WG
Walk GoodJamaica
Rustic wooden Pelican Bar standing on stilts in turquoise Caribbean waters
Back
adventure2-4 hours (including boat ride)

A Bar in the Sea

Pelican Bar

An improbable wooden bar built on a sandbar a mile out to sea, serving cold Red Stripes and fresh fish in the middle of the Caribbean.

About This Place

Pelican Bar is one of Jamaica's most surreal attractions - a rustic wooden bar perched on a sandbar in the Caribbean Sea, about a mile offshore from Treasure Beach. This ramshackle structure of driftwood and thatch looks like it could be washed away at any moment, yet it has stood since 2001.

The bar was built by local fisherman Floyd Forbes, who wanted to create a place where fishermen could rest during long days at sea. What started as a simple shelter has become one of Jamaica's most unique destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.

Getting there is half the adventure. Local fishermen ferry passengers from Treasure Beach in colorful wooden boats, navigating through the shallow waters of Parottee Bay. The 15-minute boat ride offers stunning views of the coastline and often includes sightings of pelicans diving for fish.

Once at the bar, visitors can enjoy ice-cold Red Stripe beer, rum punch, and incredibly fresh grilled fish and lobster - often caught that morning. The bar is entirely off the grid, surrounded by nothing but turquoise water and sky. You can swim in the shallow waters, relax on the small sandbar, or simply soak in the impossibility of drinking a beer in the middle of the sea.

Note: The bar has been rebuilt several times after hurricanes, a testament to Floyd's determination and the structure's iconic status.

Highlights

Unique bar built on a sandbar
Fresh grilled fish and lobster
Scenic boat ride to get there
Swimming in crystal-clear water
Authentic local experience
Unforgettable photo opportunity

Photo Gallery

Plan Your Visit

Opening Hours

Daily, roughly 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (weather dependent)

Entry Fee

Boat ride: $15-25 USD round trip | Food and drinks: pay as you go

Suggested Duration

2-4 hours (including boat ride)

Best Time to Visit

Calm weather days, late morning to early afternoon

What to Bring

  • Cash only (no cards accepted)
  • Swimsuit
  • Waterproof bag for valuables
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Sense of adventure