On the water · USA SPEEDBOAT TOURS
Manhattan at speed, the Miami waterfront, an Alaskan fjord. These 15 run the range from a thirty-minute thrill ride to a full wilderness day, each priced and timed.
The Beast is a 70-foot jet-powered speedboat that races from Midtown or Downtown to the Statue of Liberty at speeds up to 45 mph. Expect live narration, music, sharp harbor views, and a good chance of getting wet. Midtown riders can visit Pier 81 BEAST’ro afterward for food, drinks, and merchandise.
“It was fun from start to finish . Great guys running it . Highly recommend”
Cruise from Bayside Marketplace past Miami’s cruise port, Star Island, Fisher Island, South Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. A captain and guide, sometimes including Juan or Elijah, combine Miami stories with fast turns at up to 40 mph. Expect music, strong sun, wind, and possible sea spray.
“My kids loved the experience! It was exciting and fun. Everyone was happy with music and the beautiful views”
Ride a power catamaran from Bayside Marketplace into the Atlantic, past Star Island, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, and South Beach. A live English-speaking guide combines Miami history and celebrity-home sightings with music, jokes, sharp turns, and open-water speed. Guides such as Manny, Alex, Chris, Darius, and Gilbert have helped make this a lively outing.
“The sunset was amazingly beautiful. Guide with a great sense of humor, nice music. We rode with the wind, had a great time. I recommend.”
Join Na Pali Riders in Waimea for a fast, open-air Zodiac trip along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Captains such as Brandon and Mack share island history while you watch for dolphins and seasonal whales, visit sea caves when safe, and snorkel or swim if conditions allow. Expect spray, tight seating, and a rough ride.
“This was a super fun way to see the NaPali coast. The boat ride was fast and bumpy, exhilarating! We got super close to the caves this day but unfortunately the water was too choppy to go inside. Still an unforgettable experience! The captain and crew were awesome as well!”
Take the wheel of your own F13 mini speed boat on a guided San Diego Bay tour. After a safety lesson, follow your guide past USS Midway, sea lions, Coronado Bridge, Star of India, and the Maritime Museum. Guides such as David, Keoni, and Alex add clear instructions, local facts, and plenty of humor.
“Had an awesome time on the speedboats! We saw sea lions, battleships and I had plenty of fun bouncing my boat over waves at 30mph. The leader of the tour is very friendly, nice guy and he’s very knowledgeable of the harbour, the boats like the USS Midway and wildlife.”
From Navy Pier, Seadog races along Chicago’s lakefront while an English-speaking guide points out Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and more. The standard 30-minute ride mixes history, music, and speed. Choose the Extreme Thrill option for sharper turns, 360-degree spins, and a much wetter ride.
“Great thrill ride on Lake Michigan. Sat in back of boat on purpose. Got totally soaked when boat made high speed turns .”
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.”
Join the Sea Rocket at 307 Dorchester Street for a 45-minute coastal cruise from downtown Ocean City. Captain Ashton, Owen, Ash, Riley, and other crew members have been praised for finding dolphins and keeping the ride lively. You’ll see the inlet, skyline, and Atlantic coast, with fast waves, music, and a good chance of getting wet.
“Big boat was not available so he took us out on the parasail boat. The ride was awesome, you could feel everything and we even saw the dolphins close up!”
Board the three-story Calypso at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour sunset cruise with table-side dinner, Hawaiian-style music, and a full bar. Choose prime rib, fresh fish, ribs, smoked chicken, or pasta. The captain may point out whales in season, and photographer Marley is sometimes aboard. Seating is first come, so arrive early.
“Always good food, drinks and hospitality. Our trip this time was rough but crew made the best of it.”
Ride a 24-foot inflatable Zodiac from Honokohau Marina along the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel for about 90 minutes among coral and tropical fish, visit the Captain Cook monument, and look for dolphins, turtles, whales, and other sea life. The ride is fast and bumpy, so it suits active visitors who are comfortable on the open ocean.
“Amazing snorkeling spot and super fun ride out and back! Great for people who don’t mind a bumpy ride.”
Take the wheel of a two-person mini powerboat from Las Olas Paddle Boards in Fort Lauderdale. Staff provide safety instruction, equipment, gas, and a route map before you set off alone for about an hour. No boating experience is needed, but drivers born after 1987 must obtain a $9.99 temporary boater license before arrival.
“Process was quick and easy to understand. Instructions were clear and staff was very kind and helpful.”
Captain your own F13 mini speedboat from Pass-a-Grille on a 90-minute guided tour of Tampa Bay. A trained guide leads from a separate boat and stays in contact through two-way radio. Expect coastal views, possible dolphin sightings, and a run past Fort De Soto Park and wildlife refuges. Captain Scott is often praised for his energy and clear instructions.
“The captain was awesome he made sure we got to see dolphins and it rained really hard so he took us out on the plantoon so we could be dry the tour was amazing”
Meet at Pier 83 in Midtown for a 30-minute ride on Circle Line’s BEAST, a high-speed jet boat reaching about 45 mph. Comic captains and an energetic crew combine music, jokes, city views, and a close Statue of Liberty stop. You will get wet, so dress for spray and arrive 30 minutes early.
“Wonderful experience that my son wanted to do it again as soon as we got off! The music was enjoyable and could be heard over the roar of the engine! The boat was clean and seems well maintained!! Really enjoyable with the extra special surprise of seeing the Statue of Liberty up close!!”
Join Captain Zodiac from Kailua-Kona for a fast, open-air ride along the Big Island coast. A captain-naturalist such as Shelby, Marco, Ashley, or Rick scans for winter humpbacks while sharing Hawaiian history, geology, and marine-life facts. The raft carries up to 16 people, with a hydrophone, drinks, snacks, and a real chance to see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales.
“Shelby and Marco were great! We had such a unique and awesome whale watching tour and got to see so many whales. One male whale was directly under us. It was breathtaking and we had so much luck!”
Set out from 316 Harbor Blvd on a shaded speedboat carrying no more than 14 people. Your captain and crew cruise through Destin Harbor and into the Gulf, watching for dolphins, stingrays, and other marine life. Expect music, jokes, coastal views, and a fast 45-minute to one-hour ride.
“Really fun ride on the speedboat and the guide took us to several spots to see pods of dolphins as well as a few sharks and stingrays. Having a cover on the boat was essential on a very hot day. Highly recommend for a fun excursion!”
