Wave runner rentals: what they cost, what to expect, and how they compare to jet skis
The short version
Here's the breakdown in one sentence: "jet ski" is Kawasaki's brand name, "WaveRunner" is Yamaha's brand name, and "Sea-Doo" is BRP's brand name. All three are personal watercraft — small, sit-on-top vessels powered by a jet-drive system. They do the same thing.
Think of it like tissues. Kleenex is a brand. So is Puffs. But everyone calls them all Kleenex. Same thing here — everyone calls personal watercraft "jet skis" regardless of who made them.
The three major PWC brands
Kawasaki Jet Ski
Kawasaki introduced the first commercially successful personal watercraft in 1972. Their original models were stand-up designs — no seat, you rode them standing up like a surfboard with a motor. They still make stand-up models, but also produce sit-down versions now. "Jet Ski" became the generic term for all PWCs because Kawasaki got there first.
Yamaha WaveRunner
Yamaha entered the market in 1986 with the WaveRunner — the first tandem (two-person) sit-down personal watercraft. That design basically created the modern PWC market. Today, Yamaha's WaveRunner lineup ranges from recreational cruisers to high-performance models. They're known for reliability and lower maintenance costs.
This is what most Miami rental companies use. At Funwaves Watersports, our fleet runs Yamaha VX WaveRunners — so technically, when you rent a "jet ski" from us, you're actually riding a WaveRunner.
BRP Sea-Doo
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) makes the Sea-Doo, a Canadian-made PWC. Bombardier actually built the first personal watercraft prototypes back in 1968, but the product flopped. They relaunched Sea-Doo in 1988 with better engineering and it stuck. Sea-Doos are popular for their affordability and beginner-friendly features.
Does the brand matter for renting in Miami?
Honestly, not much. When you book a "jet ski rental" or a "wave runner rental" in Miami, you're getting the same experience regardless of the brand name listed. You sit on a watercraft, hit the throttle, and ride across Biscayne Bay.
What actually matters is:
The model year and condition. A well-maintained 2023 Yamaha VX rides completely different from a beat-up 2017 anything. Ask how old the fleet is.
What's included in the price. Fuel, life jacket, safety escort, or are those all extras? Some companies quote a low price then charge $60-$75 in fuel surcharges. Funwaves includes everything.
The riding area. Are you on calm Biscayne Bay with skyline views, or in a roped-off zone near a marina? Location matters more than brand.
So if you see "wave runner rental" and "jet ski rental" listed at different companies in Miami, don't overthink it. They're almost certainly the same type of experience — a sit-down personal watercraft on the bay.
Why the Yamaha WaveRunner VX is the rental standard
There's a reason most Miami rental operators (including us) use Yamaha WaveRunner VX models. A few reasons, actually:
Stability. The VX hull is wide and low, which makes it very hard to tip. First-timers feel confident on it within minutes.
Reliability. Yamaha's four-stroke engines are built to handle daily commercial use. Our skis run multiple sessions every day, and they hold up.
Power. The VX makes 110-130 horsepower depending on the model, which is plenty for recreational riding. You can hit 50+ mph, which is more than fast enough on open water.
Two-person capacity. Every VX seats a rider plus a passenger, with a combined weight limit around 400 lbs. Good for couples or a parent with a kid.
Fuel efficiency. Four-stroke engines are cleaner and more fuel-efficient than older two-stroke designs. Better for the bay, better for operating costs, better for everyone.
Wave runner rental in Miami — what to expect
If you searched for "wave runner rental" and ended up here, here's the quick rundown on renting one in Miami Beach:
Price: $85 for 30 minutes, $150 for an hour at Funwaves. Fuel included.
Where: Biscayne Bay, launching from Miami Beach. Views of the skyline, Star Island, and Fisher Island.
Requirements: Valid photo ID. If you were born after January 1, 1988, you need a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card (takes a few hours online). Must be 18+ to rent.
What's included: Yamaha VX WaveRunner, life jacket, fuel, safety briefing, and an escort guide on a separate ski.
Whether you call it a wave runner, a jet ski, or a personal watercraft — you're getting the same ride on the same bay. Book yours here.
| Feature | Yamaha WaveRunner | Sea-Doo (BRP) | Kawasaki Jet Ski |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common rental availability | Very common | Common | Less common (older fleet) |
| Entry-level rental model | VX / VX Cruiser | GTI / Spark | STX series |
| Passenger capacity (rental models) | Up to 3 | Up to 3 | Up to 3 |
| Known for | Reliability, smooth ride | Performance, braking system | Legacy brand recognition |
| Beginner-friendly? | Yes | Yes (esp. with brake) | Yes (where available) |
| Average rental price (1 hr) | $100-$175 | $100-$175 | $90-$160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a WaveRunner and a jet ski?
WaveRunner is Yamaha's brand name for their personal watercraft. Jet Ski is Kawasaki's brand name. Both terms get used generically to describe any sit-down PWC, which is why you'll hear them used interchangeably at rental shops. The actual mechanical difference is minimal for most riders.
How much does a wave runner rental cost per hour?
Most rental shops charge $100-$150 per hour in standard coastal markets. In high-traffic tourist areas, prices can reach $150-$200 per hour during peak season. Three-passenger models sometimes cost a bit more, and guided tours are typically priced per person rather than per craft.
Do you need a license to rent a wave runner?
In most states you don't need a traditional boating license, but many states require proof of completing a boater education course, especially for riders under a certain age. Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to carry a boater education ID card when operating a PWC. Check your state's specific rules before you book.
How old do you have to be to rent a jet ski or WaveRunner?
Most rental shops require riders to be at least 18 to operate a PWC solo, regardless of state law. Some states allow 16-year-olds with a boater safety certificate. Riders under those thresholds can typically ride as passengers but can't take the controls. Age policies vary by shop and state, so confirm before booking.
Is it hard to ride a WaveRunner for the first time?
Not really. Most first-timers are comfortable within a few minutes. The throttle controls speed, and releasing it slows you down. Steering is handled by the handlebars. The part that surprises people most is that there's no brake lever; you need distance to stop. A good rental shop will cover this in your safety briefing before you leave the dock.
What should I wear for a wave runner rental?
A swimsuit or athletic wear that you don't mind getting wet, water shoes or sandals with a strap, and sunscreen. The rental shop will provide a USCG-approved life jacket, which you're required to wear while operating the PWC. Wetsuits are optional and most shops have them available for a small fee in cooler months.
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