Jet Ski Rental in Charleston SC: Under $100 and Where To Go

Charleston Sc

If the weekend’s weather forecast is predicted to be sunny, there is no better way to explore Charleston’s waterways than by jet ski.

Whether it’s an organized tour or self-drive option, we have rounded up the 4 best rental stores around town. All these businesses have been vetted for public liability insurance, reviews and most importantly, epic riding areas.

Let’s begin.

1. Tidal Wave Water Sports Charleston

Tidal Wave Water Sports Charleston runs their own guided jet ski adventure tour. This has been running for years and they offer a free shuttle bus too. These tours go for 90 minutes and includes a stop at Capers Island with some stunning wildlife for those looking for an eco-friendly tour and the chance to spot some dolphins.

2. Dolphin Watersports

The next on this list is Dolphin Watersports. They have multiple locations to choose from, but oddly enough, they aren’t open on weekends. That’s made up by the fact that you won’t have to ride with a guide with some incredibly riding length.

3. Little River Watersports

It’s hard not to include Little River Watersports on this list. They are well known and offer some experiences that others don’t, including 4 hours worth of jet ski fishing. They do operate on weekends and weekdays provided the weather is reasonable. You’ll find them at Myrtle Beach.

4. East Coat Jet Ski Rentals Myrtle Beach

Another rental store at Myrtle Beach is East Coat Jet Ski Rentals. You can join a 1 hour or 2 hour rental if you prefer to ride yourself, or jump on board the 3 hour tour or backwater adventure. Uniquely, they offer supercharged Sea-Doo GTX 230s which is rare in the rental market. Most others use GTI 130’s which are kinda average after a few rides.

Getting Started

It’s hard to pass up a ride this summer and there is no need to be hiding behind the phone. All these rental stores provide dry storage for your valuables while also allowing GoPro mounting, so you can take photos of your epic day out there on the waterways.

Now you have no excuses! We’ll see you out there.

Airlie Beach Jet Ski Hire: $90 to Explore The Whitsundays?

Jet Ski Hire Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is reopening as a tourist hotspot given that border restrictions in Queensland have mostly been eliminated. What does that mean? The perfect chance to hire a jet ski!

The Jet Ski Advice team has done the research to find you the best jet ski hire company to help you explore the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Whether it’s a tour or self-drive option, you’ll certainly find a genuine operator who holds adventure at their core.

Let’s rip straight into this!

Whitsunday Jetski Tours

These guys mean business and have been voted Australia’s #1 tourism experience. They operate tours from the Coral Sea Marina where you can explore the Whitsundays on the Sea-Doo GTI. No underpowered Sea-Doo Sparks here! They expect you to have some serious fun.

You’ll find them at Shop 3 Coral Sea Marina South Village, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach. They are only around 30 minutes from Proserpine.

Fact: They are the only jet ski hire business in Airlie Beach so there is no need to compare operators! They have been operating since 1998 and have seen the best (and worst) of times in the Australian tourism industry.

Also, there previously was another hire business that provided 30-minute jet ski hire in a closed circuit loop for 30 minutes for $90, however, this business is no longer operating.

Whitsunday Jetski Tours Pricing

There are 3 different options you can choose from:

Airlie AdventureTwo Island SafariUltimate Island Trek
$220/per jetski$310/per jetski$380/per jetski
1.5 hours2 hours3 hours
4.2 stars4.7 stars5 stars

The cheapest option is $220 which allows you to join an Airlie Beach jet ski tour for 1.5 hours. You won’t require much fitness and can take a passenger if you desire.

As far as we can find, no one offers self-drive rentals. You can’t simply go riding without a tour guide, even if you do have an Australian or international PWC licence. Your best-bet would be to head up to Mackay if this is what you’re aiming for, especially as you can explore as much (or as little) as you wish.

What To Bring

What do you pack for jet ski riding? Well, we have written a jet ski packing guide here which will help you with packing, but they keep things so simple. Swimmers, a towel and sunscreen is all you generally need as they provide thermals, wetsuits, polarized sunglasses/goggles, hats and safety gear including jet ski life jackets.

How Fast You Can Go?

Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks to hiring a jet ski is the latest speed restrictions. You can only do 30-knots in Queensland when you hire a PWC which is remarkably slow but is reasonable for beginners who haven’t ridden before. This is a good reason to get a jet ski licence and purchase your own PWC…which you’ll probably be wanting to do just moments after your tour is finished!

In Summary

Hiring a jet ski is definitely one of the best ways to experience the Whitsunday Islands. It’s one of the most beautiful locations in all of Australia and it isn’t all about laying on the beach and soaking up the sun.

Jet Ski Hire Auckland: 3 Places To Ride Under $100

Riding A Jet Ski Near Auckland Last Summer

Visiting Auckland or living there permanently and keen to brave the weather and explore on a jet ski? Then I’ve got you covered!

I have searched for the best jet ski rental stores in Auckland and have compared them based on their tour lengths, pricing and model of jet skis. And the best part? I have no business relationship with any of them, so this is as unbiased as they come!

Let’s begin.

Jet Ski Hire Auckland

While the summers are short and the winters are long, it doesn’t mean you can’t book yourself in for a tour. Sometimes winter can be the calmest time on the water!

Most jet ski rental companies will provide you with a wetsuit to borrow for the day and this is included in the price. All you need then is a smile and a willingness to explore.

So if you’re in Auckland, check out these places:

1. Auckland Jet Ski Hire

For the ultimate experience, it’s hard to look past Auckland Jet Ski Hire. They are well established and the business is owned by locals. They use the Sea-Doo GTI models which are a step above what most hire companies use which is a good reason why I’ve ranked them #1.

You can ride through summer, winter or both. They do tours right out to Waiheke Island which is only around 30 minutes from their base. You can also check out Rangitoto and Motuihe while you’re there to get the full experience. 4-hour jet ski rentals are the best value.

2. Auckland Jet Ski Rentals

For a slightly cheaper experience, Auckland Jet Ski Rental is currently offering hire-only for those who have a jet ski licence already. They’re based in Wai O Taiki Bay (the only company here) and offer some easy thrills for locals and travelers alike.

3. Hibiscus JetSki Hire

The last on this list is Hibiscus JetSki Hire which started in 2018 and allows locals and visitors alike to explore the beautiful Whangaparaoa Peninsula. They offer tours for those less confident and can even bring their jet skis directly to your accommodation. They also offer tow-away options for those with tow bars on their vehicles.

In Summary

You certainly don’t need a licence with any of the companies listed above. As long as you have a tour guide, then you’re allowed to ride, either by yourself or with a passenger. Jet Ski Hire Orewa is also recommended if you’re not exactly in the city area plus there is another based in Takapuna Beach where you can take one away for an entire week!

Now you have no real excuses but to get out there and explore these beautiful, clean and crisp waterways. 😃

4 Best Jet Ski Rental Stores in Chicago With Low Prices

Chicago Jet Ski Rental

Are you looking to rent a jet ski in Chicago? Then you’re in the right place!

I’ve found some of the best jet ski rental stores around the city, on the beach and Lake Michigan so you can make the most of summer. And no – these won’t cost you a fortune this weekend.

Let’s begin!

1. Chicago Water Sport Rentals

Chicago Water Sport Rentals are one of the longest-running rental businesses in the city. You’ll find them at 31st Street Harbor and they run from May until September each year.

2. Jet Ski Chicago

The runner-up on our list is Jet Ski Chicago. You only need to be 18 years of age to rent a jet ski here provided you have a credit card for an insurance deposit. They’re on North Ave Beach (1600 N Lake Short Dr) and offer both hire and tours for reasonable prices.

3. Chicago Jet Ski Rentals

If you want a no-frills solution, then Chicago Jet Ski Rentals are a great way to go. They’re open every day throughout summer so you can avoid those weekend crowds! You’ll find them at 31st Street Harbor south of Navy Pier.

4. Southside Chicago Jet Ski Rentals

Southside Chicago Jet Ski Rentals are one of the newest operators on the scene and operate from beautiful Lake Michigan. You can take your kids along for a day of fun and excitement. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find out exactly where to find these guys.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from the Jet Ski Advice community.

