Jet Ski

• Price: rental desks price jet skis by the hour, the half day or the full day, and rates vary by lake and season. See How much does it cost to rent a jet ski?.
• Trip length: rentals usually run by the hour, the half day or the full day. At The Bridge Rentals offers all three.
• License rules depend on the state: in Arizona you don't need a boating license to rent or drive at At The Bridge Rentals, but you must show a valid photo ID, while Russell Marine on Lake Martin points out that Alabama requires a vessel license to drive a boat on its waterways.
• Best season: it depends on the lake, so check dates with the operator.
• Who it's for: adults and families who want to drive themselves on a lake or bay. Age and license rules vary, so check with the operator.

What riding a jet ski feels like

A jet ski, or personal watercraft, is a small, fast boat you ride like a motorcycle. You squeeze the throttle with your right hand and steer with the handlebars. It's easy to start and quick to respond, which is part of the fun. At low speed it feels a bit tippy. Once you're moving, it settles, and the ride gets smoother.

Most rental desks walk you through a short briefing first: how to start and stop, where you can and can't ride, and what to do if you fall off. Then you're on your own, usually within a marked area of the lake or bay.

Quick picks

• A desert lake by the hour: At The Bridge Rentals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, under the London Bridge, with two-seat jet skis.
• A mountain lake: Action Watersports in South Tahoe, California.
• Canyon country: Wahweap Marina and Antelope Point Marina on Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, both rent jet skis.
• A Southern lake: Russell Marine on Lake Martin in Alexander City, Alabama, where state boating rules apply.

Rules, by operator

Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm the latest on the operator's Seeking Adrenaline page, linked from each name, or on the rental desk's website.

At The Bridge Rentals (Lake Havasu City, AZ)

Rentals are hourly, half day or full day. You don't need a boating license to rent or drive in Arizona, but you do need a valid photo ID.

Action Watersports (South Tahoe, CA)

Check its jet ski page for the current rate and rental length.

Russell Marine (Alexander City, AL)

Russell Marine rents boats on Lake Martin. Alabama requires everyone to hold a vessel license to drive a boat on Alabama waterways, which takes boating experience and a boating certification.

Wahweap Marina and Antelope Point Marina (Page, AZ)

Both marinas on Lake Powell rent personal watercraft. Check each marina's rental page for prices, hours and rules.

For more on costs, see How much does it cost to rent a jet ski?.

Questions to ask before you go

• Is fuel included? Some rental desks charge for it separately, so ask.
• What ID or license do I need? It depends on the state, as the Arizona and Alabama examples above show. See Do I need a license to rent a jet ski?.
• How long should I rent? An hour is plenty for many first-timers. See How long to rent a jet ski.
• Is there a deposit, and what does damage cost?
• Can two people ride? Many rental jet skis seat two, so ask the rental desk.

Rental or guided tour?

A rental lets you ride where and how you like within the allowed area. A guided tour follows a leader on a planned route, which can be easier if you've never driven one. See Jet ski rental vs tour.

Who it's right for

Jet skis suit people who want to drive themselves, go fast and explore a lake at their own pace. Two-seaters work well for couples and for a parent with an older child. If you're unsure, read Can anyone ride a jet ski? and Are jet skis hard to drive?.

Not the right fit if...

You'd rather someone else drive, or you're uneasy in open water. A boat tour or a slower rental may suit you better. If you can't swim, read Can non-swimmers ride a jet ski? before you go. For other ways to get on the water fast, see Jet boat vs jet ski vs airboat vs raft.

FAQ

Do you need a license to rent a jet ski?

It depends on the state. Arizona doesn't require a boating license but you need a photo ID. Alabama requires a vessel license to drive a boat. See Jet ski rental license.

How much does it cost to rent a jet ski?

Prices vary by lake, season and rental length, and fuel may be extra, so confirm the current rate with the operator. See Jet ski rental cost.

Is jet skiing safe for non-swimmers?

You'll wear a life jacket, but falling off is common, so being comfortable in the water helps. See Can non-swimmers ride a jet ski? and Is jet skiing safe?.

Can you fall off a jet ski?

Yes, especially in sharp turns or rough water. See Can you fall off a jet ski?.

How fast do jet skis go?

It depends on the model and the rental desk's rules. See How fast do jet skis go?.