Whether you’re a resident or visitor to Florida, jet skiing is a thrilling adventure for people of all ages - from simple fun in the sun to wonder-filled dolphin tours, this activity is a favorite for professionals and amateurs alike. If you’ve only just begun considering a jet ski rental on Marco Island, you likely have a lot of questions! Here, the Avi’s Watersports team has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about jet ski rentals, along with their straightforward answers:
In the state of Florida, there are boating safety laws that require the completion of a boating safety course for anyone wishing to operate a jet ski within their jurisdiction. With the completion of a boating safety course, all jet ski drivers are required to have a boating certificate.
Florida State Law requires anyone born after January 1, 1988 to have a valid boater’s safety ID card. If you were born after January 1, 1988 and do not yet have a boater’s safety ID card, then you must take a boating safety course before renting a jet ski.
At Avi’s Watersports, you need to be at least 16 years old in order to drive a jet ski. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and children as young as 5 are welcome to ride with an adult.
While prior experience may be helpful, jet ski drivers of all skill levels are welcome at Avi’s Watersports.
The primary objective of the boating safety course is safety for those operating jet skis as well as others and the surrounding environment. For anyone operating a motorized boat or personal watercraft of 10 horsepower or more, the boating safety course must be completed. It is completely online and includes registration, study of test material, online examination, and the delivery of a temporary boating certificate.
Besides being a requirement before renting a jet ski, the boating safety course includes important information that can help protect yourself, others, and the environment in which you are jet skiing. The course covers key safety concepts, such as navigation and right-of-way rules, essential equipment on board, and how to deal with various maritime emergencies that might occur. It also helps reduce the occurrence of accidents by giving enhanced knowledge, and completion of the course ensures you comply with the legalities of jet ski operation in the state of Florida, avoiding fines or penalties.
A boating certificate is given to you upon the successful completion of the boating safety course. You will receive a temporary certificate which you will need to print and bring with you on the day you are renting a jet ski. If you don't pass your exam on the first try, there’s no need to worry - you are allowed to take the exam an unlimited number of times.
Yes, even if you are an experienced jet ski driver, Florida state law requires that you have a boating certificate. It may seem like a nuisance, but at Avi's Watersports, we take a proactive role in ensuring our clients have completed the required Florida boating safety course before embarking on a jet skiing adventure. This not only honors the legal prerequisite but also establishes a safer environment for everyone on our tours.
The boating certificate received after completing the boating safety course is temporary. Your certificate will expire 90 days after you complete the course.
If you take your course through boat-ed.com, the cost is $9.95.
For everyone’s safety and in order to maintain compliance, all jet ski drivers will be required to show a current boater safety course certificate. If you do not have one, or if you forgot to bring your proof of completion, you’ll need to either reschedule your tour or ride with a certified driver.
You can find a plethora of resources on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
The price of renting a jet ski varies depending on the length of time you are renting it and the location. At Avi’s Watersports, we offer jet ski dolphin tours for $275 + tax per jet ski. This includes a 2-hour, 30-mile round trip into the 10,000 islands, wildlife encounters and education, jet ski fuel, safety equipment, photography, and bottled water. Keep in mind that the cost of our jet ski dolphin tour is per jet ski, not per person.
When renting a jet ski, be sure to bring:
This may depend on the type of jetski you are renting. At Avi’s Watersports, two people can ride on a jet ski as long as they don’t exceed the maximum weight limit of 400 pounds.
At Avi’s Watersports, departure times for jet ski dolphin tours are generally 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm; Check booking times for confirmation. Check-in occurs 30 minutes prior to departure time.
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy when you book a jet ski dolphin tour through Avi’s. Other jet ski rentals may have different cancellation policies so always be sure to check ahead of time.
If you’re considering a jet ski rental on Marco Island, there’s no better way to experience the thrills and excitement than with a dolphin tour. Merge the adrenaline-fueled excitement with awe-inspiring access to Florida’s wildlife - at Avi’s Watersports, we guarantee an experience to last a lifetime! Contact us today to learn more or to get an exclusive jet ski dolphin tour scheduled right away.
