Jet Ski Hire Magnetic Island: 60 Minutes, Up to 8 Riders

Self-drive jet ski in Australia's largest hire area, with wildlife and open water in a single outing

Rent a jet ski for 60 minutes in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, with up to 8 riders taking turns behind the handlebars on the same ski. You get a safety briefing and on-water demo on land, then explore 2 km² of open water at your own pace within a 30-knot speed limit and 200-metre safety zones, spotting turtles, rays, dolphins and birds of prey as you go. The price books one jet ski. Multiple riders swap on the beach for equal time each.

The experience

What makes this different from a guided tour is that you're in control. After a quick briefing on the beach (learning the rules, signing the contract, and getting a gear demo), you take the ski out and set your own line through the water. The hire area spans 2 km² in Horseshoe Bay, which is Australia's largest unguided jet ski space, so there's room to move without feeling crowded. A trained guide stays on hand for safety, but the throttle is yours.

The setup works because up to 8 riders can rotate on a single ski. You swap on the beach so everyone gets equal time behind the handlebars: no one sits out the whole hour. The commercially registered skis have a 30-knot speed limit and 200-metre safety zones built in, so you focus on the thrill and the wildlife instead of worrying about the mechanics. Turtles, rays, dolphins and birds of prey show up regularly in the bay, and the open water gives you the space to spot them without a guide narrating over your shoulder.

The whole experience runs 90 minutes from start to finish: the briefing and demo take about 30 minutes, then you're on the water for the full 60. You'll need to be a confident swimmer, have a clear grasp of English to follow the safety instructions, and meet the weight limits (single rider up to 120 kg, or two riders combined up to 160 kg). Riders aged 16 and 17 can go alone, but younger riders need an adult aged 18 or over present with photo ID and a valid Visa or Mastercard.

What’s included

• Safety briefing and on-water demo on the beach.
• 60-minute jet ski hire in Horseshoe Bay with up to 8 riders rotating for equal turns.
• access to Australia's largest unguided jet ski hire area across 2 km² of open water.
• expert guide on hand throughout for safety.
• family-friendly activity for ages 6 and up (younger children as passengers with an adult rider).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30, 12:15 and 13:00

Book up to8h before

GroupUp to 40 · max 1 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Magnetic Island Jet Skis

Is this one for you?The 60 minutes is split between setup on the beach and time on the water, so you're not riding for a full hour straight: factor in the briefing, demo and rider swaps if you're planning the rest of your day around it. The self-drive format means you set the pace and the line, which suits anyone who wants control over their own adventure rather than following a guide's route.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can my kids take turns on the same jet ski, or do they each need their own?

Up to 8 riders can share one jet ski by rotating on the beach between turns, so you book one ski and everyone gets equal time at the handlebars. This keeps the cost down and works well for families.

What's the water like in Horseshoe Bay, is it safe for beginners to handle a jet ski?

Horseshoe Bay is sheltered and the hire area spans 2 km² with a 30-knot speed limit and 200-metre safety zones, so the conditions are controlled. You'll get a full safety briefing and on-water demo before you head out, and a trained guide stays on hand. All riders must be confident swimmers.

Will I actually see wildlife, or is that just marketing?

Turtles, rays, dolphins and birds of prey are regular sightings in the bay. The open water and your own pace give you the chance to spot them without a guide's schedule dictating when you look.

How much of the 90 minutes is actually on the water?

The full 60-minute hire is on the water. The safety briefing, contract, gear demo and rider swaps happen on the beach before and between your time on the ski, so the 90-minute total includes the setup and transitions.

What happens if I'm not confident enough once I'm out there?

The guide is on hand throughout, and the speed limits and safety zones mean you're not in open ocean. You can take it slow and build confidence in the controlled 2 km² area. If you need to stop or get support, the guide is there.