Shearwater Adventure Jet Boat Experience In Victoria Falls

Fantastic guide (Gift). Even though there were just 2 of us, we were treated like royalty. The trip was informative and exhilarating. You go right up to the bottom of the falls. The distance traveled was less than I expected but still totally rewarding. Be prepared for jolts as you bump down the rapids and be for jelly legs from the steep descent and ascent. This was the highlight of our Vic falls stay

This was a once in a life time experience. There was an initial health issue but they listened and accommodated well. An incredible view and was safe despite the thrill of the rapids. Thank you to Brian, Agrippa, Gift and Justine.

Dangerous. The safety briefing was given after the first rapids The walk down is dangerous I had to get off half way through As my back got damaged on the rapids as they did not explain how to sit to absorb pressure They also take u up to the mouth of melting pot All in all not safe. You then have to scale back up injured as no other way out Would not recommend at all

Experiencing Victoria Falls from below should not be missed! The jet boat beats the Helicopter ride and the Zimbabwe walking path hands down. Our guides, Captain Gift and Justin, provided an exhilarating and safe experience that we really appreciated. Be forewarned that the climb down to the jet boat launch is steep and challenging for older or less individuals…there will be soreness afterwards. Gift and Justin personally assisted my wife on the way back up . She says she couldn’t have done it without them. They are the best! Don’t let this stop you, this was one of our top experiences in Zimbabwe rivaling Devil’s Pool.

Excellent experience. After doing the walk, and the helicopter we did the jet boat. You go under the falls for an unforgettable experience. Be aware that there is 350+ steps there and back which is very steep.

There was no experience. I checked availability, booked and paid for the trip only to get an e-mail 30 min later to say they are not running the jet boat as the water level is to high. This was the day before the booked ride. I'm now trying to get a refund but nothing yet 3 days later.

This was an absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. From the moment we were picked up, the incredible staff kept us laughing the entire time and made us feel so welcome. The hike down the gorge was an experience on its own, with breathtaking views at every turn. The jet boat was exhilarating, and the views and spray near the falls were simply unbelievable. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Victoria Falls you won’t regret it. Thank you, Shearwater, for an unforgettable experience!

A truly exhilarating experience- not only bouncing off the rapids but also parking underneath the spray of the waterfall and getting happily drenched. The scenic hike down into the gorge added some effort before the above payoff.... and we also got to walk down via the curved bridge walkway as an unexpected bonus. Visiting this area is very expensive - but this particular outing was worth every dollar I highly recommend this if you are fairly fit to climb the steep gorge down and up

Wow what a rush !! From the hike down the gorge to the skill-full driving of the captain who kept us safe whilst still keeping the heart racing was amazing ! Showering under the falls was a once in a lifetime experience never to be forgotten ! Thank you Shearwater for the great memories !

Awesome experience! Hike down is no joke, kinda dangerous and very strenuous. Not recommended if you aren't in shape and have good balance. The ride was amazing, the views at the bottom of the falls are amazing, drove over 4-5 rapids as well, very fun for younger folks. Total ride time is maybe 40 minutes.

An unforgettable experience! The Shearwater team were so friendly, organized, and made everything run smoothly from hotel pickup to drop-off. The hike down and back up the gorge was an adventure in itself, with stunning views all around. The jet boat ride was absolutely thrilling and honestly so impressive how it’s designed to power through the rapids and twist around with such control. An incredible mix of adrenaline and scenery. This excursion is highly recommended!

Overall, one of the best Vic Falls experiences available! This was my 3rd visit to Victoria Falls: 4/2005 during high water season; late 9/2017 during dry season when I experienced Devil's Pool (only from the Zambia side) and helicopter ride; ziplined just prior to the jet boat experience. The Shearwater Jet Boat adventure is a new activity since my last trip in 2017, having started in 2018. We heard about it from an elderly couple in Cape Town who were very enthusiastic about this experience. The husband has monocular vision, but they both assured us that the guides were very patient and would give lots of support, especially since I am visually disabled. Indeed, this was the case. The pre-descent safety talk laid down good ground rules which were re-enforced throughout the entire excursion. I never felt unsafe, which was a very important factor in this undertaking with my nephew (see previous Hudson M review). Their brief but adequate history talk was well-suited to the activity. We got a taste, short of a mouthful, of a typically drenching experience of rapids on the Zambezi River! However, what cinches this awesome activity are the views from the bottom of the falls. Some of my pictures, from a plastic-encased cellphone, look like gorgeous paintings! It also satisfied the desire for some adventurous activity at Vic Falls for my nephew and friends. We all loved it and highly recommend it to any visitor provided they can, however slowly, maneuver approximately 350 uneven and steep steps down and back up! Absolutely worth the effort(s)!

