Red rock power is measured in splash.

This one-hour jet boat tour on the Colorado River turns Moab’s red-cliff scenery into an all-action ride: you race upriver, hit rapids with splash downs, and spin hard for big laughs.

Two things I like a lot: the ride stays small (max 20 people), so it feels personal even when you’re screaming and laughing. And the guide energy matters—on some departures you may end up with a captain like Rory, who keeps the mood fun with jokes and loud music through the entire trip.

One drawback to plan for up front: this is a wet ride. Depending on where you sit, you and your stuff can get soaked fast, so bring closed-toe shoes and take water-proofing seriously.

Key points

• Small group (max 20), which helps the crew keep things smooth and upbeat.
• Spin and splash is the whole point: rapids, 360-degree turns, and plenty of spray.
• Red-rock views from the river—you’ll see the cliffs at speed, not from a lookout.
• Loud music the entire time, so it’s more party-adventure than quiet sightseeing.
• Wet ride reality plus 5–30 steps down to the dock—pack and plan accordingly.

Moab Jet Boat 101: one hour of spins on the Colorado

This tour is built for people who want more than a slow scenic cruise. You meet at a location just north of Moab, then head onto the Colorado River for a short hit of adrenaline paired with real canyon scenery.

Think fast turns, quick accelerations, and planned moments where the captain mixes sightseeing time with rapid-action time. The goal isn’t to study rocks for hours. It’s to feel the river’s energy while you spot those red cliffs towering above.

Meeting at 1861 N Hwy 191 and the dock steps

You’ll meet at 1861 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532, on the north side of the Colorado River Bridge area. From there, you’re set up with your gear and briefing before boarding.

One practical thing to know: getting to the dock involves 5–30 steps. That’s not usually a deal-breaker, but it is a real factor if you don’t do well with stairs or uneven footing.

The good news? This isn’t a long pre-ride shuffle. The tour is short overall, so you’re not spending most of your day waiting around.

Safety briefing, weight limits, and the wet-ride reality

You start with a safety briefing and all required safety equipment. Since the ride is built around rapids and spinning, the crew keeps this portion straightforward and focused.

You also need to meet the physical requirements. The tour is not set up for everyone, including:

• weight no less than 60 lb and no more than 330 lb (the info also lists over 331 lb as not suitable)
• children under 50 lb aren’t allowed
• it’s not suitable for pregnant women
• it’s not suitable for people with back problems

Then there’s the big “yes, plan for this” part: it’s designed as a wet ride. Where you sit changes how much water reaches you, and your belongings can get wet. This is why closed-toe shoes matter and why water-proofing matters even more.

If you want a simple packing rule: assume you’ll get soaked and you’ll be getting off the boat in wet conditions.

Stop by stop on the Colorado River: Highway 191 to Take Out Beach

The tour is tight and focused, with two river stretches and one quick pause for photos.

Starting location: 1861 N Hwy 191

You’ll gather at the meeting point, then get your safety briefing and equipment. This is where you’ll also get the basic “how this works” overview before you’re whisked onto the water.

First river cruise: about 30 minutes

Then you’re on the Colorado River for the first big chunk of riding time. This is where the captain starts building the rhythm—speed up, look up, then hit those splashy moments when the river gets fun.

You’ll spend time racing past the red-rock walls above you, and you’ll feel how the boat handles rapids. It’s not just speed; it’s speed with sharp turns.

Take Out Beach: a 2-minute photo stop

Next comes a brief stop at Take Out Beach for photos. It’s short on purpose—this is an adventure ride, not a long land break.

Use this moment to grab a quick shot, dry your face a bit, and get ready for round two.

Second river cruise: about 28 minutes

The final stretch brings you back out on the water for the remaining action. Expect more fast driving and more “spin and splash” moments as the trip wraps.

Then you return to 1861 N Hwy 191 to finish where you started.

The red-rock views and rapid action: what the captain times

On most river trips, you either watch scenery or you ride the action. Here, the captain’s job is to make sure both happen.

The tour blends panoramic viewing with rapid sections where the boat speeds up and splashes down. That mix is a big part of why it feels like more than a novelty ride.

The captain also runs the boat through 360-degree spins, and this is where the ride locks in as a full-on experience. You’re not just passing through the landscape—you’re turning with it.

