Our Story
EST 1997
Since its founding in 1997, Willamette Jetboat Excursions has built a reputation for safety, professionalism, and exceptional customer service. Values that remain at the core of everything we do. Driven by a passion for sharing the beauty of the Willamette River, we’ve welcomed thousands of guests to experience this remarkable landscape from a unique perspective.
Our custom-built jetboats provide a safe, smooth, and accessible ride, allowing guests of all ages and abilities to enjoy the river and its surrounding wildlife. From scenic stretches to unforgettable moments on the water, each trip highlights the natural beauty that makes the Willamette River so special.
As part of our mission, Willamette Jetboat Excursions is committed to protecting the environment we call home. Through responsible operations and active efforts like river clean-ups, we strive to preserve and enhance the river for future generations while continuing to set high standards within the industry.
As a second-generation family business, we are proud to carry on a legacy of delivering a safe, fun, and memorable way for families from around the world to experience the river—and create lasting memories along the way.
OUR COMMUNITY
As a member of the downtown Portland community for over 25 years and long-standing OMSI neighbor, we are proud to be a part of a river front community that provides so much nature, education and history. Year after year, we look forward to building and retaining long term relationships with local businesses and organizations to give back to the programs and projects that impact our daily lives.
OUR FAMILY
We are a family run business. Willamette Jetboat Excursions is now part of a second-generation family business that has proudly offered over a million visitors a journey through history and memories that last a lifetime with our sister company Hellgate Jetboat Excursions, in Grants Pass, Oregon. We love being a part of the community and what each uniquely beautiful region has to offer, so we take pride in presenting an experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. As owners, our goal is to provide a memorable experience for families and friends to enjoy.
OUR HISTORY
Established in 1997, Willamette Jetboat Excursions was launched as the first company offering jetboat tours on the Willamette River. As of 2022 it has officially joined the family; with our sister company Hellgate Jetboat Excursions which was launched in 1959.
Hellgate Jetboat Excursions was one of the first ever jetboat companies in the United States. Robert Hamlyn originally started operating jet boats in 1986 with Rogue Jetboat Excursions; which is now owned in conjunction with, and is more widely known as Hellgate Jetboat Excursions. Hellgate Jetboat Excursions currently operates as the Pacific Northwest’s #1 River Trip!