We’ve provided several answers to questions related to Destin Jet Ski Rentals & Tours , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
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Question: Can I bring a tube and tow rope with my jet ski rental so we can go tubing?
Answer: While you could technically do this, most (if not all) reputable rental companies will not allow you to tow a tube, wakeboard, or anything else behind a rented jet ski, even if you bring your own tube and tow rope. The main reason is safety and liability. Towing someone requires an extra person to act as an observer, and rental companies also have insurance rules that prohibit towing activities. It is simply not something that is included with a standard jet ski rental. If tubing is something your family really wants to do, I would recommend booking a dedicated tubing excursion instead. Those trips use boats that are designed for towing, the captain handles all of the driving, and you can focus on having fun without worrying about the rules or the equipment. If your goal is just to get out on the water and explore, a jet ski is still an awesome choice.
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Question: If we buy damage protection, what does it actually cover?
Answer: Every rental company writes it a little differently, so before you add it, ask them to explain it. A lot of times, it may reduce what you owe for certain accidental damage, like minor bumps, cosmetic damage, or small repairs, but it may not cover everything. It may not cover reckless driving, running the jet ski into shallow water, sucking up rope or debris, beaching it, or ignoring the riding boundaries. Protection does not mean you can ride however you want with no responsibility. I would ask what the regular deposit is, what the maximum out of pocket cost is with protection, and what situations are excluded. Also ask whether it covers damage to the jet ski only, or if there is any liability if another boat, dock, or jet ski is involved.
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Question: Does the person who pays for the rental also have to be the person driving?
Answer: Not always, but the person paying and the person driving both need to be properly listed in the way the rental company wants it. A lot of times, one person can pay for the booking, and another person can be the driver, especially if a parent, spouse, or friend is covering the cost. Keep in mind that the actual driver still has to meet the age requirement, show a valid photo ID, sign the waiver, and have the Florida boating safety requirement handled if it applies to them. The company may also want the person paying to be present with the card used for the reservation, because deposits and damage responsibility are usually tied to that payment method. Paying for it does not automatically make you the approved driver, and being the approved driver does not always mean you have to be the cardholder. If you are booking for someone else, I would call ahead and ask how they want the reservation set up. If multiple people might drive, have everyone cleared at check in instead of trying to sort it out once you are already on the dock.
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Question: Can we stop near Crab Island for a few minutes, or are Jet Skis mostly meant for riding instead of hanging out?
Answer: You can usually slow down and idle near Crab Island for a few minutes if you are inside the area the rental company allows. Crab Island is full of anchored boats, pontoons, and swimmers, so it is not the easiest place to sit still on a Jet Ski for very long. You also have to stay aware of current, wakes, and other boats, because even when you feel like you are barely moving, the water can slowly push you closer to someone else. Most renters enjoy cruising by and taking in the scene, maybe idling for a short bit, and then heading back out to a better riding area. What you usually do not want to do is treat it like a pontoon rental where you anchor, swim, and relax for 2hrs. Jet Skis are more hands on, and someone needs to stay in control the whole time.
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Question: If someone has never driven a Jet Ski before, do they get a chance to ease into it before heading into busier water?
Answer: Yes, most rental crews know a good chunk of people showing up have either never driven a Jet Ski or have only done it once on vacation years ago, so they usually do not just toss you the key and send you into the busiest water right away. Before you leave, they will go over the throttle, steering, kill switch, how to slow down, how far to stay from boats, and what areas to avoid. Once you pull away from the dock, the first few minutes are normally slow because you are in a marina, harbor, or no wake zone. The biggest thing is not to panic or oversteer. Jet Skis need throttle to turn well, so people get nervous when they let off completely and then wonder why it does not handle the way they expected. I would tell the dock staff it is your first time before you go out, because they may give you a little extra coaching or point you toward the calmer side of the riding area first.
