Floyd Pelican Bar
The charming and unique Floyd's Pelican Bar is nestled high up on stilts above the clear, turquoise waters of Parottee Bay in Jamaica. With gentle sea breezes and stunning views, this bar epitomises relaxation and tranquillity. The inviting atmosphere and friendly staff welcome you to try their signature drink, the "Pelican Perfection. " It's made with the freshest ingredients and will tantalise your taste buds. Floyd's Pelican Bar is the perfect destination whether you're looking for a romantic evening or a fun-filled day with friends.
Nestled about a mile from the shoreline lies a rustic and charming watering hole that appears floating on the water. The sight of it gives off an impression that it was constructed by someone already deep in their cups. The quaint establishment, Floyd's, is a shack with driftwood, palm fronds, and an assortment of bric-a-brac and scrap wood. Its unique construction stle gives it the appearance of a personal clubhouse, but one that can only be accessed by boat. As you approach Floyd's, the sound of gentle waves and the rustling of palm fronds will fill your ears, making your arrival all the more serene.
As the sun sets over the vast expanse of the ocean, a small and humble structure stands firmly on wooden stilts, defying the roaring waves and the salty winds. This structure is no ordinary bar - a dream come true for a local fisherman named Floyd Forbes.
In his mind, Floyd had envisioned a bar that would be a simple establishment and a true oasis in the middle of the sea. He had dreamed of a place where people could come to unwind, socialise, and enjoy a drink or two while surrounded by the calming blue waters.
So, Floyd set out to turn his dream into a reality, one plank at a time. He spent countless hours lugging wood out into the bay on his fishing boat and constructing the bar with his own hands. By 2001, his vision had finally taken shape, and the bar that had once been just a dream was now a beloved local landmark.
Floyd's sea bar was a humble, ramshackle establishment he and his fellow fishermen buddies would frequent after a long day's work. The atmosphere was intimate and cosy, with the sound of dominoes clacking and the aroma of cold beer filling the air. However, the bar's popularity grew beyond the local fishermen when the tourism industry caught wind of its charm. They saw an opportunity and helped Floyd turn it into a proper drinking establishment that captured the essence of the sea and the local culture.
Despite its newfound success, the bar encountered some challenges along the way. Concerns about environmental impact and fire hazards almost led to its closure, but Floyd managed to navigate the legal system and keep the bar open. Today, the bar is a testament to his perseverance and features a small collection of fire extinguishers as a precautionary measure.
The bar's walls are adorned with an extensive collection of seemingly miscellaneous memorabilia, including license plates from different countries and flags on every corner. If you visit the bar and want to leave a mark but can't bring a more oversized memento, feel free to bring your trusty Sharpie or pocket knife to contribute to this beautiful and ever-changing structure.
The Pelican Bar is a popular attraction due to its unique decor and the warm and clear water that surrounds it. The bar is built on a sandbar that extends in all directions, making it easy to walk around. However, it's essential to be cautious and avoid wandering too far, as sea urchins may be in the area. If you come across one, leave it alone, and it will eventually be pushed off the sandbar.
Nowadays, you can reach the Pelican Bar with a 20-minute boat ride. Once you arrive, you can enjoy food, drinks, sunbathing, swimming, and even a game of dominoes if you're lucky. Despite the local hotels promoting the place, it's just a simple shack on stilts a mile out. Remember that no restrooms are available, and you must wait for a boat to fetch you when it's time to leave. While the water is warm and shallow, swimming back home is not advisable if you've had enough to drink.
You can hire a local fisherman to take you on a boat trip to the bar. These trips can also include visits to nearby rivers to see wildlife or go for a swim.
