Jet ski rental near me in Miami: where to rent by area

Why "near me" matters for jet ski rentals

Unlike most activities, the location of your jet ski rental changes the entire experience. A rental from South Beach puts you on a different stretch of water than one launching from downtown Miami, even though they're only a few miles apart. The bay conditions, the scenery, the boat traffic, and the routes are all different.

So instead of just picking the cheapest option on Google Maps, it's worth understanding what each area gives you. Here's the breakdown.

Miami Beach and South Beach rentals

This is where most visitors end up renting, and for good reason. Operators along the Miami Beach waterfront launch directly into Biscayne Bay. The water here is wide open, protected from ocean swells, and warm year-round.

What you'll see from this area

• Star Island — celebrity waterfront mansions visible from about 50 feet offshore. Gloria Estefan, Diddy, and a handful of billionaires own property here.

• Fisher Island — the most exclusive residential island in Miami. No roads connect it to the mainland. From the water, you can see the estates and the private marina.

• The Miami skyline — Brickell, downtown, and Edgewater towers. This is the panorama everyone photographs. It looks best in late afternoon light.

• Government Cut — the shipping channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island where cruise ships pass through on their way to Port Miami. Watching a 1,000-foot ship slide past while you're sitting on a jet ski is something you don't forget.

Typical pricing (Miami Beach)

• 30 minutes: $85–$100

• 1 hour: $125–$160

• Guided tour: $150–$300 for 1-2 hours

Funwaves Watersports launches from Miami with Yamaha VX jet skis. Fuel, life jacket, safety briefing, and a guide are all included. No fuel surcharges. The price on the booking page is the price you pay.

We've been running since 2015 and have 790+ Google reviews with a 4.8-star average. Every ski gets maintained between rentals, and our staff does a 5-minute safety brief before you touch the throttle.

Downtown Miami and Bayside rentals

A few operators launch from the Bayside Marketplace area near downtown. The riding area is more sheltered — you're cruising through channels near Jungle Island, the Venetian Islands, and Palm Island rather than open bay.

What's different here

• Calmer water — the channels between the islands block most wind chop. Good for beginners who want minimal waves.

• More boat traffic — downtown waterways are busier than the open bay, especially on weekends. You share space with tour boats, party boats, and water taxis.

• Shorter sightseeing routes — you won't reach Star Island or Government Cut from most downtown launch points without a longer rental.

Typical pricing (downtown)

• 30 minutes: $70–$100

• 1 hour: $120–$150

Some downtown operators quote lower hourly rates but charge separately for fuel ($60-$75 extra). Before booking from this area, ask: "Does the price include fuel?" That one question could save you $75.

Key Biscayne and Rickenbacker Causeway

If you're staying near Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, or Coral Gables, there are a few operators near Rickenbacker Marina. This area sits on the southern edge of Biscayne Bay with access to open water toward Virginia Key.

What's different here

• Sandbar access — Nixon Sandbar and other shallow spots where people anchor and wade. On weekends, these sandbars turn into floating parties.

• More open water — fewer islands and channels mean more room to run. The ride feels less city, more ocean.

• Farther from the skyline — you can still see downtown, but it's a distant panorama rather than an up-close ride-past.

Typical pricing (Key Biscayne area)

• 30 minutes: $90–$110

• 1 hour: $140–$180

Availability is more limited here. Fewer companies operate from this area compared to Miami Beach or downtown.

How to pick the right rental area

It comes down to what you want from the ride. Here's the short version:

• Best sightseeing (skyline, Star Island, cruise ships): Miami Beach / South Beach

• Calmest water for beginners: Downtown Miami / Bayside

• Sandbar parties and open water: Key Biscayne area

• Best all-around experience: Miami Beach — widest bay, best views, most operator options

What to check before you book any rental

No matter which area you pick, run through this checklist. It takes 30 seconds and can save you $100+.

1. "Does the price include fuel?" — Some operators add $60-$75 fuel charges per hour. This is the single biggest surprise cost in the industry.

2. "What's the security deposit?" — $100-$200 is standard. Above $300 is aggressive. Ask what triggers a charge.

3. "What model are the jet skis?" — Yamaha VX and Sea-Doo models are reliable. Ask how old the fleet is. Anything 5+ years old may not run as smoothly.

4. "Is a guide or escort included?" — Some companies include one, others charge extra, others send you out alone.

5. "Can I book online?" — Direct booking on the company's website avoids 10-15% platform fees from Viator or GetYourGuide.

At Funwaves, every item on that list is a yes. Fuel included. Reasonable deposit. Current Yamaha VX fleet. Guide included. Direct online booking with no markup.

What you need to rent (quick checklist)

This applies everywhere in Miami, not just one area:

• Valid photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID

• Boating Safety Education Card — required if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. You can complete the course online in a few hours. Full details here.

• Credit card for security deposit

• Sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap — the reflection off the water doubles UV exposure

If you were born before 1988, you don't need the boating card. Just bring your ID.

Best time to go jet skiing in Miami

Two time slots are clearly the best, regardless of where you rent:

Early morning (10:00-11:30 AM): Calm water, light boat traffic, cooler air. This is the slot experienced riders prefer. Some operators offer early-bird availability during this window.

Late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Golden light for photos, the heat has broken, and the skyline looks its best. The tradeoff is slightly more boat traffic than morning.

During summer (June-September), afternoon thunderstorms roll through frequently. They pass in 30-45 minutes, but operators will delay rides if there's lightning. Morning sessions are the safest bet in summer.

Miami's water temperature stays above 72°F even in January, so jet skiing is a year-round activity here. Spring (March-May) is peak season with the best weather but the most crowds. Fall (October-November) is the local favorite — warm water, fewer tourists, no storms.

Why Funwaves for your jet ski rental

We get it — there are a lot of rental companies on Google Maps. Here's why people come back to Funwaves:

• 790+ reviews, 4.8-star average — that's not manufactured. It's 10 years of consistent service since 2015.

• No hidden fees, ever — fuel, life jacket, safety brief, and escort guide are all in the price

• Yamaha VX fleet — well-maintained, current models with wide hulls and reliable engines

• 5-minute safety briefing — practical and fast. You learn controls, hand signals, and riding boundaries. Then you're on the water.

• Open 7 days a week — year-round operation, 10 AM to 5 PM

We ride Biscayne Bay with routes past Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Miami skyline. The ride starts at $85 for 30 minutes. Book online here.