Founded in 1977 by the adventurous Philbert McKenzie Sr., Sea Shell Charters in Negril Jamaica began with humble origins, where spirited fishing trips on a simple canoe led to the birth of a legacy. Philbert, with a steady hand and a heart full of dreams, navigated the azure waters, while his friend plunged into the deep to harvest the ocean's bounty. Within six months, Philbert's passion for the sea burgeoned, leading him to acquire his own fleet of canoes, though their existence was as fleeting as the waves they rode upon.
In 1983, a generous gift of a 5hp engine from a friend in New Jersey propelled Philbert's dreams further than he ever imagined. This engine, a beacon of progress, was mounted on his trusty canoe, heralding the dawn of a new era. Yet, with the relentless spirit of an innovator, Philbert yearned for more. He envisioned a vessel that could withstand the capricious moods of the sea, leading to the creation of his first ply boat.
The year 1990 marked a monumental chapter in the Sea Shell Charters saga, as Philbert unveiled his first glass-bottom boat, coinciding with the birth of his heir, Philbert McKenzie Jr. This vessel wasn't just a means of traversing the waters; it was a window into the aquatic wonderland below, enchanting every soul aboard. However, fate tested Philbert's resolve when a tempestuous storm in 2013 claimed this treasured creation. Undeterred, he continued to rebuild, with the third iteration of the glass-bottom boat still gracefully skimming the ocean's surface today.
Philbert McKenzie Jr., raised in the nurturing embrace of a family whose lifeblood was the vibrant tourism industry, inherited a profound love for sharing his Jamaica homeland's splendors. With his mother's craft shop and his father's water sports adventures as his playground, young Philbert's life was a tapestry of rich cultural experiences. As he accompanied his father on boat tours and VIP excursions to Jamaica's most revered sites, his passion for tourism blossomed.
Embracing his destiny, Philbert Jr. ventured out, offering authentic Jamaican tours that ventured beyond the beaten path. His journeys were not just trips; they were immersive experiences, inviting travelers to feel the pulse and vibes of the real Jamaica. In 2023, with the spirit of his ancestors guiding him, Philbert Jr. launched Jamaica Sea Shell Tours, a tribute to his family's enduring legacy and a beacon of exceptional, heartfelt tourism.
Philbert Jr. and Philbert Sr. at Jamaica Sea Shell Tours look forward to serving your with Jamaican hospitality during your visit to Jamaica.
