Whitsundays: Guided Jet Ski Tour from Airlie Beach Marina

Summary

Ride Sea-Doo jet skis to Whitsunday Islands with local guides

You’ll ride Sea-Doo jet skis through Whitsunday Island Marine Park with a local guide from Airlie Beach. Expect close-up moments with wildlife (maybe turtles), salty air in your hair, hotel pickup, all safety gear provided, and bottled water along the way. If you book the Ultimate Island Trek option, lunch at Palm Bay Resort is included — just be ready for some real wind-in-your-face adventure.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for turtles here — they’re cheeky,” our guide Dan grinned as we zipped away from Coral Sea Marina. I was still figuring out how not to spray myself in the face (it’s harder than it looks, honestly), but he made it sound like spotting a turtle was just part of a normal Tuesday. The air smelled salty and sharp, and I could taste it every time I laughed too hard and caught a mouthful of sea spray. The Whitsunday Islands looked almost unreal in that early light, all green humps and shifting blues.

I’d never ridden a jet ski before — turns out you don’t need any experience or even a license for this tour, which is great because my coordination is questionable at best. Our group was small, maybe eight or ten people, and everyone seemed just as nervous-excited as me. Dan kept checking on us, making sure no one fell behind or got too brave with the throttle. At one point he slowed down so we could drift quietly near South Molle Island; that’s when someone pointed out a turtle’s head bobbing up. It felt weirdly peaceful out there, engine idling, everyone watching the water like kids waiting for magic.

The sun started to burn off the morning chill by the time we reached Daydream Island — my hands were tingling from gripping the handlebars so tight (note to self: loosen up next time). There was this moment where I just let go of trying to look cool and shouted something ridiculous into the wind. Nobody heard me over their own whooping anyway. On the longer Ultimate Island Trek we stopped for lunch at Palm Bay Resort — simple food but I swear everything tastes better when you’re half-soaked and salty. If you’re doing one of the shorter trips like Airlie Adventure or Two Island Safari, lunch isn’t included but they do hand out bottled water at every stop.

I still think about that light on the water, how it flickered silver under our jet skis while Dan told us stories about growing up around Airlie Beach. He joked about tourists mixing up island names (guilty) and showed us how to spot stingrays gliding over sandbars if you squint right. It wasn’t perfect — I nearly lost my sunglasses twice and my hair looked wild by the end — but honestly that’s what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided jet ski tour in Whitsundays

• Depart from Coral Sea Marina
• Ride latest model Sea-Doo jet ski
• Explore Whitsunday Island Marine Park
• Choose Airlie Adventure, Two Island Safari, or Ultimate Island Trek

Top questions

Do I need previous jet ski experience for this Whitsundays tour?

No previous experience is needed; no license required for this guided jet ski tour.

Where does the Whitsundays guided jet ski tour depart from?

The tour departs from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach on the mainland.

Is lunch included on all Whitsundays jet ski tours?

Lunch is only included on the Ultimate Island Trek; other tours include bottled water but not lunch.

Are hotel pickups available for this jet ski tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for guests staying in Airlie Beach.

What should I bring or wear for this Whitsundays jet ski trip?

All safety equipment and riding apparel are provided; bring swimwear and sunscreen.

Can two people share one jet ski during the tour?

Yes, up to two people can share each jet ski (maximum 507 pounds/230 kg per jet ski).

Is there an age limit for driving a jet ski on this tour?

The minimum driver age is 16 years old.

How many people are usually on each Whitsundays guided jet ski tour?

The maximum is 12 jet skis per tour (up to 24 people total).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Airlie Beach, use of a late-model Sea-Doo jet ski with all safety equipment and full riding apparel provided by your local guide, plus bottled water throughout your adventure—and if you choose the Ultimate Island Trek option, lunch at Palm Bay Resort before heading back across those wild blue waters.