Treasure Beach sits on Jamaica’s quiet south coast. There is plenty within reach, but the honest headline is that most guests do less than they planned and are glad of it.
The main excursions
- Floyd’s Pelican Bar — a driftwood bar standing on a sandbar out at sea, reached only by boat. Half a day. The single most memorable thing here.
- Black River Safari — mangrove channels with crocodiles and egrets, about an hour east. Half a day.
- YS Falls — seven waterfalls, natural pools, a rope swing and a zip line. Half to a full day.
- Lovers Leap — a 1,700-foot cliff with a lighthouse and views along the coastline. A couple of hours.
- Appleton Estate — rum distillery tour, a scenic drive inland. Most of a day.
Closer to home
Walking the six miles of coastline across the four fishing coves. Watching the boats come in. Eating at Jack Sprat in Calabash Bay. Swimming, when the sea is calm — ask our staff, as there is a real undertow here and no lifeguards.
How much to plan
One or two proper excursions across a week works far better than five in a row. The drives are longer than the map suggests, and the point of this coast is that nothing is rushing you.
If you only have one excursion
Make it Floyd’s Pelican Bar. It is the most distinctive trip on this coast, it takes half a day, and your host can arrange the boat. Read how to visit Pelican Bar before you go. If you prefer wildlife to a bar at sea, choose the Black River Safari.
A sample week
- Arrival day: settle in, swim, walk down to the beach for the sunset.
- Day 2: a slow day. Walk the coves and have lunch at a local spot.
- Day 3: Pelican Bar by boat in the morning, back by lunch, pool in the afternoon.
- Day 4: rest day or a short outing nearby.
- Day 5: a longer inland trip such as YS Falls or Appleton Estate.
- Final days: repeat what you liked best.
Planning around the weather and the sea
Boat trips go best in calm conditions, usually in the morning, so keep a flexible day for them. Inland trips are good when the sea is rough. Your host will know which day works, so decide on the day rather than weeks ahead.
What to bring on an excursion
Sun protection, a hat, water, cash in small notes for tips and entry fees, and a towel. Wear shoes that can get wet for the waterfalls and the boats.
See our full attractions guide or the complete guide to Treasure Beach.