Moab is famous for its jaw-dropping red rock scenery and outdoor adventures, but did you know it also offers some fantastic boat tours and cruises? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening with a cowboy-style dinner or an adrenaline rush on a jet boat, Moab’s river experiences bring a new perspective to this stunning landscape. We’re especially fans of the Colorado River Dinner Cruise with its enchanting sound and light show, which combines cultural storytelling with a laid-back boat ride—making it a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. The New Zealand-style jet boat also stands out for its thrilling spins and expert-guided fun, delivering excitement plus impressive views.
If you’re seeking a calmer, more intimate experience, the Inflatable Boat Calm Water Cruise in Canyonlands offers a peaceful half-day floating through Meander Canyon with small groups. For those who want a snapshot of the region’s natural beauty in a shorter time, the Scenic Jet Boat Ride provides a relaxed yet informative journey through Moab’s canyon country. Whichever option you choose, these boat tours give you a fresh way to see Moab’s iconic red rock scenery and learn about its geology, wildlife, and history.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights four top boat tours in Moab, each catering to different interests and activity levels. For a relaxed, cultural experience, check out the Colorado River Dinner Cruise with its sound and light show (link). Adventure seekers will love the New Zealand-style jet boat (link) for its high-speed spins. For a peaceful, scenic river float, the Calm Water Inflatable Cruise (link) offers a longer, small-group experience. Lastly, the Scenic Jet Boat Ride (link) provides a quick, scenic tour through the canyon country with a focus on natural wonders.
1. Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show
This 3-hour evening cruise offers a taste of the Old West with a cowboy-style Dutch dinner and a mesmerizing sound and light show. The boat glides along a peaceful stretch of the Colorado River, where a projection on the canyon wall narrates the story of the canyon’s formation, brought to life through lights, shadows, and music. It’s a great way to combine culture, history, and nature in one relaxing evening.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of entertainment and storytelling. The show vividly depicts the geological and cultural history of Moab while you enjoy your hearty cowboy-style meal. Rated 4.5/5 from over 1,300 reviews, many visitors appreciate how the storytelling transforms the rock faces into a living history. It’s perfect if you want a laid-back, immersive experience that’s suitable for families and those wanting to enjoy the sunset in comfort.
Bottom line: This cruise offers a unique blend of cultural storytelling, scenic views, and a hearty meal for a memorable evening on the river.
2. Moab: 2-Hour New Zealand style Adventure Jet Boat Tour
For around $115 per person, this thrilling 2-hour adventure takes you on a high-speed ride with a New Zealand-style jet boat. Known for sharp spins and splashy fun, this tour combines adrenaline with spectacular views of towering cliffs, red rock formations, and hidden canyons. It’s perfect for families (ages 4+) and adventurous travelers who don’t mind getting wet.
Led by experienced guides, the ride offers more than just excitement: guides share insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and history. The smaller boats used here navigate shallow waters and tight turns, providing a more intimate experience. Reviewers rave about the “exhilarating spins” and the knowledgeable guides who make the trip informative as well as fun. It’s a great choice if you’re after an active, fun-filled experience that packs a punch.
Bottom line: This jet boat tour hits the sweet spot of adventure and education, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers who want to see Moab’s scenery in a high-energy way.
3. Moab: Calm Water Cruise in Inflatable Boat on Colorado River
This 5.5-hour tour offers a peaceful journey through Meander Canyon and the Canyonlands National Park in a small inflatable boat. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenery-focused experience. The tour features a calm float along the river’s Gooseneck section, where the scenery is stunning and the atmosphere tranquil.
Rated 4.7/5 from over 50 reviews, guests praise the small group size which enhances the intimacy and allows for personalized attention. The float includes plenty of opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and simply soaking in the breathtaking rock formations. The tour is ideal for those wanting to avoid strenuous activities but still get an insider view of the canyon’s beauty.
Best suited for travelers who enjoy leisurely time on the water and want to learn about the landscape without feeling rushed. Note that this longer tour is more expensive at $154 per person but offers a more relaxed pace and deeper immersion.
Bottom line: If you prefer calm waters and small group intimacy, this cruise is a top pick for a restful yet visually stunning river experience.
4. Moab: 2-Hour Scenic Jet Boat Ride on the Colorado River
This 2-hour scenic ride provides a relaxed way to see Moab’s canyon country from the river. It’s perfect if you want a leisurely, natural scenic experience without the adrenaline of sharp spins. The tour guides share engaging stories about the region’s geology, natural wonders, and history, making it both educational and soothing.
Rated 5/5 from a small number of reviews, this tour is appreciated for its comfortable pace and excellent photo opportunities of the towering red rocks and hidden canyons. Wildlife sightings along the riverbanks add a touch of wilderness magic to the experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want to take in the scenery without a lot of physical exertion.
Bottom line: This is a great choice for those seeking a relaxed, scenic exploration of Moab’s canyon country with knowledgeable guides and chances to capture memorable photos.
How to Choose the Right Moab Boat Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, time, and activity level. If you want a combination of storytelling and dinner, the Colorado River Dinner Cruise is unbeatable for a relaxed evening. For adrenaline lovers, the New Zealand-style jet boat offers a high-energy ride and spectacular views. Those seeking serenity should consider the Calm Water Cruise for a longer, peaceful float in smaller groups. Lastly, the Scenic Jet Boat Ride is perfect if you want a shorter, scenic overview with plenty of photo opportunities.
For the best experience, book early—especially during peak seasons—and consider your comfort with water activities and your interest in adventure versus relaxation.
Final Thoughts
Moab’s boat tours offer a fantastic way to see the region from a different angle. If you’re after a memorable night with storytelling and a tasty dinner, the Colorado River Dinner Cruise stands out. Adventure travelers will love the New Zealand-style jet boat for its thrilling spins and expert guiding. For those who prefer a gentle float, the Calm Water Cruise provides serenity and spectacular scenery, while the Scenic Jet Boat Ride suits travelers looking for a quick, scenic escape.
No matter which tour you choose, these experiences promise a deeper appreciation of Moab’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Be sure to plan ahead and secure your spot early, especially during busy months. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and get ready for your river adventure in Moab.