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

The main attraction here is not a quiet float. It is a small, nimble jet boat tearing across the Colorado River, twisting through Hamilton spins and sliding turns beneath Moab’s red cliffs. I like the mix of real scenery and playful speed, and I like that guides such as Dave, Jessie, Jeremy, and Ho add local geology and wildlife notes to the ride. The catch is simple: you may get soaked, and passengers in the back can have trouble hearing the commentary over the motor.

• New Zealand-style thrills: Expect fast spins, sharp slides, and plenty of spray rather than a slow sightseeing cruise.
• Compact boats on shallow water: Moab Jett’s smaller vessels can reach areas larger boats may not.
• Strong guiding: Captains including Dave, Jessie, Jeremy, Ho, and Jay are praised for fun delivery, boat handling, and local insight.
• Family-friendly age range: Children four and older can ride, making this an easy add-on for many family trips.
• Red rock from the river: Cliffs, canyons, wildlife, and geology give the action a strong sense of place.
• Plan for a soaking: Bring quick-dry clothing, sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, and a retainer for prescription or costly sunglasses.

A fast start from downtown Moab

Moab Jett is at 50 West 400 North, just off Main Street. Use the Comfort Suites as your landmark, then turn onto 400 North. The office is the first business on the right, across from the Broken Oar Restaurant.

You need to check in 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you need time to get sorted with a Coast Guard approved life jacket and splash jacket. One useful bit of practical feedback is that the fitting step may not be perfectly self-explanatory, so ask staff to check your setup before you head out.

The company says departures need at least five people. Tour times can change, and water conditions may send the boat along an alternate route. Those details are worth keeping in mind if you are building a tightly timed Moab day around the ride.

Two hours on the Colorado River

Once aboard, the trip combines sightseeing with controlled high-speed maneuvers. The boat moves through the Colorado River’s shallow waters, giving you a closer look at red cliffs, narrow canyons, and desert rock formations.

The ride is built around motion. You can expect sliding turns, quick changes of direction, and the signature Hamilton spin. These are not gentle ripples. The boat throws water into the seats, so the splash jacket is useful, but it will not keep every part of you dry.

The exact route can change with river conditions. That may mean the scenery differs from one departure to another, but it also reflects the practical side of running a boat in a changing river. You are not simply following a fixed sightseeing track.

The captain also provides commentary on Moab’s geology, local history, and wildlife. This gives the scenery some context. Instead of only seeing layers of red rock, you get an explanation of how the formations fit into the area’s story. Keep in mind that engine noise is strongest toward the back, and one passenger found it difficult to hear the guide from that position. If the geology and wildlife talk matter to you, try to sit where the captain’s voice carries clearly.

Why the smaller boat changes the experience

Moab Jett uses smaller boats than the large river cruisers you may see elsewhere. That matters in two ways.

First, the boat feels more personal. You are closer to the guide and closer to the water. The compact size also helps the captain perform the quick turns and spins that define this outing.

Second, the boat can operate in shallow water. That opens up a different view of the Colorado River than you get from a broad, slow vessel. You may pass close to rock walls, side channels, and canyon areas that are less accessible to larger craft, though the exact route depends on current conditions.

The tradeoff is engine noise and a more active ride. This is not the best choice if you want a quiet boat trip with uninterrupted narration. It is a strong choice if you want the river to be part sightseeing trip and part amusement ride.

The guides make the difference

A good captain matters here because the boat handling is half the experience. Dave is praised for being fun, personable, and well informed about the area. Jessie receives similar praise for being funny, friendly, observant, and attentive to the group.

Jeremy is singled out for excellent boat work and a kind manner. Ho is described as both a strong captain and a good source of information about Moab. Jay also receives a nod for making the trip especially enjoyable.

Those names matter because the guide is not just driving. The captain sets the mood, explains what you are seeing, manages the pace, and keeps an eye on everyone during the wet turns. The strongest part of the experience appears to be the combination of confident handling and an easygoing personality.

The crew also takes photographs, according to one account. Since the ride is wet and your camera may spend much of the time sealed away, that can be useful. Still, bring the provided ziplock bag for your wallet and camera, and do not count on using delicate equipment freely during the most active sections.

The views are better when you cool off

Moab can be intensely hot in summer. A river ride gives you a break from the heat while still putting you in the middle of the desert scenery. Several departures in July were described as a good way to stay cool, though the cooling comes from spray rather than shade.

