One of the most popular activities in the Bahamas is going jet skiing. Most hotels provide beachfront property where third-party jet ski owners provide jet ski rentals to tourists. And well it might look like a breeze to rent a jet ski in the movies, renting jet skis as a real-life tourist is much different.
Tourists need to be careful when renting jet skis from third-party owners in the Bahamas. You might want to check out my other article about renting jet skis in the Bahamas to read about the escapade we experienced. Here's five tips to help you rent jet skis safely in the Bahamas.
Pay with cash: not too many jet ski rentals in the Bahamas allow renters to pay with a credit card. However, some places might, and since few swimmers carry cash around in their pockets while dressed in a swimsuit, carrying a credit card seems preferable. But don't give into the temptation of using your credit card, as there are few ways, if any, that you can dispute the charge if they're a shady outfit.Share jet skis whenever possible: renting jet skis in the Bahamas is expensive to say the least. Renters might charge more than $100 for mere half-hour of ocean enjoyment. Consider taking turns driving and riding the jet ski to save money.
Don't ride alone: you know how your mother always told you never to swim alone? The same is true for jet skiing. While there are some exceptions, tourists who do not know their way around the Bahamas or have not had much experience jet skiing, should ride together for protection. And, in case anything goes wrong, you run out of gas, or there is a jet ski failure, you don't want to rely on the goodwill of passing riders and boaters to help you out.
Don't go all macho your first day: although it might be fun to spin circles as fast as you can, it's far from a good idea to try jet ski stunts on your first day. Take it easy on the gas at first is specially if you have a rider on your back.
Be aware of other traffic: the Bahamian ocean is a busy place especially in front of popular hotels and resorts like the Atlantis. There will likely be many other boats and jet ski riders sharing the ocean with you. It's your rresponsibility to watch out for other travelers even if they're not watching out for you.
Note that children under the age of 16 may not drive their own jet skis. Plan on leaving them ashore with a responsible adult or having them ride behind you on your jet ski.
Tourists need to be careful when renting jet skis from third-party owners in the Bahamas. You might want to check out my other article about renting jet skis in the Bahamas to read about the escapade we experienced. Here's five tips to help you rent jet skis safely in the Bahamas.
Pay with cash: not too many jet ski rentals in the Bahamas allow renters to pay with a credit card. However, some places might, and since few swimmers carry cash around in their pockets while dressed in a swimsuit, carrying a credit card seems preferable. But don't give into the temptation of using your credit card, as there are few ways, if any, that you can dispute the charge if they're a shady outfit.Share jet skis whenever possible: renting jet skis in the Bahamas is expensive to say the least. Renters might charge more than $100 for mere half-hour of ocean enjoyment. Consider taking turns driving and riding the jet ski to save money.
Don't ride alone: you know how your mother always told you never to swim alone? The same is true for jet skiing. While there are some exceptions, tourists who do not know their way around the Bahamas or have not had much experience jet skiing, should ride together for protection. And, in case anything goes wrong, you run out of gas, or there is a jet ski failure, you don't want to rely on the goodwill of passing riders and boaters to help you out.
Don't go all macho your first day: although it might be fun to spin circles as fast as you can, it's far from a good idea to try jet ski stunts on your first day. Take it easy on the gas at first is specially if you have a rider on your back.
Be aware of other traffic: the Bahamian ocean is a busy place especially in front of popular hotels and resorts like the Atlantis. There will likely be many other boats and jet ski riders sharing the ocean with you. It's your rresponsibility to watch out for other travelers even if they're not watching out for you.
Note that children under the age of 16 may not drive their own jet skis. Plan on leaving them ashore with a responsible adult or having them ride behind you on your jet ski.