Floyd’s Pelican Bar: Iconic Jamaica Offshore Destination

Floyd’s Pelican Bar is an overwater chill spot on the south coast. The wooden structure blends perfectly with the surrounding beach nature, stilted on logs and topped with thatch canopies. A 1st of its kind on the island, this offshore destination has been around serving the community for over 2 decades.

A memorable part of many trips at Pelican Bar is having a cold beer while cooling off in waist-deep water by the entrance. People like to spend time here laughing by / in the sea, playing dominoes, vibing to music, toasting drinks and eating a hot meal. It can be easy to lose track of an afternoon here where things don’t feel rushed, as if time slows down a bit.

Pelican Bar’s story and unmatched location make it an authentically Jamaican destination. The interior is adorned with flags, license plates, apparel, stickers and more tokens left by visitors from around the world. There’s an option to leave a mark by having a name carved into the bar’s wood as well. These engraved pieces build the floors and walls that make up Pelican Bar, literally and figuratively.

By the way, quick reminder…

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Floyd Forbes’ idea birthed Pelican Bar in 2001. This Jamaica bar in the middle of the sea has become an iconic l̶a̶n̶d̶ seamark; it’s a Treasure Beach community tourism example exhibiting power in collaboration. It’s atop a shallow, offshore sandbank in St. Elizabeth. Good vibes radiate throughout the rustic space, from the boardwalk lookout to inside seating.

The pioneer is regularly seen at Pelican Bar interacting with patrons and workers. Scroll below for my first conversation with Floyd back in 2017. 1 of my favourite memories here is interacting with him and friendly on-site vendors, bartenders and cooks.

Pelican Bar menu offers done-to-order meals. Ordering before or on arrival is recommended to maximize time at the venue while minimizing wait. My 1st time eating here was on the 3rd visit when Irie Escape hooked me up with a communicative boat captain who granted pre-order service.

Menu options at the time were mainly seafood and poultry with vegetables and a side of rice & peas/ bammy/ festival/ fries. We had escovitch and fried fishes with servings of fried bammy and vegetables. Had the option to choose the fish size, and even the smallest were meaty. All the food was fresh, tasty and filling! Being a fisherman himself, Pelican Bar visionary Floyd Forbes provides the kitchen with fresh catches. The area attraction’s intrinsic feel-good vibe boosts support for other local fishers, farmers and boaters.

Pelican Bar Still Standing after Hurricanes

Over the years it has grown in structure, offerings and community size. Since its creation, Pelican Bar has been rebuilt at least 2x after storm destructions (as recently as 2025 Hurricane Melissa).

Each rebuild manages to salvage some carved planks to reuse in the reborn bar after a natural disaster. The modern version has modeled thatched roofing with solar panels, kitchen and bar areas, outdoor deck and small rooms. 

Pelican Bar Conclusion
Pelican Bar is a unique bucket list experience many locals and tourists enjoy. The only experience in Jamaica that I’ve had that somewhat compares is a mobile tiki bar at sea, which is more of a booze cruise than a overwater chill spot.

A visit to St. Elizabeth could be considered incomplete without a visit to Pelican Bar, Jamaica– the ‘world’s coolest bar’. It is a great destination for a chill day with a group or couple. Not only is it an unusual location, it is also built on a foundation of community and resilience!

How would you like to spend the day in the middle of the sea at Pelican Bar???

Pelican Bar Location: How to Get There

Taking a boat ride from Treasure Beach, Parrottee Bay or Black River areas are the main options to get to Pelican Bar’s overwater hangout. It’s open from late morning to early evening. Travelling from Kingston & St. Andrew, all my trips have been from Parrotee– a coastal town near Black River.

Driving around revealed multiple signs along a beachside roadway offering drop-offs to the iconic bar at sea. To reserve a trusted ride and pre-order  meals at Pelican Bar, check Irie Escape for the hook up. Climb aboard a narrow fisherman boat. After a ~7-minute trip less than a mile offshore, you’ll approach the unique hangout perched atop a sandbar in the Caribbean Sea.