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Jet skiing offers an experience like no other for vacationing all year round. Feel the wind on your face and work out your body while enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife of our lakes, rivers, and oceans. No other experience on the water feels so freeing and playful, allowing you to go at a pace that suits you.
For gentle sightseeing or exhilarating riding waves, making jet skiing a part of your vacation combines fun and relaxation for the whole family.
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The Benefits of Jet Ski Travel
There are lots of water sports that people enjoy during vacation. None of them provide as many benefits and as big of a fun factor as riding a jet ski. With freedom, exercise, and immersion in nature, a jet ski adds true adventure to your vacation.
Freedom to explore a wider area
Lake and ocean swimming, for most people, only allows you to explore a small area of water, and boat or walking tours are often very regimented and can feel more like a school field trip. Riding a jet ski lets you explore a wider area at your own pace, with maximum freedom.
Great exercise
Jet skiing works out your body and builds strength and endurance. Jet skiing burns a lot of calories, allowing you to enjoy those delicious vacation dinners and treats completely guilt-free.
Improves balance
Keeping yourself up on a jet ski not only gives the body a great workout but also improves your balance.
Get close to nature
While riding on the water you get both great views of stunning scenery and an up-close experience with wildlife in the area.
Great for mental health
Engaging in play is vital for all of us at any age. Jet skis are fun and that's important. The adrenaline of feeling the wind in your face while exercising your body gives you a high that melts worries and daily stress.
Image Credit: Mike Spasoff / flickr
Choosing a Destination
Choosing the perfect destination for your next jet ski adventure depends on what you wish to see, do, and experience during your trip. Jet skiing trips range from sandy shores and rocky canyons to serene mirror-like lakes and open cityside rivers. Factors to consider when choosing a destination:
The time of year
Some destinations are only available for jet skiing seasonally. Others are open and sunny year-round. Whether you are looking for fresh summer fun or an escape from the cold during a long winter, there are places with jet skis waiting for you. If you wish to stay on the water Many lake locations for jet skiing trips feature houseboat rentals. Renting a houseboat offers the chance to spend your vacation living, sleeping, and playing on the water.
Wildlife patterns
If you hope to see your favorite wildlife at your destination, be sure to look into its seasonal and daytime habits for the best chance to see them up close.
Other activities available
Your choice of jet ski destination will vary based on what you like to do with the rest of your time. Whether you are looking for serene and quiet relaxation or to spend the nights dancing in the clubs, there is a jet ski vacation that will suit you.
Best Jet Ski Locations
The United States is abundant with amazing locations to jet ski. Here are 8 of the best places to consider for your next jet-skiing adventure.
Image Credit: Anthony Quintano / flickr
Miami Beach, Florida
No list of jet ski destinations would be complete without a mention of Miami Beach, Florida. Expansive blue-green Atlantic ocean water with intracoastal waterways to explore to change up the pace.
The views of Miami’s stunning skylines, beaches, and palm trees never get old. All year-round sunshine makes this one of the most popular destinations for beginners and experts.
Surrounded by the homes of the rich and famous, Miami’s air of opulence from Art Deco South Beach to sightings of superyachts, there is always something to see on the water of this South Florida playground.
Image Credit: David.Clay.Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
New York Harbor
One of the most unique ways to see the classic sights of New York City is jet skiing in New York Harbor. Where The East River meets The Hudson River, grab the opportunity to see famous landmarks in a completely different way.
A jet skiing tour of the harbor gives you views of:
- The Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island
- The New York Skyline
- The Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges
- The Empire State Building
- Freedom Tower
Image Credit: Anoldent / CC BY-SA 2.0
Silver River, Florida
Tucked away in central Florida, The Silver River is the outflow of Florida’s Silver Springs. Surprisingly serene and mirror-like blue-green waters make this jet ski trail a must-see for nature lovers.
Despite its location in hot and humid central Florida, the water in these crystal clear springs stays around 72 degrees, for a refreshing and unique vacation.
The river and forests of surrounding trees are home to expected and unexpected Florida wildlife. Watch gators sunbathing by the river banks and monkeys, yes monkeys, swinging around the tree tops. Silver River is a serene getaway and a true escape into nature.
Image Credit: Sealle - Own work / CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Cumberland
A true gem of Kentucky and technically a reservoir rather than a lake, Lake Cumberland is a watersports paradise.
With over 1200 miles of shoreline and sandy beaches, this huge lake features boating, fishing, jet skiing, tubing, and many more water sport options.
Lake Cumberland is a perfect destination for people who love to stay active on their vacation while enjoying the serenity of the country.
Image Credit: Michelle Raponi / Pixabay
Marco Island
Nestled on the South West Coast of Florida, this Gulf destination is a paradise for lovers of wildlife and exploration. The mangrove forests of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge are home to an array of marine life, including:
- Dolphins
- Manatees
- Bald eagles
- Pelicans
- Sea turtles
- And more
Best explored on a jet ski, boats cannot reach all the beautiful spots in this mangrove forest area.
