Marco Island: Ten Thousand Islands Jet Ski Eco Tour

Summary

Jet ski deep into wild mangroves and quiet waters with locals

You’ll ride jet skis deep into Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands with a local guide leading the way from Marco Island. Expect wildlife sightings, salty breezes, and plenty of laughs along 30 miles of hidden waterways. With all safety briefings included before you start, this is for anyone who wants to feel Florida’s wild side up close — even if your hair gets messy.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a dolphin, just slow down — they’re the real locals out here,” our guide Mike grinned as we fumbled with our life jackets at Rose Marina. He looked like he’d spent his whole life in the sun, which made me trust him instantly. The air was thick and salty that morning, but somehow it felt good — like you could taste the water before even getting close to it. We listened to the safety briefing (longer than I expected, but honestly I was grateful once we got going) and then climbed onto the jet skis, which felt both sturdier and wobblier than I’d imagined.

The first few minutes were pure nerves — my hands gripping too tight, engine humming under me. But once we left the marina behind and zipped into the Ten Thousand Islands, everything changed. There were these sudden bursts of cool air as we passed clusters of red mangroves, their roots tangled in ways that looked impossible. Mike pointed out a big osprey nest balanced on some driftwood (“That one’s been there longer than most condos,” he joked). Sometimes it got quiet except for the slap of water against the hulls or a distant bird call. At one point I caught this sweet, earthy smell from somewhere — maybe mangrove flowers? Not sure, but it stuck with me.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. My partner nearly steered us into a patch of reeds while waving at what he thought was a manatee (it wasn’t), and Mike just shook his head like he’d seen it all before. We covered about 30 miles round-trip — more than I thought possible in a couple hours — weaving between tiny islands that don’t even have names on Google Maps. There’s something about moving fast over open water that makes you feel both small and weirdly brave at the same time.

By the end my arms were tired and my hair was full of salt spray, but honestly? I still think about that moment when we cut the engine for a second and just floated — nothing but sun on our faces and this endless tangle of green all around us. If you’re thinking about a jet ski tour from Marco Island, bring your sense of humor…and maybe double-check your boating certificate if you need one. You’ll figure out why once you’re out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jet Ski Tour in Ten Thousand Islands

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Receive safety briefing
• Fly in and around small islands
• Explore estuary of Ten Thousand Islands
• Observe wildlife and mangroves

Top questions

How long is the Ten Thousand Islands Jet Ski Eco Tour?

The tour covers about 30 miles round-trip from Rose Marina through the Ten Thousand Islands area.

Do I need a boating license to drive a jet ski?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you'll need a Boater Safety Certificate unless riding with someone born before that date.

What is the minimum age for passengers?

The minimum age for passengers is 4 years old; drivers must be at least 16 with proper ID and certificates if required.

Are guides included on this Marco Island jet ski tour?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads every tour through the Ten Thousand Islands.

Is there a safety briefing before starting?

Yes, every guest receives a 30-minute safety briefing covering operation and rules before heading out.

What should I bring for identification?

You must bring valid government-issued photo ID for each driver; boating certificates if required by law.

Can two adults share one jet ski?

Yes, two adults can share one jet ski as long as combined weight does not exceed 450 lbs and ID requirements are met.

What’s included

Your day includes a 30-minute safety briefing at Rose Marina in Marco Island before heading out with an experienced local guide on your own jet ski (or sharing), covering roughly 30 miles through the Ten Thousand Islands’ mangrove maze — all operation instructions provided so you can focus on spotting wildlife and soaking up those salty breezes along the way.