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There’s much to see and do in Florida, but to experience some of the state’s best features, you’ll need to leave your land legs behind and take your sightseeing seaward. Florida’s seemingly infinite coastline and plentiful lakes make it an ideal spot for jet skiers of all skill levels. There are dozens of watersport companies offering rentals, guided tours, and expert instruction to give every thrill seeker exactly what they’re looking for. Grab your watercraft and go for a spin at one of these five scenic places to jet ski in Florida.
Key West is a place of pure beauty, whether you’re seeing the sites by land or sea. You can rent a jet ski from several locations on the island, then set sail for adventure. You’re likely to catch a glimpse of some of the sea life Key West is known for, such as turtles, dolphins, and sea birds. Consider booking a guided tour that can show you some of Key West’s most attractive sites.
For your best chance of a dolphin sighting, take a spin around Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, located just off the coast of Clearwater. You can book a formal tour that shows you where the dolphins roam, as well as spot other wildlife you might not notice without a guide leading the way. Through Fin’s Jet Ski Tours & Pontoon Boat Cruises, you can take a private jet ski tour of Caladesi Island. You can park on the islands’ sandy beaches and enjoy a swim, or make your way through the mangroves when the tide permits.
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the natural wonders of the Florida Everglades, there might be no better way than via jet ski. The Marco Island jet ski tour takes you through the mangrove forests and around the many islands that make up part of the southwest side of the everglades. On your way, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins and other wildlife that will make your tour unforgettable.
If you prefer to ditch the guided tour and unleash the power of the ride, you can rent a jet ski at Buena Vista Watersports and enjoy the open water at your own pace. This majestic lake will make you feel like you’re in the middle of paradise. You can rent your ride for 30 or 60 minutes and enjoy plenty of natural scenery along the way. Bonus tip: this rental spot is just minutes from all the major theme parks, which makes it a fun addition to any family vacation!
You can register for a partially guided jet ski tour that takes you from the shore to Shell Island, a beautiful scenic spot that’s perfect for shell collecting, swimming, snorkeling, or lounging in the sun. If you want to skip the tour, you can rent a jet ski and head through St. Andrew Bay to Shell Island on your own. Along the way, look for bottlenose dolphins that are known to frequent the area.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
