Willamette Jetboat Excursions
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Willamette Jetboat Excursions offers a unique blend of high-thrill jet boat maneuvers (including fast speeds, 360° turns, and 'spin outs' that will get you soaked) and engaging, educational narration about Portland's history, iconic bridges, natural features like waterfalls, and 'creepy buildings'. It provides a dynamic way for families to experience the city from the water, suitable for a wide age range.
Key Highlights
- ✓Captains are consistently described as extremely funny, engaging, and an 'absolute riot', providing a highly entertaining experience.
- ✓The tours include thrilling 'spin outs' and 'hard breaking' maneuvers that are designed to get passengers soaked, adding an element of excitement.
- ✓Educational narration is provided, covering Portland's history, shoreline sights, bridges, vessels on the water, and even 'creepy buildings' and waterfalls.
- ✓Specific tour options are available, including a 'one-hour bridges jet boat tour' and a '2 hour tour'.
- ✓Conveniently located and 'easy to access after spending the morning at OMSI'.
- ✓Implemented social distancing measures by leaving 'every other row empty' during tours.
Standout Features
- ⭐Highly entertaining and informative captains who blend humor with historical and local facts.
- ⭐Exciting jet boat maneuvers including fast travel, 360° turns, and 'spin outs'.
- ⭐Rich educational content about Portland's history, architecture (bridges, buildings), and natural sights (waterfalls).
- ⭐Beautiful views of the city from the Willamette River.
- ⭐Flexibility with tour durations, such as a one-hour and a two-hour option.
- ⭐The company's commitment to social distancing by spacing out passengers.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring cash, preferably in a zip-lock bag, to tip the captain, as they are consistently praised for their entertainment and service.
- →Be prepared to get wet from the thrilling maneuvers; wear appropriate clothing or bring a change.
- →Plan for sun exposure while waiting, as there is a lack of shade in the waiting area, especially on hot days.
- →Consider the 'one-hour bridges jet boat tour' if you have younger children or prefer a shorter experience.
- →If combining with other activities, it's easily accessible after visiting OMSI.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The waiting area lacks 'pop-up tents or shaded areas', leading to a 'suffer-fest waiting in the hot, hot brilliant sun'.
- ⚠The ride 'can be quite bumpy', which might be an issue for some passengers.
Price & Value
Specific pricing is not mentioned in the reviews. However, the consistent 5-star ratings and enthusiastic recommendations suggest high value for money, given the combination of entertainment, thrill, and educational content. The need for cash tips for captains is an implicit potential 'hidden cost'.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Not recommended for individuals with back or neck problems due to the bumpy nature of the ride.
- •No other specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding food and drink policies is provided in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No specific information about parking is provided in the reviews, though one mentions 'easy to access after spending the morning at OMSI', implying proximity and general convenience of location rather than parking facilities.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The company implemented 'every other row was left empty for social distancing', suggesting capacity management.
- •No other specific information about general crowd levels or busy times is provided.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Social distancing was implemented by leaving 'every other row empty'.
- •While not explicitly stated, jet boat operations imply trained captains and standard boat safety protocols, though no specific gear (e.g., life vests) was mentioned by reviewers.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Individuals suffering from 'back or neck problems' due to the ride being 'quite bumpy'.
- • Waiting during the 'hot, hot brilliant sun' if you are sensitive to heat and require shade, as the waiting area lacks cover.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Darlynn Hall
8 months agoMy son and I had the best time ever on this excursion! We did the bridges and boats tour. 10 out of 10 I highly recommend! Definitely a great time. If I'm ever back in Portland I will absolutely do it again!
Sepherah Hale
3 years agoI loved this experience! I’ve been jet boating before but this company does it the best! Our captain was extremely funny. He also did several “spin outs” and hard breaking that got us soaked! I wish I had cash in a zip lock bag to give him for a tip. He was awesome! The background and history about Portland was also really cool, loved seeing the bridges, creepy buildings, waterfalls, and learning the history of Portland! Will absolutely go again!!
Milan Norling
a year agoThis tour was truly such a blast! My family and I did the one-hour bridges jet boat tour. Our captain was an absolute riot, so funny and engaging. The kids, 4 and 8, had so much fun. It was a nice combination of thrilling, pleasant, and informational. It was easy to access after spending the morning at OMSI. The whole family, from grandpa to grand children, had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing the city from the water.
Dianna M
a year agoFun and educational! This jet boat ride is fun and entertaining. It travels a little fast, and does some 360° turns. The Skipper provides narration; which includes information what we were seeing on the shoreline, as well as the vessels on the water. Very interesting and fun experience. I had to deduct a star for the lack of pop-up tents or shaded areas to wait in. While the misters were appreciated - it was a suffer-fest waiting in the hot, hot brilliant sun. I wouldn’t recommend this excursion for folks suffering from back or neck problems. It can be quite bumpy.
Stephanie Baldwin
4 years agoSo much fun! We did the 2 hour tour and the guide was great, views were beautiful, and weather was perfect! My 5 and 8 year old daughters loved it too. The waterfalls were so cool. Every other row was left empty for social distancing. Would definitely recommend!