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Meet the Captain – Columbia River Boat Captain Wenatchee
Meet the Captain
Welcome aboard! I’m Captain Wiley, your experienced Columbia River Boat Captain in Wenatchee, and I can’t wait to show you the heart of Central Washington from the water. With decades of experience across the country in boating, fishing, parasailing, and watersports, I’ve created Wiley’s Boat Rides to offer unforgettable journeys on one of America’s greatest rivers—the mighty Columbia.
Together with my wife Debbie, our son Daxton, and our adventurous pup Scout, we call Wenatchee home. Every trip we take with guests like you is a chance to share the beauty, excitement, and serenity of this incredible place. Whether you’re joining us for a thrilling adventure or a peaceful cruise, you’ll be in good hands with a certified Columbia River Boat Captain in Wenatchee who’s seen it all.
A Lifetime on the Water
From deckhand to captain, my waterborne journey has taken me across coastlines, lakes, and bays in all corners of the U.S. Here’s a quick look at my background
Lake Michigan (2002–2007)
Offshore charter fishing where I advanced from deckhand to licensed captain, mastering vessels between 24’–36’ and gaining deep-sea navigation skills.
Key West, FL (2013–2015)
Guided snorkeling, fishing, and backcountry trips aboard vessels up to 80’. Learned to navigate unpredictable tides and remote waters.
Lake Chelan & Tacoma (2014–2018)
Operated parasail boats and charter boats solo, including business ownership and operational consulting.
Grand Traverse Bay & Outer Banks (2008–2014, 2019)
Parasail Captain and Operations Manager, guiding 28’–31’ boats and managing entire sites.
Sailing the Bahamas (2012–2013)
Navigated a 37’ offshore sailboat with a rigid hull inflatable from North Carolina through the Bermuda Triangle to Georgetown, Bahamas.
Each of these roles helped shape me into the dedicated Columbia River Boat Captain in Wenatchee I am today.
From Dream to Reality
The concept for Wiley’s Boat Rides was born in 2016, and by 2021, it became a full-fledged reality. In 2023, I personally customized our signature vessel to elevate both comfort and excitement—offering one of the finest Columbia River Boat Captain Wenatchee experiences available.
Wiley’s Boat Rides isn’t just a tour—it’s the culmination of decades of hands-on experience, national certifications, and a genuine love for watersports. Every spin, drift, and story shared aboard reflects that passion.Â

A Ride With Purpose and Personality
Each trip with Wiley is more than just a boat ride — it’s an immersive experience. From safety briefings to splashy turns, Captain Wiley strikes a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. As your dedicated Columbia River Boat Captain in Wenatchee, he’s also known for
- Customizing each ride based on guest preferences and river conditions
- Providing family-friendly and photo-worthy experiences
- Sharing fun local facts and pointing out hidden gems along the route
Planning something special? From Wenatchee proposals to corporate outings, Captain Wiley can help you personalize your experience.



Certified and Ready to Ride
When you ride with Wiley’s, you’re not just along for the views—you’re with a captain whose credentials meet the highest federal standards:
- Merchant Mariner Credential: Required for all fare-paying passenger vessels
- USCG License: Backed by documented sea time and maritime coursework
- Medical, First Aid & CPR Certified
- Compliance with federal drug and background checks
With over 20 years of experience and the seal of federal certification, you can trust every ride with your Columbia River Boat Captain in Wenatchee to be safe, thrilling, and expertly navigated.
Plan Your Ride with Wiley
Whether you’re booking a Jet Boat Ride Wenatchee or relaxing on a Columbia River Boat Tour Wenatchee, you’ll benefit from my years on the water and dedication to your fun and safety.
Curious about the river? Learn more on Wikipedia’s Columbia River page or check the Wenatchee Weather Forecast before your ride.
Book Now to experience the Columbia River with an expert Columbia River Boat Captain in Wenatchee.
What Our Riders Say
Rachel Cox2025-06-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fun for the whole family! We were visiting family in Wenatchee, and were looking for something different to do for a family adventure. I brought both of my boys (6 and 9), and my mother in law- and we had a blast! We also all learned something new about Wenatchee! The river is beautiful. Can’t recommend enough. Have fun! Gwendolyn Voss2025-06-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Relaxing and thrilling boat ride all in one! Beautiful experience, great customer service, worth the money! Lori Bostain2025-05-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had so much fun riding with Wiley! It was just the right mix of sightseeing & excitement. The river is beautiful & Wiley is very knowledgeable about the area. To top it off, he sends great photos & video of the ride. I highly recommend! Santosh Peddi2025-05-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A unique experience in Wenatchee! Was thrilling, and Wiley was a great tour guide! The breeze felt very nice on a hot Wenatchee day. Recommend you put your sunglasses on for the ride leeanna galloway2025-05-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my sister and I second boat ride and we loved it . It was so much fun . I love how informative he was on different things near the water like the dam. We will definitely come back . Thank you again. Allan Husnick2025-04-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow Wow Wow! So much fun! Wiley is an awesome Captain and really knows his stuff! From the Take Off just hold tight, (he let's you know) that jetboat is 🔥 boy! What a great memory seeing the Rocky Reach Dam from the Columbia! Wiley points out a bunch of cool features and please do yourself a favor, take the 15 mile ride. The 💣!!! Before debark Wiley takes you to the Confluence of the Wenatchee and the Columbia, it shouldn't be missed. Can't say enough, go see for yourself! Marci Viada2024-10-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great weather for an autumn boat ride. The captain was a pleasure, offered a fun ride, and local tips. Sarah T2024-08-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a great experience! My family and I had so much fun! Wiley was very nice, and you could tell he really enjoyed his job. Worth the money! Highly recommend! Schaelyn Smith2024-08-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Wiley even though the weather wasn’t quite in our favour. He was enthusiastic and had lots of information to share about the area. Wiley, was excellent. Highly recommend adding this stop to your vacation itinerary!
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Our Gallery
Moments from the River
From scenic landscapes to on-the-water action shots, every ride includes a digital photo and video package. Explore the adventure in our visual gallery.