In light of the trajectory tracking challenge for unmanned surface vehicle (USV) amidst unknown disturbances, a dynamic surface control strategy with prescribed performance has been proposed. Initially, an improved fixed-time performance function (FTPF) is constructed, and the error is equivalent transformed, which simplifies the performance constraint problem into an unconstrained problem. The function ensures that the tracking error swiftly converges to a vicinity of the origin within the designated time, and the transient performance is guaranteed. Subsequently, the dynamic surface approach is employed to avert the adverse effects of differential operations on the velocity control law. Third, a nonlinear disturbance observer is designed to deal with the external disturbance of the ocean. It can precisely estimate and counteract the disturbance term within the control law in real-time, thereby enhancing control accuracy and bolstering the system’s robustness. Finally, the simulation outcomes demonstrate that the raised approach enables the USV to swiftly follow the desired trajectory and maintain it within the prescribed limits. Through stability analysis and comparison algorithm, the superiority of this algorithm is proved.