Each of our fully-narrated excursions are unique, but they are all best described as part scenic and part amusement. Depending on which excursion you choose, guests can adventure through the downtown Portland Waterfront to the Willamette Falls in Oregon City. Or, visit the shipyards, bridges and beyond to the Columbia River. Each offering thrilling maneuvers like our famous 360s and bow dunks! Willamette’s knowledgeable boat pilot will also slow things down to tell you about geological and historical points of interest, point out indigenous wildlife, and provide extraordinary photo opportunities.

We invite you to bring the whole family and be prepared to take in the majestic scenery, learn a little about our beautiful river, and get wet!

May 1^st through September.

Our top priorities are making sure everyone gets a safe seat, keeping families and parties seated together, and maintaining a safe passenger capacity. High impact rows do require the following restrictions.

• Small children are not allowed in the first two rows or on side seats.
• Guests seated in the first two rows must be able to physically hold on to the safety rails and must not have health conditions that would limit their ability to handle high impacts. We reserve the right to designate seating whenever it is needed, so please follow the directions of your specially trained Willamette pilot!

Life-jackets are not mandatory on any of our excursions. Upon request, we provide childrens, standard and plus size adult life-jackets at the boarding dock and each boat is equipped with enough emergency life-jackets for boat capacity.

We suggest layered, weather appropriate clothing with the knowledge that you will be moving at high speeds with strong winds and that you will most likely get wet! Willamette Jetboat Excursions does not provide ponchos or rain-gear, and highly recommend not wearing the light plastic ponchos due to their tendency to rip easily and can negatively impact the environment. Shoes and shirts are required at all times. Check local weather HERE

Welcome to the Willamette River. You WILL get wet. You might get soaked!

Whatever you bring is at your own risk. Willamette will not be responsible for loss or damage to any personal items. This includes cell phones, hearing-aids, electronic ignition keys, camera’s, etc.

• Bottled Water (Environmentally friendly. No Glass.)
• Sunglasses with eyewear retainers
• Hat (and hold it tight)
• Sunblock
• Identification, cash, and credit card: Have them handy! You’ll need them for jetboat pilot gratuities, food at The Deck Restaurant and to purchase alcohol, etc.
• Cell Phones, Cameras and Binoculars (but remember, our trips tend to involve large amounts of water so dry bags are highly recommended.)

• Disrespect or Obnoxious Behavior. Please respect yourself, and others at all times.
• Smoking/Vaping
• Alcohol (permitted at The Deck Restaurant only)
• Safety Hazards: glass containers, coolers, ice chests, and water guns

We suggest securing items like the ones below in the trunk of your locked vehicle.

• Concealed weapons
• Electronics
• Leather handbags or satchels
• Anything of value

Due to high demand and limited seating capacities, we strongly suggest that guests make reservations as far in advance as possible.

You can book your reservation HERE or call our Reservations Department at (503) 231-1532 /
(888) JETBOAT. Be ready with your contact information, group size (number of adults, children ages, etc.) along with your Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

The first two rows of our jetboats are primarily reserved for larger parties, at the sole discretion of your Pilot. Guests seated in the first two rows must be able to physically hold on to the safety rails and must not have health conditions that would limit their ability to handle high impacts. We reserve the right to designate seating whenever it is needed, so please follow the directions of your specially trained Willamette pilot!

Portland Streetcar

MAX

• Willamette Jetboat passengers pay to park in the OMSI parking lot.
• Parking fee is $5 with discounted parking passes for OMSI members and must be paid in the OMSI Lobby prior to checking in at the dock for your excursion.
• We highly suggest parking in the second lot just past the main museum entrance, as the walk to the dock and jetboat office is much shorter.

Guest restrooms are available at OMSI, and Willamette Jetboat Excursions offers passenger-only key-access to the porta-potty near the top of the ramp.

Ideally, about 30 minutes before your trip. This gives us time to check everyone in and direct you to your designated loading dock.
Some guests like to arrive early to grab a good seat. We appreciate this strategy, but you might be spending a long time in line when you factor in the time it takes to load all vessels.

Please bring your Reservation Confirmation, Identification and form of payment. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover are gladly accepted.

All Jetboat Passengers must sign a waiver before getting on to the jetboat. Guests under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the waiver. You can download a copy of the waiver HERE.