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

$59 to $350 depending on the length of hire. Overnight hires begin at $300. You can get a discount if you hire more than one personal watercraft at a time since group bookings attract reasonable discounts.

How old do you have to be to rent a jetski in Chicago?

Most jet ski rental stores require riders to be at least 21 years old, however, some allow riders as young as 18. Passengers need to be at least 12 years of age.

Can I ride a jet ski in Chicago without a licence?

Yes. If you hire a jet ski from one of these water sport rental stores, then you’ll be able to ride unlicensed either on a set circuit or organized tour. You’ll be fully supervised during the experience and can ride up to 40-knots on the water using the latest recreational jet skis.

Can I ride a jet ski in the Chicago River?

No. The Chicago River has a low-speed limit and is mostly a no-wake zone. It’s best to ride a PWC in the lake.

In Summary

Renting a jet ski is a heck of a lot of fun! It’s the perfect segway into owning your own jet ski, whether for fishing or recreation. In any case, I’ll catch you out there!

Jet Ski Licence Requirements in Australia: State by State

Australia Jet Ski Licencsing

Welcome my fellow Australian! In this guide, I’m going to show you the jet ski licensing and riding conditions on a state-by-state (and territory) basis.

For those short on time and who need to know the facts upfront…

In most states of Australia, jet ski riders must be over the age of 16 to legally ride unsupervised. To ride solo, they will require a boat and PWC licence but are granted an exemption if they hire a jet ski from a registered operator under supervision. Children under the age of 16 may ride a jet ski with their licenced parents sitting behind, or if riding solo, it is ridden on private property.

Previously, the AAOK Lakes Resort on Lake Bennett (private property) in Darwin offered jet ski rental to children but this has ceased in recent years due to liability concerns. Northern Territory itself doesn’t provide marine licences nor a requirement to register a jet ski or boat for private use, so you can ride as young as you would like to.

This is a state-by-state breakdown for jet ski licence requirements in Australia, paying close attention to minimum age. Current information is effective as of November 2021.

New South Wales

According to Service NSW, you’ll be eligible for a PWC licence if you are at least 12 years of age and already hold a general boat licence. There is no separate on-water test for this, but you’ll need to pass the PWC licence knowledge test.

Victoria

In Victoria, the rules are more conservative. You can get a marine licence if you are at least 12 years of age, however, you’ll need to be 16 to get a PWC endorsement. This is a test featuring 15 multiple-choice questions, with 13 needing to be correct to qualify for passing marks. You can find some practice tests here.

Queensland

Queensland residents must be at least 16 years of age to apply for both a boat and jet ski licence. You’ll need to do a course with a practical component for both boating and jet ski riding, and then apply for your QLD jet ski licence within 6 months of receiving your statement of competency.

Western Australia

There is no formal jet ski licence in Western Australia, nor is there a marine licence. Instead, it’s called a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket and the course also covers jet ski usage briefly. Better yet, there are no ongoing fees to pay to the government! You’ll need to be at least 14 years of age to ride a jet ski on your own in Western Australia, but only to a maximum of 8 knots and during daylight hours. Once you turn 16, both restrictions immediately cease.

South Australia

South Australia has very stringent rules for jet ski use. For instance, you can’t use them before 8am any day (it’s 9am for Sundays) and certainly not past 8pm on any day. Riders need to be at least 16 years old and have a boat operator’s licence. There is no separate licence for jet skis in South Australia.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, you’ll need to have a boat licence then apply for a PWC endorsement after completing the PWWC Practical Course. Only two companies provide these – Surf Life Saving Tasmania and BoatBiz. In addition, you’ll need to be at least 12 years old to ride with a parent on the back, or 17 if you would like to ride solo.

Northern Territory

Appreciate complete freedom? The Northern Territory does NOT have any boat or jet ski licences or requirements for any age. A 7-year-old kid can take a jet ski out anytime he or she wants without an adult on the back. There is also no need to register any privately owned marine vessel.

Australian Capital Territory

We are currently awaiting feedback from the ACT Government as to minimum age requirements for jet ski use in their state. That said – you can’t use a jet ski on Lake Burley Griffin anyway, and given the land-locked nature of the ACT, we believe that most people would fall under NSW jurisdiction.