Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours has kicked off its 25th anniversary season by setting a new record — launching earlier in the year than ever before.
The unusually mild winter means the Niagara-on-the-Lake tour operator has already begun to hit the turbulent waters of the Niagara River, launching its season about three weeks earlier than usual.
“We’re really pleased to get back out on the water and give passengers the thrill of their lives,” said Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours president John Kinney. “It’s fantastic that Mother Nature is giving us this head start on the season to start celebrating such an important milestone.”
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours officially opened its doors to the public in 1992 with a single boat, taking passengers for thrilling white water rides from the mouth of the Niagara River in Niagara-on-the-Lake, through the Class 5 Devil’s Hole Rapids and to just below the incredibly powerful Niagara Whirlpool.
Twenty five seasons later, Whirlpool has a fleet of eight 50-passenger jet boats that take passengers on adrenalin-filled trips from three departure locations: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Ont. (shuttle bus from Niagara Glen Nature Centre check-in to Queenston dock) and Lewiston, New York.
Passengers can choose between two types of trips — wet or dry. Guests in open-topped jet boats are guaranteed to return to the dock soaking wet, doused with gallons of water while their boat pilot powers them through the rapids at high speed and expertly spins them through the chop in a complete 360-degree turn. Passengers in the covered Jet Dome get the same thrill ride, minus the splash, and return as dry as they were at the outset.
“This early in the season the temperature of the Niagara River can be pretty cool, so passengers who prefer to stay warm and dry generally opt to ride in our covered boat,” Kinney said. “Either way, wet or dry, they’ll come back to the dock with a one-of-a-kind experience and a new appreciation for the beauty and power of the river.”
Tours last approximately one hour. Along the way, tour leaders on the boats also give passengers highlights about the river’s geology and fascinating history.
In addition to individual bookings, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offers special rates for corporate groups, family groups and residents of Niagara. More information about tour packages, rates and reservations can be found at www.whirlpooljet.com.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours:
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours has been giving passengers a taste of adventure on the white water of the Niagara River since 1992. Passengers experience a thrilling and educational one-hour guided tour, where they can take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Niagara Gorge, feel the rush of the Class 5 Devil’s Hole rapids and marvel at the power of the Niagara Whirlpool. Headquartered in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the tour company’s fleet of custom-built jet boats depart from three locations: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Ont. (shuttle bus from Niagara Glen Nature Centre check-in to Queenston dock) and Lewiston, N.Y.
For more information, go to www.whirlpooljet.com.
