From Montego Bay: Appleton Estate & Pelican Bar Private Trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Montego Bay to the heart of Jamaica’s vibrant culture and breathtaking natural wonders. This private tour offers an immersive experience, guiding you through the renowned Appleton Estate for a behind-the-scenes look at rum production, followed by a serene escape to the iconic Pelican Bar for a refreshing swim and seafood indulgence. With convenient pickups, a flexible itinerary, and the opportunity to create lasting memories, this adventure promises to captivate the senses and leave you yearning to discover more of this island paradise.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Drinking Tours In Montego Bay.

Key Points

• Private 8-hour tour from Montego Bay to Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar, priced from KJ₤3,351 per person.
• Includes scenic drive to Appleton Estate for guided rum-making tour with sampling, and 1.5-hour transfer to Pelican Bar for activities and seafood lunch.
• Pickup available from 25 locations, with hotel drop-off after the tour.
• Cancellation policy allows full refund for bookings canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Restrictions apply for certain participants, and customer reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

For this private trip from Montego Bay, travelers can expect to pay from K₤3,351 per person.

The tour lasts 8 hours and includes pickup and drop-off at over 25 hotel locations in the area. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the company allows booking now and paying later.

This comprehensive experience takes visitors on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the Appleton Estate for a guided rum-making tour, followed by a 1.5-hour transfer to the famous Pelican Bar.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Montego Bay hotels, the private trip takes guests on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the renowned Appleton Estate.

Upon arrival, visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the rum-making process, with opportunities to sample sugar cane, cane juice, molasses, and various rums. The tour concludes with a chance to browse the on-site gift shop.

Next, the group transfers 1.5 hours to the iconic Pelican Bar, where they can partake in activities like swimming, snorkeling, and a glass bottom boat ride (at an additional fee).

Seafood lunch options are available for those looking to refuel during their time at the Pelican Bar.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The private trip includes pickup from 25 different locations around Montego Bay, such as SeaGarden Beach Resort, Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Excellence Oyster Bay, and Royal Decameron Montego Beach, among others.

Look for vehicles with the VIP Tours Jamaica logo to identify your transportation. Hotel drop-off is included at the end of the tour.

During the drive, you’ll enjoy scenic views as you travel to the Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar locations.

With a duration of 8 hours, this private experience offers a convenient and hassle-free way to explore these popular Jamaican attractions.

Appleton Estate Tour

After the scenic drive from Montego Bay, the tour arrives at the renowned Appleton Estate.

Guests are treated to a guided tour of the rum-making process, gaining insight into the estate’s rich history and production methods. During the tour, they’ll have the opportunity to sample various products, including sugar cane, cane juice, molasses, and an array of Appleton’s award-winning rums.

The visit also includes time to explore the on-site gift shop, where visitors can browse an assortment of rum-related souvenirs and merchandise.

With its immersive experience and educational components, the Appleton Estate tour offers a captivating glimpse into Jamaica’s iconic rum-making heritage.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Pelican Bar

Next, the tour heads to the iconic Pelican Bar, located about an hour and a half away. This unique floating bar, set on stilts in the middle of the sea, offers visitors a chance to relax, swim, and enjoy breathtaking views. Guests can choose from various activities, including snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat ride, and enjoying a seafood lunch. The bar’s serene atmosphere and friendly staff make it a highlight of the trip.

Activity	Description	Cost
Swimming	Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the bar.	Included
Snorkeling	Explore the vibrant marine life just below the surface.	$25
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride	Observe the underwater world from the comfort of a boat.	$20
Seafood Lunch	Indulge in delicious local seafood dishes.	$15-$25

What to Bring

Typically, visitors are recommended to bring a few essential items for their trip to Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be walking involved at both locations.

A hat and swimwear are also recommended, as the Pelican Bar offers the opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. Bringing a change of clothes, a towel, and water shoes can be helpful.

It’s also a good idea to have a camera on hand to capture the scenic views and memorable moments. Plus, some cash is suggested for entrance fees and any extra activities or purchases at the locations.

Suitability Considerations

The tour provider has specified certain restrictions and limitations for this private trip to Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar.

Pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, children under 18, cruise ship guests, and visually impaired people aren’t permitted to join the excursion. These guidelines ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Plus, the rugged terrain and water activities may pose challenges for some travelers. Prospective guests are advised to carefully consider their physical abilities and any special needs before booking this tour.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided a range of feedback on the private trip to Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. Positive comments praise the knowledgeable driver and the enjoyable experiences at both Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar. Reviewers noted the scenic drive and the quality of the seafood lunch at Pelican Bar.

However, some customers complained about unexpected additional costs and the occasional closure of Appleton Estate on certain days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Visit Just One of the Two Destinations?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to visit just one of the destinations. The trip is packaged as a combined tour of Appleton Estate and Pelican Bar, with transportation and activities at both locations included in the price.

Can the Trip Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The trip can be customized to include additional activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, or a glass bottom boat ride at Pelican Bar, which would incur an extra fee. Customers have the flexibility to personalize their experience.

What Are the Food and Drink Options Available During the Tour?

The tour offers seafood lunch options at the Pelican Bar. Plus, visitors can sample sugar cane, cane juice, molasses, and various rum offerings during the guided tour at the Appleton Estate.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Trip as a Group?

There’s no specific group discount mentioned on the tour details. However, booking the private trip with more people can potentially reduce the per-person cost. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any group pricing options.

How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided for the Tour?

The transportation provided for the tour is highly reliable. Travelers are picked up from their hotels in vehicles with the VIP Tours Jamaica logo, ensuring a seamless and convenient start to the excursion.

Recap

This private tour from Montego Bay offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Jamaica’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Exploring the renowned Appleton Estate and the iconic Pelican Bar provides a unique and unforgettable experience, complemented by convenient transportation and a flexible refund policy. Whether seeking a rum-tasting adventure or a relaxing day in paradise, this tour promises an exceptional day in the heart of the Caribbean.

You can check if your dates are available here: