On the water · JET BOAT RIDES IN THE USA

The 15 Jet Boat Rides in the USA That Earn Their Fare

24 trips  ·  from $45 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 jet boat rides in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you hand over a card.

Niagara Falls USA, Open-Top (Wet) Jet Boat Tour - Devil’s Hole Rapids bring the real action
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Niagara Falls USA, Open-Top (Wet) Jet Boat Tour

1.Niagara Falls USA, Open-Top (Wet) Jet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 600 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $73 a head Our pick

Board a 12-person open Wet Jet in Lewiston for a 45-minute run through Devil’s Hole Rapids and the Niagara Whirlpool. A Coast Guard certified captain handles the boat while your guide explains the river, geology, and history. Ponchos and life jackets are supplied, but bring dry clothes and waterproof footwear.

“You only feel the impact if you’re in the front of the boat. The farther you sit back the less you feel the impact and the wipe. I have Extreme boys under 13 and had to sit in the back not that exciting for them.”

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San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride - The opening run past the USS Midway
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San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride

2.San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 397 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45 a head Best value

Meet Flagship Cruises at 990 N Harbor Dr for a 30-minute high-speed ride aboard the Patriot. Your captain takes you past the USS Midway, under Coronado Bridge, and around San Diego Bay at up to 40 knots, with 360-degree spins, power slides, music, ponchos, and ziplock bags provided. You will get wet, especially in back.

“This was a blast! Enjoy this with the whole family! The ride was fantastic and the crew were excellent!”

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San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride - USS Midway, Navy ships, and the downtown skyline
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San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

3.Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 395 reviews · 30 min · from $45 a head

Join Flagship Cruises and Events at 990 North Harbor Drive for a 30-minute Patriot Jet Boat ride across San Diego Bay. Expect speeds up to 50 mph, sharp turns, 360-degree spins, loud music, Navy ships, the Coronado Bridge, and skyline views. Ponchos are provided, but you may still get soaked.

“Took my brother and friends out on this boat and we all loved it! Catching drifts and getting splashed! It’s like a speed tour around SD! 10/10 recommended!”

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Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride - Pier 21, barefoot boarding, and the start of the outing
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Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride

4.Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 141 reviews · from $109 a head

Board a small-group jet boat at Galveston’s Pier 21 area for a fast 25-minute ride with 360-degree spins, sharp turns, music, and plenty of spray. Captain Austin is praised for his smooth handling and friendly manner. You may also spot dolphins and pause for photos, but wear clothes you can get wet and check the exact pier before arrival.

“I had the best time and the driver was completely safe the whole time be warned though dont loosen your grip”

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Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho - Reaching the launch site below Hells Canyon Dam
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Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho

5.Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $218 a head

Board at 11 a.m. near Hells Canyon Dam for a five-hour, 54-mile round-trip jet boat ride through the Snake River’s Wild River section. Your captain provides live commentary on Native American and ranching history while you pass rapids, rock walls, grasslands, and alpine forest. Lunch is included, and the small group is limited to four people.

“The trip was great. The scenery spectacular. The pilot knew his stuff. we had a great time.”

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Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park - The calm start below Moab
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Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park

6.Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 81 reviews · from $150 a head

From just north of Moab, you’ll ride a covered jet boat 32 miles down the calm Colorado River toward Canyonlands National Park. Guides such as Rory and Richard explain the canyon’s geology, culture, and movie history while you pass petroglyphs, arches, Dead Horse Point, and Thelma and Louise Point. Snacks and water are included.

“I got to see views that would not be possible by car. The tour was exactly what I was hoping for.”

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Moab: 2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour - Why the smaller boat changes the experience
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Moab: 2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour

7.Moab: 2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 2 hours · from $122 a head

Join Moab Jett for two hours on the Colorado River in a compact New Zealand-style jet boat. Captain guides such as Dave, Jessie, Jeremy, and Ho handle fast spins and sliding turns while explaining Moab’s rocks, wildlife, and past. Expect shallow water, dramatic cliffs, and a very wet ride suitable for ages four and up.

“Best - Surroundings Jessie was funny, friendly, informative, observant and took everyone into consideration. Pictures taken by company Location … right downtown Improve upon - Office was locked when arrived. Person late to check in customers.”

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Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride - What happens from the two launch points
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Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

8.Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 49 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $63 a head

The Scream Machine is a 30-foot, twin-engine jet boat that turns a Panama City Beach cruise into a fast water roller coaster. You will race across the bay, fishtail, power-slide, launch, and spin 360 degrees. The captain speaks English or Spanish. Children must be at least 38 inches tall, and you should expect to get wet.

“This was an awesome time for my family. My 3 pre teen boys had a blast and we got to see some dolphins pretty close up. Definitely will return!”

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Jet Boat Ride on the Thrillseeker - Level 2 brings on the 900-horsepower speed
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Jet Boat Ride on the Thrillseeker

9.Jet Boat Ride on the Thrillseeker

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $55 a head

The one-hour Thrillseeker ride leaves Cherry Grove Marina with a safety briefing, high-speed runs, 360 spins, sharp turns, and sudden stops. Captain Ben, Claire, Kirk, Jay, and other crew members are known for mixing humor with local facts. Expect loud music, strong thrills, and to get completely wet.

“Me and my wife had an amazing time! Thanks to captain Ben for a safe and enjoyable experience!! Ben!!! You the man!!”

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From Portland: 7 Wonders of the Gorge Jetboat Cruise - Turning toward the Columbia River Gorge
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From Portland: 7 Wonders of the Gorge Jetboat Cruise

10.From Portland: 7 Wonders of the Gorge Jetboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 25 reviews · 3h 30m · from $91 a head

Board the open-air Explorer at Portland’s private dock for a 210-minute roundtrip ride along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. A live English-speaking guide points out Cape Horn, Crown Point, Rooster Rock, Beacon Rock, Multnomah Falls, and Mount Hood. Expect speed, spray, river views, engine noise, and weather exposure.

“Wonderful guide and captain. As smooth a ride as I have had in a speedboat, so great skill there. Guide was interesting and genuinely enthusiastic plus very respectful and kind. However, I have to mention the obvious...the boat is quite uncomfortable. You get used to it a bit but forward facing seats would be be better. Lots of awkward positions, not knowing where to put bags etc. Life jackets could still be under seats, just a different formation! I have only marked down to a 4 but it needs to be noted.”

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7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise - Entering the Columbia River Gorge
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7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

11.7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $91 a head

Cruise from Portland’s Willamette River into the Columbia River Gorge aboard an Explorer Jetboat. In 3.5 hours, you’ll pass Portland bridges, St. Johns Bridge, Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, Cape Horn, and Beacon Rock while a live guide narrates the route. Expect speeds up to 45 mph, open-air seating, headsets, and a bumpy ride.

“Excellent Tour, it was Truly Amaziiing!!! The Captain & Crew made sure we had The Greatest Time. We bought our picture at the end of the tour & it was sooo Beautiful, Thank You!!!”

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Jetcar Miami (Jet ski/jet boat) Rental - Starting at 125 N Riverside Drive
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Jetcar Miami (Jet ski/jet boat) Rental

12.Jetcar Miami (Jet ski/jet boat) Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $249 for the boat, seats 3

Drive a four-seat jetcar from Pompano Beach, near Fort Lauderdale, with room for up to three adults or two adults and two children under 10. You’ll cruise past waterfront mansions and restaurants, stop at a beach island for photos, and play music through Bluetooth. The ride lasts about one hour and includes life jackets and pictures.

“After a location mixup. I must say the jetcar ride was amazing. We started late but the experience was still great. The jetcar had a Bluetooth system and we cruz while listening to our jams.”

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From Portland: Bigfoot Adventure 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise - Reaching the Columbia and heading toward Multnomah Falls
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From Portland: Bigfoot Adventure 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

13.From Portland: Bigfoot Adventure 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14 reviews · 3h 30m · from $91 a head

Travel from Portland toward Multnomah Falls on an open-air Explorer Jetboat, covering the Willamette and Columbia rivers at speeds up to 45 mph. A live guide and recorded narration by Cliff Barackman of Finding Bigfoot explain local lore and sights. Bring warm clothes, expect rough motion, and plan on a moderate level of fitness.

“I very much enjoyed the boat ride, but wasn't crazy about the bigfoot talk. I would rather have heard more about the geology or history of the area or just enjoyed the ride in silence.”

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Guided Jetboat Tour for Six -Private - Starting at Rogers Landing County Park
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Guided Jetboat Tour for Six -Private

14.Guided Jetboat Tour for Six -Private

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $225 a head

Join Captain Scott of NW Jet Boat Charter for a private 3 to 4 hour ride along 44 miles of Oregon’s Willamette River. Your group of up to six travels from Rogers Landing County Park to the historic Wheatland Ferry Crossing, with river stories, wildlife talk, snacks, bottled water, and time to stretch on the way.

“Captain Scott was a great guide to show us the river , especially good with our grandson. He tells great stories and teaches about the wildlife, keeping us fully engaged and entertained . The trip was exciting and educational. Our grandson gave me the "thumbs up" a bunch of times. I would highly recommend this trip!”

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Moab: 2-Hour Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River - Simple ways to enjoy the ride more
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Moab: 2-Hour Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River

15.Moab: 2-Hour Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 1 day · from $122 a head

Join Moab Jett in downtown Moab for a two-hour open-boat ride along the Colorado River. Your English-speaking captain guides you past red-rock cliffs, canyons, desert scenery, and possible wildlife while sharing local geology and history. Guides such as Jessie and Ho have earned praise for their clear commentary and friendly service. Bring sunscreen, a hat, camera, and binoculars.

“We had a great time. We chose the scenic tour and the guide was careful to make sure we stayed as dry as possible (it is impossible to stay completely dry which is expected as you’re on a boat). The canyon was absolutely beautiful. The guide, Jessie, was knowledgeable and pointed out various geological features as well as wildlife. He also asked about our plans for later and gave us a great suggestion of an alternate route to our next destination. Top notch service and great value!”

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