REVIEW · MONTEGO BAY
Private Adventure to YS Falls
Book on Viator →Operated by Bantours Jamaica · Bookable on Viator
Half-day water thrills, with a sea-level bonus. This private Montego Bay outing pairs the calm power of YS Falls (rope swings and swimming) with an easy, scenic trip to Floyd’s Pelican Bar on the water. I like that you get a comfortable, air-conditioned ride plus a guide who keeps things organized and adds commentary as you go.
My other favorite part is how safety and logistics get treated like a real priority. At YS Falls, the guide (often named Banton) stays with you so you can focus on the water, not worrying about where your stuff ends up. The one thing to plan for: entry fees and optional zipline costs are not included, so your final total depends on what you do on-site.
In This Review
- Quick highlights before you go
- Why YS Falls plus Floyd’s Pelican Bar works in 4 hours
- Getting there from Montego Bay: the comfort factor and the guide touch
- YS Falls: rope swings, swimming, and the entry-fee reality
- Optional canopy zipline: only worth it if you want the extra thrill
- Floyd’s Pelican Bar: what you’re really paying for out on the water
- What to pack: towels, water shoes, and a smart clothing plan
- Price and value: why $120 can feel fair (or not)
- Pacing and physical effort: who this is best for
- Practical notes that help the day go smoothly
- Should you book this private YS Falls adventure?
- FAQ
- How long is the Private Adventure to YS Falls?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- What are the YS Falls entry fees?
- Is the YS Falls canopy zipline included?
- Are food and drinks included at Floyd’s Pelican Bar?
- What should I bring for the water activities?
- When does the tour operate?
- Is this a private tour?
- What if I need to cancel?
Quick highlights before you go

- Air-conditioned, private transportation with pickup from your resort area
- YS Falls time to swim and use the rope swings (wear swim shoes for comfort)
- A short boat ride to Floyd’s Pelican Bar for the laid-back “out on the sea” vibe
- A guide who stays with your group at YS Falls, helping keep your belongings secure
- Optional canopy zipline is available for an added fee if you want an extra thrill
Why YS Falls plus Floyd’s Pelican Bar works in 4 hours

I like this tour because it’s packed, but not exhausting. You’re looking at roughly 4 hours total, and the stops are close enough that the day doesn’t feel like a long chain of waiting around. You get a true waterfall experience first, then you switch to something completely different: a bar you reach by boat, out on the ocean.
The mix is also smart for first-timers. YS Falls gives you the classic Jamaica “get wet and have fun” feeling, while Floyd’s Pelican Bar gives you the more story-and-music side of the island. It’s the kind of schedule that fits people who want a memorable outing without a full day commitment.
If you’re not much of a swimmer, this still can work because the waterfall area includes ways to participate at different comfort levels. You can stay near the edges, enjoy the scenery, and still do the rope swings if you feel ready.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Montego Bay
Getting there from Montego Bay: the comfort factor and the guide touch

This is a private experience, so you’re not lumped into a big crowd from multiple hotels. You ride in an air-conditioned tour vehicle, and bottled water is included. That matters in Jamaica heat—especially because you’ll likely be in swimwear for part of the day.
The tour also includes a driver/guide who provides commentary as you travel. That’s a small detail, but it changes the ride from “just transport” into something you can actually pay attention to. You’re also likely to get the real local service vibe here—punctual pickup and a calm, organized feel.
A detail I especially appreciate from past experiences with this company: the guide named Banton has been described as professional and courteous, and he’s known for staying with the group the whole time at YS Falls. When you’re dealing with water, bags, and changing plans, that sort of steady presence makes the day smoother.
YS Falls: rope swings, swimming, and the entry-fee reality
YS Falls is the main event, and it’s built for doing, not just looking. You’ll have time to swim and use the rope swings, which is where the fun usually happens fast—once you’re in, you’ll want to keep going.
Here’s the practical side: entry fees are not included. Plan on budgeting for:
- $20 per adult for YS Falls waterfalls
- $12 per child (ages 3–15)
If you also want to zip, there’s a separate fee for the canopy activity (more on that next). Many people budget only for the base tour cost and then get surprised on-site—so check your plans early and add the correct entry amount.
Time-wise, you’ll want to arrive ready to move. Bring your swim kit, take care of changing quickly, and then get into the water zone. The more time you spend switching between dry clothes and wet clothes, the more likely you are to feel rushed.
Optional canopy zipline: only worth it if you want the extra thrill
If you’re looking for something more adrenaline-forward, the YS Falls Canopy Zipline is available, but it’s not part of the standard inclusions. Expect to add:
- $49 per adult
- $39 per child (ages 12 and under)
Whether it’s worth it depends on your body and your comfort level. The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level is required, which makes sense given the waterfall area and getting in and out of the water. If you’re unsure about heights, balance, or climbing stairs/paths, this is the part to think through first.
I’d treat the zipline as an optional upgrade, not a must-do. You can have a fantastic time with swimming and rope swings alone, especially if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers less high-intensity activities.
Floyd’s Pelican Bar: what you’re really paying for out on the water

