Jet Ski Rental in Miami Beach: The Complete Guide

Where to rent jet skis in Miami Beach

Most jet ski rentals in Miami Beach operate from the bay side, not the ocean side. That's intentional Biscayne Bay is calmer, warmer, and has better sightseeing than the open Atlantic. You'll find rental docks along the MacArthur Causeway area, near Miami Beach Marina, and in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood.

The biggest difference between companies comes down to three things: what's included in the price, how old their fleet is, and whether they charge fuel fees on top of the rental.

Funwaves Watersports operates from Miami Beach with Yamaha jet skis. The price you see is the price you pay fuel, life jacket, safety briefing, and an escort guide are all included. No fuel surcharges, no hidden fees. We've been running since 2015 and every ski gets maintained on a strict schedule.

South Beach vs. downtown Miami

South Beach and downtown Miami both give you access to Biscayne Bay, but the experience is different.

South Beach puts you closer to the bay's widest section and gives you a straight shot toward Fisher Island and Government Cut, where the cruise ships come through. The water is open and there's room to really open the throttle once you're comfortable. This is the better option if you want speed and scenery together.

Downtown Miami launches from around Bayside Marketplace and runs through the areas near Jungle Island and the Venetian Islands. It's more sheltered, which means calmer water good for beginners. The tradeoff is you're sharing the waterway with more boat traffic, especially on weekends.

If you're a first-timer, either works. If you want the classic Miami jet ski experience open water, skyline views, Star Island book from Miami Beach.

How much does it cost to rent a jet ski in Miami Beach?

Jet ski rental prices across Miami Beach range from about $85 to $160+ per hour depending on the company, time of year, and what's included. Here's what the pricing actually looks like at most operators:

• 30-minute rental: $85–$100

• 60-minute rental: $125–$160

• Guided tours (1–2 hours): $150–$300

But here's where it gets tricky. Some companies advertise a low hourly rate, then add fees once you're at the dock:

• Fuel surcharge: $60–$75 per jet ski per hour at some operators

• Security deposit: $100–$500 hold on your credit card (refundable if no damage)

• Taxes and booking fees: Can add 10–15% to the advertised price

• Insurance waivers: Optional but pushed hard at some locations

At Funwaves, the price includes everything fuel, life jacket, safety equipment, and the escort guide. The only additional cost is a refundable security deposit. What you see on the booking page is what you pay.

Is 30 minutes enough?

Honestly? It goes by fast. Really fast. Most first-timers spend the first 5-10 minutes getting comfortable with the controls, which means you're left with about 20 minutes of actual riding. The hour ride gives you time to relax, explore more of the bay, pass by Star Island, and get confident enough to push the speed.

If you can swing the extra cost, book the hour. Almost everyone who does the 30-minute ride tells us they wish they'd gone longer.

What you'll see on the water

This is the part that surprises most people. Jet skiing in Miami Beach isn't just about speed the sightseeing is half the experience.

Biscayne Bay route highlights

A typical ride from Miami Beach covers some or all of these landmarks depending on the duration:

• Star Island The one everyone knows. This is where celebrities like Gloria Estefan and Diddy have waterfront mansions. You won't dock there (it's private), but you ride past close enough to see the pools and yacht docks.

• Fisher Island An exclusive residential island accessible only by ferry or boat. The southernmost point of Miami Beach, visible from most bay routes. The mansions here are even bigger than Star Island's.

• Government Cut The channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island where the massive cruise ships pass through on their way to Port Miami. If you time it right, you'll see a ship the size of a building sliding past. It's wild.

• The Miami skyline Brickell, downtown, and the Edgewater condo towers. From the water, you see the full panorama without any buildings blocking the view. This is the Instagram shot everyone wants.

• Port Miami cruise ships The world's busiest cruise port. On any given day, you'll see 3-5 massive cruise ships docked. They look enormous from the water.

Longer rides (1 hour+) can also include the Venetian Islands, Palm Island, and the Rickenbacker Causeway area near Key Biscayne.

What's included with a jet ski rental

This varies by company, and it's the biggest source of surprise charges. Here's what a good rental should include:

• The jet ski itself (Yamaha or similar model, seats 1-2 riders)

• Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every rider

• Safety briefing covering controls, rules, and the riding area

• Fuel enough for the full rental duration

• An escort guide on a separate jet ski (for guided tours)

At Funwaves, all of the above is standard. Some other operators charge separately for fuel ($60-75 extra), charge for the life jacket, or don't include a safety escort. Always ask before you book: "Does the price include fuel?" That one question can save you $75.

What to bring on your jet ski rental

Keep it simple. You're going to get wet not soaked necessarily, but enough that you want to plan for it.

1. Valid photo ID driver's license, passport, or state ID. You can't rent without one.

2. Boating Safety Education Card required if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. Here's how to get one.