The hike down wasn't easy, but my group made it down with not too much trouble. Our friend with not the best knees made it down (and up). My aunt who is fit (but 68) and visually impaired also made it down. The guides were extremely helpful. If you are honest about when you need help and take it slow pretty much anyone can do jt. (with some soreness the next day) The views were tremendous. I personally much preferred the views from the boat than in the national park. The info tour bits were short, but informative. The rapids were freaking awesome. At the end the whole boat was shouting "one more time!!!"

Great experience to see the Waterfallls from below with the rainbows. Thrilling to go up the rapids and down in a small motion giving you a big splash

This activity is an absolute "must do" for anyone visiting Vic Falls. Half our group wanted to go rafting and half didn't so we made the compromise and chose the Jet Boat experience instead. We were not disappointed and actually totally blown away! We were so emotional down in the gorge with the spray of the falls on our faces - really it is an absolutely exceptional experience.

The only true way to see the falls. The jet boat was really fantastic and exhilarating and sitting directly under the falls is a once in a lifetime experience. Definitely one for the bucket list. Hike up and down the gorge is quite hectic but well worth it.

You will be soaked in the absolute best way. There is no view of the falls quite like this. It's a perfect blending of awe inspiring and thrill ride. The hike getting there is a little intense, but if you go slow it's not bad.

Getting up close and personal with the Victoria Falls and experiencing the rapids in a jet boat was exhilarating. The Shearwater team made the experience all the more enjoyable. This was a really exciting experience for my family.

Good fun and good to see the bottom of the falls and all the power of the water. Recommend this as a toue

Fantastic. Exhilarating. Pre safety talk was valuable. Guide on the boat was very helpful. They warned us of the 350 steps to get to the boat. This was a challenge. And steep. And a little scary if your tummy churns at heights. They did have a guide to walk back up with us.

The views are absolutely stunning down in the gorge and the ride is certainly an experience, but the unprofessionalism and down right dangerous protocol or lack thereof from the crew is hard to turn a blind eye too. How someone was not seriously injured or hurt was somewhat of a miracle. The safety briefing was done by a guy who looked like he had just woken up from a night out on the town who hadnt slept yet and was an absolute joke. Then after that we made our way down into the gorge which includes a 90 degree staircase that is just crazy with four or five people climbing down it at the same time. If one of us slipped it would have been the absolute disaster. The guides seemed oblivious to the danger. Then you are down in the gorge which is lovely, but the area where the boat is docked was a complete an utter mess. The skipper had his shirt off and looked he too came from a night out.... I could go on, but wont. What a joke. Another example of the complete and utter disregard for professionalism and safety in Victoria falls. Absolute joke and at some point something terrible will happen.

Had a fun and wet adventure jet boating at Victoria Falls. This is not the same as jet boating in New Zealand, but still a fun and informative ride. Very friendly staff. You do have to trek down and then back up 365 steps (often steep) so be prepared for that. You also will get wet! Gorgeous setting - amazing seeing the falls from the river.

The jet boat tour is amazing. The view of the Falls from the bottom is exceptional - a truly once in a lifetime experience; you’ll remember it forever. The staff are brilliant; very helpful, informative and super-friendly. Now, both the warning, but if you can handle it, a dramatic, breathtaking (in every sense of the word) surprise; access is quite difficult - so you best be a bit fit. The metal steps are incredibly steep at parts, and the rock steps are dangerous in sections too - but what an experience having climbed in and out of that wonderful gorge. Fantastic experience!!

Awesome trip. But limited as to distance that can be traveled but fantastic vantage point to see the falls from below. Was also very cool hike to bottom of gorge. One of the guides Kent my wife shoes off his own feet because her flip flops were not great footwear for the trip up.

Getting there - yes, the steps down are steep but what you MUST know is that the metal stairs at some points is missing a bannister and at others, is totally twisted meaning you have to be super careful on what is already a nearly vertical descent to the river. There are around 300 steps, half of which are jagged rocks with very narrow and smooth (sometimes slippery) ledges. You must be sure-footed and athletic to manage these. Some 'steps' are nearly 2 feet in depth also. The climb down takes almost 30 mins and back up around 40 minutes. The Activity - there are 2 rapids about 500 metres apart. You go over these about 5 times with increasing levels of speed ensuring you are soaked. Most of the time on the boat is spent stationery to allow pictures of the Falls from the river. The captain then spins the boat a few times fie dramatic effect and that is it!! Really, this should be called a 'hike and boat tour' - the 'adventure' is more about the descent to the river than the actual boat! Beautiful view of the falls from the river but really not sure it's worth calling it a 'jet boat adventure ' taking into account you spent only 30 mins of the time in the actual boat and go over the same 2 rapids again and again.

