There’s a “world first” attraction in North Wales that features a full-scale replica of the Orca, the shark-hunting boat from Steven Spielberg’s classic 1975 film Jaws. Built over a period of two years, and filled with many scenes from the film, the ship is moored at Deganwy Marina on the Conwy coast.
Guided tours of the site are expected to attract jaw-dropping enthusiasts from around the world. There are rumors that Hollywood stars are interested and there are plans to invite the remaining members.
The film was Hollywood’s first proper blockbuster and Jon Fieldhouse, the boat’s creator, hopes his Orca will have a similar effect on tourism in North Wales. It now has the seal of approval from a leading collector of Jaws memorabilia.
The 59-year-old, who creates theme park props, is sure his attraction will attract the attention of the world. “People will want to see it,” Jon said. “They’ll fly in from America, Germany, South America – everywhere. This is the only one in the world and it’s not in the US or London, it’s here in North Wales.
“This will put Conwy on the world map – it will attract worldwide attention. Through the US intermediary I know there are big stars and directors who want to visit. I’ve been told Tom Cruise and Sir Tom Jones have already said they would like to come.”
Jon, who lives above the Conwy Valley, bought a vintage Grand Banks fishing boat in Brighton in 2024 and trucked it to Deganwy. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter delivered twice daily to your inbox
A lifelong Jaws enthusiast, he dreamed of achieving what many thought was impossible – to build an Orca portrait with the authentic feeling of sweat, fear and claustrophobia that defines the film.
The result isn’t a carbon copy – but it’s not far off. It took Jon two years to develop the same yellow flotation barrels used by the main characters in the film to track and tire the shark.
He brought in Narragansett beer cats that were brutally crushed by the hand of Capt Quint (Robert Shaw), a shark hunter motivated by the ghosts of the past. Where possible, the right types were used, such as the Penn Senator reel for the Orca’s big game rod. Jon made himself a shark cage.
Last week Jon contacted a famous collector of Jaws memorabilia from South Wales. “He met all the stars of the movie,” Jon said. “When I told him what I was doing, he jumped straight into his car and drove up here.
He absolutely loved the boat. He checked things like the harpoon and rod to make sure they were right – he said my boat was the real deal. Join the North Wales whatsapp community now
Jon’s Orca – with the jaws of a Tiger shark on the wheelhouse – has been attracting curious looks from other Deganwy boat owners. Some viewers are still trying to get photos, although the boat is somewhat hidden to discourage the curious.
‘Exclusive’ Orca 11 Tours
Starting April 6, small “exclusive” Orca 11 tours are offered for up to four people at a time. These are led by a guide and last an hour. “There’s plenty of room,” said Jon. “You won’t need a bigger boat!
On board, guests can experience Jaws action, can smashing and giant stick wrestling in the ship’s fighting chair. Others may choose to post photos inside the boat’s shark fin. To get into the spirit, everyone will be served a dram of homemade rum produced by Jon himself.
The Orca 11 is suitable for swimming but for safety and insurance reasons, it will not take guests out to sea. However the boat will remain operational, working with charities and groups involved in shark conservation. Ironically, the new Orca will begin “trying to stop the poaching and killing of millions of sharks worldwide every year”.
A 2025 Gallup poll found that 78% of American adults have seen the movie. Thanks to streaming and re-releases, more than half (53%) of 18-29-year-olds had also watched it by the end of last year.
Jon said: “During the 50th anniversary last year, the film was shown again in cinemas. “Now there is a new generation of Jaws fans, as well as returners. The market is there, and it’s big.”
Orca 11 trips start on 6 April and cost £95 for groups of up to four. More information can be found on the Shark Boat website. For inquiries and bookings, email sharkboatorcabookings@gmail.com
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