Moab’s jet boats turn the Colorado River into a high-speed ride with red-rock views and nonstop action. I like that it’s built for pure fun—spin-and-splash thrills plus sweeping cliffs overhead—and I also like the tight group size (up to 20), which keeps the experience from feeling crowded.

Your main catch is simple: this is a wet ride. Even with ponchos available for purchase, your seat choice can mean soaking clothes, wet bags, and a strong need for a plan for your phone and camera.

Key things to know before you go

• A real splash ride: Expect splash downs and plenty of wet moments, not just a quick rinse.
• 360-degree spins happen: The captain mixes panoramic views with sharp turns and rotations.
• Small group feel: Max 20 people on the speed boat.
• Photo stop is brief: You’ll get a quick stop at Take Out Beach to grab a couple shots.
• Loud music during the entire trip: Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to sound.
• Bring the right footwear: Closed-toe shoes are required.

Moab Jet Boat Basics: what you’re paying for

At $97 per person for about one hour on the water, this tour is not trying to be a quiet nature cruise. You’re paying for speed, turns, and the kind of Colorado River scenery you can only really see from the river—right below the red-rock cliffs.

Two included details help the value: you get the required safety equipment, and your time on the boat is structured so you’re out for meaningful stretches (with rapids and spins mixed in). You also don’t have to worry about figuring out logistics like parking shuttles or gear rentals. Just show up with the basics and plan to get wet.

Meeting at 1861 N Hwy 191: the easy part, in plain terms

The tour starts at 1861 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532. You’ll drive about 2 miles north of Moab on the north side of the Colorado River Bridge. Then you take a left right after the bridge to reach the partner’s parking lot, located next door to the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.

This matters because it’s a short, straightforward approach. You’re not dealing with a complicated chain of transfers. You just arrive, check in, and head toward the dock area.

Safety briefing, steps to the dock, and wet-ride reality

Before you ever hit the water, you’ll meet your guide near the start point. You’ll get a safety briefing and you’ll be fitted with the safety gear.

Then comes the less glamorous part: getting to the dock. The walk involves 5–30 steps depending on where you’re positioned. If you have any mobility limits, don’t assume the dock path will be level and easy.

And yes—this is a wet ride by design. The tour is set up so you and your belongings can get very wet depending on your seat. Ponchos aren’t handed out as a sure thing; instead, ponchos are available for purchase. If you care about keeping clothes dry, you’ll want a towel ready and a dry bag plan for anything electronic.

The Colorado River loop: what the 30 minutes of speed feels like

Once you’re on the boat, the ride is a mix of high-speed travel and controlled chaos. Your captain alternates between quick looks at the scenery and moments built for splash downs.

Here’s what that experience usually means in practice:

• You’ll speed up toward some of the river’s better rapids for splash-style fun.
• You’ll get spins and turns, including 360-degree rotations at least as part of the ride design.
• You’ll pass impressive red rock scenery from right alongside the river, so the cliffs feel close and dramatic.

The captain also plays loud music during the entire trip. If you love an upbeat, party-on-the-river vibe, that’s a big plus. If you prefer quiet, you’ll probably feel like you’re stuck inside the loudest playlist in Moab.

The second cruise and the photo stop at Take Out Beach

You’ll have a quick stop at Take Out Beach for about 2 minutes to snap photos. That brief window is perfect for quick brag shots and river photos, but it’s not long enough for a leisurely stretch or anything like a full walking break.

Then you’re back on the water for the second stretch, with another chunk of time out on the Colorado. The tempo tends to stay energetic, and the captain continues mixing viewing moments with speed and turns. This is the part that tends to keep the ride feeling like one continuous experience rather than a stop-and-go gimmick.

If you’re serious about photos, plan for the reality of a wet boat. Cameras are allowed, but using a waterproof container (or at least a serious waterproof bag) is a smart move. If you’re bringing a phone, a dedicated waterproof setup beats hoping for luck.

Keeping your electronics alive: a simple dry-bag strategy

The tour’s biggest “bring this” item is not a fancy gadget—it’s how you protect your phone and small electronics. The ride includes splash downs, and the wetness is not evenly distributed. One key tip from how people talk about the experience: your seat location changes the splash level.

