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

Miami Jet Ski Rentals

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
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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!

How to Jet Ski from Miami to the Bahamas (2022)

Jet Ski To The Bahamas

It’s the dream of many to ride a jet ski to another country such as the Bahamas. Consider it an international expedition with a jet ski. The best part is that you don’t need to travel far from Miami.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: COVID-19 Restrictions mean that current information changes frequently. What was written 5 minutes ago may not be relevant now. It’s best to refer to government websites and media outlets in both countries before planning.

In normal times, you can easily travel by jet ski from Miami to the Bahamas in a day trip, but it will require some preparation. I’ll show you how (assuming we’re not in a Pandemic) in this detailed guide.

Long Distance Jet Ski Touring Bahamas From Miami
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Let’s jump straight into it!

Preparing Your Jet Ski for The Bahamas

It all really comes in the planning stages. I’d recommend that you do the following:

Jet Ski To The Bahamas From Florida
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  1. Pack your passport! You will need it to get past customs on both ends. Some people forget that it has to have a few months worth of expiry left.
  2. Exchange your US dollars into Bahamian dollar before you leave home. It’s harder to exchange dollars at most places, plus some places aren’t authorized to change money either.
  3. Make sure your jet ski has had a recent service and is fully clean with no leaks. It’s
  4. Check the weather! This can make the difference between fun and frustration.
  5. Fuel up your jet ski to the very top plus check your oil levels too.
  6. Double-check you have everything, including at least 5 litres of fresh drinking water.
  7. Ask a buddy to join you, as riding a jet ski to the Bahamas is lonely to do solo. There are group rides that open to the public leaving Miami every weekend, as long as the weather is great!

It really doesn’t take that much more than a normal day of riding, apart from some additional preparation. The biggest one, of course, is the passport that you’ll need to pack in a dry bag. I know several riders who got their passports wet when riding, so don’t avoid that mistake.

Setting a Route to The Bahamas

There are multiple ways to travel by jet ski from Miami to the Bahamas.

Here are 3 routes that are quite popular:

  1. Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (the longest route)
  2. Miami to Bimini which only takes 1.5 hours by jet ski
  3. Fort Lauderdale to Bimini (quite a popular route)

These are the more popular tourist spots. If you want something a little quieter, then there are numerous spots you can find but you’ll still need to clear customs at either Bimini or Freeport before going to have a picnic or stay overnight.

Returning to the United States

On the return to the United States, expect to be questioned by Customs as to what you were doing away. This is because they are very security-conscious about people doing the wrong thing between countries. You know what I mean.

I would advise that you aim to return long before sunrise. You or someone else might have a mechanical issue on the return which could require towing. Trust me: the extra sunshine hours will come in helpful.

The other issue is that often the boat ramp is busy in the late afternoon. Retrieving a jet ski at nighttime is a riskier process and it’s also not that fun being bitten by insects at the boat ramp.

Summary

Riding a personal watercraft to the Bahamas and back in a day is great fun! You can also combine it with jet ski camping or simply stay at one of the many beach-side huts. Their 24/7 security can mind your jet ski while you’re sleeping, or you can buy a PWC lock or set an alarm system.

How To Jet Ski From Miami To The Bahamas Infographic
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Group riding is so much fun and often there is a support boat to carry extra gas. I do know of several people who have done it solo but it is riskier.

Either way, have fun and stay safe!