Moab Jet Boat Tours: Adventure on the Colorado River

During the day, guests find the Spin & Splash jetboat tours are a thrilling way to cool off. If you prefer a calmer way to unwind, the "Fun Run" tour and other evening tours offer a more relaxing pace. Explore the Colorado River on jetboat excursions that take you into spectacular river scenery bordering Canyonlands National Park. The newest and best-equipped boats glide through calm water stretches of the Colorado River downstream from Moab. This section of river reveals remote red rock canyons of exqusite beatuy, hidden arches, and dramatic sandstone walls. Choose from the three-hour Colorado River Jetboat "fun run" tour, the Moab Sunset Jetboat, or trips or the popular Dinner & Night Show for an evening you won't forget.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

ADULTS 13+
$132

Morning Light in Arches

ADULTS 13+
$189

A Different Perspective

Fly over spectacular formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil's Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. (2 person minimum per flight)

YOUTH 10-12
$190

Morning Light in Arches

Moab’s jetboat tours plunge you into the heart of the Colorado River’s most scenic stretch, carving a path between towering red rock cliffs just outside Canyonlands National Park. You’ll cruise beneath ancient sandstone walls, past hidden arches, petroglyph panels, and iconic film locations like the cliff from Thelma & Louise.

Whether it’s a thrilling daytime ride or a sunset cruise with a dramatic canyon light show, these tours reveal the wild, storied beauty of the Colorado River corridor in a way that’s both intimate and unforgettable.

"Jet Boat by Night"

★★★★★

Our trip on the night jet boat was very fun. The food was good and the trip on the boat was informative and entertaining. It was relaxing too. The night sky was beautiful that night.

Leanne M, New York

"Jet Boat Spin & Splash"

★★★★★

My kids weren’t too certain at first. By the end, the one who was most afraid to start wanted to ride again. The boat captain did a fantastic job of making the ride enjoyable for all ages. Make sure you wear clothes & shoes appropriate for water. You will get wet!! It can get cold at times. I highly recommend

Josh P, New York

"Perfect Outdoor Getaway"

★★★★★

Western River Expeditions surpassed my expectations. The guides were professional and every moment felt like a true exploration. An ideal adventure for anyone seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

John Doe, New York

"Jet Boat by Night"

★★★★★

Our trip on the night jet boat was very fun. The food was good and the trip on the boat was informative and entertaining. It was relaxing too. The night sky was beautiful that night.

Leanne M, New York

"Jet Boat Spin & Splash"

★★★★★

Josh P, New York

When New Zealander Sir William Hamilton invented the waterjet engine in 1953, he didn’t just change the way boats handled shallow, rocky rivers, he sparked a revolution. To prove the raw power of his invention, Hamilton set his sights on the ultimate proving ground: the Colorado River. In 1960, four jetboats powered by Hamilton’s waterjets fought their way upstream through the Grand Canyon in a grueling nine-day push against legendary currents, including the infamous Vulcan Rapid, now known as Lava Falls. It was a feat no one thought possible, and it turned the Hamilton Jet into an icon of modern river travel.

Here in Moab, the legacy of jet-powered adventure has been delighting guests since the early days of Moab tourism. The traditional dinner and lightshow carries a script that is unchanged since those early days - and carries the time stamp of a former way of thinking about life in the west. In a landscape where so many old westerns were filmed, it is either charming or alarming to hear echoes of "how the West was won" from that bygone era. Whatever your take, what began in the 1960s as a novel nighttime float under towering canyon walls has remained a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

Today, high-powered jetboats trace the Colorado River past ancient geology, sunset-lit cliffs, and the shadows of a thousand years. By day, these boats deliver thrilling, wind-in-your-face joyrides through red rock country. By night, they slow to a glide as canyon walls come alive with light, music, and narration, honoring the myths, history, and wonder of this sacred desert landscape.

WHAT WILL WE SEE ON THE TOUR?
Expect stunning views of towering canyon walls, ancient rock formations, hidden arches, and maybe even a bighorn sheep or two. Each bend in the river reveals something new—and our guides make sure you catch it all.
IS THIS THE SAME AS WHITEWATER RAFTING?
Not at all. Jetboat tours take place on calmer sections of the Colorado River, where the thrill comes from speed and scenery, not rapids. It’s perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who wants an exciting, dry (mostly) ride - Except for the aptly named "Spin & Splash" where you are guaranteed to get wet!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING OR WEAR?
Wear comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and sun protection. You may catch some spray, so quick-drying fabrics are a bonus. Cameras are welcome—just keep them secure. We’ll provide the life jackets and the adventure.
ARE THERE AGE OR HEALTH RESTRICTIONS?
Jetboat tours are generally great for most ages (typically 4 and up), but not recommended for those with serious back or neck issues, or for pregnant guests. If you’re unsure, just ask—we’ll help you choose the right experience.
WHAT IS CANYONLANDS BY NIGHT, HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?
Canyonlands by Night is an iconic evening river tour with a twist: as the sun sets, the canyon walls become a canvas for lights, music, and storytelling. It’s a peaceful, enchanting contrast to the daytime thrill rides—like Broadway in the desert, with stars overhead and the river below.
IS THERE A BATHROOM?
There is not a bathroom on the boat, but there an outhouse halfway down the Colorado RIver where we can stop as we pass in both directions.
DO WE TAKE A SHUTTLE TO THE RIVER?
No. Our facility is located right on the Colorado River, so you get a full trip on the river. Canyonlands by Night and Day is the only company with a private dock and can provide a trip such as this.
CAN I BRING A BACKPACK OR FOOD?
Yes, the tour is informal so you can bring a backpack with a lunch. We recommend bringing a water bottle for accessibility. We do provide complimentary snacks and drinks on the trip.
Do all jet boat tours get you wet?
Only the Spin & Splash ride is designed for spins, slides, and soaking fun—plan to wear clothes that can get wet. The other tours (Fun Run, Sunset Dinner, and Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show) are calm scenic trips where you’ll stay dry and comfortable.
Do jet boat tours go through rapids?
No. Jet boat tours run on calm stretches of the Colorado River. The excitement comes from speed and maneuvers on Spin & Splash, while the other tours focus on scenery and storytelling.
Are Moab jet boat tours suitable for kids?
Yes. Children as young as 4 can join most scenic tours. Spin & Splash is more adventurous and best for kids at least 8 years old (60 lb minimum) and teens who enjoy a splashy ride. Younger children may appreciate a rafting trip more than a jet boat tour as they are a little more interactive.
Do I need a swimsuit for a jet boat tour?
Only for the Spin & Splash. On all other jet boat tours, casual clothes are fine since you won’t get wet.
How long do the different tours last?
From your meeting location along the Colorado River, you’ll step directly from the dock onto the jet boat. The times for each tour vary:

Spin & Splash: \~1 hour
Fun Run: \~3 hours
Sunset Jet Boat Dinner: \~2.5 hours
Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show: \~3 hours
Do the boats have bathrooms?
No restrooms are available on the boats. Facilities are provided at the departure point.
When is the best time of day for a jet boat tour?
Daytime tours are fun for cooling off or exploring canyon scenery. Evening tours highlight glowing canyon walls, starry skies, and a meal experience combined with the jetboat tour.
Do jet boat tours run year-round?
The day time and evening tours are very popular in the summer months. While these jet boat tours are potentially available from April \- October, they will cease operating as the Colorado River water level drops below a certain point, which varies from year to year. The Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show operates from March \- October as it can operate even in lower water levels.
How are jet boat tours different from rafting trips?
Rafting involves paddling through rapids, while jet boat tours explore calm water by motorized boat. Jet boats are perfect for scenery and comfort, rafting is splashier and more active. Many visitors book both to experience the Colorado River in two very different ways.
What will we see on a Colorado River daytime jet boat tour?
Expect towering red rock cliffs, glowing reflections at sunset, petroglyph panels, hidden arches, and wildlife like eagles or herons. Some tours even pass film-famous spots like the Thelma & Louise Point.

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Moab Jet Boat Tours