Talkeetna jet boat tours since 1975 — founder Steve Mahay was first to run Devil's Canyon; son Israel now runs the six-boat narrated-tour fleet.
8
max guests
1
target species
3
trip options
4.7
484 reviews
Steve Mahay founded Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures in 1975 after five years homesteading off-grid and living off the land, starting with a single 16-foot Jon boat, a 20-horse outboard, and a "guide for hire" sign. He was the first person to successfully run Devil's Canyon in a jet boat, and the first and only person to navigate Talkeetna Canyon.
His eldest son Israel Mahay took over in 2019 and now runs a fleet of six custom-built inboard jet boats with a seasonal staff of 20 to 25, offering four fully narrated river tours out of Talkeetna, where three rivers meet, reaching roughly 200 miles of remote wilderness. Tours include a short nature walk to a Dena'ina encampment and an authentic trapper's cabin; the company marked 50 years in 2025.
Background as described by the operator on their own website.
Lead Captain
Capt. Israel Mahay
Vessel
Talkeetna Queen (47ft)
Max Capacity
8 guests
Established
1975 · 51+ years serving Alaska
Credentials — as listed by the operator
jet boat fishing drop-off
guided river tour
multi-hour excursion
$99–$149/person jet boat tour (2 hrs); guided fishing combo from $225/person
Book This Charter
Book Online (907) 733-2223 Visit Website mahays@mahaysjetboat.comEstimated price
$99–$149/person
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talkeetna, Alaska
talkeetna, Alaska
talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna guide service running private day trips, overnight fish-and-float raft trips, and fly-outs on Susitna Valley streams.