FAQS
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General FAQS
Where do your rides depart from?
We depart and return to Circular Quay Eastern Pontoon which is located halfway between Ferry Wharf 2 and the Opera House. Our stand is near the Dendy movie theatre or a short stroll from Opera Bar.
What if I am running late?
Please arrive on time! Thunder Jet Boat requires all passengers to arrive 30 minutes prior to their departure time. During this time you will check-in, sign our Assumption of Risk form, get dressed in ponchos and life jackets and listen to the safety briefing.
We do run on a timed schedule and it isn’t fair for other passengers to wait past their ride time as they may have other activities planned. If you are running late we may have to accommodate you on a later ride. Please call us if you are delayed on your journey.
What do I wear?
There are no restrictions on clothing or footwear however we advise you to wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting a bit wet! Footwear must be worn – thongs and sandals are fine.
Will I get wet?
Yes…BUT we do provide splashproof ponchos. Every ride is different according to the driver and harbour conditions on the day which could be a mild spray to very wet. We do provide complimentary lockers at the wharf if you would like to bring a change of clothes and there are public bathrooms a short stroll away near Circular Quay Train Station.
Is there a minimum age to ride Thunder Jet or any other restrictions?
The only restriction is that all children must be over 120cm. There are no age restrictions however we suggest a minimum of 5 years. All passengers need to be able to reach the handrails and hold on firmly. Passengers under the age of 18 must have an adult 18+ sign the Assumption of Risk form on their behalf.
Is there a weight limit?
Each passenger must wear a lifejacket onboard. Our life jackets can hold up to 150kg. We also have seat belt extenders if required that are handed out discreetly.
How many people can fit on the jet boat?
We have three jet boats that hold up to 23 passengers. We can take up to 69 people at one time!
How long do the rides go for? Do I need to be there earlier than my departure time?
Our Thunder Thrill Ride is a 30 minute experience and Extreme Adrenaline Rush Ride is a 45 minute experience. The ride time does not include the safety briefing or preparation time to dress in ponchos and life jackets – this is on top of your ride time – so please ensure to check-in at the wharf 30 minutes before your departure time to allow time for this.
Of course, if you book the jet boat out for a private ride, it can be chartered for however long (or short) you wish!
Do you operate in wet weather?
We are an all-weather activity. We still operate in wet weather and only postpone or cancel a ride if the conditions on the harbour become dangerous, which generally only happens a couple of times a year.
Can my kids go on the ride without me?
We generally allow a 13 year old or older onboard without an adult present. However, any passenger below the age of 18 years needs their Assumption of Risk form completed and signed by an adult 18+ on their behalf. You can download the form here.
Am I allowed to eat, drink or smoke on the jet boat?
Unfortunately not. We do not allow any food or drinks onboard, and most definitely no smoking. You will need to hold onto the hand rails with both hands during spins.
Can I book the jet boat out for a private ride for my group?
Of course! Please contact us for special group rates. We can be more flexible with the departure times for private rides so please let us know how many are in your group, the date of your ride and your preferred time and we will do our best to accommodate your group. We can have up to 67 people on our 3 jet boats depart at once. We can also accommodate a larger group by having rides departing one after the other. This is also a more cost-effective option.
Please give us a call on 02 9566 1066 or email us at info@thunderjetboat.com.au
What if I wish to book the jet boat on a time not found on the booking system?
If a specific time is not available, give us a call and we will do our best to work something out for you.
Can I bring a camera or my phone onboard to take photos?
As you will need to hold onto the handrails with both hands during spins, unless you have a head or chest mounted Go Pro, you cannot take cameras onboard as this could be a risk to yourself or others. Thunder Jet will not be responsible for the safety of your camera, phone or personal goods.
We do have a high-tech eye-fly camera mounted to the front of the jet boat which records the highlights of your ride, capturing all the spins and stunts. The footage is available to purchase after your ride. Photos of your group in front of the Harbour Bridge and on the jet boat are also available.
