Do you need a boater's license to jet ski in Key West?

Anyone born in 1988 or later must complete a boater safety test - free online in advance, or in person at check-in for a small fee. Guests born before 1988 are exempt but still need a valid photo ID.

What is the minimum age to jet ski in Key West?

Children 4 and older can ride as passengers with a qualifying adult. Drivers must be 18+, or 16–17 with a boater safety license and a parent present to sign at check-in.

What should I bring to a jet ski tour?

A valid government photo ID, the credit card used to book, a bathing suit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a strap for sunglasses. Life jackets and instruction are provided.

Key West Jet Ski Guide: Rules, Boater License & What to Bring

Quick Answers

Boater license: required for anyone born 1988 or later (free online or at check-in).
Minimum age: 4+ as a passenger; drivers 18+ (or 16–17 with license + parent).
Guided only: Key West does not allow solo jet ski rentals.
Best rate: the 8:30am early-bird from $119.95.

A Key West jet ski tour is one of the most exhilarating ways to see the island - but a few Florida rules trip up first-timers at check-in. Here's everything you need to know before you ride.

Guided Tours Only - No Solo Rentals

Unlike some beach destinations, Key West does not permit stand-alone jet ski rentals. The waters around the island are a protected marine sanctuary with shallow, sensitive backcountry areas, so the only legal way to ride is on a guided tour. The upside: you get an expert local guide who takes you to the best spots - remote islands, mangroves, and a sandbar swim stop - that you'd never find on your own.

Boater Safety License

Florida law requires anyone born in 1988 or later to hold a boater safety education certificate to operate a personal watercraft. You have two easy options:

Online, in advance: take the temporary certificate course before your trip and bring proof to check-in. This is the fastest route and skips any wait.
In person, at check-in: take a 25-question multiple-choice test in English (no phones or assistance allowed) for a small non-refundable fee. If you choose this, check in a full 60 minutes early.

Guests born before 1988 are exempt but still must present a valid government photo ID.

Age & Driver Requirements

Ages 4–13: may ride as a passenger only, with a qualifying adult on the ski. A natural or adoptive parent must sign at check-in.
Ages 14–17: may drive with a qualifying adult on the ski; 16–17 may drive their own ski after obtaining a boater license, with a parent signing at check-in.
Ages 18+: may drive with a valid photo ID and, if born 1988 or later, a completed boater safety test.
Per ski: up to 3 riders, combined weight not to exceed 460 lbs.

What to Bring

Valid government-issued photo ID (all guests 18+) and the credit card used to book.
Bathing suit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen.
A floating strap for sunglasses, and a waterproof case for your phone/camera.
Sun-protective clothing. Wetsuits are available seasonally with limited sizing.

Cancellations & Weather

Cancellations made 24 hours or more before departure are refundable; trips booked within 24 hours are non-refundable. If the captain determines conditions are unsafe, the tour is postponed or canceled and you can reschedule during your stay or receive a voucher. Optional refund protection can be purchased at booking for added flexibility.

Where Tours Depart

All three departure points sit downtown, within a few blocks of one another and steps from the cruise ship terminal: Opal Key Resort & Marina (241 Front St), 0 Duval Street (between Ocean Key Resort and Pier House), and the Hyatt Centric (601 Front St). You choose your departure point when you pick a time on the schedule.

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