A new business has opened in DeBeque to offer jet boat tours on the Colorado River.

Jet Boat Colorado will offer what are billed as adventure and scenic tours daily through mid-September.

“We’re excited about offering something new to the Grand Valley and new to residents of Colorado,” said Joe Keys, owner of Jet Boat Colorado.

“This is the first river boat experience of its kind in Colorado. We are hoping to give people who enjoy water recreation a new type of adventure here on the Western Slope,” Keys added.

Jet Boat Colorado will offer tours aboard the Wild Mustang, a 20-foot-long boat with theater-style seating for up to 11 people. The Wild Mustang is built for high speeds and maneuverability. The boat is equipped with a 6.2-liter, fuel-injected engine that produces 420 horsepower. Instead of a traditional exposed propeller, the boat features a jet unit that draws in water, accelerates it and forces it through a nozzle at the stern. This technology enables the boat to run in water only 4 inches deep and travel through places propeller-driven boats can’t go. Because the boat has no external propeller, it’s also safer and friendlier to fish, wildlife and humans.

Jet Board Colorado offers an adventure tour that offers a high-speed experience described as a combination of boating, race car driving and rodeo. An expert driver demonstrates power sliders, fishtails, speed runs and a maneuver dubbed the “cowboy spin.” Passengers also enjoy scenic views and a few stories. Adventure tours are offered five times daily.

The scenic tour offers a slower-paced — and drier — ride. Passengers enjoy comfortable seating with abundant photo opportunities of mountain vistas and a variety of wildlife. Passengers see stunning views of the Bookcliffs, Battlement Mesa and Grand Mesa while learning about the human and natural history of Western Colorado and lore of the Colorado River. Scenic tours depart at 5 p.m. daily. The Wild Mustang also can be chartered by the hour for special events.

For more information about Jet Boat Colorado, call 644-1121 or visit the Web site located at www.jetboatcolorado.com.