Miami Beach: Jetski Rental Experience with Boat and Drinks

Planning a quick splash of adventure in Miami Beach? For $42 per group (up to one person), you get a two-hour thrill ride across Biscayne Bay, complete with guided instruction, a boat tour of mansions, and refreshing drinks onboard. It’s a lively, accessible way to see Miami’s iconic skyline from the water and maybe even spot some dolphins or manatees.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the combination of adrenaline and scenery — zooming on a jetski while soaking in the views of Miami’s glittering skyline and the lush islands is hard to beat. Also, the friendly, experienced instructors help make the experience approachable whether you’re a seasoned rider or a total beginner.

A possible snag? Some reviews mention pricing confusion and uneven customer service, which suggests it’s worth confirming details before booking. But overall, this tour seems best suited for those who want a fun, active, and authentic water-based experience without breaking the bank — especially if you’re eager to see Miami from a different perspective.

Key Points

• Affordable adventure at $42 for a group, offering good value for a two-hour experience.
• Spectacular views of Miami’s skyline and nearby islands, perfect for photo ops.
• Wildlife spotting opportunities including dolphins and marine animals.
• Guided experience with knowledgeable instructors, suitable for all skill levels.
• Includes a boat tour showcasing Miami’s mansions and waterfront homes.
• Optional license help, but be aware of additional costs and equipment fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour takes you through Miami’s Biscayne Bay, a favorite playground for locals and visitors alike. Starting at the dock, you’ll meet your instructor, who will provide a safety briefing and help you get suited up with a life jacket. For those who don’t yet have a boating license, assistance is offered, though there’s a $70 fee at check-in for the jetski.

Once prepared, you’ll transfer onto your jetski and hit the water, with your guide leading the way. The two-hour tour includes one hour of actual jetski riding, giving you plenty of time to feel the wind and see the sights. During the ride, you’ll zip past Miami’s skyline, marvel at the pristine islands, and maybe catch sight of marine life like dolphins and manatees — the wildlife encounters are a highlight for many.

While you’re on the water, there’s also a guided boat tour pointing out some of the most luxurious mansions along the bay. It’s a chance to see the famous homes of Miami’s wealthy elite from a boat, offering a more relaxed view contrasted with the speed of the jetski.

The experience concludes with fresh drinks onboard, which adds a relaxing touch after the adrenaline rush. Keep in mind that the price at check-in is roughly $70 per jetski, so the initial fee covers just part of the overall cost. This extra expense may be a surprise for some, so budget accordingly.

The Experience: What Makes This Stand Out

We loved the scenic backdrop of Miami’s skyline as you race across Biscayne Bay. This view, especially at sunrise or sunset, offers a striking contrast between urban sparkle and tropical waters — truly a photographer’s dream. The guides’ knowledge is another plus; many reviews mention friendly, professional instructors who make safety and fun their priorities.

The wildlife spotting part of the tour is a real bonus. While not guaranteed, many travelers have reported seeing dolphins and playful marine animals, which elevates the experience beyond just a speed ride. The ability to customize speeds is great too — beginners can take it slow, while thrill-seekers can push their limits.

One reviewer from France called it a “top top” experience, highlighting the fun and stunning views, while another from Spain appreciated the enjoyable walk to the jetski but noted some issues with equipment reliability and service quality at the pier. This suggests that, while the scenery and guides are generally praised, some logistical hiccups can happen.

On the downside, a couple of reviews mention rudeness or unhelpfulness from staff, along with price discrepancies — online prices may differ from what you pay on-site, and drinks or photos are not included in the base fee. So, it pays to ask questions beforehand and clarify exactly what you’re getting.

Who This Tour Suits Best

If you love water-based adventures and want to see Miami from a unique perspective, this tour offers a good blend of fun, scenery, and wildlife — all without requiring extensive experience. It’s great for first-timers or families (though children under 2 aren’t suitable), and those looking for an active, memorable experience.

Travelers who appreciate professional guides and are comfortable with a modest extra fee for the jetski license will find this tour a worthwhile splurge. It’s also ideal if you want photo opportunities of Miami’s skyline and the nearby islands while doing something more exciting than a typical boat cruise.

However, if you’re sensitive to price surprises or prefer a more luxurious, all-inclusive experience, you might consider other options. Still, for the thrill of rushing across shimmering waters and spotting marine wildlife, this tour hits many sweet spots.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at a designated pier where you’ll check in, meet your guide, and receive a safety briefing. This initial step is crucial — understanding how to operate the jetski and what to do in case of emergency ensures everyone can enjoy the tour confidently. Some reviews mention the staff’s helpfulness here, while others found the staff somewhat unhelpful, so being prepared and asking questions upfront can improve your experience.

