ADRENALINE · JET BOAT RIDES IN THE USA

15 Jet Boat Rides in the USA Worth Booking

24 tours  ·  from $45 a head

Good jet boat rides in the USA fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

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 $73Our pick

Ride the open Wet Jet deck through Niagara River rapids, the Niagara Whirlpool, and Devil’s Hole with a Coast Guard certified captain and lively guide. Expect a full soaking, 360-degree spins, safety gear, and river history. The tour leaves Lewiston, runs May through October, and does not show Niagara Falls itself.

“You’re gonna get wetter than wet but that’s one of the best parts. Get ready to enjoy the rapids, the river, and the wild ride. Highly recommend this as a part of any visit to the Falls. 10/10!!!”

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San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride - USS Midway and the Embarcadero from the water
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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 $45Best value

Meet Flagship Cruises at 990 N Harbor Dr for a 30-minute Patriot jet boat ride around San Diego Bay. Your captain reaches up to 40 nautical miles per hour, with 360-degree spins, power slides, music, and views of the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, and Coronado Island. Ponchos and ziplock bags are provided, but expect to get wet.

“This is an incredible boat ride. I’ve gone on dozens of boat tours in my day and this is seriously one of the best! Sit in the front!”

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San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride - From North Harbor Drive to the open bay
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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

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

“This activity is so unique and so much fun. Considering the relatively low price it costs, we agreed that we would do it again any time!! Should you be in San Diego and have an hour to spare while being in or around the harbor, go for it!”

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Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride - The Main Thrill: Spins, Spray, and Sudden Turns
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Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride

4.Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride

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

Board Galveston Water Adventures’ jet boat at Pier 21 for a 25-minute blast of spins, sharp turns, music, and spray. Captain Austin is known for skilled driving and stopping for dolphin sightings when possible. The small boat holds no more than 11 people, but expect bare feet, wet clothes, and a signed waiver.

“It was a unique experience. I recommend it. If you are looking for adrenaline in Galveston Texas, you will find it here. I had years of stress and by shouting and traveling on the boat I am free and as good as new to return to my job.”

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Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho - Big rapids and the deepest part of the canyon
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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

Board at 11 a.m. near Hells Canyon Dam for a 54-mile jet boat ride through the Wild River section. Your local captain handles the rapids and explains Native American and ranching history as rock walls, grasslands, and alpine forest pass by. Lunch is included, and the small group has a maximum of 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 - Starting from Moab and reaching the river
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Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park

6.3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park

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

From two miles north of Moab, you’ll ride a covered jet boat 32 miles along the calm Colorado River. Guides such as Rory and Richard share stories about the river, rocks, wildlife, and local history. Expect shaded seating, snacks, water, short photo stops, and striking views from below Dead Horse Point.

“Spectacular views of the Colorado River! My favorite part of my visit to Moab. Views are quite interesting and different from the boat looking up and around. Well worth my time and money!”

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Moab: 2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour - From downtown Moab to the river
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Moab: 2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour

7.2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour

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

Join Moab Jett for a two-hour Colorado River ride in a smaller jet boat built for shallow water, sharp turns, and the famous Hamilton spin. Guides such as Jessie, Jeremy, Dave, Ho, and Jay share facts about local geology and wildlife. Expect dramatic cliffs, canyon views, and a thorough soaking.

“Great time ,a great way to spend a couple of hours on the water”

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Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride - Two departure points in Panama City Beach
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Panama City Beach: Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

8.Xtreme Jet Boat Thrill Ride

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

You’ll board The Scream Machine, a 30-foot, twin-engine jet boat with 800 horsepower, for a fast 30-minute to one-hour run around Panama City Beach. Expect hairpin turns, fishtails, nose-down rushes, rocket launches, and 360-degree power slides. English- and Spanish-speaking guides lead the ride, and you should plan to get wet.

“We loved everything about this jet boat ride. It’s was exciting and fun. Can’t wait to go again.”

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Jet Boat Ride on the Thrillseeker - The Calmer Stretch for Local Sights and History
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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

At Cherry Grove Marina, you’ll board the Thrillseeker for a one-hour jet boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway. Your captain and first mate cover safety, then bring on speed, sharp turns, sudden stops, and 360-degree spins. Captains such as Ben and mates including Claire are known for mixing humor with local history. Bring a towel because you will get wet.

“You will get very wet, but it is a lot of fun. Music was great on the boat and staff was hilarious and amazing.”

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From Portland: 7 Wonders of the Gorge Jetboat Cruise - Trading city views for the Columbia Gorge
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From Portland: 7 Wonders of the Gorge Jetboat Cruise

10.7 Wonders of the Gorge Jetboat Cruise

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

You’ll spend 210 minutes on an open-air Explorer Jetboat from Portland, racing along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers at up to 45 miles per hour. A live English-speaking guide points out Multnomah Falls, Cape Horn, Beacon Rock, Crown Point, Rooster Rock, and Mount Hood. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a small bag.

“My friend and I love the ride very much.She was the one to invite me, she love it..The guide person was very friendly and kind. THANK YOU!”

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7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise - The boat ride is part of the attraction
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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

This 3.5-hour Portland Spirit cruise takes you from the Willamette River through Portland’s bridge-lined core and into the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll view St. Johns Bridge, Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, Cape Horn, and Beacon Rock from the water, with live commentary, headsets, and an Explorer Jetboat ride reaching up to 45 mph.

“It was a lot of fun! Capt. Julia was a safe driver & Farrah was very informative! It was agreat way to spend an afternoon!”

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Jetcar Miami (Jet ski/jet boat) Rental - Driving the jetcar instead of sitting in a boat
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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.)

You drive a four-seat jetcar from 125 N Riverside Drive in Pompano Beach, with room for up to three adults or two adults and two children under 10, within a 572-pound limit. Expect waterfront mansion views, a beach-island photo stop, Bluetooth music, life jackets, and included pictures. Frederick has guided some rides. Extra video costs more.

“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 - Crossing into the Columbia River
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From Portland: Bigfoot Adventure 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

13.Bigfoot Adventure 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

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

Cruise 80 miles roundtrip from Portland toward Multnomah Falls aboard an open-air Explorer Jetboat. You’ll hear live commentary and recorded narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot while passing river boats, landmarks, and wildlife. The ride can reach 45 mph, so expect cold air and sustained bumps.

“Silas was an amazing tour guide !!! Kudos to him for his superb way of engaging each and every passenger, especially the kids on board. He gets on A+ in my book ! 🌟”

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Guided Jetboat Tour for Six -Private - Meeting Captain Scott at Rogers Landing
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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

Join Captain Scott of NW Jet Boat Charter for a private three to four-hour ride from Rogers Landing in Newberg. You’ll cover about 44 miles of the Willamette River, hear local history, stop near the Wheatland Ferry Crossing, and pause on Captain Scott’s island for snacks and a stretch. The boat carries up to six people.

“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 - What the $122 price means
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Moab: 2-Hour Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River

15.2-Hour Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River

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

Join Moab Jett at 50 West 400 North for a 2-hour scenic ride on the Colorado River. Your English-speaking captain guides the boat past red-rock cliffs, side canyons, desert scenery, and possible wildlife sightings while sharing details about geology and local history. The boat is open, so dress for sun and expect some spray.

“The scenery and the boat ride. Did not like how to get into boat on uneven ground and trying to step into the boat.”

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