Smoky Mountains Jet Boat Tour: Douglas Dam & Seven Islands

Cruise three river landmarks in one morning jet boat run

A jet boat tour on the French Broad River in the Smoky Mountains combines Douglas Dam, Seven Islands State Park and open-water wildlife spotting in roughly 70 minutes. The tour includes a licensed guide, life jackets and headsets with microphones so you hear narration over the engine noise. Public transportation options are available nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jet boat tour on French Broad River

• See Douglas Dam
• Pass Seven Islands State Park
• Spot birds and wildlife
• Enjoy Great Smoky Mountains views

The experience

The tour starts with Douglas Dam, a hydroelectric structure built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the early 1940s during World War II to meet emergency energy demands. From there the jet boat moves into Seven Islands State Park, a 416-acre wildlife sanctuary where almost 200 bird species have been sighted: songbirds, hawks, owls and waterfowl are common. As you cruise the French Broad River itself, watch the banks for river otters, deer and coyotes. The river flows 218 miles from North Carolina into Tennessee, where it meets the Holston River at Knoxville to form the beginning of the Tennessee River.

You get a headset with a microphone so the guide's narration carries over the jet boat engine. Life jackets are provided. The whole run takes about 70 minutes, which fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming a full day. Public transportation options are available near the departure point if you're staying in the area without a rental car.

What’s included

• Life jackets and headsets with microphones for hearing the guide.
• a licensed guide narrating the three stops.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to Sunday8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00Last departure this season: 1 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?The tour departs from a location with public transportation access nearby, so if you're staying in the Smoky Mountains area without a car, you can reach the dock and complete all three river landmarks in a single 70-minute morning or afternoon slot.

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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.

What birds and animals might I see on this jet boat tour?

Seven Islands State Park is home to almost 200 bird species including songbirds, hawks, owls and waterfowl. Along the French Broad River banks, you may spot river otters, deer and coyotes during the cruise.

When was Douglas Dam built and why?

Douglas Dam was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the early 1940s in record time to meet emergency energy demands during World War II. It sits on the French Broad River and is a key piece of American infrastructure history.

How long is the jet boat tour?

The tour takes roughly 70 minutes and covers Douglas Dam, Seven Islands State Park and the French Broad River in a single run.

What's included with the jet boat tour?

Life jackets, headsets with microphones so you hear the guide over engine noise, and a licensed guide are all included. A fuel surcharge is also part of the tour cost.

Do I need a car to get to the tour departure point?

Public transportation options are available nearby, so you don't need a rental car to reach the tour start. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.