By Kirstin Albert, Communications Coordinator - Tampa Convention Center
The Bay Rocket, a new, adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride, launched at the marina outside the Tampa Convention Center, offering a new attraction for locals and tourists visiting Downtown Tampa. It began operation on November 18, 2022.
“It’s exciting to see Tampa’s growth and popularity. We continue our commitment to growing and diversifying our cruise offerings to ensure Tampa remains a top destination,” said Troy Manthey, President and CEO of Yacht StarShip. “Bay Rocket is one of the only five jet boat thrill rides in the United States, and we are confident residents and visitors will have a blast blasting off on the Bay aboard Bay Rocket.”
The Bay Rocket is a part of the Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises fleet, which also includes the Pirate Water Taxi. The company will offer cruises on the Bay Rocket on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and will expand to weekdays in the spring.
The 45–55-minute cruises will include spectacular views of the Tampa skyline and Tampa Bay, a whimsical narration, interactive games, and thrilling 180-degree spins, turns, and bow dips. Groups and private charters are welcome.
The boat is jet-driven, so it does not have props or rudders that could injure wildlife, and is environmentally friendly. It is strictly regulated and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard.
It will maintain low speed and minimum wake in slow speed areas, as required by law. It will only operate at high speeds in the Bay, far from shorelines and shallow areas.
For more information, visit BayRocketTampa.com or call (813) 223- 7999.