Image Credit: David Mark / Pixabay
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, a glacial lake of crisp, clear water on the border of California and Nevada, is a must-see for people who love the outdoors.
More accessible for people in the West than other lake options, jet skiing is one of the most popular activities for people visiting the area.
Lake Tahoe is an immersive experience in nature with stunning views of mountains and lush greenery for miles around. With country-style cabins and lodges as popular accommodations, this traditional country destination feels like a vacation with mother earth.
Seeing these views from the freedom of a jet ski allows you to take in all the breathtaking sights while letting your inner child out to play on more than 122,000 acres of open water.
Image Credit: Brigitte Werner / Pixabay
Lake Powell
Nestled between canyons on the border of Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell is a unique destination for jet skiing.
While many favorite jet ski destinations are known for ocean views and forest greenery, Lake Powell delivers a desert vibe for a completely different experience.
Jet ski across the 250-mile shoreline with views of splendid red and orange rock formations. Antelope Canyon provides a treat for skiers looking for a more advanced trail. Perfect for trips during off seasons in Northern states, the clear, sunny, and predictable weather makes Lake Powell a year-round winner.
House boating vacations are popular on Lake Powell, where vacationers love to spend as much of their trip on the water as possible.
Lake Placid - Mirror Lake
Nestled in a freshwater, mountainous paradise, Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, NY is a jet skier's dream. Named for its perfectly still waters, this country retreat is surrounded by thick forests with changing leaves worthy of postcards near the fall. It's a place of gentle serenity where you can let your inner child play with abandon.
Jet skiing on these waters is fun, fresh, and exhilarating. With only one goal in mind—having fun surrounded by nature—you'll be able to explore the lake's many coves and inlets, or simply cruise along the shoreline taking in the scenery.
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, Mirror Lake is the perfect place to jet ski. But even if you're a beginner, you'll be able to enjoy the lake's calm waters and stunning views.
Image Credit: Storeyland / flickr
Safety Guidelines
Jet skiing adventures are fun ways to work out the body, relax the mind and explore the wonders of nature. They are still very high-powered and heavy machines that we use on bodies of water that can be dangerous. To keep the fun going, always stay safe when riding and take safety precautions for yourself, others, and local wildlife.
Never forget safety gear
As hot as the weather can be in some of these beautiful jet ski destinations, never be tempted to drop the safety gear. A life jacket is non-negotiable no matter how advanced your swimming skills are. Accidents can happen quickly and injury can prevent you from swimming. Protect your skin by reapplying sunscreen regularly, as once in the morning will not be enough.
Always check your gas tank
It may sound a little obvious, but this simple habit can save you many frustrated and potentially dangerous hours on the water if you run out of gas. Make it a habit to always check your gas level before setting off, even if somebody else says that it is taken care of. After all, if you run out of gas on the water, they won't be the ones getting stuck!
Spark plugs
As they spend so much time around the water, jet ski spark plugs are prone to rust and can affect the performance of your engine. You can help to avoid vacation disappointments by starting your day with mechanical problems by checking your spark plugs for rust before your trip.
Image Credit: Adam Swords / YouTube
Environmental responsibility
Waterports, particularly with our motorized toys, come with some environmental factors to consider. Aside from the potential carbon emissions of using an abundance of gasoline, we need to ensure that we preserve these natural wonder spots for the future.
When we jet ski, we share the water space with marine life. These plants, animals, and birds make these beautiful destinations what they are and are vital to the ecosystems of our waterways. When we jet ski in these waters, we must do everything we can to protect marine life and water quality for generations to come.
Consider an electric jet ski
Innovations in watersports technology are moving fast. Many eco-conscious manufacturers and rental companies offer electric jet skis as an alternative option. Aside from not using fossil fuels, electric jet skis are quieter than gas alternatives which cause less distress for marine animals and birds in the area.
Take care when refueling
A lot of avoidable environmental damage occurs by simple carelessness with fuel. Spilled gasoline can kill both marine plant and animal life. By carefully refueling your jet ski to avoid unnecessary spillage we can save pollution from avoidable accidents.
- Fill up your jet ski on land whenever possible
- Overfilling the tank can lead to spillage
- Use a spill-proof nozzle if you need to fill up while on the water
- Be prepared with absorbent pads just in case of any spillage
Conclusion
Jet skiing offers the ultimate outdoor fun for your vacation. With physical exercise, mental health benefits, beautiful scenery, and a chance to play in nature.
Each of these beautiful destinations is an opportunity to have fun riding and take in some of the most breathtaking views in the country.
Seeing these unique places from the water gives you an up close and personal experience with nature that you won't get from taking a boat or walking tour.
Making It Happen
Although travel guides inspire us with ideas about what is possible for our next adventure, it is vital not to get stuck in a "one-day," mentality. The feelings of freedom, serenity, and playfulness of a jet skiing trip
For more information on making your jet ski dreams a part of your next vacation. Check out some destination options below:
https://visitlaketahoe.com
https://www.marcoislandjetskitours.com
https://www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings
https://parks.ky.gov/jamestown/parks/resort/lake-cumberland-state-resort-park