A jet ski can be a very fun way to spend time on the water.
When riding on a jet ski, you get a little bit of a thrill ride mixed with sightseeing and cruising all at the same time.
If you live in an area with a body of water nearby, you may have considered renting a jet ski.
Here are some important facts to know about the prices of rending a jet ski.
How Much Is It to Rent a Jet Ski?
It is going to be about $90 an hour on average to rent a jet ski.
The pricing for jet ski rentals is going to vary significantly from one area of the country to the next.
Depending on where you are, when you take your ride, and the type of ride you plan on taking, your pricing will vary.
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Factors that Affect the Rate of Jet Ski Rentals
1. Type of Fleet
If you go to a jet ski rental facility that has top-of-the-line equipment, you may pay a bit more.
Sometimes when you get the chance to ride on a higher end and newer jet ski, the rates are going to be higher.
This often happens as the rental facility needs to recuperate their money for the jet ski they just purchased.
If you happen to rent a jet ski from a place with very basic models with lower speeds or lots of hours on them, your rates could be cheaper.
Of course, this is not the only way you will be able to determine the price of renting a jet ski, but it is undoubtedly a factor.
2. Location
The location of the jet ski rental is probably going to be the most significant factor in the price you pay for a ride.
If you are looking to take a jet ski ride in a very popular tourist destination, be prepared to pay a lot of money.
Essentially, in many areas, a jet ski ride can be a tourist trap.
The jet ski ride can cost you quite a bit of money just because of the location you are in.
This is very popular to see off the coasts of California and Florida.
If you are traveling to these areas and want to ride on a jet ski, make sure you shop around a bit for a price.
Chances are there will be more than one jet ski rental facility, and making sure you research the pricing a little will be a smart choice.
Look for special and coupons as well.
If you are staying at a resort or a hotel, they may have a coupon book you can look at before heading out for your adventure.
Try and find the lowest rate you can because part of what you are paying is just a premium because of the location you are in.
3. Time of Year
If the weather is going to be perfect during your jet ski ride, expect to pay a bit more.
When you don’t have to wear a wetsuit and freeze out on the jet ski, the pricing will undoubtedly go up.
This is one of the things we believe is worth paying for.
Your experience out on the water is going to be much more enjoyable if you are comfortable.
Unfortunately, in poor weather, you will not feel comfortable, and you may want to skip the experience overall.
4. Popularity
How popular is it to jet ski where you are going?
If there are millions of things to do and jet skiing is just one of the many options, then you may find a great deal on a jet ski rental.
However, if taking a ride on a jet ski is the thing everyone wants to do at this location, then you will pay more.
Sometimes it can make sense to travel twenty or thirty minutes away to an area that is less popular.
You may end up saving quite a bit of money.
5. Time of the Rental
Most jet ski rentals are going to be about an hour long.
An hour-long jet ski rental is going to cost around $80.
If you want to rent the jet ski for the day (which is usually six to eight hours), then you will pay significantly less per hour.
However, you will still pay around $350–$400.
If you plan on using the jet ski all day or you have a group of friends who want to alternate using the jet ski, then sometimes these longer-term rentals can be a good idea.
If you decide to go for the full-day rental, make sure you are comfortable riding a jet ski and enjoying it.
If this is your first time operating a jet ski, you may get out on the water and realize you don’t really enjoy it.
Now you are going to be stuck paying several hundred dollars to use it for the rest of the day.
Certainly, there are better ways to spend your money.
Are Jet Skis Dangerous?
When you rent a jet ski, chances are you will get some information about how to operate it, where you can go, and where you cannot go.
Although it may seem like riding a jet ski is much easier and safer than riding a boat, a jet ski can be dangerous.
Most of the time, you will be instructed to ride your jet ski in areas where the water is calmer, and there is less boat traffic.
It can get difficult when you are new to jet skiing, and you don’t know the rules of the water and how to operate in and around boat traffic.
If this is your first time renting a jet ski, make sure you ask questions before heading out.
If you are nervous about how to operate the jet ski or where you can safely drive it, don’t be afraid to ask.
The overall operation of the jet ski is not difficult.
Some people try and get a little fast and rough with the jet ski the first time they take it out, and they may end up falling off.
Depending on how and where you fall, this can result in injury.
Like any other sport or watercraft, it is essential to be careful and make sure you are paying attention when you take a jet ski out for the day.
Can I Rent Out My Jet Ski?
If you own a jet ski and you are interested in renting it out, you will have to check the local restrictions in your area.
Sometimes you will have to get a license to be able to do this, and surely you will need to own and operate a business as well.
Renting out your jet ski is dangerous without these precautions in place because of insurance and safety regulations.
If you simply hand someone your jet ski and allow them to use it, they could get seriously injured.
If this happens, they will undoubtedly be coming back to you with a lawsuit.
Renting a jet ski you don’t use all that much could be a great way to make extra money.
However, you need to check your local requirements and laws before you decide to do something like this.
In the end, it will be very much worth it to have followed the proper procedure.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few factors that will affect the price of a jet ski rental.
You should plan on paying at least $80 for the hour and factor in a bit more for a tip and taxes or fees.
This price is well worth it if you are a fan of jet skiing, and it is also much cheaper than buying a jet ski.
Owning a jet ski is a responsibility, and it will require time, maintenance, and quite a bit of work.
If you don’t think you will use a jet ski all that much, renting will be much cheaper.
Look for sales and specials in your area and you can end up enjoying a jet ski ride for a very fair price.