3. Credit card for the security deposit

4. Sunscreen SPF 50+, waterproof. The reflection off the water doubles the UV exposure.

5. Sunglasses with a strap or expect to lose them. A croakie or floating strap costs $5 and saves you from watching your Oakleys sink to the bottom of the bay.

6. Clothes you don't mind getting wet swimsuit, rash guard, or quick-dry shorts. Leave the nice stuff in the car.

Don't bring your phone loose in your pocket. Either leave it locked up or put it in a waterproof pouch. Biscayne Bay does not give phones back.

Best time of day to jet ski in Miami Beach

Two windows are clearly the best, and most experienced riders know it:

Early morning (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM): The bay is calm, boat traffic is light, and the sun isn't brutal yet. This is the best slot if you want smooth water and fewer people around you. Some operators offer early-bird pricing during this window.

Late afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The light is golden, the skyline looks incredible in photos, and the heat has started to break. This is the best slot for photos and a more relaxed ride. The tradeoff is slightly more boat traffic than morning.

Midday (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): The sun is directly overhead and it's the hottest part of the day. You'll still have fun, but you'll feel the heat more and the light is flat for photos. If this is your only option, bring extra water and slather on the sunscreen.

One more thing: during summer (June–September), afternoon thunderstorms pop up frequently. They usually roll through in 30-45 minutes, but operators will delay or reschedule if there's lightning. Morning rides are your safest bet during summer months.

Best time of year for jet skiing in Miami

You can jet ski in Miami 365 days a year. The water temperature stays above 72°F even in January. That said, there are tradeoffs by season:

• Winter (December–February): Slightly cooler air temps (70s), fewer tourists, and consistent conditions. Great value prices are sometimes lower and availability is better.

• Spring (March–May): Peak season. Spring break crowds, warmer water, and long days. Book well in advance this is when most operators sell out.

• Summer (June–September): Hot and humid with afternoon storms. The water is the warmest and the days are the longest, but you need to plan around the weather. Morning rides are the move.

• Fall (October–November): Underrated. The summer storms taper off, the water is still warm, and the crowds thin out before winter tourists arrive. This is the locals' favorite season.

Jet ski rentals in Miami: what beginners should know

If you've never ridden a jet ski before, here's the honest truth: it's easier than you think. The controls are simpler than a bicycle a throttle on the right handlebar makes you go, and you steer the handlebars like a motorcycle. There are no gears, no clutch, no brakes (you just let off the throttle to slow down).

A few first-timer tips that actually matter:

• The jet ski only steers when you're giving it gas. If you let off the throttle completely and try to turn, nothing happens. This is the number one thing beginners don't expect. Keep some throttle on during turns.

• Start slow. Take the first 5 minutes to get a feel for the throttle response. Yamaha VX jet skis accelerate fast, and the first real burst of speed will surprise you.

• Lean into turns, not away from them. Your instinct will be to lean away from the turn direction. That's wrong and it makes you more likely to lose balance. Lean into it, like a bicycle.

• Keep a safe distance from other boats. At least 100 feet. Wake from larger boats can toss you around if you're not prepared.

• The kill switch lanyard is not optional. Clip it to your life jacket or wrist. If you fall off, the engine shuts off and the jet ski circles back. Without it, the ski keeps going.

Modern jet skis like the Yamaha models we use at Funwaves have a wide hull and low center of gravity. They're designed to be stable. Flipping one takes genuinely aggressive maneuvering — normal riding conditions make it almost impossible.

Safety rules on Biscayne Bay

Florida takes jet ski safety seriously. Here are the rules enforced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

• No riding between sunset and sunrise. Florida law prohibits jet ski operation from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Even if the jet ski has lights, it's still illegal.

• Life jackets are mandatory. Every person on the jet ski must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket the entire time.

• No wake zones are strictly enforced. In channels and near marinas, you must maintain idle speed. The fines are steep.

• Minimum age to operate is 14 (with a supervising adult on board). Minimum age to rent is 18 at most companies.

• Reckless operation is a criminal offense. Aggressive riding near other boats, swimmers, or docks can result in fines and arrest.

At Funwaves, every rider gets a safety briefing that covers the riding area boundaries, hand signals, and what to do if you fall off or the ski stalls. Our guide rides alongside you for the duration.

How to book a jet ski rental in Miami Beach

Most companies take online reservations, and booking in advance is the way to go — especially on weekends and during peak season (March–May). Walk-ins are sometimes available, but you risk waiting or not getting a slot at all.

Here's the process at Funwaves:

1. Pick your date and time online

2. Complete the rental waiver (available digitally before you arrive)

3. Show up with your photo ID and boating card (if required)

4. Get your safety briefing (about 5 minutes)

5. Hit the water

The entire check-in process takes under 10 minutes if you've done the waiver online ahead of time. No long lines, no paperwork at the dock.