There is a particular grin that people wear when they step off a jet ski for the first time. It is half adrenaline, half salt spray, and it usually comes with a slightly sore pair of forearms. Jet skiing is one of the easiest motorsports to try on holiday: a short briefing, a lifejacket, and within an hour you are skimming across a bay you had previously only seen from a sunlounger.
Where you ride matters, though. Some places are glorious, with sheltered water, wildlife and a coastline worth exploring. Others are a crowded strip of buoys off a busy beach. This guide picks out the destinations worth planning a trip around, from the British coast to California and Florida, along with what you need to know about rules, costs and safety.
Before you go: licences, rules and safety
Rules vary a lot from country to country, and even from lake to lake.
In the UK, most people try jet skiing on a guided safari or at an inland water park, where training is part of the package. If you want to ride your own craft, the RYA’s personal watercraft course is the recognised training, and harbour authorities, clubs and launch sites often ask for proof of it. It is also a step towards the International Certificate of Competence, which some countries ask visiting riders to hold.
In the US, each state sets its own rules. In Florida, anyone born on or after 1 January 1988 needs boating safety education to operate a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, though rental companies can usually arrange a temporary certificate for visitors. Ask when you book.
Wherever you ride, wear the lifejacket you are given, attach the kill cord to yourself, stay outside swimming areas, respect no-wake and speed zones, and keep well clear of wildlife. In Florida especially, that means watching for manatees in slow zones.
The UK: jet skiing closer to home
Torbay, South Devon
Torbay is one of the best places in Britain to try a guided jet ski safari. The bay is relatively sheltered, the coastline is long and varied, and the views of red cliffs and the English Riviera towns are a world away from a crowded holiday resort. Sessions typically start with a safety briefing on shore before you head out with an instructor, and group sessions are a sociable way to try it with friends.
The English Channel is not the Caribbean, so expect to wear a wetsuit, and expect sessions to be weather-dependent. Book the earliest slot you can: mornings are often calmer.
Inland water parks
If the sea is too rough, or you simply prefer flat water, Britain’s inland water parks are a good alternative. Lakes set up for motorsport, water skiing and wakeboarding often offer jet ski hire or taster sessions, with a controlled environment that suits nervous beginners. Our guide to boats for water skiing and wakeboarding is worth a read if the tow sports side appeals too.
Europe: Mediterranean jet ski trips
Barcelona
Riding out from Port Olímpic gives you one of Europe’s great city skylines from the water, with Barceloneta’s beaches and the city’s waterfront towers laid out behind you. Tours from the marina tend to be guided, which keeps you clear of shipping and swimmers. It is a fun half-day add-on to a city break.
The wider Mediterranean is packed with jet ski hire, from the Balearics to the Greek islands and the Turkish coast. Prices vary widely, and quality does too, so read recent reviews and look for operators who give a proper briefing and safety kit rather than handing you a key and pointing at the sea.
California: lakes, harbours and the Pacific
California has the climate and the variety for a jet ski holiday, and several of its best spots are within a drive of Los Angeles.
Big Bear Lake
The blue water and mountain scenery at Big Bear Lake make it one of the prettiest places to ride in Southern California. Two marinas rent Yamaha WaveRunners:
- Pine Knot Marina rents WaveRunners by the hour, first come, first served, with reservations available. Riders must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult, with a minimum age of six. There is a two-person maximum and a 300lb weight limit, and the marina lists its hours as 8am to 5pm daily.
- Big Bear Marina also rents WaveRunners, with hours that depend on sunrise, sunset, holidays and weather. Book online or call 909-866-3218.
Neither lists its hourly rates on its main pages, so check when booking.
Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake, in the hills north of Los Angeles, is a big reservoir popular with boaters. If you are bringing your own craft, LA County Parks lists a $15 daily vehicle entry fee and $13 a day to launch a motorised vessel, with an annual boat pass at $150. Because the lake is considered infested with invasive mussels, all vessels must be inspected on exit, with drain plugs removed beforehand, and other lakes may not accept the exit seal. Campgrounds were closed following damage from the Hughes fire, so check the county’s website before you plan an overnight trip.
Marina del Rey, Newport Beach and San Diego
The Southern California coast is busy with pleasure boats, but it is still great riding. Marina del Rey, near Los Angeles, is one of the largest small-craft harbours in the US and has jet ski rental operators nearby. Newport Beach, in Orange County, combines harbour riding with a smart beach town. San Diego, further south, has guided tours along its bays, including sunset trips. In all three, harbour speed limits apply and enforcement is real, so save the full throttle for open water where it is allowed.
