Waverunner Dolphin Tour: Ride Jet Skis in Choctawhatchee Bay

You spend the last half hour riding the jet ski however you want.

A 90-minute jet ski activity in Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico where you ride your own two-seater waverunner in a guide-led group hunting for dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and stingrays. The guide spends the first hour searching the waters while you follow. The final 30 minutes are yours to ride at your own speed. Life vests and instruction are included. A boater's safety course is required by Florida law for anyone born in 1988 or later.

The experience

Can you actually ride the jet ski, or do you just watch from a boat? You ride your own. You'll be on a two-seater waverunner in a group led by a guide who knows where to find the marine life. The guide takes you through Choctawhatchee Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico for the first hour, navigating toward dolphins, stingrays and manatees. Once the guide has shown you what's out there, the last 30 minutes belong to you: throttle, turn, explore at whatever pace feels right.

The jet ski holds up to two riders and a maximum of 450 pounds, so you can bring a friend or family member. Life vests come with the rental, and the operator provides instruction before you head out. Bring suntan lotion and a towel. The sun reflects hard off the water. Small compartments on the jet ski hold a wallet or watch, though the operator recommends leaving valuables in your vehicle. If weather turns unfavorable, they'll reschedule you for another day or refund the full amount.

Florida law requires a boater's safety course for anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988. This applies to jet ski riders too. The course is available on-site, so you can take it the day of your tour if you haven't already. The guide is experienced at spotting dolphins and there's a very good chance you'll see them, though the operator makes no guarantee. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What’s included

Life vests, instruction from the tour guide, and a two-seater waverunner rental for the full 90 minutes.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and FridayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up toStart time

GroupUp to 2

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 yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Power Up Watersports

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the group through the search for marine life, so you follow along and learn where to look. The final 30 minutes flip that around and let you explore on your own terms.

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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.

What are the chances of actually seeing dolphins on this tour?

Tour guides are experienced in finding dolphins, so there is a very good chance you will encounter them. However, there are no guarantees: what you see depends on where the marine life is that day.

Do I need a boater's license to ride a jet ski here?

You don't need a license, but Florida law requires a boater's safety course if you were born on or after January 1st, 1988. The course is available on-site before your tour starts.

Can I bring my phone or wallet on the jet ski?

Jet skis have small compartments for valuables like wallets, watches and jewelry, but the operator recommends leaving these items at home or in your vehicle to be safe.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

If weather is unfavorable, the operator will attempt to reschedule you for another day. If that doesn't work with your schedule, you'll receive a full refund.

How many people ride on one jet ski?

Each waverunner is a two-seater that holds up to two riders, with a maximum combined weight of 450 pounds, so you can bring a friend or family member along.