Jet Boat Adventure Seven Islands State Park: 200 bird species

Nearly 200 bird species on a jet boat down the French Broad River

A jet boat tour on the French Broad River through Seven Islands State Park near Sevierville, where a live guide points out almost 200 species of birds, river otters, deer and coyotes against Great Smoky Mountains views. The ride lasts 50 to 55 minutes and includes life jackets and headsets so you hear the guide over the engine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jet boat tour to Seven Islands Park

• Board jet boat in Sevierville
• Ride down French Broad River
• Observe birds and wildlife
• View Great Smoky Mountains scenery
• Arrive at Seven Islands State Park

The experience

The jet boat leaves the dock and heads into Seven Islands State Park, a 416-acre wildlife sanctuary along the French Broad River. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route, calling out songbirds, hawks, owls and waterfowl as they appear. River otters, deer and coyotes move through the park's wetlands and shoreline. The Great Smoky Mountains frame the far bank, and the boat stays on the water the whole time: no walking, no hiking, just the river and what lives on it.

You wear a life jacket and a headset with a microphone so the guide's voice cuts through the engine noise. The tour runs 50 to 55 minutes, short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon without eating the rest of your day. Fuel surcharge is included in the price.

What’s included

• Life jackets and headsets with microphones.
• fuel surcharge.
• live guide narration in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Child (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Smoky Mountain Jet Boat

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see wildlife and birds without leaving the boat or committing to a full day. The jet boat format gets you onto the water and back in under an hour, and the headsets let you hear the guide over the engine noise.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many bird species can I actually see on this tour?

Almost 200 species have been sighted at Seven Islands State Park, though what you spot depends on the season and time of day. Songbirds, hawks, owls and waterfowl are common.

What other animals might I see besides birds?

River otters, deer and coyotes live in the park and move along the shoreline. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the guide watches for them throughout the ride.

Do I need to be fit or athletic for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You sit in the boat the entire time. There is no walking or climbing involved.

How long does the jet boat ride actually take?

The tour lasts 50 to 55 minutes on the water, so plan for roughly an hour including boarding and return.

What's included in the ticket price?

Life jackets, headsets with microphones and fuel surcharge are all included. A live guide in English narrates the entire route.