The World’s 9 Best Harbour Jet Boat Rides

1.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 841 reviews · from $60Our pick

Meet at Circular Quay for a 30-minute ride on Thunder, a fast jet boat that reaches 75 km/h and performs spins, fishtails, slides, and power stops. You’ll pass the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and Rose Bay. Ponchos and lockers are included, but bring dry clothes. Captains such as John and Tom are known for clear safety briefings and lively commentary.

“Amazingly fun, great little attraction, yes you get a bit wet but don’t let that stop you as super fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 716 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Captain your own F13 mini speed boat around San Diego Harbor for about two hours. A guide such as David, Keoni, or Keegan leads the way, gives safety instructions over two-way radio, and points out the USS Midway, sea lions, Coronado Bridge, Star of India, and naval ships. No boating license is required.

“We had such a great time on our tour! Our guide, Keoni, was fantastic - friendly, welcoming, and full of enthusiasm. He explained everything clearly, shared fantastic knowledge about the area, and kept the ride fun with his dad jokes. His energy and passion really made the experience memorable. We learned so much about the San Diego harbor and would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting or living in the area!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 423 reviews · from $58

Set out from 316 Harbor Boulevard on Screaming Eagle Sports’ small, shaded speedboat for a 45 to 60 minute cruise through Destin Harbor and the Gulf. The crew watches for dolphins, stingrays, and other marine life, while music, jokes, and bursts of speed keep the ride lively. Children may take a turn as captain when requested.

“Just really enjoyed talking to the captain and they ride the dolphin employees were being kinda slack lol but had a great time”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 416 reviews · from $51Best value

Join Oz Jet Boating at Circular Quay for a 30-minute blast across Sydney Harbour. Your captain combines fast runs, 270-degree spins, power slides, and brief sightseeing stops near the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, and more. Ponchos and lockers are provided, but expect to get thoroughly wet.

“A total blast!!! The boat ride was so much fun and was a great way to see the sights. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.New York City: Harbor Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 238 reviews · from $99

Ride a military-style speedboat from North Cove Marina with a Coast Guard-licensed captain. In one hour, you’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Governors Island, Ellis Island, Hudson Yards, and more, with photo stops and live English narration.

“Would totally recommend this one of the highlights of our trip, Eric was our guide great fun and very informative. We were lucky enough to have the boat to ourselves too definitely one for the bucket list…”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sydney Speed Boat Adventure Harbour Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 124 reviews · from $96

Take the wheel of your own red speedboat from Rose Bay, after a short boating lesson and life-jacket fitting. A professional guide leads the small group around Sydney Harbour, past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Garden Island, Rose Bay Beach, Shark Island, Clark Island, and the maritime museum. Guide Dirk has earned particular praise for making first-time skippers feel calm and confident.

“Had an absolutely great time! Great way to get up and personal with some waves in the Sydney harbour. Tour guide was really nice and approachable, made you feel at ease and confident before heading out. Highly recommend this to anyone even if you’re a local.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Cork Harbour RIB Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

Join Cork Harbour Boat Hire in Cobh for a 90-minute RIB trip around one of the world’s largest natural harbours. An English-speaking skipper points out Spike Island, Roches Point Lighthouse, the Irish Naval Base, navy ships, and Cobh from the water. You’ll wear a life jacket, feel the boat bounce, and may see dolphins or other sea life.

“Had the best time touring the harbor on RIB boat! Enjoyed the commentary, gorgeous views and fun bouncy waves! Definite highlight of our visit to Cobh.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.30-Minute Jet Boat Ride from Darling Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 14 reviews · 30 min · from $56

Set off from Cockle Bay Wharf in Darling Harbour for a 30-minute, English-led jet boat ride at up to 70 km/h. Expect fast spins, power breaks, big splashes, and views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, Double Bay, and Kirribilli. Isaac is one skipper praised for clear instruction and confident driving.

“fantastic. Isaac awesome instructor from the very start. ill definitely come again for this awesome jet boat riding experience again. beats the other ones around the corner on circular quay”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Waitemata Harbour Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 8 reviews · 35 min · from $71

Board a 20-seat jet boat at Westhaven Marina for a fast, splashy ride across Waitemata Harbour. You will receive a safety briefing, wear a lifejacket, pass super yachts, speed beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and enjoy high-speed drifts and spins. The English-speaking crew combines sightseeing with a short thrill ride.

“This was an easy access activity with lots of water splashing. Great for kids of all ages. The meeting point is Z pier as advertised except, there’s no signage.”

Check availability →Read our full review