If you want to maximize your chances of staying a little less soaked, sit where the water splash feels more manageable. Some people report being way wetter than expected, and they recommend bringing a towel since you disembark literally soaked.

What I’d do with your kit:

• Put your phone in a waterproof container before you step aboard.
• Use a dry bag for anything you truly need to stay dry.
• Bring a towel for the moment you get out.
• Skip selfie sticks—they aren’t allowed.

Captains, music, and why the guide matters more than you think

A speed boat tour lives or dies on the captain’s timing. When the turns happen at the right moment, the ride feels smooth and fun instead of random and stressful.

This is also where the personality factor shows up. One captain name you may hear pop up in stories is Rory—people describe him as entertaining, funny, and good at keeping the ride exciting. Just remember: you may not get the same captain, but the consistent theme is that the guides bring energy, and the music keeps that energy flowing.

For you, the practical benefit is this: when a captain can read the group’s mood, you get a better rhythm—more time for photos when the boat settles down, and more splash fun when everyone’s ready for it.

Who this is perfect for (and who should skip it)

This is a high-energy water ride, so it’s best for people who want action more than comfort.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want rapid moments and 360-degree spins
• Like big scenery from the river level
• Don’t mind getting wet and staying that way
• Are traveling as a family with kids old enough to handle it (minimum weight rules apply)

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Children under 50 lbs
• People over the weight limit (must be no less than 60 lbs and no more than 330 lbs)

Also, don’t plan to wear fragile stuff you can’t replace. This isn’t the tour for your best shoes or your most precious bag.

Price and value: is $97 worth the 60-minute thrill?

At first glance, $97 can sound steep. But for what’s included, the value is easier to defend:

• The ride is high-intensity and designed for fun, not passive viewing.
• It’s a maximum 20-person boat experience, so you’re not packed in like a transit bus.
• Safety gear and all fees/surcharges are included.
• You get a live English-speaking guide who runs the ride.

Where value gets real is this: you’re buying about an hour of sustained excitement—speed, spins, rapids, and river views—without having to rent anything beyond your own common-sense items like sunscreen and shoes.

If you’re the type who likes doing one memorable, slightly messy activity instead of three similar ones, this fits that style well.

Practical packing list for a spin-and-splash day

Here’s your no-drama checklist based on what’s required and what actually helps:

Must-haves:

• Sunscreen
• Closed-toe shoes

Good ideas:

• A towel (you exit the boat soaking)
• A waterproof container for your camera/phone
• A dry bag for anything you care about

Rules to remember:

• No selfie sticks
• Ponchos are available for purchase, not guaranteed free

If you want an easy win, wear clothes you don’t mind changing later.

Should you book the 1-hour Colorado River Speed Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a loud, fast, red-rock Colorado River experience and you’re okay with getting drenched. The mix of rapids, splash downs, and 360 spins makes it feel like real adventure time, not just a ride with views.

Skip it if you strongly prioritize dry comfort, quiet, or low-impact movement. The wet ride, the steps to the dock, and the limits for back problems and pregnancy make it a poor fit for some bodies.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the simplest decision rule: if you can laugh at the idea of leaving wet and you’re excited by speed and turns, this is the kind of Moab activity you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long is the Moab 1-hour Colorado River speed boat tour?

The duration is about 1 hour. Starting times vary, so check availability for exact departure options.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at 1861 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532. You’ll drive about 2 miles north of Moab on the north side of the Colorado River Bridge, then turn left after the bridge into the local partner’s parking lot next to the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.

Will I get wet on this tour?

Yes. It’s designed as a wet ride, and depending on your seat, you and your belongings could get very wet.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and closed-toe shoes. If you have a camera or phone, it’s recommended to bring a waterproof container. A towel also helps since you may exit soaking wet.

Is a selfie stick allowed?

No. Selfie sticks are not allowed.

Are there weight or age limits?

Yes. Guests must weigh no less than 60 pounds and no more than 330 pounds. Children must be at least 50 lbs to ride.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women and people with back problems. It also doesn’t meet the limits for weight and minimum child weight noted above.

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