Once ready, you’ll transfer onto your jetski, either solo or with a passenger, and venture out onto Biscayne Bay. The guided route is designed to show off Miami’s most picturesque views. Expect to see Miami’s famous skyline — a glittering, modern cityscape that looks especially good from the water. You’ll also pass by luxurious waterfront mansions, some of which are believed to belong to the city’s elite. The guides are knowledgeable, often sharing interesting tidbits about the properties and history of the area, adding a layer of cultural context to your ride.

The wildlife spotting phase typically involves slowing down near areas known for marine animals. Dolphins are common sightings, and some guests have reported seeing playful pods swimming nearby. While marine mammals are not guaranteed, many find this part of the tour one of the most memorable.

After about an hour of riding, you’ll return to the boat platform for a short sightseeing cruise that showcases Miami’s famous houses and islands. This part of the tour gives a more relaxed view and introduces you to Miami’s luxury waterfront lifestyle.

Finally, the tour concludes with refreshing drinks onboard — a nice way to cool down after the thrills. It’s worth noting that drinks are included in the price, making it a more social, laid-back finish to an energetic experience.

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The Experience on the Water

The speed options are adjustable, catering to all comfort levels. While some guests might prefer to go full throttle and embrace the adrenaline, others may choose a more leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery and wildlife. This flexibility makes the tour accessible to a broad audience.

The views of Miami’s skyline at sunset are especially stunning, with vibrant colors reflecting off the water and buildings. It’s a picture-perfect moment that many travelers cherish. The wildlife encounters add an element of magic, turning a speed ride into a potential wildlife safari.

The boat tour of mansions offers insight into Miami’s wealthy enclaves, with the chance to see some of the most impressive waterfront properties from an uncommon vantage point. For many, this aspect enriches the experience beyond just the adrenaline rush.

The Downsides and Caveats

While the majority of reviews are positive, some travelers have expressed frustration over equipment failures and staff interactions. One review called a staff member “rude and mean,” which underscores the importance of managing expectations and possibly questioning staff attitudes on arrival.

Another point to consider is the extra costs at check-in, notably the $70 fee per jetski if you don’t already hold a boating license, plus optional charges for photos or souvenirs. These additional expenses can quickly elevate the total cost, so keeping that in mind helps avoid surprises.

Some reviewers also mention the price discrepancy — the online rate might be lower than what’s paid in person, so it’s worth confirming prices before booking. Plus, waterproof phone cases are not provided, so if you want to capture photos, bringing your own is advisable.

Who Will Love It

This tour best suits adventure lovers seeking a fun, active way to experience Miami’s waters. It’s perfect for first-timers or those wanting a more up-close view of Miami’s famous skyline and mansions. It also appeals to families (with children over 2), groups of friends, or couples looking for a memorable outing.

If you value guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, and enjoy a balanced mix of adrenaline and sightseeing, this experience provides good value. Just keep in mind the extra costs and occasional logistical hiccups, and you’ll be well-prepared.

Who Might Not Love It

Those expecting a luxurious, all-inclusive experience might find the extra charges and variable service less appealing. Travelers with limited mobility should note that the activity is wheelchair accessible but involves some transfers. If strict budget constraints or price transparency are a concern, this tour may require some careful planning.

For thrill-seekers, photography enthusiasts, and those eager to see Miami from a different angle, this jetski and boat combo offers a compact, lively, and scenic adventure. It’s particularly good if you’re visiting Miami for a short time and want a quick, memorable activity that combines speed, stunning views, and marine wildlife.

The knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery make it stand out as a fun, authentic way to experience Biscayne Bay. While there are some issues with pricing transparency and staff interactions, these don’t overshadow the core appeal: a two-hour taste of Miami’s aquatic life and luxe waterfront.

If you’re comfortable with a bit of adventure, don’t mind extra charges, and want a lighthearted, scenic activity, this tour might be just what you need to add some sparkle to your Miami trip.

How much does the tour cost?
The base price is $42 per group, but you’ll need to pay $70 at check-in per jet ski unless you already have a boating license. Additional costs may include photos, videos, and optional gratuities.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts for two hours, with about one hour spent on the jetskis and the rest on a boat sightseeing tour.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for all skill levels, with adjustable speeds and guidance from experienced instructors, making it accessible even for first-timers.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, and a charged smartphone if you want to take photos. Waterproof cases are not included, so consider bringing your own if needed.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 2 years are not suitable for this activity, but older children and teenagers can participate, especially if supervised.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience claims to be wheelchair accessible, but transfers may be necessary.

What wildlife might I see?
While not guaranteed, you might spot dolphins or manatees during the ride, adding an exciting wildlife encounter to your adventure.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Morning, afternoon, or evening options are available; many find sunset rides particularly beautiful with the changing sky and city lights.

Whether you’re seeking a burst of speed, a chance to see Miami from the water, or a fun way to break up your day, this jetski experience offers a lively and scenic outing. Just remember, a little prep and clarifying costs beforehand can make your adventure all the more enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here: