How long is the trip?
We offer two trips.  One is one hour and goes from OMSI to Swan island and back.  The other is two hours and goes from OMSI to the Fremont Bridge, then upriver to Willamette Falls and back. 

Will I get wet? 
Our tours include spins and other boat maneuvers that do create waves and spray.  All passengers should expect to get at least sprayed and perhaps soaked.  The amount of water depends on weather, river conditions, and where you are sitting.  The front row and outside seating towards the back can be the wettest, however no spot is guaranteed to be dry.  Prepare accordingly and you will have a blast!

What’s the weather like on the river?
CLICK HERE for current weather conditions

How old do you have to be to ride the jetboats? 
There are no age restrictions.  People of all ages are welcome and many seniors and kids have a great time.  Infants are also welcome, however, keep in mind it is a fast boat and refunds will not be given if kids or their parents need to be returned to the dock.

Can Seniors go on the trip? 
Many do join us and all are welcome.  So far, the most senior passenger we are aware of has been 93 years.  Keep in mind however, that the ride can get bumpy and does require you to hang on at times.  Sitting towards the back of the boat does give a smoother ride, but do expect more action than in a church pew.

How many people does the boat hold? 
Officially, each boat can hold up to 62 passengers.   However, we want our passengers to be comfortable and since people come in all sizes, we may not get that many on board.  We have three boats and often times do send them all out.

Are there bathrooms on the boat? 
No.  We encourage you to take care of business before the ride.  We do have a porta potty near the dock.  We keep the key at our office on the dock.  If we were to keep it open to the public, it would become unsanitary in less than a day.  You may have to walk a little, but trust us, you will thank us in the end for limiting access.  OMSI also has bathrooms and they are open for use.  The most convenient ones are by the Ominmax theater.

Are reservations required?
No, however they are highly recommended.  Sometimes we sell out and can only guarantee a seat for those with reservations.

How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made by calling us at 503-231-1532 or toll free at 1-888-538-2628. When calling, please be ready with your contact information, number of adults, children (ages 4-11), and infants along with a Visa, Mastercard or Discover to hold your reservation. The credit card is only to hold the reservation and will not be charged until you show up. Please bring it with you if you want to use it or you can change forms of payment upon check in. You can also make reservations online.

What is the cancellation policy?
Once made reservations can be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance without a charge.

Can I reserve the front seat on the boat?
Seating is first come, first serve. Sorry no reserved seating available.

Is there parking available?  What is the charge?
Our passengers can park in the parking lot at OMSI. If you park in the second lot just past the main entrance to the museum, the walk to the jetboat office and dock is much shorter. There is a $2 charge per car. We can collect that upon check in or you can pay in the lobby at OMSI.

How fast do the boats go?
Much of the tour is at speeds over 40mph. The boats do stop often so the pilot can point out sights and tell stories.

Can we go over Willamette Falls?
We haven’t tried yet and since we are always below the Falls, an attempt won’t be made this season.

Does the Falls always have water like in the brochure?
The amount of water over the Falls does vary and is beyond our control. Usually in May and June, the Falls are raging and quite spectacular. In late June or early July, changes are made related to hydroelectric power and sometimes the water slows dramatically.

I have a boater ID card, can I drive the boats?
No.

Can I bring a camera?
Many passengers do bring cameras and cell phones and they rarely get wet. However, keep in mind we cannot be responsible for damage to any electrical equipment.

How do I dress?
Casual and comfortable. Keep in mind you might get wet. Some passengers do bring a change of clothes for later.

Will I get seasick?
I doubt it. The ride is more like riding in a convertible or motorcycle than the open seas. Each year, we take over 30,000 passengers and only a few have motion sickness problems.

Do I need a lifejacket for my child?
Our boats are inspected by the USCG and no one of any age is required to wear life jackets. We do however provide lifejackets for all passengers and have smaller ones that fit infants and children. We will pass them out to your child when they board and have several sizes available.

I have a bad back, can I still ride?
For medical advice, we recommend you consult your physician before joining us. Passengers with existing conditions do ride with no problems, however the ride can be bumpy, especially towards the front of the boat. Your safety is our top priority so please make us aware of any conditions that might impact your experience.

I am pregnant, can I still ride?
Many ladies who are pregnant do ride our boats during all stages of their pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is different so we encourage you to consult your physician. Please let us know upon arrival so we can accommodate you accordingly.

Do you provide rain gear or ponchos?
We do not provide rain gear due to lack of space. We also do not offer disposable ponchos to better protect the environment. Getting wet is possible and we recommend you prepare accordingly so your experience will be more enjoyable.