2025 YS Falls, Pelican Bar & Horseback Tour: A Full Review

So, you are probably looking at a map of Jamaica and seeing all these dots for amazing spots, right? Well, it’s pretty hard to pick which ones to visit, especially when your time is limited. I was in that exact spot, you know, trying to figure out how to get the most authentic and fun-filled day out of a single trip. I stumbled upon this combination outing that packed three huge experiences into one day: the private ‘YS Falls, Pelican Bar, Horseback Ride & Swim Combo’. At the end of the day, I figured a detailed telling of my time could honestly help someone else decide. So, what I want to do is just walk you through what the day felt like, from start to finish, sort of like we are just having a chat about it.

The Private Tour Feeling: What to Expect First

Okay, so the day literally starts with a friendly face picking you up from where you are staying. Right away, you just know this isn’t going to be one of those giant bus situations where you are herded around like cattle. Instead, it’s a pretty comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and frankly, the guide feels more like a new friend than some person just doing a job. He was telling us all sorts of stories about the towns we passed, you know, pointing out old churches and stuff. That is that kind of personal touch you just can’t get on a big coach tour. The drive itself is actually part of the whole adventure, pretty much.

You get to see a different side of Jamaica, frankly, away from the typical tourist zones. The roads on the South Coast are a bit winding, so you’re really getting a look at the lush, green countryside, which is absolutely full of life. Seemingly, every turn brings a new view of sugar cane fields or little roadside fruit stands with some of the most colorful produce you have ever seen. You know, you are just soaking it all in, which is a very different feeling from rushing from one place to another. This private setup apparently gives you a bit of wiggle room with the schedule too. I mean, if you want to stop for a quick picture or to buy some fresh bananas, it’s usually not a big deal. So, the trip to the first location is more or less part of the fun, not just a commute.

Basically, the best part is that you’re on your own time, more or less, and you are not just another face in a huge crowd.

What I mean is, you feel like you are actually experiencing the country in a small way, not just seeing it from behind glass. Your guide can really answer your questions, honestly, giving you insights that are so much deeper than what a pamphlet tells you. You might learn about local farming practices or just what school life is like for the kids you see walking down the road. It’s that kind of interaction that, in a way, made the whole day feel a lot richer. So you arrive at the first real activity feeling like you have already started the day off on a very positive note.

A Morning with Nature: The Horseback Ride and Swim

Alright, so first up on the agenda is often the horseback part of the day. To be honest, I was a little nervous since I don’t ride horses often. But the folks there were just incredibly kind and they pair you with a horse that sort of matches your experience level. The creatures themselves are very gentle and clearly well taken care of, which honestly sets your mind at ease straight away. We started with a pretty relaxed ride through some scenic backcountry trails, with the guides pointing out different trees and telling stories about the area’s history. It’s just a very calm way to begin.

But the main event, of course, is what comes next. You ride these amazing animals right into the water. Like, literally into the Caribbean Sea. I mean, I’d seen pictures, but doing it is a completely different thing. The sensation of the horse moving through the warm, clear water is pretty much unforgettable. It’s not a fast gallop or anything scary; instead, it is just this smooth, floating feeling. You are just holding on, with a big grin on your face, while your horse takes a refreshing dip. For instance, the guides are right there with you, making sure everything is safe and helping you take some amazing photos. Seriously, it’s one of those moments that feels like it’s straight out of a movie.

You can just feel the power of the horse beneath you in a very different way when you are both sort of swimming together. They seem to really enjoy it, you know? Just cooling off in the sea. It’s an experience that connects you to nature, and to the animal, in a way that’s very direct and pretty profound. And obviously, it’s super fun. At the end of the day, how many times can you say you’ve ridden a horse in the ocean? You just leave that part of the tour feeling completely refreshed and exhilarated. So yeah, it’s an absolute must-do part of the combination.

Cooling Off at the Magnificent YS Falls

After the salt water, your next stop tends to be for a freshwater rinse at the amazing YS Falls. First, getting to the falls is an adventure in itself. You basically hop on this open-air wagon that’s pulled by a farm tractor, and it rumbles through a massive, beautiful estate. Frankly, it’s a bit bumpy but that is what makes it so much fun, with these huge old trees overhead. When you arrive, you hear the water before you see it, and you just know you are in for a treat. YS Falls isn’t just one big waterfall; it’s a series of about seven or eight different cascading tiers with these natural pools at the bottom of each one.