Reservation Cancellations

• Reservations may be canceled/changed at least 24-hours in advance prior to your departure time at no charge. However, no refunds will be issued if reservations are canceled within the 24-hour cancellation policy.

Group/Party Count Changes

• Group/Party count changes may be made at least 24-hours in advance prior to your departure time at no charge. However, no refunds will be issued if group/party reservations are changed within the 24-hours prior to departure time.

Reservation No-Show

• No shows will be charged the full price.

Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances.

• We strongly discourage infants on-board the jetboats. High and low temps, strong winds, high speeds, spins and other intense features are not recommended for infants.
• If you’d like your toddler to wear a lifejacket on the jetboat, we suggest bringing their personal life-jacket from home for fit, comfort, and familiarity.
• Car seats and carriers are not permitted on the jetboats. Wearable carriers are highly encouraged for safety and security.

The old adage “age is just a number” definitely applies here! But, the jetboat ride is pretty powerful and may not be the best fit for everyone. When you’re on a jetboat, you’ll be exposed to outdoor elements, forces from the jetboat’s spins, speeds, and other intense features. This adventure requires physical strength to hold tight to the safety rails provided, and to access boarding without help from the loading crew. Seniors with high blood pressure, motion sickness, heart / neck / back problems, incontinence, recent surgery or any other medical condition that might be aggravated by this ride, should consider not going.

The jetboat ride is pretty powerful and may not be for everyone. When you’re on a jetboat, you’ll be exposed to outdoor elements, forces from the jetboat’s spins, speeds, and other intense features that may cause distress or injury; if you are pregnant or have pre-existing health conditions. These include high blood pressure, motion sickness, heart / neck / back problems, recent surgery or any other medical condition that might be aggravated by this ride. As much as we’d like to have all of you on these boats, we’d recommend not going on the ride if any of these apply.

The Willamette office and loading docks are all wheelchair-accessible. All guests, including those who use wheelchairs, must be able to get in and out of the boat by themselves or with the help of someone from their group.

For safety reasons, you may not sit in a wheelchair while the boat is moving. However, we can secure the folded chair to the boat railing during your trip. For shorter excursions, we suggest leaving your chair at the boat docks.

Due to weight and water conditions, powered wheelchairs cannot go on the boats. However, we do offer standard wheelchairs (upon availability).

Although we love animals and are excited to view them in their natural habitats, the jetboats are not pet friendly. Therefore, we do not allow pets of any kind aboard the jetboat.

Should you or any member of your party have a sunlight sensitivity or seizure disorder, we recommend that you check with your personal physician for specific instructions before visiting. You will be exposed to natural sunlight throughout the duration of your excursion, so please take precautions for exposed skin and eyes.

You are unique, and cognitive disabilities differ on many levels. Please contact our Reservations Dept. to see what services we offer to help Guests with cognitive disabilities maximize their excursion experience.

Please contact our Reservations Dept. to see what services we offer to help Guests with visual impairment maximize their excursion experience.WHAT IF I AM HEARING IMPAIRED? Please contact our Reservations Dept. to see what services we offer to help Guests with hearing impairment maximize their excursion experience.

Our loading Crew will kindly offer to cancel your excursion following our ticket policy procedures.

Guest safety is our number one priority. Safe seating, holding on to safety rails, staying seated, etc. are all a part of maximizing a safe and memorable adventure. If you choose not to follow your Pilot’s instructions, you may not be allowed back on the jetboat.

Although we love animals and are excited to view them in their natural habitats, the jetboats are not pet friendly. Therefore, we do not allow pets of any kind aboard the jetboats.

Willamette does not have pet facilities or offer pet accommodations. Please DO NOT leave animals in your vehicle or tied up outside the Willamette or OMSI facilities. As responsible pet owners, we ask that you make sure your furry friends are safe and well cared for in your absence. Search local kennel options HERE

The amount of water over Willamette Falls varies. 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.

Portland has a reputation for originality and history! Jetboats are only one of the many amazing and exciting things to do here. Our streets are filled with art, nature parks and unique restaurants offering the best selections of locally sourced food, craft beers and wine. Visitors experience nurture and nature in our forests and farms, mountains, rivers, shipyard and bridges. Experience all that Portland has to offer! HERE