Water Sports Rentals
Jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Get on the water and explore the shore.
Water Activities
Jet Skis
High-speed thrills
From $85/30min
Kayaks
Explore bays & wetlands
From $25/hour
Paddleboards
Stand-up paddle fun
From $30/hour
Parasailing
Soar above the shore
From $80/flight
Which Water Sport Is Right for You?
Not sure which water sport to try? Here's how they compare for different skill levels and interests.
| Activity | Thrill | Difficulty | Fitness | Family | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚤Jet Ski | ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ | 🎯🎯 | 💪 | 👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧 | $$$ |
| 🛶Kayak | ⚡⚡ | 🎯🎯 | 💪💪💪 | 👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧 | $ |
| 🏄Paddleboard (SUP) | ⚡⚡ | 🎯🎯🎯 | 💪💪💪 | 👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧 | $$ |
| 🪂Parasailing | ⚡⚡⚡⚡ | 🎯 | 💪 | 👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧 | $$$ |
| 🍌Banana Boat | ⚡⚡⚡ | 🎯 | 💪 | 👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧👨👩👧 | $$ |
View detailed activity breakdowns
🚤 Jet Ski
Duration: 30 min - 2 hours
Age: 18+ to operate (passengers can be younger)
Best for: Thrill seekers, couples, teens
Not ideal for: Very young children, those who dislike speed
High-speed riding on open water. You control the throttle. Most operators provide a quick lesson before you go.
🛶 Kayak
Duration: 1-4 hours
Age: Kids can go in tandem with adults
Best for: Nature lovers, families, photographers
Not ideal for: Those who want speed or thrills
Peaceful paddling through bays, marshes, and inlets. Great for wildlife viewing. Bring water and sunscreen.
🏄 Paddleboard (SUP)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Age: Usually 8+ for solo, younger with adult
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts, yoga lovers, calm-water explorers
Not ideal for: Poor balance, rough water days
Standing on a large board, paddling across calm water. Falls are common for beginners. Start on your knees.
🪂 Parasailing
Duration: 10-15 minutes in air
Age: Usually 6+ with weight minimums
Best for: View seekers, bucket listers, couples
Not ideal for: Fear of heights, motion sickness
Boat tows you up, you float peacefully 500+ feet up with incredible views. Surprisingly calm and quiet up there.
🍌 Banana Boat
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Age: Usually 5+ years old
Best for: Groups, families, party vibes
Not ideal for: Solo travelers, those who don't like getting wet
Hold on while a speedboat tows your inflatable. The goal is to NOT fall off (spoiler: you probably will). Lots of laughing.
🆕 First-Timer's Complete Guide
Never rented water sports equipment before? Here's everything you need to know for a safe, fun experience.
Before You Go
- 1
Check weather forecast
Most operators cancel for high winds (15+ mph) or storms. Call ahead on iffy days.
- 2
Make a reservation
Peak summer weekends book out. Call ahead or book online, especially for jet skis.
- 3
Bring valid ID
Required for jet ski and boat rentals. Must be 18+ to operate motorized equipment.
- 4
Wear appropriate clothing
Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes. Water shoes recommended. You WILL get wet.
- 5
Apply sunscreen
Water reflects UV rays. Apply 30+ SPF waterproof sunscreen 30 minutes before.
At the Operator
- 1
Sign the waiver
Standard liability waiver. Read it—it explains risks and rules.
- 2
Pay attention to the safety briefing
Even if you're experienced. Local rules and boundaries vary.
- 3
Ask about designated areas
Most locations have specific zones. Know where you can and can't go.
- 4
Test the equipment
Make sure life jacket fits. Test paddle length. Adjust seat/straps.
- 5
Get the emergency contact
Know how to signal for help and who to call if there's an issue.
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Skipping the life jacket
Illegal and dangerous. Wear it even if you're a strong swimmer.
❌ Ignoring weather changes
Conditions can shift fast. Head back at first sign of storms.
❌ Overestimating stamina
Paddling and swimming are exhausting. Book shorter sessions initially.
❌ Not drinking water
Dehydration sneaks up on the water. Bring a bottle even for short trips.
❌ Going too far out
Stay within designated areas. Rescue is harder the farther you go.
Reading the Conditions
Water conditions dramatically affect your experience. Here's how to read them.
💨 Wind Speed
✓ Ideal: Under 10 mph
~ OK: 10-15 mph
✗ Avoid: Over 15 mph
Wind creates chop and makes paddling exhausting. Jet skis can handle more wind, but kayaks struggle.
🌊 Tides
✓ Ideal: Slack tide (between high and low)
~ OK: Incoming tide (easier to return)
✗ Avoid: Strong outgoing tide
Tidal currents can push you out or exhaust you fighting back. Check tide charts before heading out.
