San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

Board the Patriot jet boat for a 30 minute thrill ride in San Diego. The speedboat heads out on the water and the ride is full of thrills from start to finish.

Overview

The Patriot is an open-air jet boat that spends a fast, loud half hour carving turns across San Diego Bay, past the USS Midway, the ships of the Maritime Museum including the Star of India, North Island Naval Air Station, the downtown skyline, and under the Coronado Bridge. The driver performs 360-degree spins at speeds the operator lists as upwards of 50 miles per hour, with rock music playing over the speakers. Passengers sit in the open air, so wind and bay spray are part of the deal, and ponchos are handed out because the listing warns that riders may get wet.

This is a sightseeing route with a stunt show attached rather than a random joy ride. The operator notes that no two trips are the same, but the waterfront landmarks above are the fixed cast. Reviewers regularly single out the crew's handling and the music, with several saying they felt secure the whole time despite the sharp maneuvers. One traveller who normally gets motion sickness reported being fine on board, though the listing still advises anyone prone to it to plan ahead.

It suits families with older children, adrenaline seekers, and anyone who wants a short, high-energy ride on the bay. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, minors need an adult with them, and anyone with heart, neck, or back problems, high blood pressure, recent surgery, or a pregnancy is asked not to ride.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Flagship boothArrive at 990 North Harbor Drive and check in at the Flagship ticket booth before departure. Bring a passport or ID card.
2. Board the jet boatClimb aboard the open-air Patriot. All guests must be able to get in and out of the boat on their own or with help from someone in their party.
3. Sights on the bayThe listing names the USS Midway aircraft carrier, the Star of India and the ships of the Maritime Museum, North Island Naval Air Station, the Coronado Bridge, and the downtown skyline as the waterfront sights the boat passes.
4. Spins and speedAlong the way the driver carves 360-degree turns at speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour, with rock music playing over the speakers.
5. Ride endsThe full ride lasts 30 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make this ride smoother, especially around getting wet and who can board.

• Expect to get soaked. The listing says you may get wet, and reviewers describe getting very wet, particularly in the sharp turns. One reviewer asked to sit where the spray was heaviest and got exactly that.
• Height and age limits. Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall, and minors must ride with an adult. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. This makes it a better fit for families with taller kids than with small children.
• Motion sickness. The listing advises anyone prone to seasickness to consider medication in advance. One reviewer who normally suffers motion sickness said they were fine on this boat, but the spins and speed are real, so plan accordingly.
• Music and vibe. Rock music plays over the speakers throughout, and several reviewers mention the music adding to the experience, with one describing a well chosen playlist. If a loud, party-style atmosphere is not appealing, this ride may not be the right pick.
• Secure your things. The tour is not responsible for lost items, so zip up pockets and leave anything fragile or valuable ashore. Bring a passport or ID card for check in.
• Health restrictions. Only guests in good health should ride. The listing asks anyone who is pregnant or has high blood pressure, heart, neck, or back problems, recent surgery, or a condition that speed and boat forces could aggravate to skip it.

Common issues. The ride is short at 30 minutes, and one reviewer wished it lasted longer for the price. Some travellers mention that clearer expectations about how wet different seats get would help, so the soaking can catch people off guard. There is no hotel pickup; everyone checks in at the Flagship booth on North Harbor Drive. The health and height restrictions also exclude some visitors, including pregnant guests and children under 48 inches.

Common Questions