Find Jet Ski Rentals Near You

• In some locations, it will be required that you complete a boating safety education course before you rent a jet ski. This is recommended to everyone, and in some locations it will be mandatory.
• Typically, anyone renting a jet ski to be the operator will need to be at least 18 years old and present a driver’s license or government-issued ID at the time of renting.
• Any passenger you intend to bring with you on your jet ski will need to be at least 42 inches tall to ride with you.
• If you’ve never been jet skiing before, make sure you have a thorough safety briefing and tutorial of how to operate the watercraft and equipment before you push off from the docks. Have the owner demonstrate all features of the machine and answer any question you might have.

You need to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to rent a jet ski.

Usually, a 1-2 hour jet ski rental is typical for people looking to enjoy some time cruising the waves, exploring a beach, or taking a lesson on how to ride. Most jet ski safaris and tours are about 2 hours in length.

For people looking for a longer, more involved jet ski adventure, look into booking a half-day or full-day rental so you have more control over where you go and what you can enjoy with your jet ski. This is a great option if you’re renting a jet ski while staying at a waterfront property with your own dock, and you want a chance to enjoy a break on land before heading back out to the waves. You can even rent a jet ski for a whole week if you want to go every day of your vacation!

Yes, you will need a driver’s license to rent a jet ski in almost all locations.

Tipping customs vary by country and location, but generally a good rule of thumb is to tip between 15% and 20% of the tour cost to the guide if you feel your guide did an exceptional job and provided an excellent service.

It’s not strictly necessary, but is definitely a good idea to have some form of insurance and liability coverage when renting a jet ski. Typically, homeowners insurance or insurance with travel-centric credit cards does not include rented jet skis, so you probably won’t be automatically covered through something like that. So while it is optional, we recommend having some form of coverage before you set out, whether it’s included by the jet ski owner or rental company you’re obtaining the jet skis from, or from a third party that you purchase on your own.

It’s a great idea to do some research on your own, or ask the owner for recommendations if you’re not from the area. It obviously depends on your specific location, but popular places to venture to often include sandbars, islands, beaches, coves, and waterfront restaurants. But, it’s a good idea to inquire with the boat owner for recommendations on what to do and advice on navigating there safely.

Boating license requirements vary from state to state, country to country, and can even be different in various cities and local jurisdictions of the same state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local requirements and regulations.

For more information please check out our Boating Laws and Regulations by State Guide and download our Boating Safety Checklist.

Many boat safety courses are offered online and you can earn a certificate that will qualify you to rent a boat on your own. You can also often take in-person boating lessons which will teach you the necessary hands-on skills to operate a boat independently. Check out BoatEd for more information on local boating safety requirements and courses. You can also check out our Top Boating Safety Tips resources.

Most owners will include all lifejackets and safety equipment within the price of your listing, though you might want to ask just to be safe if you don’t see it specifically noted on the listing.