Whirlpool Jet in Niagara Falls (New York)
If you enjoy adrenaline-pumping adventures, you’ll love the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours at Niagara Falls. This heart-racing ride takes you through the powerful Class V rapids of the Niagara River. It’s an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers, outdoor adventurers, and nature lovers alike.
We loved, loved, LOVED our ride on the Whirlpool Jet in Niagara Falls!
There are THREE Whirlpool Jet locations (TWO in Ontario and ONE in Lewiston, NY). We took the tour from the American side in Lewiston.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Whirlpool Jet!
First of all, What is the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour?
The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is a high-speed ride through the Devil’s Hole Rapids, located just downstream from Niagara Falls. These tours operate from April through October, offering passengers the chance to experience the raw power of the river up close. The boats are designed to handle the intense rapids, ensuring both safety and excitement.
Tips for an Unforgettable Ride
- Book in advance – These tours are popular, especially in peak season, so reserve your spot early.
- Dress accordingly – If you choose the Wet Jet tour, bring a change of clothes or wear quick-drying fabrics.
- Hold on tight – The rapids are powerful, so be prepared for a wild ride.
Book in Advance
We called ahead to see what tour/time could accommodate our group. We tried to get a last-minute same-day reservation, but all the spots were full. We were lucky to get one for the next day. So, I recommend giving a day or a few hours notice and making a reservation.
We were having a go-with-the-flow vacation (and the weather didn’t always cooperate), but this is one of those experiences that needs a reservation.
You can make Reservations HERE
We arrived 45 minutes before our tour’s departure time to read and sign the participation agreement and attend a mandatory safety orientation.
Children under 18 need an adult to sign for them. The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are open to adventurers of all ages, but there are some restrictions. Riders must be at least 44 inches tall for the Jet Dome and 48 inches for the Wet Jet. Life jackets and safety gear are provided, and guides ensure everyone is secure before takeoff.
Dress Accordingly: The Snazzy Outfits
We rode the Whirlpool Jet in the middle of June. All of us were given a blue plastic raincoat and a yellow and black raincoat (with a black hoodie) to wear. I felt like it was too many raincoats and we were so hot in those things. But when we got down to the gorge and were drenched with the cold water, we were so glad we had on all of those layers.
The water was still freezing (ok, maybe not freezing, but very cold), and we were soaked. All of our feet and shoes were completely wet after the ride. We were glad we had brought a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes.
Things you’ll need to bring:
Whirlpool Jet provides raincoats and life jackets, but you might want to bring these items:
- A change of clothes
- Change of underwear
- A change of shoes
- Flip flops or swim shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses -I was happy to have these as we cruised out to Devil’s Gorge. As we approached the rapids, we were told that we could place our glasses/sunglasses in a pouch in front of us so we didn’t lose them during the more exciting part of the ride.
Lockers and changing rooms are provided! They also have swimwear and swim shoes available for purchase.
Hold on Tight
Here we are in the above photo. We are in the third row – ready to party!
From the moment you board, expert guides will brief you on safety procedures and what to expect.
Two Ways to Ride
You have two options when booking your jet boat adventure:
- Wet Jet Tour – Prepare to get soaked! This open-air boat allows water to crash over the sides as you plunge through the raging rapids. You’ll be drenched from head to toe, but the thrill is worth it.
- Jet Dome Tour – If getting wet isn’t your thing, opt for the covered Jet Dome boat, which provides the same exhilarating ride without the splash.
We chose the open-air boat because we felt like getting wet would be part of the fun and it would make the experience more exciting.
This tour lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The ride starts out with a nice, leisurely ride down the Niagara River. We enjoyed our views of the American and Canadian sides of the river as our guide explained the history of the area.
Niagara Gorge & Devil’s Hole
All of the water from the Great Lakes comes together here at the Niagara River (and actually constitutes 1/5 of the world’s freshwater!). The powerful waters from Niagara Falls have carved out this gorge that extends about 7 miles. As the water continued to be carried to the gorge, it created these powerful rapids where we rode the Whirlpool Jet.
What to Expect
Once the boat takes off, hold on tight as you speed across the river, executing sharp turns and splashing through waves. The most thrilling part of the ride is navigating the Devil’s Hole Rapids, where swirling whitewater and massive waves create an electrifying challenge for the boat.
Expect plenty of laughter, screams of excitement, and awe-inspiring views of the river’s natural beauty. Whether you’re dodging waves on the Wet Jet or staying dry in the Jet Dome, the ride offers a unique way to experience the power of the Niagara River.
Devil’s Hole was our favorite part of our ride. The rapids here at Devil’s Hole are rated Class 5. It was so exciting to crash into these waves. We even surfed one of the waves at one point, which was cool to feel the rush and power of these rapids. These waves are 15′-20′ with speeds up to 20 mph!
The Whirlpool Jet boats have a triple turbo diesel water jet system. They are very powerful and easily navigate their way through the rapids.
What About Photos and Videos of the Ride?
If you want to take photos or videos, you might want to take the closed-dome boat. I didn’t bring my camera or phone, and I’m glad I didn’t because they would have been soaked. And I don’t think I would have gotten worthwhile photos/videos if I had put the camera in a plastic bag.
Whirlpool Jets captures photos and videos before and during the ride. You can purchase these after your ride.
Should You Go?
