Pelican Bar is a wooden hut on stilts set on a shallow sandbar a short boat ride off Treasure Beach. You step into waist deep water, climb a few steps, order a cold drink, and look back at the St Elizabeth coastline. The draw is the setting and the easy mood.
Pelican Bar sits about a mile offshore between Treasure Beach and Parottee. Most boats leave from Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay, Great Bay, or Parottee. From Treasure Beach, drive to your chosen bay, park by the fishing boats, and meet your captain at the shoreline. The ride is usually 10 to 20 minutes depending on the sea.
You go for the experience of being out at sea with clear water under your feet and a wide view of the south coast. You can wade, swim, sip a cold drink, and, when the catch is good, eat a simple fish or lobster meal. Sunsets are strong and mornings are quiet. It feels different from a beach bar because you are surrounded by water.
Plan around the weather. Captains run when the sea is calm and pause when it is rough or raining. Arrange a boat through your hotel, a known local captain, or fishermen on the beach. Agree on the full price before you leave and confirm that it covers the round trip, waiting time, and how long you can stay. Prices shift with fuel and demand, and tips are appreciated for both the captain and the bar crew.
Bring cash. There is no card machine. Expect basic bar food from a small kitchen, so waits can run long on busy days. Drinks are simple and cold. Service is friendly and unhurried.
You can swim and wade around the bar. Water shoes help because the seafloor can be uneven and sea urchins are possible. Keep an eye on children and weaker swimmers since there are no lifeguards and the current changes with wind and tide. Wear reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Shade is limited and the midday sun is strong. A dry bag protects your phone from spray on the ride.
There is a tradition of leaving small tokens. Many guests sign a piece of driftwood or hang a flag. If you add something, keep it modest and do not remove anything that is already there. Pack out your trash. Do not take shells, starfish, or coral.
Photography is easy here. Shoot wide to capture the bar, the sea, and the coast in one frame. Step down to water level for reflections on calm days. Keep a cloth handy since salt spray builds up quickly.
Go early for quiet or close to sunset for softer light. From Treasure Beach, pair the visit with an easy day along Calabash Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, or Great Bay. On another day, plan separate outings to Black River or Lovers Leap so you do not rush either stop.
Pelican Bar is about the boat ride, the salt air, and a simple drink above clear water. Check the weather, bring cash, protect your skin and your phone, and give yourself enough time to enjoy it without the crowd.