Jet Boat Ride Wenatchee: Hamilton Spin & Rocky Reach Dam

Spin the boat, drift past the dam, take home the footage

A 45-minute jet boat ride on the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers near Leavenworth, WA, where you experience dynamic drifting turns and the "Hamilton Spin", a full boat rotation, while passing the Rocky Reach Dam and the river confluence. Includes a U.S.C.G. licensed captain, safety equipment, and photos plus an edited video clip sent to your phone or email.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jet boat ride with scenic stops

• Board the jet boat
• Enjoy thrilling drifting turns
• Experience the Hamilton Spin
• Cruise under the US 2 Bridge
• View the Rocky Reach Dam
• Pause at Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers confluence
• Receive media package with photos and video

The experience

What makes this different from a standard river cruise is the boat itself: it's built to drift, spin and move in ways that feel like a water-based roller coaster. The Hamilton Spin rotates the jet boat within its own length, and the drifting fish-tail turns come without warning. You're not watching the river from a bench. You're feeling the water and the engine respond to the pilot's control. The boat positions itself for an unobstructed view of the Rocky Reach Dam, and you'll idle at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers long enough to see the landscape shift where two major waterways meet. A U.S.C.G. licensed captain narrates the run and handles all the piloting.

The ride runs about 45 minutes, though river conditions can shift that window. You'll wear a life jacket and follow the safety briefing before you leave the dock. Bring a valid phone number or email: the operator shoots photos and video on action cameras mounted on the boat, edits the footage, and sends it to you via Google Drive so you have the proof of what just happened. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet: splashing is part of the design, though you're not guaranteed to be soaked. The meeting point isn't visible from the parking lot, so check your ticket for directions before you arrive.

This is a family-friendly outing, not a white-water or rapids experience. The boat stays on the main channel, and the thrills come from the maneuvers and the speed, not from navigating whitewater. If you're looking for an adrenaline sport at the extreme end, this won't deliver that. Seating is fixed, so very tall passengers may find legroom tight. You'll need to sign a waiver online before you show up.

What’s included

• Experienced U.S.C.G. licensed captain piloting the boat.
• all required safety equipment including life jackets.
• photos and an edited video clip delivered via Google Drive.
• fuel for the 15-mile route.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Apr 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 to 70 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wileys Boat Rides

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling with a family or a small group and want a thrill that doesn't require signing up for a full-day expedition: the 45-minute window fits most weekend schedules, and the boat's maneuvers deliver the excitement without white-water intensity.

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Top questions

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 far is this jet boat ride from Leavenworth?

The ride launches from Wenatchee, WA, which is a short drive from Leavenworth and Lake Chelan. The exact distance depends on where you're staying in Leavenworth, but it's close enough to fit into a weekend itinerary without a long detour.

What's included in the media package?

The operator shoots photos and an edited video clip on state-of-the-art action cameras mounted on the boat, then sends both files to you via Google Drive. You just need to provide a valid phone number or email when you book.

Will I get wet on this ride?

You might get wet or even thoroughly soaked, but it's not guaranteed. Wear clothes and bring shoes you don't mind getting splashed, and leave electronics and valuables in a secure place: the operator isn't responsible for items that get wet or damaged.

What is the Hamilton Spin?

The Hamilton Spin is a maneuver where the jet boat rotates within its own length, creating a sensation similar to a roller coaster on water. It's one of the signature thrills of the ride, along with dynamic drifting turns.

Is this ride suitable for families with children?

Yes, the experience is designed as a family-friendly boating adventure suited for the general public. Children are welcome, though they'll need to wear a life jacket and follow the safety briefing like all passengers.

What's the view like at Rocky Reach Dam?

The boat positions itself for an optimal vantage point of the Rocky Reach Dam from the water. You won't disembark, but the captain will share information about the dam during this brief stop so you can appreciate the structure from an angle most visitors don't see.