The whole place is just incredibly well-maintained and feels like a secret garden paradise. Unlike some other spots in Jamaica, it tends to be a bit less crowded, so you actually have room to move around and enjoy yourself. Guides are on hand to show you the safest spots to swim and where to step. For the more daring people in your group, there is actually a rope swing that lets you Tarzan your way into one of the deeper pools. I mean, it is just a blast. But if you just want to relax, you can find a spot in a shallower section and let the cool water massage your back. It’s pretty much the perfect way to cool down in the tropical heat.

And then there is lunch, which is often served right there on the property. We had a really good meal of authentic Jamaican food—like jerk chicken, rice and peas, and festival bread, which is a sort of sweet fried dough. Sitting there, eating that tasty food after a swim, with the sounds of the falls in the background, is just about as perfect as it gets. It is a completely different atmosphere from a busy resort restaurant. It’s peaceful, it’s natural, and you actually feel like you’ve earned your meal after all that morning activity. So, you leave YS Falls feeling both energized and really relaxed at the same time.

A Bar in the Sea: The Unique Pelican Bar

Okay, so finally, for the last leg of the adventure, you are heading out to what is probably one of the coolest bars on the planet. I mean, the Pelican Bar is basically a rickety-looking hut made of driftwood, all propped up on stilts on a sandbar about a quarter-mile out in the ocean. Getting there is half the fun; you just hop in a small local fishing boat for a short ride out from the coast. The water is this incredible shade of turquoise, and as the bar gets closer, you sort of wonder how it’s even standing there. It’s a pretty amazing sight.

Once you are there, you just climb up a few wooden steps and step into this tiny piece of paradise. The floorboards are covered in names and messages carved by visitors from all over the world, so of course, you have to add your own. The atmosphere is just pure Jamaica—very laid-back, with reggae music usually playing softly in the background. You can order a cold Red Stripe beer or some rum punch and just find a spot to sit and stare out at the 360-degree ocean view. Pelicans, as the name suggests, are often hanging out on the railings or diving for fish nearby. It’s literally picture-perfect.

You can even wade in the shallow water around the bar if you feel like it. I mean, the whole idea is just to chill out completely. There are no TVs, no loud noises, just the sound of the water and people having a good, quiet time. It feels so disconnected from the rest of the world, in a very good way. This is not some polished, corporate-built attraction; it’s genuinely the creation of a local fisherman, and it has kept that authentic, rustic charm. You know, you are just there, in the middle of the sea, having a drink. It’s a pretty surreal and wonderful way to wrap up an already fantastic day. It is definitely one of those spots that will stick with you for a very long time.

Key Takeaways for Your Adventure

So, as I was saying, it’s a full day with a lot packed in. Honestly, it helps to be prepared so you can just enjoy it. Here’s a quick list of things to keep in mind, just so you have a great time.

• What to Bring: So, definitely bring water shoes, you know, they’re great for both the falls and walking around the Pelican Bar. A swimsuit is obviously a must, and wear it under your clothes to save time. Also, you might want to have some cash for drinks at the bar or for tipping your amazing guides, right?
• Your Fitness Level: Basically, you don’t have to be some kind of super athlete. Still, you should be comfortable with a little bit of walking, climbing a few steps at the falls, and getting on and off a horse. It’s more about being up for some light activity, not a major workout.
• The “Private” Part is Key: I mean, the best thing about this is that it’s not a crowded bus tour. You are on your own schedule, more or less. You just feel like a VIP for the day, which makes the whole thing feel really special and personal.
• Embrace the Ride: Remember, the drives between locations are part of the tour. Look out the window, ask your guide questions, and you know, just soak in the real Jamaican countryside. It’s actually a very peaceful part of the experience.
• Manage Expectations: This tour is very much about authentic, rustic Jamaica. The Pelican Bar is charming because it’s a bit rickety, and that’s the point. It is not a luxury outing, but an adventure, and that is what makes it so wonderful, to be honest.

Read our full review: Private YS Falls, Pelican Bar, Horseback Tour Full Review and Details
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