Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a driftwood-and-bamboo bar built on a sandbar about half a mile off the coast near Parottee Point, between Treasure Beach and Black River. It is only reachable by boat, it has no electricity beyond what a generator provides, and it has become one of the most-photographed day trips on Jamaica’s south coast for exactly that reason.
Getting there from Treasure Beach
Boats generally leave from Billy’s Bay or Great Pedro Bay, and the crossing itself takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on where you launch from and how the sea is running. Villa staff or any local boatman on the beach can arrange this — it is a well-worn route, not something you need to book weeks ahead.
What to expect once you are there
The bar itself is small, rustic, and exactly as makeshift as the photos suggest — it has been rebuilt more than once after storms. Expect cold Red Stripe, rum, and simple fried or steamed fish rather than a menu. There is nowhere to sit in the shade beyond the bar’s own roof, and you can swim straight off the platform into open water.
When to go
Mornings and early afternoons tend to have calmer water and better light for photos. It can close or become inaccessible in rough weather, particularly during the wetter, stormier months from August to October, so it is worth confirming with your boat operator on the day rather than assuming it will be running.
What to bring
Cash in small bills — there is no card machine out on a sandbar. Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry or waterproof bag for your phone, since you will be getting in and out of a boat and likely into the water.
Related reading: the Black River safari · more things to do
Common questions about Floyd’s Pelican Bar
It is a driftwood-and-bamboo bar built on a sandbar about half a mile off the coast near Parottee Point, between Treasure Beach and Black River. It is only reachable by boat, with no electricity beyond what a generator provides.
Boats generally leave from Billy’s Bay or Great Pedro Bay, and the crossing takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on where you launch from and the sea conditions. Villa staff or any local boatman on the beach can arrange it; it is a well-worn route, not something you need to book weeks ahead.
Expect cold Red Stripe, rum, and simple fried or steamed fish rather than a menu. The bar itself is small and rustic, with no shade beyond its own roof, and you can swim straight off the platform into open water.
Mornings and early afternoons tend to have calmer water and better light for photos. It can close or become inaccessible in rough weather, particularly during the wetter, stormier months from August to October, so it is worth confirming with your boat operator on the day.
Bring cash in small bills, since there is no card machine out on a sandbar, along with swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry or waterproof bag for your phone.
Thinking about staying with us?
Butterfly Hill is a five-bedroom, fully staffed villa and one of the villas in Treasure Beach you can book direct, a five-minute walk from Billy’s Bay. Tell us your dates and group size and Nicolette will reply personally with availability and a total price — no booking platform in between.