One more detail that affects the vibe: loud music is played during the entirety of the trip. That can be a huge plus if you want it to feel energetic and social. If you prefer quiet nature time, you might find the audio style a little intense.

Music, photos, and what to bring to stay sane

This is where you can make the difference between fun-soaked memories and a miserable end to the day.

What to bring (and why)

Bring:

• Sunscreen (you’ll be exposed)
• Closed-toe shoes (for safe footing and because wet conditions happen)

And think about water-proofing your essentials. Cameras are allowed, but it’s recommended you bring a waterproof container if you’re serious about photos. One review even pointed out that the operator sells waterproof protectors for iPhones—and that those protectors can be worth the money.

Also, bring a towel if you don’t want to feel cold and soggy at the end. One rider advice was blunt: when you exit, you’re likely soaking wet.

What not to bring

• Selfie sticks aren’t allowed. If you rely on one for photos, skip it and plan to use handheld or device-support options that fit your normal camera habits.

Ponchos on site

Ponchos are available for purchase. That helps if you want a little extra coverage, but you’ll still likely get wet—just maybe in a more manageable way.

Who this tour fits: adrenaline, families, and motion sensitivity

This is a good fit if you’re the type of person who wants your Moab day to include motion, noise, and laughter. The ride is set up for fun—rapids, spinning, and splashing—with views that you can’t get from sitting still on land.

It also works for families who can handle wet conditions. One review specifically highlighted kids loving it (ages 8 and 10). That’s a clue: if your group can handle getting soaked without turning it into a complaint-fest, it can be a strong family activity.

But it’s not a fit for everyone. The limits and exclusions exist for a reason:

• not suitable for pregnant women
• not suitable for people with back problems
• strict weight and child-weight rules
• and a wet ride means it’s harder on anyone who hates getting wet or has mobility issues navigating steps

If you’re unsure, take those limits seriously. This isn’t a gentle “maybe I’ll try it” experience.

Price and value at $97 per person

At $97 per person for about an hour, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Moab. It’s also not trying to be. The value comes from two places:

1) Time efficiency. You get a full hit of action in a short window, without half a day of driving or waiting.

2) High energy per minute. The ride is built around speed, rapids, and spins—plus views—so you’re paying for intensity, not just scenery.

Also, the max 20 group size matters. When a tour stays small, it usually feels more organized and less chaotic. That can be a real part of the value, especially when you’re boarding and landing with wet gear and quick timing.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys activities where you leave with muddy shoes and a smile, this price makes sense. If you want calm views and dry comfort, you’ll feel like you paid for the wrong kind of trip.

Should you book this Colorado River speed boat tour?

Book it if you want an hour of speed, spinning, rapids, and red-rock views—and you’re ready to get wet. It’s also a strong pick if you like an upbeat guide vibe, especially if you get a captain like Rory, who keeps the mood fun with humor and loud music.

Skip or reconsider if:

• you don’t do well with stairs and steps to the dock
• you need a dry, gentle experience
• you fall under the weight rules or the tour’s not-suitable categories
• you have back issues, are pregnant, or have young kids under the minimum weight

If you go, treat it like a water sport. Pack accordingly, plan for soaked photos, and you’ll get exactly what this ride promises: spin and splash with a Moab view you can’t slow-walk past.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at 1861 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532. It’s described as 2 miles north of Moab on the north side of the Colorado River Bridge, with a left turn after the bridge into the partner parking lot near Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.

How long is the speed boat tour?

The experience duration is listed as 1 hour. The ride includes two river cruises with a short photo stop in between.

Is there a safety briefing and safety equipment included?

Yes. Your adventure starts with a safety briefing, and the tour includes all required safety equipment.

Will I get wet on this tour?

Yes. It is designed as a wet ride, and where you sit can affect how wet you and your belongings get.

Are selfie sticks allowed?

No. Selfie sticks are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and closed-toe shoes. Since it’s a wet ride, you’ll also want to plan for keeping key items dry (a waterproof container is recommended for cameras).

Are ponchos available to buy?

Yes. Ponchos will be available for purchase.

What are the weight limits?

Guests must weigh no less than 60 pounds and no more than 330 pounds. The info also lists that people over 331 pounds are not suitable.

Is it suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for people with back problems.

Can I cancel and get a refund, and is pay later available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also reserve now & pay later so you can book and pay later.