After the falls, you’ll take a short boat ride to Floyd’s Pelican Bar. This is a different kind of Jamaican experience. It’s less about athletic action and more about atmosphere—music, drinks, and hanging out where you can feel the ocean around you.
Important budget note: food and drinks are not included. So the tour cost gets you to the place and the boat ride, but once you’re there, you’ll pay like you would at a normal bar or restaurant—just with the added bonus of being in the middle of the sea.
This stop is also great for photos and for slowing your brain down after the water play. If you’re the type who enjoys a cool drink with a view, this is where you’ll feel the payoff.
The only drawback is timing and weather. A boat ride is always weather-dependent, so if you’re the type who hates delays, keep your expectations flexible. That said, this is a short ride designed to fit the half-day pace.
What to pack: towels, water shoes, and a smart clothing plan

The tour specifically calls out what you should bring: towels, water shoes, and swimwear. Don’t treat that as a suggestion—these are the items that keep the day comfortable.
Water shoes are the big one. Rope swings and rocky areas can be tough on bare feet, and even if the ground looks okay from a distance, it’s the small sharp spots that ruin a fun moment. Water shoes help you stay confident and move without stress.
For clothing strategy, I recommend something simple:
- Swimwear you’re fine wearing at least through the falls
- A quick-dry cover-up (optional)
- Dry bag or waterproof bag for your phone and wallet
And bring at least a little patience with wet logistics. You’ll likely be changing in and out of swimwear in warm weather, so quick and practical beats fancy.
Price and value: why $120 can feel fair (or not)
At $120 per person for about 4 hours, this tour lands in the “worth it if you like comfort and a clear plan” category. Here’s what you’re getting for that cost:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
Then there are the on-site costs:
- YS Falls entry fees
- Optional zipline
- Food and drinks at Floyd’s Pelican Bar
So the real value equation is: how many people in your group, and how many add-ons you plan to do at YS Falls. The tour also offers group discounts, which can help if you’re splitting with friends or family.
If you’re just a casual waterfall visitor who won’t do the zipline, your extra spending is mostly entry fees. If you want ziplining and you also plan to eat or drink at the bar, then you’re looking at a fuller day budget—still reasonable, but not a low-cost excursion.
I’d say this is good value if:
- You want pickup and a private vehicle (less hassle)
- You care about having someone keep the day organized
- You’ll actually use the water features instead of just watching
Pacing and physical effort: who this is best for

This is a water-focused tour, and it’s built for people who can move around comfortably. The experience notes a moderate physical fitness level, which lines up with walking paths, getting down to the water area, and handling rope-swing activity if you choose.
It’s a strong fit for:
- Couples who want a fun half-day that isn’t all day long
- Families with older kids who can swim
- Friends who want a mix of thrills and a relaxing ocean-side stop
One more practical detail: this is private, so only your group participates. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling with kids, if someone has a slower pace, or if you just want a calmer experience than group tours.
Also, service animals are allowed. If you rely on one, that’s worth confirming ahead of time like you would with any provider.
Practical notes that help the day go smoothly
You’ll want to understand the basic schedule. The tour runs Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (with dates listed through 2026). That gives you flexibility within the day, but it also means you should pick a start time that matches your energy level—especially if you plan on swimming right away.
You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which is handy for keeping everything in one place. If you’re someone who hates paper tickets and last-minute phone chaos, this helps.
Finally, there’s a mention of additional stops that are out of the way. That’s a gentle warning: if you’re short on time or want to keep everything tight, you may want to clarify during booking that you’re prioritizing the core stops—YS Falls and Floyd’s Pelican Bar—so the day stays on target.
Should you book this private YS Falls adventure?
I’d book it if you want a half-day plan that feels like a real day out, not a rushed checklist. YS Falls gives you hands-on fun (rope swings and swimming), and Floyd’s Pelican Bar gives you a memorable ocean-side atmosphere you can’t recreate at home. The private air-conditioned ride and a guide who stays engaged at the falls (often including Banton) makes the experience feel smoother and safer.
I’d hesitate only if you’re trying to keep costs ultra-low or you strongly dislike on-site fees. The base price is straightforward, but once you add YS Falls entry, any zipline option, and food/drinks at the bar, your total grows. Also, plan for a moderate physical effort and bring your water shoes.
If you want an easy win—comfort plus two iconic Jamaica experiences in one neat block of time—this is a solid choice.
FAQ
How long is the Private Adventure to YS Falls?
It runs about 4 hours (approx.).
What’s included in the tour price?
Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, and bottled water.
What are the YS Falls entry fees?
YS Falls waterfalls entry is $20 per adult and $12 per child (ages 3–15).
Is the YS Falls canopy zipline included?
No. The YS Falls Canopy Zipline has an additional fee of $49 per adult and $39 per child (12 and under).
Are food and drinks included at Floyd’s Pelican Bar?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
What should I bring for the water activities?
Bring towels, water shoes, and swimwear.
When does the tour operate?
It runs Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.




























