Between Cascades and a Sandbar: A Day at YS Falls and Floyd’s Pelican Bar
A day that pairs cooling cascades with a one-of-a-kind sandbar bar—swim, sip, and meet the real South Coast.
You leave Montego Bay with the kind of early-morning light that flattens the hills and makes the sea look like oil. The van eases onto the South Coast highway, windows down, the air already warm with salt and the faint smoke of roadside cookpots. As the city slips behind you, the landscape relaxes into green—a patchwork of sugarfields, limestone outcrops, and folded hills—and the GPS quietly recalculates your sense of time. For eight hours you’re on a short, sweet collision course: a gentle scramble through rainforest to cool, stepped pools at YS Falls, followed by a boat ride out to Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a weathered shack perched on a sandbar where the Atlantic and a fisherman’s dream meet over cold Red Stripes.
Trail Wisdom
Wear water-friendly footwear
Trails and rocks at YS Falls are wet and slippery—closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals with good tread are worth the investment.
Bring cash (small bills)
Entrance fees, boat tips, and snack purchases are often cash-only—have small bills for vendors and your skipper.
Protect your camera and phone
Use a waterproof case or dry bag for your electronics during the boat ride and while on the falls.
Time it early
An early start reduces crowding at pools and makes for smoother boat rides to the Pelican Bar.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A quiet plunge pool upstream from the main falls (ask guides for a less-crowded spot)
- •Small roadside jerk stands between Montego Bay and the south coast for authentic, budget-friendly food
Wildlife
Brown pelicans near the sandbar, Local reef fish visible from shallow waters around the bar
Conservation Note
Support local operators who employ sustainable fishing and avoid single-use plastics; stay on designated paths at the falls to protect riparian vegetation.
YS Falls sits on land historically tied to plantation agriculture—today the estate blends conservation with tourism, preserving natural cascades amid cultivated landscapes.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Warm water swims, Fewer crowds, Birdwatching on the coast
Challenges: Occasional showers, Higher humidity
Spring offers warm days and manageable crowds; brief tropical showers can pop up so pack a light rain layer.
summer
Best for: Long daylight, Lush foliage, Beachside lounging
Challenges: Hotter temperatures, Rain and hurricane season risk (Jun–Nov)
Summer is hot and lush; expect strong sun and periodic heavy rain—check seasonal advisories during hurricane season.
fall
Best for: Clearer seas (early fall), Off-peak travel, Comfortable swimming
Challenges: Increasing rain later in the season, Warm, humid conditions
Early fall still provides good sea conditions and green scenery, but the window tightens as the rainy season progresses.
winter
Best for: Dry weather, Calmer seas, Best visibility
Challenges: Higher visitor numbers during peak tourism
Winter (Nov–Apr) is the island’s dry season—ideal for stable boat rides and clear walking paths, though popular with travelers.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on wet rocks and makes crossings between pools safer.
Dry bag/waterproof phone caseEssential
Keeps electronics and a change of clothes dry during the boat transfer to Pelican Bar.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin while minimizing harm to marine life around the sandbar.
Light rain shell or packable jacket
Useful for short tropical showers and cooling breezes after swims.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about eight hours total, including driving time from Montego Bay, time at YS Falls, and the boat trip to Pelican Bar.
Can I swim at YS Falls and Pelican Bar?
Yes—YS Falls has multiple natural pools for swimming; at Pelican Bar you can swim off the sandbar when conditions are calm, but always check with your guide or skipper first.
Is the boat to Pelican Bar included?
Yes—this experience includes the short boat transfer to and from Pelican Bar as part of the guided tour.
Is this family-friendly?
Generally yes—children and older visitors can enjoy the pools and bar area, but supervise young swimmers and choose calmer spots for kids.
Do I need cash?
Bring cash for small purchases, tips for guides and skippers, and vendor stalls; some locations may not accept cards.
Are there safety or accessibility concerns?
The falls require negotiating steps and wet rocks, so mobility-limited visitors may find some areas challenging; boat boarding involves small craft and can be rough in choppy seas.
What to Pack
Water shoes for slippery rock; Dry bag to protect electronics; Reef-safe sunscreen for skin and ocean health; Cash for tips and local purchases
Did You Know
Floyd’s Pelican Bar is built on a natural sandbar off Jamaica’s south coast and is accessible only by small boat, making it one of the island’s most unusual seaside hangouts.
Quick Travel Tips
Start early to avoid crowds and calmer seas; Bring small bills for tips and vendors; Wear water-friendly shoes for wet, uneven terrain; Pack a dry change of clothes for the drive back
Local Flavor
After the trip, stop at a roadside jerk stand or visit Scotchies near Montego Bay for authentic jerk pork or chicken. For a quieter post-ride meal, head toward Treasure Beach or Black River for fresh seafood and local rum shops where fishermen share the day’s stories.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Driving from Montego Bay: ~1.5–2 hours each way depending on traffic. Cell service: Reliable in towns, patchy at Pelican Bar and some coastal stretches. Permits/fees: YS Falls entry and boat fare to Pelican Bar are typically covered by guided tours, but bring cash for incidental fees and tips.
Sustainability Note
Support local guides, avoid single-use plastics, and stay on marked paths at YS Falls to protect riparian zones; at Pelican Bar, avoid touching corals and respect local fishing activities.