Absolutely! The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer a thrilling way to experience Niagara Falls beyond the usual sightseeing. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or just looking for a unique way to explore the river, this ride is a must-try
What’s Good to Eat Nearby?
The Silo
Just a short walk away from the Whirlpool Jet is The Silo. You may have seen this show on Man V. Food on the Travel Channel. It’s a nice, casual place to grab food after the boat ride.
In the photo above, you can see the Haystack sandwich (Ribeye with melted Mozzarella cheese on a hoagie roll, piled high with hash browns). This is the sandwich featured on Man V. Food when Adam Richmond was the host. See the video HERE.
Overall, the Whirlpool Jet in Niagara Falls was a fun, exhilarating experience and the food at the Silo was great! Both of these made for a fun day!
See more fun things to do in Niagara Falls HERE.
Locations & Websites:
The Whirlpool Jet (New York, USA) // 115 South Water Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 // 1.888.438.4444
The Silo // 115 North Water Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 // 716.754.9680
Watch our ride on the Whirlpool Jet in this video:
Have you been on the Whirlpool Jet at Niagara Falls? What was your favorite part?
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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This sounds like quite an experience! I know a lot of people who would love this! Niagara Falls is a great destination to visit.
How do you think an 8 and a 6 year old would do on this ride? My 8 year old gets nervous but loves playing in waves and water. They meet the height and weight requirements… just wondered how the tour is presented… like does the guide say things like… “here we go into the dangerous class 5 rapids” or we have to watch out… don’t want to get stuck in a whirlpool” my kid would freak out then!
It is exciting and intense, but we were never scared! I think it depends on the child. If they can handle roller coasters, water rides, or fair rides, then they can probably handle it. Your group will be prepared for everything that is going to happen. The entire ride is thoroughly planned and choreographed so you know what to expect. The boat stops and explains what’s going on (and some history and facts about the area and the rapids) and then they let you know that you are going to “ride” a wave. There is always a break between each exciting part. The boat & driver are in total control and you never feel scared. My son was 8 and he loved it. We didn’t find it scary at all and laughed the whole time. Just know that you will get SOAKED even in all that rain gear – but that is also the fun part!
Totally digging this! I am envious! I want to try it too! Man, the adventure, the view. Hopefully I can do this too one day.
I know you like adventure (from reading your blog), and I know you would love this!
Looks so fun! The open boat seems so fun I never knew you can ride a jet boat at the Niagara Falls. I have been to Niagara Falls many times before but never been on a jet boat, I sure will mark your post for the future reference.
My adrenaline junkie husband discovered this and we were so glad that he did – we loved it!
We rode this in August while we were up there. I was nervous at first when my boys wanted to do this. But I had a GREAT time! They don’t give you the raincoats or ponchos anymore. So be prepared to get DRENCHED! If you are a little nervous, I recommend sitting in the back I was in the last row. I didn’t move nearly as much as the front rows, still had a great time and still got DRENCHED! LOL
The Whirlpool jet reminds me of a similar experience that I had at Gold Coast. The speed and the bumping over the rapids – in my case waves, was just so awesome. With your pictures, I can so see that you had a blast. I definitely am up for one more of these at the Niagara.
OOOoooh, Gold Coast sounds like a blast! I’ll have to check it out!
Omg, such an exciting adventure! I am usually scared of water and would never negotiate a grade V rapid, but I think whirlpool jet is worth a try. I have heard so much of Devil’s hole. I am sure it will be a mind blowing experience. Thanks for sharing the useful information about the place and activity.
It wasn’t scary at all, Amrita. I think you would enjoy it!
Looks like you guys had an amazing adventure! The experience at the Devil’s Hole could be the highlight, I would be totally a screaming like crazy and laughing at the same time, but definitely not frightening.
You would love it, Blair! We were laughing the whole time!
Wow riding a whirlpool jet at Niagara Falls in New York looks like a wild experience! Such a great thing to do with the whole family. I agree getting wet is totally part of the experience, to be honest it looks like the rain jackets didn’t even help much, great to bring a change of clothes along and let them take the photos. After that, you’d definitely need some hearty food to warm up.
You’re right, Susanna! The rain coats didn’t help much – we got soaked. But, we loved every minute of it!
I always thought whirlpools are scary. But seeing the fun you all had I need to rethink. The touring company has catered to all needs for this tour and that is such a comfort feeling. I too would choose a open boat for the tour.
Yeah, we were so glad that we chose the open-aired boat! I think you would really enjoy this – it isn’t scary at all.
Looks like a lot of fun! I would have went with the open-air boat too, more of an experience! It’s nice the company provides rain jackets and has changing rooms & lockers available. I never knew you could ride the rapids in a jet boat at Niagara Falls, I really want to do this now 🙂
You would love it, Elizabeth! It’s a great experience, and getting wet made it even more fun.
This is very really helpful information for visiting Whirlpool Jet. Keep up all the hard work. Thank you so much for the great tips!
Thank you, Martina! I’m glad you found this helpful!
Wow! That’s one heck of an experience. I can understand how hot it would have been initially under all those raincoats but then, yeah, the water is indeed super cold.
Is there a minimum age to go on this ride? Here in Europe, even most experiences like these, even Kayaking requires 6 yrs of age. How’s it there?
The sandwich definitely looks yummy yumm.. Perfect way to wrap the day after such an experience.
They let my 9 year old son ride, but he had to sit in the middle of the boat, between 2 adults. I don’t think really small children are allowed.