Caribbean National Weekly

Poco Loco floating bar set to reopen with a splash in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

By Sheri-kae McLeod··2 min read
Poco Loco floating bar set to reopen with a splash in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Key Points(5)
  • After a dramatic brush with nature’s fury and a determined rebuild,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pokolokojamaica/?hl=en"> Poco Loco’s</a> floating bar is back—bigger, better, and ready to entertain.
  • The floating bar, anchored off the coast of Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios, is set to officially open to the public on May 26, welcoming locals, tourists, and cruise ship guests for an experience like no other on Jamaica’s north coast.
  • Guests can access the floating venue via ferry service departing from Mahogany Beach, with four tours scheduled daily.
  • The barge-turned-bar, which can hold up to 250 patrons, will offer everything from snorkeling and water sports to 24-hour entertainment courtesy of a full-time DJ, laser light shows, and big screen TVs.
  • Poco Loco CEO Anthony Warren describes the floating bar as “the safest thing on the waters,” and says it’s been rebuilt to withstand anything short of a Category 3 hurricane.

After a dramatic brush with nature’s fury and a determined rebuild, Poco Loco’s floating bar is back—bigger, better, and ready to entertain. The floating bar, anchored off the coast of Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios, is set to officially open to the public on May 26, welcoming locals, tourists, and cruise ship guests for an experience like no other on Jamaica’s north coast.

Guests can access the floating venue via ferry service departing from Mahogany Beach, with four tours scheduled daily. The barge-turned-bar, which can hold up to 250 patrons, will offer everything from snorkeling and water sports to 24-hour entertainment courtesy of a full-time DJ, laser light shows, and big screen TVs.

Poco Loco CEO Anthony Warren describes the floating bar as “the safest thing on the waters,” and says it’s been rebuilt to withstand anything short of a Category 3 hurricane. The structure is a reinforced barge capable of supporting the weight of multiple 12-wheeler trucks, complete with 24-hour security and an all-Jamaican staff dubbed the "fun team."

But the road to reopening hasn’t been smooth. Poco Loco first opened its doors—figuratively—on June 16, 2024, only to be destroyed just two weeks later by Hurricane Beryl. The Category 4 storm ripped the vessel from its moorings and smashed it into pieces near Little Dunn’s River, several miles away. What was left quickly became the target of looters, with viral videos showing people making off with liquor and building materials.

Despite losing millions in the aftermath, Warren was determined to bounce back. “We’re not just reopening—we’re setting a new standard for fun and safety on the water,” he said.

Adding to its eco-conscious design, the new floating bar will be solar-powered, reflecting Warren’s commitment to sustainability. The revamped attraction is expected to become a major hotspot for both international visitors and Jamaicans looking for a new kind of sea-bound party.

Whether you're coming from a cruise, a hotel, or just driving in from town, Poco Loco is gearing up to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience—complete with good vibes, great music, and panoramic views of Jamaica’s Caribbean coastline.

 

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