The red rock walls look different from the river than from a road or trail. You see the cliffs from below, with the water creating a line through the desert. The boat’s movement keeps the view changing, so you get brief looks at formations, canyon openings, and wildlife rather than one long stationary viewpoint.

In spring and fall, plan for cooler conditions. The boat is exposed, and wind plus water can make the temperature feel lower than it does in town. Wear layers made from synthetic fabric, including a fleece or sweatshirt. Cotton is a poor choice for a ride that may leave you wet.

Summer clothing should be quick-drying. Sandals and water shoes are recommended, along with sunscreen. Hats are not recommended because the wind can carry them away. If your sunglasses are expensive or prescription, use an eyeglass retainer. The office sells retainers, but bringing one already attached is easier.

How wet is the ride?

Very wet is the safest assumption. Families with children from ages five to eleven had a great time, but the children also got soaked. Adults described the ride as wet and wild, not merely a little splashy.

The splash jacket helps, but you should dress as though water is part of the plan. Avoid cotton jeans and heavy clothing. Have a dry change of clothes ready for after the tour, especially if you have dinner plans, a long drive, or another activity soon afterward.

Water, lemonade, and iced tea are included. That is a useful touch after time in the sun, though you should still bring water for the rest of your Moab day. Alcohol is not allowed in the vehicle, and smoking is not allowed.

The ride is active, but you do not need to paddle, row, or steer. That makes it easier than a raft or kayak for someone who wants river scenery without the physical work. You still need to be comfortable with speed, spray, sudden movement, and sitting in a small boat.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this trip to families with children aged four and older, couples seeking a break from hiking, and anyone who wants a short burst of adventure between Moab’s bigger outings. It is also a good option during a hot afternoon, when two hours on the water may feel more appealing than another exposed trail.

You do not need technical outdoor skills. The crew supplies the life jacket and splash jacket, and the captain controls the boat. The minimum age is four, and the maximum stated weight is 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a calm, silent float. It may also frustrate passengers who care most about every word of the commentary, especially if they sit at the back. If learning about geology is your main goal, choose a seat with a clear line to the captain and treat the ride itself as the main event.

Is $122 a fair price?

At $122 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. The value depends on what you want from a river outing.

You are paying for a guided trip, a Coast Guard approved life jacket, a splash jacket, drinks, boat handling, and a specialized ride in a smaller vessel. You are also paying for the setting. The Colorado River, red cliffs, canyon views, and chance to see wildlife give the speed a clear Moab identity.

Compared with renting equipment and arranging your own river time, this is easier and requires much less effort. You do not need to paddle, navigate, or organize safety gear. On the other hand, the tour is short, and the route can change with water conditions. If you want a full-day river trip or a long quiet float, this is not the right product.

For many visitors, the price makes sense as a focused adventure rather than a standard boat ride. The strongest value comes when you want both scenery and action, not one or the other.

Small details that make the day easier

Book with the weather in mind, but do not rely on a warm forecast alone. Spring and fall can feel cool on the exposed boat, while summer brings strong sun even when the river spray is refreshing.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. The meeting point is downtown, but a locked office or a late check-in staff member could slow things down, so do not arrive at the last minute. Keep your wallet and camera in the supplied ziplock bag, and secure anything loose before the boat starts moving.

The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Moab schedule depends on weather, park plans, or other timed activities.

Do not treat the perfect rating as a reason to ignore the one real complaint: narration can be hard to hear from the back. Seat position matters. So does accepting that this is a splash ride first and a geology talk second.

Should you book the Moab Jett ride?

Book it if you want a lively two-hour break from trails, a close view of Moab’s red rock from the Colorado River, and a captain who can turn a sightseeing trip into a fast, funny outing. The repeated praise for Dave, Jessie, Jeremy, Ho, and Jay points to a strong guiding team, while the spins and shallow-water route give the tour its own character.

Skip it if you dislike getting wet, need a quiet boat, or want a long, slow river journey. For everyone else, pack quick-dry clothes, arrive early, sit where you can hear the captain, and prepare to leave with a smile and wet shoes.

FAQ

How long is the Moab Jett tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at 50 West 400 North in downtown Moab, just off Main Street. It is across from the Broken Oar Restaurant and near the Comfort Suites.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least four years old to ride.

Is there a maximum passenger weight?

The tour is not suitable for people over 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.

Will I get wet?

Yes. The boat performs spins and sliding turns, and you should expect a splash-filled ride. Quick-dry clothing, sandals, or water shoes are recommended.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes a Coast Guard approved life jacket, splash jacket, and a ziplock bag for your wallet and camera.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.