Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours open for business on the Niagara River

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. – May 12 – Now that the polar vortex is ancient history, Ontarians and western New Yorkers can come out of hibernation to see another swirling natural phenomenon – the Niagara River whirlpool, as the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours have officially launched their 2014 season tomorrow.

The Whirlpool Jet Boats offer the up-close view of the world-famous whirlpool, just the kind of adventure to cure the cabin fever that kept families cooped up indoors for weeks and weeks as winter dragged on and on.

"With three locations in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, and Lewiston, New York with more than 20 years operating history, the Jet Boats continue to be one of North America’s most popular attractions by offering an unrivalled view of the Niagara Gorge," said John Kinney, Owner and President of the Whirlpool Jet Boats.

"It's a heart-racing ride through the river’s rapids that will make all that snow shovelling a distant memory."

Passengers board one of the Whirlpool Jet Boats vessels in one of the three historic locations. They take a one-hour educational, guided tour up the river, soaking in the scenery of the rugged Niagara Gorge and passing by two hydroelectric generating stations.

"The rush of the Class 5 Devil’s Hole rapids lets you feel the full power of the Niagara River," added Kinney.

The Jet Boats provide two types of experience – wet or dry. The company’s eight-vessel fleet has seven open-decked Wet Jet boats that allow the power of the Niagara River to rush up and greet passengers and one Jet Dome boat which follows the same route, except an enclosed fiberglass canopy with pneumatic doors to keep guests dry. The boats are great for all ages, with the Jet Dome requiring a minimum height of 40 inches (the average height of a four year old) and the Wet Jets requiring 44 inches (the average height of a six year old). The boats hold between 48 and 54 passengers and use twin-engine jets and 1,500 horsepower to counteract the power of the mighty Niagara.

Whirlpool Jet Boats are located within a two-hour picturesque drive of Toronto, Ont. and neighbouring Greater Toronto Area communities. Western New York cities such as Buffalo are only 35 minutes away while Rochester is only an hour. Tickets are available online or through mobile phones, with multiple trips running daily until late October.

For more information, visit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours – www.whirlpooljet.com