👀 Water Clarity
✓ Ideal: Clear, can see bottom
~ OK: Slightly murky
✗ Avoid: Very murky after storms
Clear water is safer (see obstacles) and more enjoyable. Murky water often follows rain.
🌡️ Air Temperature
✓ Ideal: 75-85°F
~ OK: 65-75°F (water feels cold)
✗ Avoid: Below 65°F (hypothermia risk)
Even in summer, water temp lags behind air. Falling in on a cool day can be dangerous.
Best times for each activity
👨👩👧👦 Family & Group Planning
Planning water sports with family or a group? Here's how to make it work for everyone.
Toddlers (2-4)
Best: Skip motorized—stick to beach play
Most operators have minimum age requirements. Life jacket fit is critical at this age.
Alternative: Build sandcastles and wade in shallow water instead
Young Kids (5-7)
Best: Banana boat, tandem kayak with parent
They can participate but need constant supervision. Tandem kayaks let them "help" paddle.
Alternative: Beach toys and boogie boards are lower-stress options
Older Kids (8-12)
Best: Kayak (solo or tandem), paddleboard, banana boat
Old enough for most activities with supervision. This is the sweet spot for family water sports.
Alternative: Consider a guided nature kayak tour—educational and fun
Teens (13+)
Best: Jet ski (as passenger), paddleboard, all options
Can handle almost everything. Let them try solo paddleboard or kayak.
Alternative: Jet ski passenger with parent can be a highlight
Group booking tips
Booking for Groups
- ✓
Call ahead for 6+ people
Operators may not have enough equipment for walk-ins
- ✓
Ask about group discounts
10-15% off is common for parties of 8+
- ✓
Mix activities
Not everyone wants the same thing—let people choose
- ✓
Book the same time slot
Easier to meet up and take photos together
- ✓
Designate a photographer
One person with waterproof phone stays on shore/boat
💰 Budget Planning
Water sports can be pricey. Here's how to get the most value.
| Activity | Hourly | Half-Day | Full Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayak (single) | $20-35 | $50-75 | $70-100 |
| Kayak (tandem) | $35-50 | $75-100 | $100-140 |
| Paddleboard | $25-40 | $60-85 | $80-120 |
| Jet Ski | $85-150 | $200-300 | Rarely offered |
| Parasailing | $75-100/flight | N/A | N/A |
| Banana Boat | $25-40/person | N/A | N/A |
Money-Saving Tips
Book weekday mornings
10-20% cheaper than weekends
Look for multi-hour discounts
2-hour rate is usually less than 2× hourly
Bring your own gear if you have it
Operators often allow it for a launch fee
Go in shoulder season
May and September can be 30% cheaper
Skip the GoPro rental
$30-50—use your waterproof phone instead
Featured Operators
Wildwood Water Sports
Wildwood
Jet skis, parasailing, and banana boats on Wildwood beach
Activities:
Pricing:
Memorial Day - Labor Day • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
OC Water Sports
Ocean City
Kayaks and paddleboards on the OC bay
Activities:
Pricing:
Memorial Day - September • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Viking Outfitters
Ship Bottom
Kayaks, SUPs, and eco-tours on Barnegat Bay
Activities:
Pricing:
April - October • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cape May Kayak
Cape May
Kayaking adventures in Cape May Harbor
Activities:
Pricing:
April - October • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
All Water Sports Operators
Wildwood Water Sports
Wildwood
Jet skis, parasailing, and banana boats on Wildwood beach
OC Water Sports
Ocean City
Kayaks and paddleboards on the OC bay
Bay Cats
Ocean City
Hobie Cat sailboats and kayaks on the bay
Viking Outfitters
Ship Bottom
Kayaks, SUPs, and eco-tours on Barnegat Bay
Thundering Surf Water Park & Speedboat
Beach Haven
Speedboat rides, jet skis, and parasailing
Point Pleasant Kayak & Canoe
Point Pleasant Beach
Kayak and canoe rentals on the Manasquan River
Cape May Kayak
Cape May
Kayaking adventures in Cape May Harbor
Shark River Kayak
Belmar
Kayak and SUP on the Shark River
AC Watersports
Atlantic City
Jet skis, parasailing with AC skyline views
Sea Isle Parasail & Water Sports
Sea Isle City
Parasailing and jet skis in Sea Isle
Stone Harbor Outfitters
Stone Harbor
Kayaking through Stone Harbor wetlands
Water Safety Tips
🦺 Life Jackets Always
All operators provide life jackets. Wear them regardless of swimming ability.
🌤️ Check Weather
Operations may close for high winds or storms. Call ahead on questionable days.
📝 Know the Requirements
Jet skis often require 18+ operator. Bring valid ID and check age requirements.
☀️ Apply Sunscreen
Water reflects sun. Apply waterproof sunscreen before your adventure.
More Water Adventures
Explore fishing charters, boat rentals, and more.