We had a blast with the guys from Sheatwatwr and didn’t do much research prior. Like others said the hike up and back is treacherous but I never felt unsafe… I did feel out of shape! 😜 We were well cared for, had a knowledgeable crew and an exhilarating ride. You don’t go too far but it is incredible to see the falls from the water! The captain was terrific We got completely soaked which on a hot Sept day was fine. A few tips…. Don’t take any of your belongings. While they locked everything up for us on land you don’t need anything as it will get drenched. Or bring your own dry bag. Wear a bathing suit, did I mention you get drenched! We had water breaking over our heads. Fun afternoon!

The jet boat ride was fantastic, with views of the falls from the boiling pot you can’t see any other way. The water level determines what you can and can’t do so we were a bit restricted but went back and forth between rapids under the bridge and got absolutely soaked. The path down is very very steep and I was so grateful that our guide Brian helped me all the way down and back. I had a tremendous feeling of accomplishment that I did it.

This was definitely a highlight of my first trip to Vic Falls! The Shearwater Adventure Jet Boat exceeded all of my expectations and is something I will never forget! The views were absolutely incredible, the crew were entertaining and they were extremely supportive, they really did everything they could to make sure we were having the best time and ensuring our safety at all times. This is an activity I would recommend to anyone who is looking for an adventure at Vic Falls. I felt safe throughout this whole experience. The boat engine is incredibly strong and the boat driver is so skilled at what he does. Thanks team, we will definitely be back :)

Boat ride was great fun, we went right into the boiling pot at the conjunction of the Zimbabwe and Zambia falls, and the rapids were fun. The boat trip itself is about 40 minutes and as others have said the descent and ascent down the gorge is treacherous and not for the faint hearted.

Great fun and a must do. Viator messed up the booking time but these guys ensured we were picked up and were able to do the boat ride before another activity. Boat ride was a lot of fun. The guys running it are great and ensure you are well looked after. A great way to see the falls.

Extremely disappointed: this company did not bother to inform us that the activity was cancelled until the day before; which happened to be a day AFTER we could have cancelled with no penalty. as it stands, they charged us for a service they didnt intend to provide. Additionally, they chose to not reply to multiple messages via trip-advisor a week before the activity in which we were asking when/where to meet. very un-businesslike; very un-professional... recommend you look for more reliable services/tours..

Brilliant experience provided by Brian and Justin. Getting into the gorge provided some special and unique views. We visited when water was high so view of the falls limited due to huge spray but added to the fun of getting absolutely soaked ! A scoot up and down the first three rapids and viewing the boiling pot at close quarters truly special. Be prepared to get very wet but very well looked after.

The ride was fun and the staff excellent but the walk/hike down was challenging and scary at times . 365 steps down metal stairs with the last part climbing across rocks. You need to be fit to do it because you have to go up the same way ! I read a previous review that stated this and was very nervous but I was glad I did it.

Probably my single most enjoyable experience at Victoria Falls. The walk up and down the gorge is a little challenging but easily manageable someone of average fitness.

The HIKE down is terrifying! The route, although guided , is treacherous and not for the faint of heart. It is through 'shear will' that even the more active of people can carry themselves in and out of that gorge. The exhilarating experience enjoyed on the boat is quickly forgotten as you, in a weakend state already, have to pray yourself up to the safety of level ground - and for the next few days have to wince as you walk around on legs that feel as though you borrowed them from newly born gazelle. The experience among friends is memorable, but in the lone moments, while biting on your lip as you try to pull up your pants, how you wished it was made more clear just how labour intensive, extreme and Dangerous it would be to get there, Perhaps i would have passed!!!!!

The activity lasted exactly two hours from the time they picked us up from our lodge until they brought us back (Our lodge was about 10 minutes by car from the center). The guides and the whole team put in effort, they are punctual and make the activity pleasant and entertaining. They give you a kind of "wetsuit" shirt that you can wear over your swimsuit, they give you a life jacket and a helmet. I brought clothes to change into so I wouldn't be soaked on the way to the lodge. They have a changing room. Wear good shoes to be able to go up and down, the path is very steep and part of the adventure. Once on the boat they take photos and film you, all for 40 USD, material that I hope we will receive later via email since they still need to edit them, but they are already paid for in advance. It is very fun, of course you get very wet. The entire activity including the photos and park entrance cost us 167 USD per person, since you pay an additional 3% for paying with a card. A somewhat high treat considering that we must have been in the water for a maximum of 45” of which between photos and explanations we did three short real runs and two super showers under the waterfalls, which we did not see well because due to the wind direction the mist from the force of the water was dense. I am not uploading photos because as I said I hope and trust that they are going to send them to us 🤞 I would have liked to do at least four boat runs, which is what is truly fun, and fewer explanations and photo sessions.

The booked jetboat tour was not conducted due to the high water level. However, this risk or the current conditions were not visible on the website. We were promised a refund, but despite multiple reminders and after several weeks, neither the money was refunded nor were messages responded to. I cannot recommend this provider. There apparently exists the risk that in the case of a non-fulfilled service, one does not get their money back.