guide, then ride out by boat to Floyd’s Pelican Bar for fresh fish and sunset drinks over open water. It’s a day full of laughter, surprises, and real moments you’ll remember long after leaving Montego Bay.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed the jitney at YS Falls because I was too busy trying to buy a coconut from a guy named Devon (he called me “boss lady” and winked). The tractor ride up to the falls was bumpy in that way that makes you laugh if you’re not holding coffee. When we finally got there, the sound of water crashing down those seven falls just sort of took over everything else. I dipped my feet in first — cold enough to make you gasp but then it feels good, especially with the heat. There were kids doing cannonballs off the rocks, and our guide, Marsha, pointed out some tiny yellow birds nesting right above us. She said their name in patois but I honestly can’t remember it now.

The drive down to Black River felt longer than I expected (maybe an hour? I lost track), but the scenery kept changing — sugar cane fields, goats everywhere, people waving as we passed. The Black River Safari boat was waiting for us; Captain Errol had this slow way of talking that made you want to listen. We glided past mangroves with roots like tangled fingers dipping into green water. Saw two crocodiles sunning themselves — one blinked at us and Errol just grinned like it was his pet dog or something. There were herons everywhere, and at one point a fisherman paddled by in a canoe so narrow I thought he’d tip over. He didn’t.

Getting to Floyd’s Pelican Bar is its own little adventure — they put us on this fishing boat that looked like it had seen better days (the paint peeling off in big blue flakes). The ride out is salty wind and spray in your face, which I didn’t mind at all. The bar itself is just planks and driftwood balanced on stilts out in the middle of nowhere; pelicans actually do hang around, which feels surreal until you realize everyone’s barefoot and drinking Red Stripe like it’s their living room. We ordered fried fish that tasted like it came straight from the sea (probably did), and someone played reggae on a battered speaker while the sun started dropping behind clouds. I still think about that light — gold on water, everything soft for a minute before we had to go back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — YS Falls, Black River, and Pelican Bar

• Ride tractor-pulled jitney to YS Falls
• Swim in natural waterfall pools
• Optional zipline or tubing activities
• Boat tour up Black River Safari
• See American crocodiles and exotic birds
• Boat ride to Floyd's Pelican Bar
• Relax, swim, and enjoy drinks
• Watch sunset and listen to reggae band
• Return to Montego Bay

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Montego Bay take?

The full tour lasts most of the day, including travel time between stops and return drop-off in Montego Bay.

Are entrance fees included for YS Falls or Black River?

No, entrance fees are not included; only private transportation is covered.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included but there are places to buy food at YS Falls and Floyd's Pelican Bar.

How do you get to Floyd's Pelican Bar?

You reach Floyd's Pelican Bar by fishing boat from near Treasure Beach or Black River; the ride takes about 15–20 minutes.

What wildlife can you see on the Black River Safari?

You may see American crocodiles, herons, exotic birds, and local fishermen along the river.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included from Montego Bay hotels or nearby locations.

Are infant seats available for families?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request for your comfort and safety.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with fuel surcharge covered by your local driver-guide—plus flexible pickup from Montego Bay or nearby hotels before returning you safely at day’s end. Entrance fees and meals aren’t included but there are plenty of chances to grab food along the way.