Australia Archives - Jet Ski Advice

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

June 1, 2022March 26, 2022 by Joshua Smith

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 Adventure	Two Island Safari	Ultimate Island Trek
$220/per jetski	$310/per jetski	$380/per jetski
1.5 hours	2 hours	3 hours
4.2 stars	4.7 stars	5 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 Licence Requirements in Australia: State by State

June 1, 2022November 30, 2021 by Joshua Smith

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.

Miami Jet Ski Rental: How To Get Riding For $70!

June 7, 2022January 5, 2021 by Joshua Smith

Did you know that jet ski hire has become super affordable? This is due to COVID-19 and fewer tourists on the beaches of Miami.

So whether you’re a local or visiting from interstate, I’ve done a lot of the groundwork here to find you the most affordable options for hiring a jet ski or going on a tour.

Just keep in mind that the machines you’ll hire are typically underpowered. While they can take 2 people, it’s going to be a slow ride and nothing like riding a full-sized performance-orientated PWC.

Miami Jet Ski Hire Shops

You certainly can hire a jet ski for less than 70 buckaroos. Problem is though…this will be a 30-minute ride and you’re back to the dock. Just when you’re really about to open the throttle…BAM! You’ll be told that the time is up.

Rent A Jet Ski In Miami — Miami jet ski rental: how to get riding for $70! 6

It’s for this reason that I really recommend that you get yourself a decent rental for at least an hour, if not two. This is going to cost you $150 to $300 but well worth it, and the first time you go I recommend going with a tour guide.

Here are the most popular places to hire jet skis in Miami:

1. BJM Jetski Rentals

One of the most popular places to hire a jet ski is BJM. Their reviews are pretty high and the prices are pretty affordable. It’s where I’d be going if it’s my first time out there.

2. Miami Beach Jet Ski Rentals

Another great spot to go to is these guys. I’ve heard great things and their prices are quite reasonable. They’re right on the beach so you can jump in for a swim afterwards!

3. Just Jet Ski Rentals & Tours

I recommend tours for first-time riders and Just Jet Ski is perfect. The pretty friendly team over there can get you organized and riding in about 10 minutes.

4. Jet Skis in Miami

Interesting name and you’ll get pretty good service here too. You can tell that the owners really know their personal watercraft very well. They’re not my first choice but that doesn’t mean that they’re bad.

Getting Started

It’s pretty easy to get out there and start riding, and no – you won’t need a PWC licence even if you’re from interstate or overseas. Some valid photo ID is all that is necessary.

Keep in mind that there is certain etiquette that you need to abide by such as not capsizing your jet ski or doing 70 miles per hour. Typically the jet ski models they use are recreational-lite which means the GTI90 is the model of choice. Max speed on the waterways is typically 40 knots.

Stay safe out there!