Family Catamaran Cruise from Jamwest Beach Negril Hotels

We do a boat trip on every holiday we go on. This is by far the worst I’ve ever been on. We were told we would sail from Montego Bay where we were staying. Turned out to be over 2 hours in a hot crammed minivan to Negril. We were driven to Jamwest beach bar where we stayed for 90 mins to spend money in their gift shop and over priced bar. Walk out to the catamaran in chest deep water so we’re soaked before we started. The finger food we were told that would be available were packets of crisps and popcorn. Snorkelling was 45 mins over a very dead reef. The staff on board seemed to hone in on any ladies in small bikinis and hassled them for most of the trip. There was very little interaction from the crew with other guests to make it fun. We couldn’t dock at Rick’s Cafe so they went all the way back to the beach and took us by road instead. Tbh another overpriced bar and gift shop with people jumping into the sea off the rocks. Seems looking at over reviews this is a common theme. Another long cramped ride back to the hotel. The whole day was 13 hours with only 2.5 hours on a catamaran. Complete waste of money and I do not recommend at all.

We had the best time. The people at Jamwest are the absolute best and so fun!

It was awful! I showed up early to make sure I was on time and they told me I was early. I go to get my family our bands and they don’t have our reservation. I showed them every recipe and ticket I have for TripAdvisor and it wasn’t enough. They had to hold the boat for us, when like I said. I WAS EARLY! After about 30 mins they said TripAdvisor still didn’t confirm my trip, but they were going to let us board. They took us to a spot with a ton of jellyfish. I had told them my nephew just got stung twice this trip and asked if they thought any were prone to come to that area. They shrugged me off. Once I got to snorkel there were tons. The boat was so over packed! There was a lot of rain which I know isn’t controllable, but they should have canceled the trip and let us schedule another day. We showed up to ricks and immediately they said we can’t dock we are turning around. They knew the weather suck so why take us somewhere they were going to turn around? Usually my boat days are half days. We spent totally of one in a half hour on the boat and spent $600 for 6 people. It was a disaster. As pros you should know we weren’t going to be able to dock at ricks. They got a short work day out of it. Do not recommend. I’ve been on so many more better company boats. This was so sad and ruined the experience. Boat day is always our favorite day. I feel so ripped off.

We booked through our resort. Selected Tuesday as we were told it was more family vs. party. The boat was extremely crowded, felt over booked. Very loud. Would not consider it family at all. Didn’t seem to have enough equipment for snorkeling. My life jacket had tears and nowhere to attach straps to secure it. By the time I ended up getting to the snorkels the buckets were empty and staff were pulling equipment out of garbage bags. I didn’t even get to snorkel. My husband and others in our party made it to the water for snorkeling, they were able to snorkel for 5-10 minutes before it was time to leave. It was definitely more of a party cruise,not as advertised as family day as we watched staff approaching the younger women and serving them drinks. Others had to go to the bar for their drinks if they wanted one. Clearly a bar scene of men “hitting” on women. Did not feel that was appropriate for staff to do. We spoke with others on the catamaran who were also told Tuesday was considered a family day. Would not recommend Jamwest.

We were book this family catamaran trip through our hotel. It was a 45 minute drive to the beach on nigril. It is set up so you have to buy from them. They sent you though the gift shop with little kids. Trap. Then there is an ove price bar and food. Everyone was so nice but it was all part of the set up. Then they have people selling all kinds of stuff on the beach. Very annoying. Like the other reviewer said you have to walk far out in the water everything we had got soaking wet. We were supposed to be on the boat for 3 or 4 hours and snorke. They claimed once we were an hour out that the water was too rough for snorkeling. There is no way that they didn't know it was too rough before we went out there are way to tell if the ocean is to rough before you leave shore. I'm not sure if it was too rough or they just want to cut the trip short. They then busses people to ricks cafe. Which is not something you want to do with 3 children. It was a trap and a waste of a day and money. If it was rough to snorkel which I have never heard of and I have snorkeled in a lot of places. It would have been better for them to just tell us and let us enjoy the beach and the water instead of dragging us all out on to a boat for 2 hours for nothing.

Would have been a 5 if we had got the pictures we paid for. Totally amazing trip, loved the couple of hours on Jamwest Beach part of the 7mile beach, yes there is food and a bar but is no problem if you don’t want to buy anything, is a gift shop but again no problem your not pressurised. Beach is stunning was above couple of hours, then you walk through the sea to the catamaran and some complained about this but it’s all part of it and you just have to hold your bags up, no problem. On board drinks fine and snacks of crisps all included and the staff are amazing, music is fab, stopped off for snorkelling saw loads and loads of fish and a sting Ray was brilliant. Back on board to Ricks cafe, advised if you want food order straight away and yes it’s expensive but it’s a tourist area it’s going to be what do you expect? Lovely atmosphere hubby and daughter jumped off the cliff. Back on board and whilst boarding a customer dropped their phone in the sea, boat staff dived and dived until they found it, couldn’t believe the effort they put in. Then a slow boat ride back to Jamwest and we got to stop and see the sunset, was just amazing. Only let down is we paid for 3 pictures of us on board and have contacted then 3 times and no pictures. Just won’t agree to pics on future trips but isn’t the end of the world. Would have been a strong strong 5 if we had got the pictures highly highly recommend

Got picked up from the hotel and had to wait 90 mins on the beach before the boat set off, think this is there way of getting you to spend money. We had to them walk out to the catamaran which was chest deep and we was having to carry bags and towels etc above our head. Boat was lively with a DJ. Stopped off to do some snorkelling but was awful no fish and dead coral. Got to be the worst snorkelling trip I have been on. We visited Ricks cafe (overpriced) and suppose to have the sunset cruise back but nothing was mentioned about the sunset.

Best day ever!!! Took the family catarmaran cruise and went snorkelling first of all as we moved out to see from the beach side. Saw lovely bright fish and pretty corals. The guys on the boat were careful to protect t our safety and kept folks together near the boat. We were all given life jackets and clean snorkel and face mask. Then we went o er to Ricks cafe and enjoyed drinks and music with lovely dancers on stage . Sailed back in time to see the sunset from boat, whilst dancing to fabulous old skool dancehall and livers rock music from the talented DJ the DJ. The catamaran captain ( BJ Baracus lookalike)) skilful and calm and clear on the announcements and the crew incclufubg Wayne, kept us safe as we waded to and from the Catarina when boarding and disembarking! Could not recommend more highly! Do this when you’re visiting Negril. It’s a fabulous and very well priced few hours. We also had time to see the gift shop at Jam West beach and get some Jamaican patties and a smoothie for lunch before we sailed. All the staff are super polite and friendly. We loved it from start to finish! Thanks everyone involved!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Had a great time. Though is rained heavily. The crew was excellent, great music. Picture perfect scenery and thought we couldn't disembark at Ricks Cafe we came back to Jamwest beach and was bus to Ricks. Definately recomanded

Had a great time on the boat today! My other boat and snorkel tour from Montego Bay with another company was cancelled so they squeezed me onto this one and I had a blast! We stopped at Rick’s Cafe for some snorkelling and then had an hour at the cafe to wander. The music on the boat was fun and the crew was great and entertaining. Would definitely book with JamWest again!