Are jet boat rides safe?
Absolutely! The Thunder Jet Boats and staff have over 16 years of experience operating marine businesses on Sydney Harbour. We have an 100% safety record! These particular jet boats are designed and built in Australia with safety as the number one priority. All riders are equipped with a life jacket before boarding (we have never had to use them) and everyone is strapped in with a seat belt once onboard.
Our crew and management staff conduct daily safety checks on the vessels to ensure we maintain our high safety standards. We operate under strict controls via the NSW Maritime. If you have any particular concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Can you send me the Assumption of Risk form before the ride?
You can download our Assumption of Risk form right here.
Please note we require one per person and for those under 18 years we need them completed and signed by a responsible adult 18+ on their behalf. They can be filled out in advance and brought to the wharf on the day of your ride.
We do recommend an adult go on the ride with passengers 12 years and under or with a large group of kids.
Are bookings essential?
No – you are more than welcome to come along on the day and hop on the next ride if there are spaces available. We do recommend booking for weekends, special event days and school holidays as we get very busy. However, bookings are ESSENTIAL for the Extreme Adrenaline Rush ride as it departs once daily at 12:30 pm.
For vouchers and gift cards, booking beforehand is essential. You may redeem your vouchers through our website or by contacting our reservations department.
How can I book my deal voucher?
To redeem your deal voucher, Groupon, or another deal site please follow the steps below:
• Select the relevant quantity of your voucher.
• Select the preferred date and time.
• Click BOOK NOW.
• Enter personal details for booking. Click ‘Add Promo Code/Voucher’ and enter your voucher code.
If you are struggling to redeem your deal voucher, please contact our office by calling (02) 9566 1066 or email info@thunderjetboats.com.au. It is recommended that all voucher bookings be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Same day bookings are not accepted therefore bookings should be made no later than 10-12 hours before a scheduled ride.
What are your operating hours?
Our rides are currently running every day. Start and finish times may vary depending on the season (i.e. school holidays, peak seasons, etc).
Our office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. We do our best to answer all calls on the weekends but if you can’t get through please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
What is the closest parking to your departure point?
The Sydney Opera House Car Park is the closest parking station.
What is your cancellation policy?
For a full refund you must provide at least 7 days notice. No refunds will be approved with less than 24 hours notice of cancellation however in some circumstances we may allow you to reschedule.
Please make sure to give us a call if you cannot make your ride. If you do not show up to your booking and do not let us know you are not coming and we have saved the seats for you, you will not be able to reschedule.
For more information on our cancellation policy, please refer to our terms & conditions.
What is the difference between the Thunder Thrill and Extreme Adrenaline Rush ride?
Apart from the ride time of the Extreme Adrenaline Rush ride going for 15 minutes longer than the 30 minute Thunder Thrill, this ride also takes you to the extremes of Sydney Harbour where you get to experience the ocean swells! The Extreme Adrenaline Rush also allows you to take in more of the sights that you wouldn’t see on the Thunder Thrill.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
Yes, there are many restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby! Searock & Grill is a popular choice. There is also Gateway Plaza has a food court which has plenty of dining options.
Is there anywhere to get changed after the ride?
There are public bathrooms a short stroll away near Circular Quay Train Station. We provide complimentary lockers at the wharf for you to store your personal belongings during the ride.
Do I need to bring anything?
Optional things to bring include sunglasses, change of clothes, GoPro with head or body mount (no loose items allowed on-board), cash/card for the purchase of photos, videos, or souvenirs.
We provide full length, one size fits all, splashproof ponchos, life jackets, sun cream, and complimentary lockers.
How long are Gift Certificates valid for?
All Thunder Jet Gift Certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase. Once expired the vouchers won’t be accepted. If you need to extend your voucher please contact us within the validity date. We can provide a 3-month extension for $25 per voucher.