Appleton Estate & Pelican Bar: Private Montego Bay Trip Review

Picture this, you are stepping off the plane in Montego Bay, Jamaica, ready for what is seemingly, just a bit of island living. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’ve booked this private tour to Appleton Estate and the Pelican Bar, hoping for those unforgettable vacation moments. It’s almost like that classic “wish you were here” postcard come to life, right? So, get ready as we look into what this day trip actually has to offer.

Setting Off on Your Jamaican Adventure

First off, there’s that pick-up. Very early in the day, someone will grab you from your hotel around Montego Bay. And in some respects, it is truly convenient to have door-to-door service when you’re trying to enjoy a totally stress-free vacation. As a matter of fact, that driver is typically a wealth of information, basically sharing cool insights regarding Jamaican culture, little known island history tidbits, and pointing out various landmarks, that will likely be on your drive. So that drive alone is somewhat informative. Then it hits you; the countryside scenery. Think green hills, that are almost picturesque, little towns, seemingly buzzing with activity. As I was saying, it will provide, a bit of a view of what real Jamaica looks like, not only what you see from tourist hotspots.

The Appleton Estate Rum Tour: More Than Just a Tasting

The Appleton Estate portion of the trip is where you see how that legendary Jamaican rum is seemingly crafted. It starts with, you know, learning a little regarding the estate’s history, how it all got its start, and also generations of family dedication. This is really neat stuff if you are a fan of legacy brands. Next, is actually viewing that production process. I mean, it is not everyday you are able to look directly at the old methods right next to what might be considered updated technology. Plus, the scents of fermenting molasses basically hanging in the air all around you? You get a free whiff, naturally. The tasting part comes last and also involves trying various rums – you get that full range, by the way, starting from lighter blends and through those extra aged ones. Very important for people with a lighter palate, go ahead and pace yourself. Oh, and of course, don’t seemingly miss those photo opportunities across, what is definitely, beautiful estate grounds, that might just provide classic souvenir photos. As a matter of fact, its basically history paired, in a way, with a little tipsy enjoyment.

Pelican Bar: Paradise in the Middle of the Sea

Alright, after the estate, there’s, arguably, that boat trip out to Pelican Bar. When people show those kinds of, Caribbean getaway stock photos, it seems, they might as well be taking shots from Pelican Bar. You basically, hop on, I am told, what is a small boat, and, apparently, cruise through incredibly bright, crystal clear water, out to what amounts to, this wooden structure perched right on, seemingly, a sandbar. So, the bar itself, looks rustic and provides a great local spot; think carvings all over the wood and, apparently, flags from everywhere. The drinks? I think it goes without saying that those are definitely island style: that includes, plenty of rum punch. Now, that water round here is pretty shallow so seemingly perfect for swimming and/or snorkeling. Then you have that chance to basically kick back, simply take that sun in, listen to, it could be, the lapping waves, as well as just basically soak up that totally unusual setting. By the way, so don’t forget to put that sunscreen on.

Things to Consider Before You Book

The duration of the trip tends to be pretty long. So it might take a good chunk out of a vacation day – typically around 8-10 hours, give or take. A bit for the drive, also time for those tours, and you know, that time relaxing out in the Pelican Bar. As a matter of fact, think long game. It’s extremely crucial for you to see what is truly included when it comes to costs. Very early, get confirmation, as to if your entrance fees, for both Appleton Estate and a boat trip to Pelican Bar, as well as even meals and those drinks, are all actually figured into, what would definitely be your initial quoted price. On top of all of that? A good tip for everyone; Pack all that sunscreen, as well as those hats, with sunglasses too it’s almost certain to basically protect your skin coming from that Caribbean sun. And also, obviously stay hydrated. Another thing you want to look into is, seemingly, boat conditions going to Pelican Bar, because these, typically, small boats will probably be subject to cancellation in choppy waters. So that trip? Just check. Lastly, bring some money along to, you know, basically buy souvenirs at Appleton Estate, also tip drivers and/or bartenders too, potentially. Because service staff will surely expect to be tipped for serving you.

Is It Worth It?

Is it basically worth springing to take that private trip coming from Montego Bay, for the Appleton Estate/Pelican Bar combo tour? Well that is really down to, what is definitely, that person’s preferences. So it will, apparently, pack lots of experiences coming from the island lifestyle together into one day. We are talking culture, some history, quite a bit of relaxation, that would include beautiful landscapes too. I think it’s, clearly, ideal, for people who would like, quite a diversified tour experience in Jamaica coming from those tourist hotspots. Keep it in mind even, so there is a pretty hefty travel day ahead of you – be all set, for a seemingly long adventure.