8 Speedboat Rides in the USA, Ranked by What You Get

1.Circle Line “The Beast” Midtown/Downtown Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,259 reviews · 30 min · from $34Our pick

The Beast is a 30-minute, jet-powered speedboat ride from Midtown or Downtown Manhattan. Hold tight as the 70-foot boat reaches up to 45 mph, races toward the Statue of Liberty, and passes One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the harbor skyline. Expect lively music, funny crew members, and a good chance of getting wet.

“Unreal experience. Much better than expected and the music and vibes on board were impressive!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

From Boston’s Long Wharf, you’ll ride a high-speed catamaran to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, guided by a New England Aquarium naturalist. Expect about 3.5 hours on the water, with chances to see humpback, fin, and minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. A cabin, restrooms, and snack bar are onboard.

“The scientists and crew were very passionate about the animals, and that came through during the tour. They were very knowledgeable with an injection of humor, albeit a little bit on the corny side, but enough to make one smile. We had the privilege of seeing a pair of humpbacks during our time in the feeding grounds and witnessed a fluke. They are truly remarkable animals.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Speedboat Sightseeing Adventure of Miami

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,025 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Race along Miami’s waterfront from Bayside Marketplace, passing Star Island, Fisher Island, South Beach, and the Atlantic. Your captain handles the speed while a guide shares local facts and celebrity-home gossip. Expect loud music, sharp turns, skyline views, and a real chance of getting wet. Boats may be Thriller or Hurricane.

“Fun and fast boat ride with a great boat captain and great tour guide. We saw gorgeous mansions and huge luxurious yachts, of a few rich and famous. Very friendly customer service provided by all. You can all take photos on the boat ride with your own phone or camera. And you can also purchase the professional photos that they take of you (they are taken on the dock prior to boarding and then you can buy them after the boat ride).”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Sightseeing Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,829 reviews · 45 min · from $45

From Bayside Marketplace, you’ll ride a plush-seated power catamaran into the Atlantic, past Star Island, Fisher Island, millionaire homes, and South Beach’s Art Deco district. Guides such as Manny, Alex, Chris, Darius, and Gilbert have hosted tours with humor and local facts. Expect speed, music, skyline views, and a little spray.

“A very good description of all the sights during the boat ride, the boat is fast and a lot of fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 642 reviews · 30 - 75 minutes · from $42

Depart Navy Pier for a 30-minute Seadog ride past Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and the skyline. Your English-speaking guide mixes Chicago facts with music and humor. Bring a non-glass drink, expect spray, and upgrade to Extreme Thrill for 360-degree spins and sharper turns.

“Great fun! The tour guide Cool J was fun and informative. The whole experience was great for our family. The 30 minutes went extremely quickly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.City Cruises Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 424 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Meet at Boston’s Long Wharf for a 45-minute Codzilla ride with turbo-charged engines, sharp turns, spins, music, and a scripted story about the boat’s arrival in Boston Harbor. You may get soaked, especially toward the back. The seasonal ride runs May through October and is open to children at least 4 years old and 42 inches tall.

“It was so much fun it exceeded our expectations. Sadie was scared that she would get too wet she was so happy and she did get wet my grandson wanted to get really wet he did and was so happy”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 423 reviews · from $58

Ride the shaded Screaming Eagle speedboat from Destin Harbor for 45 minutes to an hour. A captain and crew guide a maximum of 14 people through the harbor and Gulf waters, looking for dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and other marine life. Expect music, jokes, coastal views, and a fast, family-friendly boat ride.

“We had a blast the weather was not great but we found the dolphins and everyone was super friendly!! Highly recommend😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 395 reviews · 30 min · from $45Top rated

Meet Flagship Cruises at 990 North Harbor Drive for a 30-minute Patriot jet boat ride across San Diego Bay. Expect music, speeds of up to 50 mph, sharp turns, 360-degree spins, military ships, the Coronado Bridge, and plenty of spray. Ponchos are provided, but secure your belongings and prepare to get wet.

“This was a great experience! My son really loved this!”

Check availability →Read our full review