Jet Express {Review}

Jet Express {Review}

On our last adventure to Sandusky, we also decided to visit Put-in-Bay, which is on one of the islands in Lake Erie. There’s no bridge to get there; it’s either by plane or by boat! We were given tickets to ride the Jet Express from Sandusky to Put-in-Bay and it was a great experience!

The Jet Express is a series of four high-speed passenger-only catamarans that travel to Put-in-Bay village on South Bass Island and Kelleys Island. The Jet Express departs from downtown Port Clinton and Sandusky, Ohio, providing convenient, direct service to downtown Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.

The Jet Express provides a smooth, swift voyage to the islands. The journey from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay covers 12.5 miles and lasts 25 minutes. Departing from Sandusky, the trip covers 18.5 miles and lasts 45 minutes. Both routes place you in the heart of historic downtown Put-in-Bay. Service to Kelleys Island is available from the Sandusky dock. The Jet Express is the only ferry to offer late-night weekend service off Put-in-Bay; night owls can experience the Put-in-Bay night life and board the Jet Express through 12:15AM or later. Check the schedule for details.

The Jet Express guarantees you first-class service while onboard. Riding on Lake Erie’s only catamaran ferry, you will experience a sleek, stylish, and comfortable journey to your destination. In either our cushioned passenger lounges or our open-air decks, you can enjoy scenic views of Lake Erie and all 12 US islands, as well as several Canadian islands.

When you arrive, they have a public (and free) parking lot which opens right up against the dock. You can check out the schedules as well as purchase your tickets, depending on seat availability at the ticket window. They board the ferry about 5 minutes before your scheduled departure time, so make sure you’re on time!

We had just picked up our breakfast at a local place and thankfully, you can bring food and drink on board (no alcohol). We sat inside so we could finish our meal with the kids. There are a number of booths with tables around the outside against the windows, then individual seats in the center. The windows also slide open which makes the lake breeze wonderful when it’s hot!

Let me tell you, this baby moves! It was a pretty gentle ride, even as it seemed like we were flying through the water. No spilled drinks or bumps, and freedom to get up and move around in between stops. There is a restroom on the main floor as well as a storage area for strollers, bikes, coolers, etc.

We climbed the outside steps about half way through our trip to check out the top deck. What a beautiful way to cruise through Lake Erie! We saw all sorts of islands and other boats, all while enjoying the breeze and the sunshine. This was also a great opportunity to relax before the start of a busy day.

The staff were friendly and helpful, answering questions and offering assistance to anyone who looked like they might need help. Tickets are taken by hand and with a warm smile and greeting on all the legs of our trip.

On our way back from Put-in-Bay, the skies were getting cloudy so we decided to snag a few tables inside once again. I’m so glad we did because the heavens opened up and forced everyone to come downstairs in the rain and find seats. The only problem with this is there was no A/C on as far as we could tell. And because of the rain, we couldn’t leave the windows open without us and our stuff getting wet. At one point, we even had to slow to a crawl because the rain was so thick, the captain couldn’t see through it to make sure the path was clear.

But it wasn’t long and we were taking off again, heading back to the Sandusky dock where we had started our day.

The Jet Express is definitely the way to get to the different islands, and they also offer other adventures and special late night trips on Friday and Saturday nights during the peak season. Be sure to check out the online schedule as well as purchase your tickets in advance. You can also get up to date information through their Facebook and Twitter pages!

Disclaimer: I visited here as part of a media tour through Lake Erie Shores & Islands. Make sure you visit their webpage if you’re visiting for wonderful ideas and savings! Thank you Lake Erie Shores & Islands!