Florida: warm water and wildlife
Florida is arguably the jet ski capital of the US. The water is warm for most of the year, the coastline is enormous, and wildlife encounters are part of the appeal.
The Florida Keys
The Keys are the classic. Clear, shallow turquoise water, mangrove islands and sandbars make for some of the most beautiful riding anywhere. Guided tours are the way to go here: guides know where the water is deep enough and which areas are protected, and many tours stop at snorkelling spots along the way.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, on the Gulf coast in the Panhandle, is far more than a spring-break town. Guided tours often head to Shell Island, a long undeveloped barrier island, and dolphin sightings are common in the surrounding waters.
Jacksonville Beach
In north-east Florida, Jacksonville Beach has a more relaxed feel than the southern resorts. Riders here may see dolphins and sea turtles, and the surf is usually moderate, which helps less experienced riders.
Lake Weir
For something quieter, Lake Weir, in Marion County in central Florida, is a large, sand-bottomed lake with public boat ramps and parks to launch from. It is a good escape from crowded beaches, and its open water gives room to practise.
For more ideas on a US water sports trip, see our round-up of the best US water sports destinations.
Further afield: Hawaii and Australia
Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most dramatic places to ride a jet ski, with volcanic coastlines and the chance of seeing turtles. Thrill craft are restricted to designated zones in the islands, so you will usually ride with a licensed operator in a set area rather than roaming freely. Book ahead in peak season.
The Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is known for jet ski safaris through calm inshore waters and mangroves, away from the surf beaches. It is a good choice for beginners, and some operators offer combined tours with other water sports.
How to keep jet ski costs down
Jet skiing is not cheap anywhere, but there are ways to make it go further.
- Share the craft. Most rentals take two people, and a tandem ride roughly halves the cost per person.
- Ride on weekdays. Many operators charge less from Monday to Thursday than at weekends.
- Book a guided tour rather than open hire. Tours often cost a little more per hour, but include fuel, safety kit and a route you would never find yourself.
- Check what is included. Fuel, lifejackets, taxes and damage deposits can add up. Ask before you pay.
- Pay attention to the deposit. Many US operators take a sizeable deposit against damage. Read the terms and photograph the craft before you ride.
Plan the rest of the trip
Jet skiing fits neatly into a wider water sports holiday. If you are heading somewhere with waves, our guide to surf trips by region covers when and where to go. For gear, from dry bags to waterproof cameras, see our sailing and surf gear guide. And to keep maps and booking confirmations working abroad without roaming charges, look at an eSIM for travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to ride a jet ski in the UK?
For guided safaris and taster sessions, training is provided as part of the session. If you want to ride your own jet ski, the RYA personal watercraft course is the recognised qualification, and many harbours, launch sites and clubs require proof of training.
Where is the best place to jet ski in the UK?
Torbay in South Devon is one of the best-known spots for guided jet ski safaris, thanks to its sheltered bay and long coastline. Inland water parks are a good option for beginners who prefer flat water.
Do I need a boating licence to rent a jet ski in Florida?
Anyone born on or after 1 January 1988 needs boating safety education to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. Rental operators can usually arrange a temporary certificate for visitors, so ask when booking.
Where is the best place to jet ski in Florida?
The Florida Keys are the stand-out for clear water and scenery, while Panama City Beach is known for dolphin-spotting tours. Lake Weir is a quieter inland option.
Where can I rent a jet ski at Big Bear Lake?
Pine Knot Marina and Big Bear Marina both rent Yamaha WaveRunners. At Pine Knot, riders must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult, with a minimum age of six.
How much does it cost to launch a jet ski at Castaic Lake?
LA County Parks lists a $15 daily vehicle entry fee plus $13 a day to launch a motorised vessel. All boats must be inspected on exit because of invasive mussels.
Is jet skiing safe for beginners?
Yes, if you choose a reputable operator, take the safety briefing seriously, wear the lifejacket and kill cord, and stay within your limits. Guided tours are the best way to start.
Can two people ride one jet ski?
Most rental jet skis take two adults, and some take three, though operators set their own limits. Riding tandem is a good way to share the cost.
What should I wear jet skiing?
Swimwear or a wetsuit depending on water temperature, the lifejacket provided, sunglasses on a strap and plenty of sun cream. In the UK, a wetsuit is usually needed year round.
Can I watch professional jet ski racing?
Yes. Professional personal watercraft racing has its own international series and world championships. Check the official series website for the current calendar.
